Pinnacle Liquid Version 6 DEMO
Readme 

1. Output Restrictions
The Liquid Edition Demo will render a watermark on the video in all cases. Users will see a Pinnacle logo in the sequence Master window at all times. This watermark will also appear in the output file when using the Fuse Sequence or Export Sequence commands from the Tool menu. The watermark will also appear in any video output to tape using the Record to Tape command. 
MPEG export is not supported.
There are no restrictions on the amount of material that can be captured or output with the demo version.
2. Missing Components
 In order to save disk space, a number of components have been removed or minimized to make the overall package smaller

This document contains information on Pinnacle Liquid Version 6 that is not contained in the manual or online help, or that needs special emphasis.
For more information on this latest version, visit the Pinnacle Systems website:
www.pinnaclesys.com

System requirements graphics card with Liquid Version 6
Minimum resolution: 1280 x 1024/ recommended: 1600 x 1200 / single or dual monitor setup

 	Minimum (DV / IBP SD only)	Recommended (DV / IBP SD only)	
VGA	64 MB	128 MB, AGP 4x, DirectX 9.x support	
 	 	 	
 	Minimum for LE Pro (DV only)	Recommended for LE Pro	
VGA	64 MB*, AGP 4x, DirectX 9.x support	128 MB**, AGP 8x, DirectX 9.x support	
 	 	 	
 	Minimum HDV 720p (software only)	Recommended HDV 1080i (software only)	
VGA	128 MB**, AGP 8x, DirectX 9.x support, Pixelshader 2.0 support	256 MB, PCIe, DirectX 9.x support, Pixelshader 2.0 support	
*) For example Geforce FX5700 or higher, ATI Radeon 9600 or higher
**) For example Geforce5950 Ultra or higher, ATI Radeon 9800 or higher

New functions in Version 6
Please read the document entitled “What’s new in Version 6“, which you can view by selecting Windows Start menu > Programs > Pinnacle Liquid > Online-Help.

Installation Issues

Installing Liquid 6 with Liquid.Control (JogShuttle)
Connect the device to a USB port before starting software installation. Close the Windows New Hardware wizard that then appears.
In the setup dialog box, click the JogShuttle option to install the driver.
While the driver is being installed, a brief test is performed that attempts to access the JogShuttle.
If the JogShuttle is detected, installation continues.
If the JogShuttle is not detected, you are asked to unplug the Liquid Control USB connector briefly and then plug it in again.
If the test is again unsuccessful, a dialog box appears in which you can define the COM port to which the JogShuttle is assigned (Tip: Look in the Windows Device Manager).
Subsequent installation of Liquid.Control at the USB port
Connect the device to a USB port on your system. From the Liquid Installation CD, run USBJS.setup.exe. Then continue as described in the paragraph above.
MIDI mixing console: Disconnecting
When you install Pinnacle Liquid, make sure no MIDI console is connected to your computer; this will help prevent problems when assigning COM ports.

Software Activation
Liquid 6 is protected by software activation. If Liquid is not activated within 30 days after the first launch, the application switches to demo mode with reduced functionality. You need internet access to complete the activation.
A Editing computer is connected to the internet
1.	Start Liquid, and in the activation window that automatically appears, click the Activate Now button.
2.	The computer connects to Pinnacle’s activation web page. Please enter the required data and select the feature (Liquid Edition 6 activation) and the product (e.g. Liquid Edition Pro).
3.	Click Ok. (Save, print or write down the activation code. You will need this code if you need to reactivate your software.)
4.	Liquid 6 is now activated. You have also registered the product with Pinnacle Systems.
B Editing computer is not connected to the internet
1.	Start Liquid, and in the activation window that automatically appears, click the Activate Now button.
2.	The computer tries to establish an internet connection, but fails. Now click on View Instructions.
3.	Follow the instructions laid out in the dialog. 
(You will be prompted to use a different computer to connect to http://unlock.pinnaclesys.com and enter the required data. (Save, print or write down the activation code. You will need this code if you need to reactivate your software.)
4.	Back in the Liquid activation window, click Enter Activation Key and type in the code.
5.	Click Ok and your`re done.
Please contact Pinnacle Support if after several attempts activation is denied.

