Green Hippo Needs You!

We are recruiting for members to our new Beta Testing team and this is your chance to join one of the most exciting companies in the media server world.

As ongoing progress to our development and testing team, we have now introduced a dedicated and integral Beta testing plan.

Once registered and accepted, you will be given access to all the latest builds and tools that make Hippotizer the world’s favourite media server. With these you will be asked to participate in testing, logging issues and suggesting new features.

For the duration of the Beta Testing Program, you will become part of Green Hippo and have access to the Quality Control team at our HQ.

An internal forum will allow you to engage in discussion with fellow testers, as well as share new ideas, ways of working and experiences with each other.

Hippotizer Product Manager Lee House says: "Our users are the real designers of Hippotizer products. Without their input over the last 10+ years we would not have achieved the product that we have today. What we have been able to do here, is design a program that allows us to capture this information and include the testers into the heart of Green Hippo in a new way. This is also giving them a chance to see and be part of the future here at Green Hippo."

To sign up to this program you will need access to a Hippotizer product, some spare time and a willingness to be part of the Green Hippo Team.

To sign up please visit: www.hippotesting.com.

For further questions, please email: beta@green-hippo.com.

Green Hippo is pleased to announce the launch of Hippotizer version 3.2 software available for download from the Green Hippo website.

After many months of developing and listening to user feedback version 3.2 sees one of the largest builds ever produced by the growing team at Hippo HQ.

With over seven brand new features and 100+ enhancements also included, V3.2 takes what many call the easiest server and makes it even easier. 

Version 3.2 is available free of charge from the Green Hippo website and is suitable for installation on HippoCritter, GrassHopper, HippoPortamus and HD models.   

Hippotizer Product manager Lee House says “Version 3.2 is the result of months of development for Green Hippo. We have concentrated on producing software that meets our customer’s needs whilst retaining the ease of use Green Hippo are renowned for. The number of new features in this release exceeds that of any version we have ever produced in a single build and all have been tailored to customer wishes.”

Responding to the demand for V3.2 training, Green Hippo has increased the frequency of its acclaimed HippoSchool sessions to 30 per year. The training department has also introduced HippoSchool online webinars every week from its London HQ. For details visit the Green Hippo website www.green-hippo.com.

While we spend the last couple of weeks tweaking and finishing 3.2 this is an opportunity to have a peak and play with the latest version of Hippotizer Software.

Whilst in Public Beta this should not be considered safe for use in a show environment. All Bugs or requests should be sent to Beta@green-hippo.com.

The software is available to all existing users of Hippotizer V3 software, and can be downloaded from the Green Hippo website

In Staff news we have to let you all know that after almost 5 years of top class service at Green Hippo, our good friend Nick Charalampidis is moving on to pastures new.  Over the last 2 years Nick has enjoyed working on-site supporting Hippotizer projects such as Eurovision and Jay-Z and has decided he wants to do more 'hands on' work with the system.  So from January Nick will be joining our good friends and heavy Hippotizer users Fix8Group, integrating their fleet of Green Hippo servers on projects world-wide.  

Nick has our full blessing with this move.  He is taking his extensive Hippotizer knowledge out into the field and will continue to be an ambassador for our products.

Affectionately known to us all as Nick the Greek, he joined Green Hippo straight from college and rapidly became an expert at support and integration of our products.  His warm and welcoming character has made him hugely popular with staff and customers alike.  We're going to miss him!  

As we move into next year the whole team will be strengthened by recruiting more staff to the product team. In the meantime Nick’s role will be shared amongst the current team here at Hippo HQ.

Good luck Nick!

As well as these we about to start posting tips and tricks to our HippoSchool Twitter account that you can see if you follow @hipposchool and also please feel free to post to these using the #hippotips

If you have any articles that you would like to see shared then please contact the support team though the support site where you can also sign up for notifications of all support related issues.

Your Hippotizer Product Team

After the very successful previews of the new 3.2 software at PLASA and LDI this year, Green Hippo is pleased to announce the release of the latest version of software for the Hippotizer range.

3.2 is one of the company's largest releases to date introducing brand new features such as RegionMapper, MultiSelect, Mackie, X-Fade Mode, Timecode on Layer, MA Net intergration and a whole host of smaller features and fixes.

Whilst in Public Beta this should not be considered safe for use in a show environment. All Bugs or requests should be sent to Beta@green-hippo.com.

Green Hippo are working hard on documentation for all new features and this should be available nearer the full release of the software.

Please refer to the read me of the build for known issues.

The software is available to all existing users of Hippotizer V3 software, and can be downloaded from the Green Hippo website HERE

Dear Subscribers,

Green Hippo has officially launched the new public release of the latest Hippotizer software v3.1.0 SP1.

