MP3 Director vs Computer

[jmraider]

I have a 32 channel system. Originally I was planning to use an older computer with Win XP. However I also purchased a MP3 Director. What are the Pro's and Con's for a newbie using these different formats to run a show?

Which one is easier to learn the software?

Can I go back and forth between the two formats? Use the computer, then build a new show using the MP3 director.

If I decide to run the show on a PC....Can I build the show on a computer using Win7 format, then copy the file to a dedicated computer running WINXP, this computer WINXP will run the show.

[huskernut]

I dont have an MP3 director so I cant answer a lot of your questions but as far as which is easier to learn the software. There is no difference.

You still need a PC to do the sequencing and set up the show. the difference is only in how it runs the show.

[-klb-]

There are a few extra steps to use the hardware utility to put shows on the SD card. So far as I know, the show builder used for the PC does not build shows to be used on the director. So there is more flexibility on show building on the PC.

[Surfing4Dough]

I used the mini-director last year since I felt that it was easier.

I nearly asked the exact same question last year:
http://lightorama.mywowbb.com/view_topic.php?id=19136&forum_id=80&jump_to=175593#p175593


No regrets on my part--made setup very easy since I didn't have to bother with running cat5 from my computer (indoors) to the first controller. Only downside that I experienced is that you can't have an end-of-show sequence run--instead when the timer shuts off the show ends (I adjusted my digital timer so it would "end" between songs though). Not sure that that mattered though since rarely was there an audience watching right at the ending point. If expecting a line of traffic all night long, then that might make a difference.

[mike in tulsa]

This is my second year (LOR) and my first year (this Halloween) with the MP3 Director. It is very convenient using it as I purchased an empty controller enclosure where I have mounted the MP3 Director and FM transmitter for total hands off show. If I tweak any part of the sequence (which is all of the time), I just run out and pull the SD card, upload the changes and put it back in and watch the magic.

[Surfing4Dough]

mike in tulsa wrote:

If I tweak any part of the sequence (which is all of the time), I just run out and pull the SD card, upload the changes and put it back in and watch the magic.

Or just have 2 SD cards that you can just swap one for the other (plus you then have a backup in case one gets damaged).

[Greg Young]

The other thing to consider is the limitations involving the mp3 director:

1) audio is recommended to be 128kbps, not 320, or wav format, which can be used with a pc.

2) using multiple tracks requires a pc.

I use a mp3 director for a commercial exhibit I designed, but use a computer for my home shows...

Greg

[jjdurrant]

I went back on forth on this for several weeks before deciding to go the PC route. For me, the PC is very stable and is in close range to a window where I can route the cat5 through a window. Plus saying you are computer controller is that much cooler!

Finally, if I remember right, the director path is more money compared to the 16ch starter kit.

[jmraider]

I am considering going the computer route. My final questions is: Can I still use my computer while the show is playing? For small stuff like Interent or word?

I have an i7 CPU processor with 8GB of RAM running at 1.73 GHz

[jmraider]

I am considering going the computer route. My final questions is: Can I still use my computer while the show is playing? For small stuff like Interent or word?

I have an i7 CPU processor with 8GB of RAM running at 1.73 GHz

[bob]

You can definitely use your computer for other things while the show is running. However, the more things you use your computer for, the more of its finite resources you're using for things other than the LOR Show Player, so it's possible that doing so could have an adverse effect upon your show playing smoothly.

[jjdurrant]

i7 should be fine. The show will just run in the background. Just make sure you disable sleep mode and probably the screen saver.

[JBullard]

Also, do not do anything that would generate any sounds while the show is running, as the audience will also hear them.

So no games, many internet websites that have sound, or anything that beeps (some email programs) or videos, etc.

[Gary Levelius]

Greg Young wrote:

The other thing to consider is the limitations involving the mp3 director:


2) using multiple tracks requires a pc.

This could be a real problem for me as I have converted all my sequences to use tracks to separate things by area. Is it indeed true that sequences using tracks, as I have done, can't be played on the MP3 Show Director?

-Gary-

[Gary Levelius]

Greg Young wrote:

The other thing to consider is the limitations involving the mp3 director:

1) audio is recommended to be 128kbps, not 320, or wav format, which can be used with a pc.

2) using multiple tracks requires a pc.

I use a mp3 director for a commercial exhibit I designed, but use a computer for my home shows...

Greg

Greg,

I just got confirmation from Bob that the track limitation applies only to animation sequences, not musical sequences. Musical sequences with tracks will play just fine in the MP3 Director. He said there's also a work-around for using animation sequences in the Show Director as well.

-Gary-

[Greg Young]

Gary Levelius wrote:

Greg Young wrote:

The other thing to consider is the limitations involving the mp3 director:

1) audio is recommended to be 128kbps, not 320, or wav format, which can be used with a pc.

2) using multiple tracks requires a pc.

I use a mp3 director for a commercial exhibit I designed, but use a computer for my home shows...

Greg

Greg,

I just got confirmation from Bob that the track limitation applies only to animation sequences, not musical sequences. Musical sequences with tracks will play just fine in the MP3 Director. He said there's also a work-around for using animation sequences in the Show Director as well.

-Gary-

Thanks Gary!

It seems this issue was addressed and I missed it, because I remember being told that I could not use the tracks on my mp3 director when it was introduced a few years back.

Given the ability to change the times so easily on the sequences I don't use the tracks much anymore, so it is not a big deal either way.

Greg

[Gary Levelius]

Greg, I think one of the later firmware updates addressed that issue, perhaps the one where the tracks were added. I use tracks to separate the various elements (such as group 1 and group 2 controllers, CCR's, etc) to make it easier to program.

-Gary-