Broadcast option

The following functions mentioned in the manual are available only when you use the Broadcast/Vortex option (with corresponding dongle):
* InterCom 
* All MPEG2/422 render/fuse codecs
* MXF file format support
* XML export of projects
* XReceive: XDCAM and P2
* All Vortex functions

Windows and BIOS recommendations

Windows XP & Service Pack 2: Set AGP Aperture in BIOS to 64 MByte
Enter the BIOS of your computer (usually on bootup, by hitting F1 or F2, depending on BIOS brand). Find the settings for the AGP slot (usually in an „Advanced“ section of the BIOS menu). Set the “Graphics Aperture” (or similarly named) to a value of 64 MByte. 
Exception: Systems equipped with ATI 8500 (older Liquid Edition PRO) should be set to 32 MByte.

Windows XP & Service Pack 2: Windows firewall blocks Liquid Render Manager and Desktop
If your system is running under Windows XP with SP 2 installed, two warning messages from the Windows firewall will appear the first time you start Pinnacle Liquid 6. Click “Unblock” to add the Render Manager and Desktop applications – two applications that Liquid requires to function correctly – to the list of allowed applications (check Windows Security Center). In the future, you will no longer be prompted to confirm when starting up Liquid.

Optimizing Windows
* We highly recommend that you use a fresh Windows installation that is as “clean” as possible as the basis for Pinnacle Liquid. Download the latest Service Packs (with XP, you must have at least Service Pack 1) and the latest drivers for the components used (especially the graphics card).
* To ensure maximum performance, be sure to defragment your hard disk(s) before installation and periodically thereafter (see Windows manual).
* If possible, select different hard disks for AV media data and Pinnacle Liquid software installation.
* Reduce the number of programs running in the background to the absolute minimum (e.g. virus scanners and screensavers).
* Disable all Windows and computer functions (BIOS) that can switch the computer to standby (sleep/hibernate) mode.
Partitioning video hard disks with an NTFS file system
We strongly recommend that you use only NTFS-partitioned hard disks for recording (capturing) video. FAT32 can cause problems when there are clips longer than approx. 18 minutes. The file system is indicated in the drive properties (also see Windows manual).
Windows rights
You must have the following rights configured for you on your computer if you:
Install Pinnacle Liquid: Administrator;
Work with Pinnacle Liquid: Power User or Administrator.
Hiding the Windows taskbar
The Windows taskbar always visible at the bottom of the screen can be very distracting when you’re working with Pinnacle Liquid. We recommend that you hide it:
Right-click the Windows taskbar > “Properties”. In the dialog box displayed, remove the checkmark next to “Keep the taskbar on top of other windows”.
Renaming your computer
If you rename the computer on which Pinnacle Liquid is installed, you must reinstall Pinnacle Liquid because some of the software settings refer to the computer name.
Windows Power Management and JogShuttle (Liquid Control)
Windows Power Management (“Power Options”) ignores the Liquid JogShuttle. If the monitor is deactivated, you cannot reactivate it, for example, by turning the jog wheel. We recommend that you either deactivate the power options or configure a sufficiently long delay.

Hardware and compatibility

nVidia dual monitor setup
nVidia graphics card drivers can cause problems in a dual-monitor system if different resolutions are configured for the two monitors. If possible, use identical resolutions.

High definition

Outputting HDV, Micro MV, D-VHS: Selecting a format
1: Select System Settings > Inputs/Outputs > Video Outputs > IEEE 1394 > MPEG Output Format. In the field on the right, double-click the current value to display a list containing the following options:
* Micro MV (PAL or NTSC)
* D-VHS (30 or 25); 
* HDV (25 or 30). 
The numbers refer to frame rates (fps). Select the correct output format for the connected recording device.
2: Open the Record To Tape dialog, make sure the correct recording device is selected and click the Start button. The Timeline Sequence will now be rendered to the format selected in the Timeline Settings. 
NOTE: If this format cannot be recorded by the device, an error message will  appear. Select a different Timeline format. Please refer to the manual of your recording device to select a suitable format, that is, a combination of resolution, frame rate and interlaced/non-interlaced. It is preferable to set up the Timeline even before you start to edit.
3: After the Tape Check confirmation the recording process starts. The image is not displayed in the inlay, and no sound  is played. To check video and audio, connect monitor and speaker to the recording device.
4: The recording device stops after the playout is finished.

