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Setting Up AV-Sync for Video Exhibits

This guide walks you through the process of setting up AV-Sync, ensuring compatibility, preparing and testing your files, and conducting a flawless tour.

Quick Reference

Setup Overview:

  1. Process video with AV-Sync Tool (assign Video Code starting with "A1")
  2. Upload audio file to Guide-ID platform in an AV-Sync stop
  3. Connect Brainbox to media player with 3.5mm jack and power via USB-C
  4. Adjust media player volume (30-40% recommended)
  5. Press switch button on Brainbox for Auto Gain setup
  6. Test synchronization with Podcatcher Pro

Prerequisites

Before beginning setup, ensure you have:

  • Original video file(s) for processing
  • Guide-ID AV-Sync Tool installed (AV-Sync-Video-Tool-0.5.exe)
  • Guide-ID Brainbox hardware
  • 3.5mm audio jack cable
  • USB-C cable for power
  • Access to Guide-ID platform
  • Beacon Lite for visitors to scan
  • Podcatcher Pro devices for testing

Step 1: Preparing the Movie File

  1. Download the Guide-ID AV-Sync Tool AV-Sync-Video-Tool-0.5.exe
  2. Drag & drop (or open) your original video file in the AV-Sync Tool
    image-20230921-100235
  3. Assign a unique Video Code to each movie file
    • Note: Start your codes with "A1" (e.g., A101, A102, A1FA, A19F)
  4. Process your video through the tool

Note: The tool generates two files in the same folder as your original:

  • A video file with timecode (ends with "_video")
  • An audio file for the Platform (ends with "_audio")

Step 2: Adding the Audio File to the Platform

  1. Log into the Guide-ID platform
  2. Create a new AV-Sync stop, add a stop select the AV-sync stop type

  3. Upload the generated audio file
  4. Enter the exact same Video Code you assigned in the tool

    image-20230904-122326
  5. Add the Beacon Lite or Beacon Pro code (found on back of beacon)

Tip for Multilingual Museums: For additional languages, upload separate audio files for each language. Ensure all audio files have the same length as the original.

Step 3: Test the Video Playback

  1. Transfer the processed video file to your media player
  2. Play the video to ensure it displays correctly on screen
  3. Adjust the media player volume:
    • Ensure audio is not muted
    • Set volume to 30-40% (in most cases optimal)

Caution: You will hear beeping sounds during playback. This is normal - these beeps are the timecode that synchronizes with the Brainbox when you plugin the audio cable.

Step 4: Brainbox Setup

  1. Connect cables to the Brainbox:
    • 3.5mm jack cable from media player audio output to Brainbox
    • USB-C cable to power adapter or USB-A port on media player
  2. Observe LEDs:
    • Both LEDs (WiFi and AV-Sync) should blink orange once
  3. Press the small switch button on the Brainbox
  4. Wait for Auto Gain completion:
    • AV-Sync LED turns orange during setup
    • LED will flash green within about 15 seconds when complete

Warning: If Auto Gain takes longer than 15 seconds, check the media player volume. It may need adjustment.

Step 5: Test the Complete Setup

  1. Ensure your tour is published and synced on the Guide-ID platform
  2. Test with a Podcatcher Pro:
    • Play the AV-Sync stop
    • Trigger the Beacon linked to the AV-sync stop
    • For testing you can also scan the Brainbox directly
  3. Verify the audio plays in sync with the video
  4. Test in all available languages

Understanding Brainbox LED Indicators

AV-Sync LED Color Meaning Action Required
Green blinking AV-Sync signal functioning correctly None - system working properly
Orange (1 short blink) Brainbox is powered on None - normal startup indicator
Solid orange Auto Gain in progress Wait for completion (should turn green)
Red blinking Receiving audio but not correct AV-Sync track Check media player volume, verify correct video file is playing
LED off No audio signal processing Check volume, audio connections, power

Troubleshooting Tip: If the LED blinks red, use headphones to test if you can hear the timecode beeps. If not, the AV-Sync track may not be added to the video correctly.

Success Indicators

You'll know your AV-Sync setup is successful when:

  • Brainbox AV-Sync LED blinks green during video playback
  • Audio plays on Podcatcher Pro when pointed at AV-Sync Beacon
  • Audio stays perfectly synchronized with video content
  • Visitors can select different languages without affecting synchronization

Next Steps

After successful setup, consider these optimization opportunities:

  • Position Beacon Lites at optimal scanning locations near video displays
 

Note: the Brainbox doesn't need a Wi-Fi connection to work; it just needs power (through a USB-C 5V adapter) and the correct audio signal from a media player.