The software is available to all existing users of Hippotizer V3 software, and can be downloaded from the Green Hippo website here.

Details of all the changes that are in the new software can be found in the v3.1.0 release notes that are available for download here.

Best regards,

The Green Hippo Team

Hippotizer Forum is now active

Green Hippo Releases the new 3.0.14 software

The 3.0.14 Beta version of hippotizer is now availiable for download !

A new BETA version of Hippotizer software is now availiable for download by existing Hippotizer users.

Version 3.0.14 Beta is, as it's name suggests a BETA version and should not be used on critical shows as it may contain some bugs. The software has been internally tested but we would appreciate any feedback that you may have on the new features and especially on any bugs that you may find, so that we can get those fixed and have a full release of the software availiable as soon as possible especially as this version adds a large number of new features !

The software is availiable to download from the support section of our website at www.green-hippo.com/support but will require a password that can be obtained through your local distributor.

Here is a list of the changes / fixes in 3.0.14:

-----------------------
Known issues:
-----------------------

Text Engine:

- When importing files .txt, .htm, .html files are supported. If you want to use Word documents (.doc or .docx), simply save them as html. 
- Quick Text and fade mode not available. It will be fixed on release, or a patch will be created soon after.

MediaPlayer:
- When using screenthief, on some systems using FX on the layer causes the aspect ratio to be changed as the FX value is increased.
- When using screenthief with a hippotizer connect to HippoNet and ArtNet/Data the Hippotizer software might use the wrong network port to check for a Screen-thief feed.

Live Input:
- Using HD-SDI input card requires update driver and firmware version for HD-SDI card. For more information, please refer to driver downloads section at http://www.green-hippo.com/support
- Using Datapath DVI capture cards requires updated Datapath drivers. For more information, please refer to driver downloads section at http://www.green-hippo.com/support
- Some live input capture devices may not function correctly at certain input resolutions and standards. If you experience problems please send us information on the type of capture device and the resolution you are trying to capture. E.g. USB EastCap at PAL 768x576 RGB.

--------------------------
New and repaired in this version
--------------------------

New Features:

- FacMedia application for settting default media
- CITP protocol
- Baby Number
- ZooKeeper support for Windows 7 and 64bit processors

MediaPlayer:
- fix: When in windowed mode, window can be resized without engine re-initialize
- fix: Portamus 6 layer layout does not have same options as 8 Layer on stage/hd.

Media Manager:
- fix: User can upload HD media to Critter via syncing media from an HD
- fix: Quicktime files with audio (.mov) files encode but the audio is always out of sync
- fix: User is always prompted that uploaded media is located on a network path.

Timeline:
- fix: Timeline Command Track lost during upgrade to 3.0.12

Text Engine:

- fix: TextEngine reset doesn't clear files in player
- fix: Text engine files used in timelines can be re-arranged on software restart.
- fix: Text style (size) incorrect in fade mode.
- fix: Switching documents does not always rewind to start
- fix: Text engine does not work on clone modes when selected on output layer.
- fix: Resizing removes end of line formatting
- fix: Text Editor kept open when document is deleted
- fix: Quick Text with scrolling up/down doesnt work
- fix: In Text Manager partial export doesn't work
- fix: Formatting in Fade mode different to scroll mode
- fix: Text Engine buttons broken on simple mode.
- fix: HTML documents with images as web links not supported
- fix: Copy/paste from MS Word with mages not supported

Installer:
- fix: Quicktime installer was not getting installed with Hippotizer installer

Other:
82 - Settings - export/import whole host bug

- new: VideoMapper can be controlled by DMX.
- new: Sound Spectrum Analyzer can be controlled by DMX.
- new: Pong can be controlled by DMX.
- fix: Pixel Mapper crashes if user selects KiNet Protocal.
- fix: DVI input crashes under load.
- fix: Live input capture does not initialize correctly after software restart.
- fix: VideoMapper selection loses all entries except the one currently edited.
- fix: The engine will freeze if you try and edit the IP address while data is being sent from screenthief.
- fix: Exporting engine settings causes an error msg to appear.
- fix: Reset layer when ScreenThief is selected causes output to freeze for a few seconds.
- fix: PinBridge does not connect when target offline.
- fix: PinBridge fails on startup when connected to FX Level.
- fix: Format Info label on Live Capture layer control for HD-SDI is in hidden.
- fix: In ScreenThief GUI the combo box Available Servers is editable.
- fix: PixelMapper GUI missing from ZooKeeper.
- fix: HD-SDI capture layout is incorrect.
- fix: Video Mapper UI Improvements.
- fix: Simple mode layout Improvements.
- fix: Cannot export Midi settings.
- fix: Hmap2 missing GUI from ZooKeeper.
- fix: Video Mapper UI refeshes input resolution back to 1024x768 when switching desktop.
- fix: Simple mode DMX uses only 23 channels instead of 25.
- fix: Master Level does not display pin value correctly.
- fix: In Simplemode Zoom value is displayed as a decimal value, not as a percentage.