General

Inputs/Outputs tab in the customary location
Contrary to the information in the manuals, the Inputs/Outputs tab was not moved to Player Settings but continues to occupy its usual place in the System Settings.
No floating Audio Mixer window
This feature, although it’s mentioned in the Reference Manual, has not been implemented.
Keyboard shortcuts in menus not activated
Shortcuts, i.e. underlined letters in menu options (such as Edit) are not yet implemented in Version 6.
English Version User`s Guide: Chapter Number  Shift
In the European English language version of the Liquid User`s Guide the chapter numbers in the table of contents and actual chapter numbers do not match. E.g., it says “page 3-5” while the corresponding heading is to be found on page 2-5. The page numbers are correct, though. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Audio Indicator Lines (Rubberbands)
In the Audio Playback column (Timeline’s track header area, icon = loudspeaker), it is possible to activate indicator lines for Clip Volume (light-blue), Clip Panning (yellow), Track Panning (green), LFE (dark-blue) and Surround Panning (two lines, reddish-brown and green).
You can display all lines at the same time (not just one, as was previously the case).
Audio Mix Automation: Additional functions
The Audio Editor’s Settings tab contains functions for Liquid’s expanded Audio Mix Automation (live recording).
- Start Recording after first touch: The recording of Key Frames does not begin until you move a fader. The rubberbands before the first intervention are not modified.
- Stop readback after first touch: If deactivated, the existing rubberband is retained as is; if activated, the existing rubberband is overwritten with the last valid fader value (value remains the same).
- Record confirmation dialog: Click this option if you want to check the tracks and Key Frame density for the rubberband(s) generated after each Mix Automation sequence. Another option is available for Voice Over.
- If you want to view detailed tooltips in the Mixer, click Verbose Tool Tips.
AC3 audio import: Codec required
When MPEG2 files are imported, AC3 audio can also be included. In order for these audio files to be imported correctly and in a form playable in Liquid, an AC3 codec must be installed. You can download a free AC3 codec from http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net.
Liquid imports AC3 data in stereo. The above-mentioned codec interprets AC3-encoded surround data as ProLogicII, but it cannot be played in surround mode in Liquid.
Using Classic Routing for the Clip Viewer and Logging Tool
Audio playback in the Clip Viewer and Logging Tool can be influenced by Classic Routing. You can use it to configure your audio monitor:
•	On the Audio Editor’s Settings tab, activate Classic Routing.
•	The Classic bus now appears on the Output Mapping tab. You can now connect audio channels A1 to A4 to the desired outputs (e.g. the sound card).
Only five “Quality Ranks”
Contrary to the description in the manual, five Quality Ranks are available (instead of 32). This affects the drop-down lists in the Timeline Properties, Clip Properties, Logging Tool, File Acquisition and Batch Digitize Module.
LIVE output: Loopthrough of the player signal
This function is found under System Settings > Inputs/Outputs > Video Outputs and affects the display on a video monitor connected to the connection box (ProBox, MovieBox): When the LIVE Output (“Monitor” icon on the taskbar) is switched to Liquid: None, you can display either the signal from the connected player (Loopthrough = On)
or the standard color bars (Loopthrough = Off).
Logging Tool: TC for LIVE input  via IEEE 1394 (DV)
The timecode contained in the DV signal is always used when importing via the LIVE player, i.e. regardless of the timecode source currently selected. You can bypass this function by selecting Logging Tool Options > General and activating the Ignore timecode embedded in source stream option.
Logging Tool: Rapid Capture feature designed for use with RS 422 only
The manual does not state this fact clearly: Rapid Capture works correctly only with RS 422 controlled devices. 
Logging Tool/Capture: Capturing beyond TC jumps
With this new option, timecode jumps are ignored without direct consequences and the capture process is continued (RS 422 remote control only).
DV connection to MovieBox Deluxe
In rare cases, connections via this IEEE-1394 port may become unstable and disconnect (e.g. when you open or close the Logging Tool). In such situations, connect DV devices to your computer via an IEEE-1394 port.
Importing 44.1-kHz audio and converting to 48 kHz: Delay playback
Audio clips (44.1 kHz) that were placed on the Timeline cause a delay in playback (after you actuate the Play button/spacebar) from 4 to 20 seconds long, depending on where the clip media data is located (locally or in the network). This is due to the conversion to 48 KHz.
Digitizing 512/480 lines (NTSC) or 576/608  (PAL) 
When you define MPEG-I-Frame codec presets, you have a choice between a horizontal resolution of 512 or 480 lines (NTSC) or 608 or 576 lines (PAL). While the 512 or 608 lines resolution is actually the published video standard, the lower resolutions are more common in the video world. Some hardware applications are even limited to the 480 or 576 lines resolution. Liquid handles both in the same way. You should use the extended (512 or 608) resolution when explicitly required (which rarely is the case). Mostly, you will detect no differences when working with either the one or the other resolution.

