ARRI Stage – Workflows

May 5, 2023

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Virtual Production Stage Framerate Configuration Guide

This guide provides concise and accurate instructions for configuring and changing the framerate of a virtual production stage using a Spyder X80, and attached media servers.

System Overview

The virtual production stage consists of the following components:

6 Unreal nDisplay machines
1 Spyder X80
3 Photon machines
WIP – TODO: Finish system overview

The nDisplay machines and Photon machines are connected to the Spyder X80. The LED wall resolution is set at 3840×2160 for both inputs and outputs.

Configuration Steps

1. Synchronize Pulse Generator (SPG) Setup

Set the SPG to the desired framerate. This will be used as a reference for all other machines in the system. SEE PREVIOUS SECTION for Ross SPG setup.

2. Configure the nDisplay Machines

Adjust the framerate of each nDisplay machine to match the SPG’s framerate in the Nvidia settings.
Use the Nvidia sync cards to genlock each machine.
Designate the first machine in the nDisplay cluster as the leader. It will receive the BNC sync input from the SPG.
On the other nDisplay machines, set the sync settings to follow the incoming signal from the leader node.

3. Configure the Spyder X80

Download and install Christie Spyder Studio.
Connect to the Spyder X80 over the network using IP address 172.16.16.223.
Create a new project with the same framerate as the SPG, but keep the old configuration. This will update the scalers and pixel space to match the incoming genlock.
Configure the first 12 inputs (Input 1-12) to change the timings of the Spyder inputs to match the updated nDisplay machine settings.
Update the framerate of the first 6 outputs to match the desired framerate.

Final Notes

After completing these steps, your virtual production stage should have its framerate updated and synchronized across all nDisplay machines, Photon machines, and the Spyder X80. Ensure that all connections are secure and that the system operates smoothly at the new framerate.

Remember to always verify and test the configuration changes to ensure optimal performance of your virtual production stage.

Conclusion:
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully change the framerate of a Virtual Production stage using Unreal nDisplay machines, Photon machines, and a Spyder X80 processor. Remember to first set the correct framerate on the Ross SPG and then update the framerate settings on the nDisplay and Photon servers, as well as the Spyder X80 processor.