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AV-Sync

AV-Sync Using the BrightSign Plugin

3 min read Updated Jun 2026 13 steps

This guide explains how to configure the BrightSign plugin to generate and transmit timecodes to the Brainbox, which relays synchronization data via Bluetooth to Podcatcher Pro devices. This approach replaces the need to manually embed timecodes in video files using the AV-Sync Tool.

Prerequisites

Section titled “Prerequisites”
  • BrightAuthor 5 software
  • SendTimecodeviaRS232.brs plugin script (available for download)
  • Guide-ID platform access
  • Guide-ID Brainbox
  • USB-C to USB-C cable
  • BrightSign player with USB-C port

Step 1 — Set up the plugin

Section titled “Step 1 — Set up the plugin”
  1. Open BrightAuthor 5 and access your presentation
  2. Navigate to File → Presentation Properties, then the Autorun tab
  3. Click Add Script Plugins and browse to the SendTimecodeviaRS232.brs file
  4. Name the plugin exactly videoTimecodeInfo (case-sensitive)

Step 2 — Create the initial timecode state

Section titled “Step 2 — Create the initial timecode state”
  1. In the Media Library, go to the Other tab
  2. Locate the Live Text Object and drag it into your presentation as the starting state
  3. Double-click the frame and enable Set as initial state

Step 3 — Configure serial communication

Section titled “Step 3 — Configure serial communication”

Add serial input event

Section titled “Add serial input event”
  1. From the Events tab, add a serial input event to your starting state
  2. Configure with:
    • Serial Port: 2 (or 0 for LS424)
    • Serial Input: <*>
    • State Transition: Remain on current state

Add Brainbox activation command

Section titled “Add Brainbox activation command”

Add a command to your start frame:

  • Serial Port: 2
  • Command: Send
  • Bytes: 13,10

This notifies the Brainbox that the BrightSign is connected.

Add video code commands

Section titled “Add video code commands”

For each video in your presentation, add a serial command:

  • Serial String: brightsign code A1XX

Replace XX with your video code, matching the entry in the Guide-ID platform.

Step 4 — Publish and test

Section titled “Step 4 — Publish and test”
  1. Enable serial debugging when publishing the presentation
  2. Connect the Brainbox to the BrightSign via USB-C
  3. Power on both devices
  4. Test with a Podcatcher Pro

Success indicators

Section titled “Success indicators”
  • The Brainbox AV-Sync LED flashes green while video plays
  • Podcatcher Pro receives the timecode when scanning the Brainbox
  • Content plays synchronized across multiple devices
  • Transmission stops when playback ends

Troubleshooting

Section titled “Troubleshooting”

Physical issues

Section titled “Physical issues”
  • Verify USB-C connections are secure
  • Confirm both devices are powered and fully booted
  • Check the Brainbox is within Bluetooth range of visitors

Configuration issues

Section titled “Configuration issues”
  • Confirm the serial port number matches your player model
  • Verify the plugin name is exactly videoTimecodeInfo
  • Check that serial debugging is enabled
  • Ensure video codes are correctly entered and match the Guide-ID platform

Transmission problems

Section titled “Transmission problems”
  • If the LED does not flash, check the USB connection and plugin setup
  • Restart the BrightSign to also restart the Brainbox if needed
Section titled “Related articles”
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