Version 3.0.14 Beta

revision 6976:
installers:
Hippov3 3.0.14 Beta

To report problems or suspected bugs, please email your queries to beta@green-hippo.com

-----------------------
Known issues:
-----------------------

MediaPlayer:
- Resizing the window of the preview in windowed mode makes the engine to restart.
- Selecting one of the clone options, (e.g. Dual, triple, quad) on the master output results in distorted output when text engine layer is loaded.
- Some live input capture devices may not function correctly at certain input resolutions. If you experience problems please send us information on the type of capture device and the resolution you are trying to capture. E.g. USB EastCap at PAL 768x576 RGB.

Live Input:
- Using HD-SDI input card requires update driver and firmware version for HD-SDI card. For more infomation, please refer to driver downloads section at http://www.green-hippo.com/support

- Using Datapath DVI capture cards requires updated Datapath drivers. For more infomation, please refer to driver downloads section at http://www.green-hippo.com/support

--------------------------
New and repaired in this version
--------------------------

New Features:

- Support for audio and multichannel audio
- PlayList component
- Text Engine component
- Video input settings improved
- OSC component
- HippoSnapper component
- ZooKeeper support for Vista/Windows7 (testing)
- ToolBox component
- PinBridge Plus component
- Video mapper component
- Support for SMPTE
- Support for 16 bit color in PixelMapper
- Support for Kinet protocol

MediaPlayer:
- Improved memory management when using high res images and videos
- Running on software decoder
- Resizing preview window in window mode renders to whole window

Media Manager:
- new: Implement Image Sequence Import Support for MM and VMM
- new: Check for available space when exporting media
- new: Advanced media synchronization
- fix: Uploading media when preserve audio is ticked
- fix: Mediamanager must ignore Mac resource files
- fix: Duplicating a Default media should result in an Non-Default media
- fix: Factory media become normal media when synchronized

Timeline:
- new: Organise Presets using folders
- fix: Timeline is not imported correctly if new system has identical hostname to system timeline was exported from. 
- fix: Insert timeline in timeline editor does not let you deselect sub components to not insert

Installer:

Other:
- new: ScreenThief Auto discovery of servers
- new: Save component settings in every completed action
- new: Spectrum Analyser effect
- new: Help option in Telnet component
- fix: Export/import whole host settings
- fix: Empty fixtures crash Pixelmapper
- fix: Video capture settings are lost after software is restarted
- fix: Media resolution switch "hicks" output when using later than 9.3 ati drivers
- fix: Hmap2 returns wrong image size
- fix: ScreenThief crashes when layer resets
- fix: Midi component cannot be configured with keyboard midi device
- fix: Input Master-Refernce ColourMap-Input texture is empty message when using VideoMapper
- fix: Using RS232 component from remote ZooKeeper the Com port is wrong
- fix: Audio Track Does Not Stop When Clip Changes
- fix: Composite capture card removal invalidates HWK
- fix: Advanced Colour option causes RGB control on smaller layouts to become inactive
- fix: Detect Monitors does not work on Non-ATI version
- fix: DMX component lists 10 universes even though it is only using one
- fix: Cannot setup 2nd output using LCD component
- fix: Moving USB capture device to a different USB port adds input device
- fix: DMX-tail (unavailable) even though data are being received
- fix: Creating an empty beatbridge preset crashes hipportiser on restart
- fix: Reseting layer while displaying screen thief capture crashes engine
- fix: MIDI import / export
- fix: DMX config cannot be configured while artnet packets are being received 
- fix: Midi fails to control Pin Bridge correctly when user names component something other than default
- fix: LCD component should use highest temp detected
- fix: DVI capture doesnt work well with VGA adapter
- fix: Patching beyond DMX channel 512 
- fix: FPS on output drops when you are entering the IP address on the layer control in Screen Capture (ScreenThief)

A new BETA version of Hippotizer software is now availiable for download by existing Hippotizer users.

Version 3.0.14 Beta is, as it's name suggests a BETA version and should not be used on critical shows as it may contain some bugs. The software has been internally tested but we would appreciate any feedback that you may have on the new features and especially on any bugs that you may find, so that we can get those fixed and have a full release of the software availiable as soon as possible especially as this version adds a large number of new features!

