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AV-Sync using the BrightSign-plugin

Establishing precise timecode transmission using the BrightAuthor plugin and Brainbox integration

Perfectly synchronized audiovisual content dramatically enhances visitor engagement in museum exhibits. This guide focuses specifically on configuring the BrightSign plugin to generate and transmit timecodes to the Guide-ID Brainbox, which then relays this information via Bluetooth to your Podcatcher Pro devices.

This setup replaces the use of the AV-sync tool where a timecode is placed at the audio layer of a video.

Quick Reference

  1. Connect the Brainbox to BrightSign player via USB-C
  2. Add the SendTimecodeviaRS232.brs plugin to your project in BrightAuthor
  3. Name the plugin exactly "videoTimecodeInfo"
  4. Configure project to transmit plugin timecode data via serial port
  5. Enable Brainbox console video mode for timecode generation
  6. Test synchronization with a Podcatcher Pro device

Prerequisites

Before starting this integration, ensure you have:

  • BrightAuthor 5 software installed on your computer
  • SendTimecodeviaRS232.brs plugin script which can be downloaded here
  • Access to the Guide-ID platform
  • Your media files prepared and ready for upload
  • Guide-ID Brainbox device (powered and operational)
  • USB-C to USB-C cable
  • BrightSign player with USB-C port

Note: For older LS424 BrightSign players, you'll need to use serial port 0 instead of port 2 in all configuration steps.

Step-by-Step Timecode Integration Process

1. Setting Up the BrightAuthor Timecode Plugin

  1. Launch BrightAuthor 5 on your computer
  2. Open your existing presentation or create a new one
    Tip from experienced museums: For temporary exhibitions, create a separate presentation file for each exhibition to simplify updates and keep your permanent collection content separate.
  3. Navigate to File → Presentation Properties

  4. Select the Autorun tab
  5. Click Add Script Plugins

    Add Script Plugins
  6. Click Browse and locate the SendTimecodeviaRS232.brs file you've downloaded before

  7. Name it exactly "videoTimecodeInfo" (this name is case-sensitive and required for proper timecode generation)

  8. Click OK to save the plugin configuration

Tip: Many museums find it helpful to create a dedicated folder for all AV-sync related files, including the timecode plugin script, to keep your resources organized.

2. Creating Your Initial Timecode State

  1. In the BrightAuthor software, locate the Media Library → Other tab
  2. Find the "Live Text Object" (appears as a "T" icon)



  3. Drag this object into your presentation area as your starting state
  4. Double-click the new frame to open its properties
  5. Check the "Set as initial state" option

Note: The plugin generates timecode data continuously once activated. This starting state provides a baseline for timecode initialization.

3. Configuring Serial Communication for Timecode Transmission

In the previous steps you've created a timecode which is we are now going to send via the serial port (USB port)

  1. First we need a serial input event to read USB messages from the Brainbox. find the serial input event in the Media Library → Events tab.



  2. Drag this object onto the starting state you created in the previous section.

  3. Double click the object and add the following settings:
    • Serial Port: 2 (or 0 for LS424 players)
    • Serial Input: "<*>"
    • State Transition: "Remain on current state"

  4. Now we need to let the Brainbox now that it is connected to a BrightSign Player.

    Double-click your start frame and select the Advanced tab.

  5. Add the following command:
    • Command: Send
    • Command Parameters: Serial bytes (comma separated)
    • Serial Port: 2 (or 0 for LS424)
    • Bytes: "13,10"

  6. Finally we need to let the Brainbox know which video is playing so that it can broadcast the correct syncing codes (Otherwise the Podcatcher will not know what audio to play). Add the following command to each of the videos in your BrightSign Project.

    • Command: Send
    • Command Parameters: Serial String (EOL)
    • Serial Port: 2 (or 0 for LS424 players)
    • Bytes: "Brightsign code A1XX"


      Important: Replace the XX with you video code. This video code is also entered in our Platform and linked to the beacon you use to trigger the linked audio.

4. Publishing and Testing the Timecode Transmission

  1. When publishing your presentation, check "Enable serial debugging" to assist with troubleshooting timecode signals
  2. Connect your Brainbox to the BrightSign player using a USB-C cable
  3. Power on both devices and wait for them to initialize the connection
  4. Test the setup with a Podcatcher Pro by playing content that requires timecode synchronization:
    • The Brainbox should receive timecode data via the serial connection
    • The AV-Sync LED on the BrightSign should flash green during active timecode transmission
    • The Brainbox transmits this data via Bluetooth to the Podcatcher Pro
    • For testing you can both scan the Brainbox directly as linked Beacon Lites or Beacon Pro's

Testing and Verifying Timecode Synchronization

Confirm your timecode integration is working correctly by checking these success indicators:

  • The Brainbox's AV-Sync LED flashes green constantly whilst a video is playing on the BrightSign, indicating active timecode generation
  • When using a Podcatcher Pro and scanning the Brainbox, it successfully receives the timecode information. Note, the video has to run before the brainbox can be scanned
  • Content plays on several devices with perfect synchronisation
  • Timecode transmission stops appropriately when content playback ends

Troubleshooting Timecode Transmission Issues

If your timecode synchronization isn't working as expected, check these common issues:

Physical Connection Problems

  • Ensure the USB-C cable is firmly connected at both the BrightSign and Brainbox ends
  • Verify both Brainbox and BrightSign are powered on and fully booted
  • Try a different USB-C cable to rule out cable-related signal issues
  • Check that the Brainbox is within Bluetooth range of your Podcatcher Pro devices

BrightSign Firmware Version

  • Ensure that your BrightSign player is updated to the latest firmware version.

Plugin Configuration Issues

  • Double-check your serial port number (2 or 0 for LS424 players)
  • Verify the plugin name is exactly "videoTimecodeInfo" (case-sensitive)
  • Confirm serial debugging is enabled in your published presentation
  • Confirm the video code is correctly entered in the Serial communication configuration for each video: "brightsign code a1XX" 
  • Make sure the video code matches the video code entered in the Platform and tour data is synced to the Podcatcher being used for testing

Timecode Transmission Issues

  • If there's no LED flash on the BrightSign, check your USB connection and plugin setup
  • If timecode data appears corrupted, verify your serial port settings
  • If there's no response at all, restart your BrightSign (this will also restart the Brainbox)
  • Use the serial debugging output to verify timecode data is being generated correctly

Warning: Always test your timecode synchronization thoroughly before deploying to your exhibition floor. 

Optimization tips for Synchronization

For Museums

  • If you have limited technical staff, set up and test your timecode synchronization during low-traffic periods
  • Document your exact plugin settings for faster troubleshooting in the future

For Special Exhibitions

  • Test timecode synchronization with the exact content and equipment configuration you'll use in the exhibition
  • Position the Brainbox optimally to ensure consistent Bluetooth transmission to all Podcatcher Pro devices in the exhibition space

Next Steps

Now that you've set up timecode synchronization between your BrightSign and Podcatcher Pro system, consider exploring these related features: