Digital Congress Network - Synoptic Microphone Control (LBB 3571)
This user manual is for the Synoptic Microphone Control software, part of the Digital Congress Network (DCN) suite. It guides users through configuring and controlling microphones for conferences and discussions, utilizing a visual interface with icons to represent the conference seating plan.
About this Manual
The manual is structured into four main chapters and an appendix:
- Chapter 1 - Synoptic Microphone Control: Provides an overview of the Digital Congress Network (DCN), available application modules, and the functionality of the Synoptic Microphone Control application.
- Chapter 2 - Getting Started: Details on how to start the Synoptic Microphone Control application from the DCN Startup screen and describes the Help facility.
- Chapter 3 - Preparing for a Conference: Covers the layout mode, instructions for creating and editing synoptic layouts, and exiting layout mode.
- Chapter 4 - Controlling a Conference: Explains the control mode, assigning operational modes, accessing conference information, and controlling a conference, as well as exiting control mode.
- Appendix A - Reference Guide: Includes an overview of Synoptic Microphone Control menus, accelerator (short-cut) keys, and an alphabetic index.
1. Synoptic Microphone Control Overview
1.1 About Synoptic Microphone Control
The Synoptic Microphone Control software program is designed for controlling and monitoring conferences using DCN contribution equipment. It enables the configuration and control of microphones connected to the system, offering a highly visual 'push-button' conference control experience.
The application operates in two primary modes:
- Layout mode: Used to create a synoptic view, arranging icons that correspond to the actual positions of microphones in the conference venue. This mode allows for the creation and modification of synoptic layouts.
- Control mode: Used to monitor and control a live conference. In this mode, the color of icons indicates the state of the microphones (e.g., request-to-speak, active). Layouts generated in layout mode are utilized here.
1.2 What is a Synoptic Layout?
A synoptic layout is a graphical representation of the physical location of DCN microphones, delegate units, and chairman units within a room or hall. In layout mode, tools are provided to create and edit these layouts using graphical icons. In control mode, these icons become functional status indicators or buttons, allowing for monitoring and control of the conference.
1.3 Controlling Microphones
Effective microphone management procedures are crucial for setting up, conducting, and organizing conferences. The system operator or conference chairman requires various operating modes to control delegates wishing to speak. An automatic mode, requiring no operator involvement, is also available.
Five microphone operation modes are possible:
- Microphone control by operator with request list: Participants join a 'request-to-speak' list by activating a key, and the operator promotes them to active status.
- Microphone control by operator with request and response list: Similar to the request list mode, but delegates can also make a 'response request' with temporary priority.
- Microphone control by delegate with request list: Participants determine the speaking order, and are automatically promoted to the speakers list if it's not full. The operator can still intervene.
- Microphone control by delegate with override: Participants gain active status by activating a unit key. The microphone of the delegate who has been speaking the longest is automatically switched off. This mode often referred to as 'first-in-first-out' (FIFO).
- Microphone control by delegate with voice activation: Participants activate their microphones by speaking (no on/off key required). They are automatically given active status.
The number of simultaneous active microphones (speakers) can be preset by the operator.
2. Getting Started
2.1 Starting Synoptic Microphone Control
The Synoptic Microphone Control program is launched from the DCN Startup screen. The DCN software relies on an 'installation file' (containing channel assignments and microphone seat numbers) and optionally a 'names file' (with delegate details). Both are required for full functionality, though an installation file alone is sufficient for basic operation.
2.2 Using Help
The application includes an extensive on-screen help facility accessible via the 'Help' menu. This facility provides information on all commands, functional keyboard keys, software usage, and includes an index, glossary, and release information.
3. Preparing for a Conference
3.1 Using Layout Mode
The main window in layout mode contains a layout area and a tool box. The layout file name is displayed in the title bar. Users can create or edit their synoptic layouts within this area.
The tool box contains icons representing various microphone types (Delegate unit, Chairman unit, Podium microphone, Microphone on floorstand, Lavalier microphone, Screenline) and a 'Go to Control Mode' button.
3.2 Making a Layout
Layout creation involves several options and editing functions:
- Layout Options: Includes displaying icon numbers, automatic seat numbering, changing icon size (small or large), displaying a layout grid, snapping icons to the grid, and rotating icons.
- Positioning and Editing Icons: Icons can be placed by dragging them from the tool box, selected (individually or in groups), moved, deleted, cut, copied, and pasted. Seat numbers can also be edited.
- The system supports a maximum of 500 icons per layout.
- The default screen line length for display can be altered by editing the DCN.INI file.
3.3 Specifying Conference Procedures
Users can configure microphone operation modes and other parameters via the 'System Microphone Mode' dialogue box (accessed through 'Settings' menu).
- Microphone Control By: Selection of the five operation modes detailed in Chapter 1.
- Microphone Settings: Options to allow or disallow delegates to cancel 'request-to-speak' and to switch their microphones off.
- Active Mics: Configuration of the maximum number of active delegate microphones (1 to 4).
- Additional Microphone Parameters: Includes options for monitoring microphone activity (sending data to file, printer, or auxiliary), enabling an attention tone for chairman unit priority key presses, configuring an ambient microphone, and setting microphones to turn off after a shift.
3.4 Working with Layout Files
The 'File' menu provides commands for managing layout files:
- Creating a new layout file.
- Opening an existing layout file.
- Saving the current layout file.
- Saving the current layout file under a new name.
- Deleting a layout file.
- Importing a bitmap image (.bmp, max 256 colors) as a background for the synoptic layout.
3.5 Going to Control Mode
To switch from layout mode to control mode, click the 'Control' button in the toolbox. Valid seat numbers are required for all icons to enter control mode. To return to layout mode, select 'Edit' > 'Layout'.
4. Controlling a Conference
4.1 What is Control Mode?
In control mode, the conference layout becomes functional, allowing real-time monitoring and control of microphone activities. Icons indicate microphone status (e.g., grey for inactive, red for active, flashing green for request-to-speak). The layout cannot be altered in this mode.
4.2 Control Mode Display Options
Similar to layout mode, display options in control mode include adjusting icon size, displaying seat numbers, rotating the layout image, and showing a red background for active microphones.
4.3 Using Control Mode
The operator can switch inactive microphones on or off, and clear all 'request-to-speak' requests, depending on the selected microphone operation mode. An 'Action Box' provides dedicated buttons for 'Shift!' (to promote the next speaker) and 'Clear Requests!'.
4.4 Accessing Conference Information
The current status of the Synoptic Microphone Control can be checked via the 'Settings' window, which displays information such as the selected 'Micro Control By' mode, 'Active Mics' count, 'Speech Time' limits, and 'No. of Requests' in the queue.
4.5 Printing
A record of microphone activity can be printed by selecting 'File' > 'Print Activity...'. This option is available when microphone activity is not being actively monitored.
4.6 Microphone Testing
The software includes a facility to test the operational status of microphones connected to the DCN system. This can be initiated via 'Settings' > 'Microphone Test...'. The test can be run for all microphones or a specific one, with optional noise generation, and provides feedback on each microphone's status.
4.7 Exiting Synoptic Microphone Control
The application can be temporarily exited (minimized) or permanently closed via the 'File' menu ('Exit') or the window's close button. Users are prompted to save any unsaved changes before exiting.
Appendix A - Reference Guide
This appendix provides a detailed reference for all control menus (File, Edit, View, Settings, Shift!, Clear Requests!, Help) and their respective items, along with a comprehensive list of accelerator (short-cut) keys.