Interactions between Pinnacle Liquid and other software

Importing Studio 9 projects
With Liquid 6, you can import projects from Pinnacle Studio (Version 9.3 and later). 
1.	Open and export the desired studio project: File > Export file. The project is saved with the extension *.ste.
2.	In Liquid: Open the Input Wizard and select Import Studio 9 Project. Select or create a rack and in the dialog box displayed, select the file with the *.ste extension.
3.	The Studio timeline now appears on the Liquid timeline.
Please note:
•	Clip effects (filters) are not imported.
•	Transition effects are transformed into simple dissolves.
•	DVD menus and other DVD-related objects are not imported.
You can also import Studio projects by selecting File > Import > XML/ALE > File Type = Studio STE.

Hollywood FX
* Version 4.6.x
If you use HFX 4.6 to animate titles, change the Settings from Hollywood FX to the Portable Software Engine. Open GL SW and Open GL HW do not support the alpha channel.
* Version 5.x
We recommend that you always change the Render Engine setting from HFX to Software or retain this setting. In the case of rare combinations of certain VGA drivers and cards, the Accelerated Open GL option may cause Pinnacle Liquid to crash.
Note: Hollywood FX must be installed in order for you to use the HFX effect editors.
Pinnacle Commotion and XSend to ...
We recommend that you install Pinnacle Commotion 4.1 (PRO) and Pinnacle Liquid on the same hard disk partition, preferably the system partition. If you use a different combination, XSend To ... Commotion may not function.
Adobe Acrobat
The first time you call the Pinnacle Liquid manual in the Adobe Acrobat format, the file may not appear to be loaded. Usually this means that the Acrobat licensing agreement – hidden behind another window – is awaiting confirmation by the user. Press ALT and (repeatedly if necessary) TAB to move the Acrobat dialog box to the foreground and close it.
AfterEffects 5.5.1 and QuickTime 6.0
An AVI file that is imported to After Effects and from there exported as a DV stream may cause AfterEffects to crash. You will not have any problems, however, if you use QuickTime Version 4.0.
AfterEffects: Exporting uncompressed or MPEG causes crash
A crash can occur when the composition is exported in the FAST(Pinnacle)uncompressed “YUV” or FAST(Pinnacle) mpeg2 format. This problem is related to the file name extension preassigned by AfterEffects. Contact Pinnacle Support to obtain a TechNote describing a solution.
AfterEffects: Reduce RAM cache to avoid preview problems
When you run Pinnacle Liquid and AfterEffects concurrently, memory usage by AfterEffects may result in preview problems (RAM Preview). You can avoid this by selecting Edit/Presets/Cache and setting the maximum memory usage to around 50%. The preset might be 120%. If the buffer overflows, it can still interfere with the preview.
AfterEffects 5.5: Change file name extension
If the codec “2VUY” is selected in the File menu, AfterEffects generates a file with the extension “2VU”, which is of no use to Pinnacle Liquid. To import such files to Liquid, you must first change the extension to “2VUY”. We generally recommend that you use the YUV-AVI format of the render queue.

AfterEffects and XSend To …: Clips are one clip early (NTSC Drop Frame only)
Clips transferred by means of XSend are shifted over by one frame when positioned on the AE timeline. However, this is an AE problem that cannot be solved from Liquid.
AfterEffects: Pixel offset with MPEG and DV material (NTSC)
MPEG and DV material that is sent from Liquid to AfterEffects by means of XSend arrives with a vertical pixel offset. Before rendering in AE, move the material down two pixels for MPEG or one pixel for DV.
XSend to MediaCleaner: Use Version 5.1.2 or later
Otherwise, MediaCleaner may crash, especially if you transfer MPEG files by means of XSend.

Player/Remote

RS 422 capture using the analog video input on the MovieBox/Liquid Edition Pro Box
In this case, the capture process may be aborted. Go to the Player Settings in the software and, in the Options menu for the player that is causing problems, change the TC Monitor Accuracy setting from the default value (3) to 4.