How shall we reference video sources in the new video switcher?

[Mike]

I'm working on a new video switcher that supports the pin system and scans all modules for source pins, which are then added to the switcher as a button. Direct reason for this was the introduction of a new module (RTSP/RTMP Input) that I otherwise would have to add manually like all before.

Problem with this automated adding of buttons is that the title of modules are often too long to fit in a small switcher button. I could either

1. make the buttons (a lot) bigger

2. manually change titles (i.e. "Video Effect 1" to "Effect 1")

3. introduce a new module property called Tag, Label or Reference, that holds an alternative name for the module. This would have a default setting that you can manually overwrite. This would also allow you to use "John" instead of "Camera 1". I could also use this tag in the Source selection lists.

4. Am I forgetting some elegant solution?

My thoughts:

1. consequent naming, but takes up a lot more space.

2. all would remain as before, simple.

3. powerful, but more options to the user. More work.

A small worry is that 2 & 3 can cause confusion, why is a module referenced by a different name? Of course, this is not a new worry.

What do you prefer?

[Pj]

Use labels.. just like in the camera module. (operator). Users can give their own titles so that they fit in a button. Other benefit is that users can organize their workscreen like they want. I mean, 'till now i haven't found a way to give a player/effect/overlay module a name.
Just a thought.
Another point: Since the last update the cpu is much lesser loaded. Performance has been much much better...( in a particular setup i had 14% cpu use, now it is 4% )

[Mike]

Thanks Peter Jan. Minor point: you can see the Operator field, but you cannot see a tag/label/reference. Unless I create a field for that too (waste of space?) or replace the title with the new text. So far the module titles have been sacred. (I actually have started doing something similar with the audio player to conserve space).

[Pj]

Ah, right.
In that case i would go for the possibility (for the user) to manually change the module title. Also gives the benefits i mentioned

[marcovanzelst]

I would prefer option 3 so I can use short labels used in the broadcast industry, closest to the function of the module. For example:


CAM 1 (Camera/RTSP/RTMP)
VTR 1 (Player)
AUX 1 (Screengrab/other sources)
LSM 1 (Replay)
DSK 1 (Video Overlay)
FX 1 (Video Effect)
BARS (Colours)
BLK (Black)

[Rafal Oramus]

My vote is for option 3 - editable tag with default setting.
The default setting should be shortcut for module's name. But the default tag should be similar to its VidBlaster module's name, not labels used in broadcast industry, like Marco suggests. Someone who is used to VidBlaster's naming would be confused. And profis always can change tag to their favorite convention :)

Examples:
CI 1 (Camera I 1)
CII 1 (Camera II 1)
RTSP 1 (RTSP/RTMP 1)
PLR 1 (Player 1)
RPL 1 (Replay 1)
VO 1 (Video Overlay)
VE 1 (Video Effect)
CLRS (Colours)
BLK (Black)

[weconverse]

I just saw this and need a few days to think.
Meanwhile I would like to insert and old issue of mine, that of module renumbering (http://forum.vidblaster.com/showthread.php?t=998) when modules of the same type are removed.
The feature Mike intriduces here might be used to eliminate that problem, by refering to actual modules (eg. by method 3) - not the order number of a module.

[Mike]

Thanks all for your votes, option 3 seems a clear winner. That leaves the description of this option: tag, label, reference? Aso, do we replace the module's title so it matches the video switcher buttons?

[marcovanzelst]

Label for me, just like we labeled the monitors in the old days by sticking a piece of white tape with the name of the source/cameraman on it.

I think it would work best if both switcher and module labels match. I like short descriptions. If you can do with less (characters) it provides a calming effect.

[jonesdeere]

How about using thumbnails of the source video? This thumbnail could be live video or a still image of the live video updated every 30, 60, or 90 seconds?

[Johan Lundberg]

I would like option 3 and call it label. I too think switcher labels and module titles should match. Will be very confusing otherwise.