The software is availiable to download from the support section of our website at www.green-hippo.com/support

Here is a list of the changes / fixes in 3.0.14:

New Features:

- Support for audio and multichannel audio
- PlayList component
- Text Engine component
- Video input settings improved
- OSC component
- HippoSnapper component
- ZooKeeper support for Vista/Windows7 (testing)
- ToolBox component
- PinBridge Plus component
- Video mapper component
- Support for SMPTE
- Support for 16 bit color in PixelMapper
- Support for Kinet protocol

MediaPlayer:
- Improved memory management when using high res images and videos
- Running on software decoder
- Resizing preview window in window mode renders to whole window

Media Manager:
- new: Implement Image Sequence Import Support for MM and VMM
- new: Check for available space when exporting media
- new: Advanced media synchronization
- fix: Uploading media when preserve audio is ticked
- fix: Mediamanager must ignore Mac resource files
- fix: Duplicating a Default media should result in an Non-Default media
- fix: Factory media become normal media when synchronized
 
Timeline:
- new: Organise Presets using folders
- fix: Timeline is not imported correctly if new system has identical hostname to system timeline was exported from. 
- fix: Insert timeline in timeline editor does not let you deselect sub components to not insert

Other:
- new: ScreenThief Auto discovery of servers
- new: Save component settings in every completed action
- new: Spectrum Analyser effect
- new: Help option in Telnet component
- fix: Export/import whole host settings
- fix: Empty fixtures crash Pixelmapper
- fix: Video capture settings are lost after software is restarted
- fix: Media resolution switch "hicks" output when using later than 9.3 ati drivers
- fix: Hmap2 returns wrong image size
- fix: ScreenThief crashes when layer resets
- fix: Midi component cannot be configured with keyboard midi device
- fix: Input Master-Refernce ColourMap-Input texture is empty message when using VideoMapper
- fix: Using RS232 component from remote ZooKeeper the Com port is wrong
- fix: Audio Track Does Not Stop When Clip Changes
- fix: Composite capture card removal invalidates HWK
- fix: Advanced Colour option causes RGB control on smaller layouts to become inactive
- fix: Detect Monitors does not work on Non-ATI version
- fix: DMX component lists 10 universes even though it is only using one
- fix: Cannot setup 2nd output using LCD component
- fix: Moving USB capture device to a different USB port adds input device
- fix: DMX-tail (unavailable) even though data are being received
- fix: Creating an empty beatbridge preset crashes hipportiser on restart
- fix: Reseting layer while displaying screen thief capture crashes engine
- fix: MIDI import / export
- fix: DMX config cannot be configured while artnet packets are being received  
- fix: Midi fails to control Pin Bridge correctly when user names component something other than default
- fix: LCD component should use highest temp detected
- fix: DVI capture doesnt work well with VGA adapter
- fix: Patching beyond DMX channel 512
- fix: FPS on output drops when you are entering the IP address on the layer control in Screen Capture (ScreenThief)

-----------------------
Known issues:
-----------------------

MediaPlayer:
- Resizing the window of the preview in windowed mode makes the engine to restart.
- Selecting one of the clone options, (e.g. Dual, triple, quad) on the master output results in distorted 
output when text engine layer is loaded.
- Some live input capture devices may not function correctly at certain input resolutions. If you experience 
problems please send us information on the type of capture device and the resolution you are trying to capture. 
E.g. USB EastCap at PAL 768x576 RGB.

Best regards,

The Green Hippo Software Team

Dear Green Hippo Friends!

It was brought to our attention that support emails have not been getting through to our support ticket system correctly over the last few days. 

After a full investigation we discovered the problem that had been caused by a recent server upgrade. The problem has now been fixed and we are now fully online again.

Although we believe that all the mails have now come through, if you are still waiting to hear back from a mail that you have sent, please either re-send or phone the office.

Many thanks for your patience!

The Green Hippo Support Team

Dear Subscribers, 

Further to some feedback from customers please see the below information regarding rack mounting Hippotizer Media Servers. 

The Hippotizer comes in an industry standard 19 inch rack mount case. The ears on either side allow you to install it into a standard flight case or any environment employing the 19 inch standard. Like any hardware that may be used for touring or industrial installations, appropriate protection and support should be provided by the rack mount and flight case. Most importantly this means making sure that there is adequate support at the rear of the case as well as the front.

Hippotizers are heavy machines and the front mounting alone is not sufficient when units are being toured or moved from one place to another on a regular basis.

When working with the Hippotizer Stage and Hippotizer HD, particularly on touring or industrial installations, Green Hippo strongly recommend the use of slide rails when mounting your Hippotizer to ensure it is provided with adequate support.

Hippo Critter units are not 19 inch rack mountable, but an optional mounting bracket is available to mount the unit on the wall, or truss for permanent installations. Going forwards Green Hippo will provide details on a custom built rack mount solution for the HippoCritter. Details will appear on our website as soon as this is available.

Any faults caused by failure to provide adequate support to your Hippotizer when mounting are not covered under warranty

Thank you

The Green Hippo Team