Slate's FAQs

How do I find my workstation serial number?
Click here for help on finding your serial number!

Where is the firmware on my hard panel?
Click here for help on finding your panel firmware

Need some advice on troubleshooting some basic problems? 
Often times the best way to solve a recent problem is to ask yourself some simple questions which get you thinking about the potential causes.  Is the issue you are seeing a problem or expected behavior? When did I notice the behavior change? What might have changed recently at that same time? Many times these simple answers can lead you to the cause.  Best example of this is when you physically move the system and re-cable but some sources are missing now.  It's a good idea to go back to the cables and check those to see if everything got put back to the correct connection.

I just upgraded my software to the latest version 8.0 but my panel is acting strange, any thoughts? 
Check what type of Control Panel you have Coldfire(silver knob) or Zilog (black knob) and make sure it is updated properly along with the software.  The Coldfire will do it automatically as long as the panel is connected when a show is launched. The Zilog is manual with easy to follow instructions located in the upgrade software zip folder.  One other note is to look after the upgrade at Panel-Panel Settings, remove the check mark next to Locked Panels (unless you use a 100 Panel).

Is the iPixPanel now able to use iOS 5?
Yes, The iPixPad and iPixPanel is compatible with all iOS versions up to, and including iOS 5 on the iPhone/iPod Touch (iPixPad only) and iPad (iPixPad and iPixPanel).

Show Failed to Fully Load message? 
When you get this message loading a show, it simply is advising you that elements within the show file, perhaps a clip or graphic, no longer has the file associated with it available.  It is more of an advisory message to make you aware you should edit your show to ensure all files are present.  More than likely someone deleted a file on the desktop level without removing it from the show.

Rack mounted Slate Workstations need both front and rear support.
Workstations need solid support when rack mounted in order to stay completely level. Consider either using front and rear rails or placing the Workstation on a platform large enough to support both ends fully.
 

Moving between software versions may temporarily remove your options.
If you have any need to move back between software versions be observant to your System Options because they can be temporarily removed.  If you notice this behavior you can contact Support for options codes.

I’ve plugged all the network connections in for my Slate 2100/3000/5000, but my iBoB/router and control panel aren’t connecting or responding to the workstation.
The workstation has 2 network ports. Be sure that the network connection from the Slate workstation is plugged into the network port on the motherboard of the workstation, found directly to the right of the USB ports on the rear of the workstation. Also be sure the included Linksys network hub is powered on, that the iBoB/router, panel, and workstation are connected to it, and that none of the network connections are plugged into the jack labeled uplink. Once properly configured, you may need to unplug and then repower the network hub to reset the connections. If this still does not fix it, insure that the workstation network settings are at the factory default of 192.168.53.250 with the firewall disabled. Please refer to the manual if settings have been altered.

I’ve unpacked my Slate 2100, and mixed up the power supplies for the iBoB and the control panel. Which one is which?
Each power supply has its own part number listed on it. Of the power supplies currently shipping, the supply labeled P/N TPSPU65E is for the iBoB. The supply labeled TPSPU45E is for the control panel. The control panel is 3.75 Amp and the iBoB is 6.66 Amp. They are both 12V DC with the same pinout, so that in an emergency if the iBoB power supply should fail, the panel's power supply can be used on a limited basis for the iBoB while the switcher is operated from a SoftPanel.

I’m using the Clip Store Ingest, but I don’t see the correct input when I ingest (record) a clip?
For Slate 100 and Slate 1000 switchers, select your input to record from the drop-down menu in the Clip Ingest tool. Those inputs correspond to where on the input cards those sources are plugged into, not where on your switcher you’ve assigned them in your show.
For Studio 2000 and Slate 2100, 3000, and 5000 switchers, once in the Clip Ingest tool, put your panel into fail-safe mode. Select the Capture/Controls button, and then select the source you want to capture in the source row (not the program row, but the one above it). Remember that in fail-safe mode, the sources correspond to where the inputs are plugged into the router or iBoB, not where on your switcher you’ve assigned them in your show.

What kind of compressed clips can I use in the Clip Store for a Slate based system?
We currently support playback of QuickTime (.mov) files that are compressed using DV/DVC Pro compression in versions 6.1 and higher of the Broadcast Pix Switcher software. The correct settings are below:
- Video Compression Settings:  DV/DVCPro,h.264, Apple ProRes 

Standard Definition: 
- File Size: 720x486/NTSC or 720x576/PAL (either anamorphic 16:9 or 4:3)
- Frame Rate: 29.97/NTSC or 25/PAL
- Field Order/Dominance: Bottom/Lower first
- Scan Mode: Interlaced

High Definition: 
- File Size: 1280x720p or 1920x1080i - Frame Rate: 59.94 NTSC/50 Pal or 29.97 NTSC/25 Pal

More detail on exporting from Final Cut Pro can be found in our manual in section 6.3.5.

I can't hear audio out of my clips.
First confirm that you can hear audio out of the system. All systems ship with a file called "ingest_test" that consists of color bars and tone. Add that clip to your show, select it in Clips 1 and bring to program. You can confirm that it is playing by seeing the clip counter moving. You should then be able to monitor the audio output of Clips 1 left and right channels of the system. Check the signal flow of your audio chain from out system outputs and confirm the tone signal. Then check any clips you have ingested or brought into your system.

I upgraded to the latest version of QuickTime, and now I’m having problems in my Clip Store.
It is important to use the supported versions of software to gain the best performance from your system. It is recommended to reference the material available in the Software Downloads section of our website for up to date information on the most current version of QuickTime.

That version can be found online here:
http://www.broadcastpix.com/Driver-Downloads.html

We also recommend turning off auto updating for QuickTime. You can do this in QuickTime by going to Edit > Preferences > QuickTime Preferences > Update and unchecking the checkbox for Updates Automatically.

I can't connect a Soft Panel. When I try to connect, I get a message that says "Cannot connect to null".
Newer versions of Flash Player can cause a conflict when trying to establish a connection with the Broadcast Pix, both on the Broadcast Pix system and via remote computers. To fix this, you will need to completely remove the version of Flash on the system you are trying to open the soft panel on and load the 9.45 version of Flash. Follow these instructions to do so:
For PCs:
- Complete remove the old version of Flash following the instructions here: http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=kb402435&sliceId=2
- Download the 9.45 version of Flash from our site here: http://www.broadcastpix.com/downloads/flashplayer9r45_winax.zip
- Extract the exe file from the downloaded zip file and run it to install it.
For Macs:
- Completely remove the old version of Flash following these instructions: http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=tn_14157&sliceId=1
- Download the 9.45 version of Flash from our site here: http://www.broadcastpix.com/downloads/flashplayer9r45_mac.zip
- Extract the exe file from the downloaded zip file and run it to install it.

I’ve unpacked my new Slate switcher, but I can’t find my Inscriber CG dongle?
All Slate switchers include an Inscriber CG which requires a USB dongle to operate. Systems shipped out August 2007 and later have the Inscriber CG dongle located inside the workstation to help prevent loss and damage to it.

I can’t import a new animation because Import Animations is grayed out?
You cannot import an animation while a show is running. Close the show currently open (but do not close the switcher application). Now go to Capture > Import Animation and it will selectable.