BEYOND and QuickShow 5.5 Release

We are excited to announce the coming release of BEYOND and QuickShow 5.5, introducing a myriad of enhancements for your laser displays. Our development team has worked meticulously over the past several months to bring these new exciting tools and features to life, while also improving previously released ones. So gather your lasers and fire up your workstation as we explore the latest features and improvements in BEYOND and QuickShow 5.5.

Download the new full version, on our Wiki here: https://wiki.pangolin.com/doku.php?id=download_center#beyond

*You can download the full version and install version 5.5 separately from your 5.2 version from the wiki. The in-app update to 5.5 will be available a few weeks after release.

What is new in BEYOND/QuickShow 5.5

MoboLaser Mobile App

MoboLaser is a mobile application designed for both Apple and Android devices (with support for phones and tablets). MoboLaser acts as an extension of our BEYOND and QuickShow software that provides users with a new way to interface with their laser displays.

MoboLaser revolutionizes the way users can interact with their laser show software (BEYOND/QuickShow). Providing a simplified, yet intuitive mobile interface for controlling features such as geometric correction (aka zone alignment), live controls, quick text, the cue grid, quick text, and more.

Interact with your laser shows in a way not seen before! MoboLaser transcends more traditional laser control tools and welcomes a new era of mobile laser show control.

Q-Shift

Introducing Q-Shift, a new feature in BEYOND and QuickShow that revolutionizes the way offset effects are handled in live shows. Q-Shift is a lightweight performance tool that gives you the power to efficiently implement offset effects using any of the "live effects" parameters, creating oscillating effects with seamless delay between lasers.

Q-Shift's distinct advantage lies in its immediate applicability to all lasers within your setup, effortlessly controlled through a user-friendly "Pad" style interface. Positioned within the "Quick tabs" area of BEYOND, Q-Shift sets itself apart by utilizing the "Live Control" parameters, resulting in significantly lower CPU requirements and faster execution compared to cue-based or effect-based offset effects. Elevate your live shows with Q-Shift, simplifying and enhancing the dynamic creation of offset effects with unparalleled efficiency and speed.

3D Preview

Experience a new dimension in laser show preparation with the introduction of the 3D Preview feature in BEYOND Ultimate. Now, visualize your lasers in a 3D environment, offering precise rig construction and simplified preview creation. Accessible under "View > 3D Preview," this window provides essential options for creating, opening, saving, and resetting 3D layouts.

The main interface includes tools to toggle the settings panel and command line, allowing customization of camera rotation preferences. Within the 3D environment, equipped with walls, floor, and a mesh screen, set up your show with graphical representations of each output and its beams. Tailor your pre-production experience by accurately selecting hardware, Demo Projectors, or Emulaser, mirroring your real setup. With the ability to select and modify multiple screens or projectors simultaneously, the 3D Preview empowers users to craft their shows with unparalleled precision and efficiency.

New Cue Types

Node Image

Node Image is cue type based on the concept of "coding with blocks." Rooted in the idea of constructing visual code through the selection and connection of preconfigured blocks or modules known as Nodes, Node Image introduces a unique way to build intricate visual representations. In BEYOND, a Node is a visual representation of objects, displayed as rectangles with input pins on the left side and output pins on the right. The primary objective of Node Image is to place and connect these nodes via "wires," allowing for flexible additions of objects within existing elements and establishing visual connections between object properties. Node Image stands out as a powerful tool for those seeking higher creative flexibility in constructing visual displays.

Particle Image

Meet the Particle Image Editor, a feature that adds a dynamic particle stream to BEYOND, offering versatility in visual presentations. Ideal for creating effects such as a water fountain in various directions, organic firework sparks, or a moving starry sky, this feature allows particles to evolve with each cue start and during timeline playback. When exported to FB4, the particle-driven show becomes a consistent animated frame. Notably, the Particle Engine operates in real-time, utilizing a hybrid time calculation system based on the PC clock and incoming time from a player. The Particle Image Editor provides an array of settings and an effects tab, allowing users to apply additional effects for a customized and captivating visual experience.

FIFO Image

FIFO Image is a signal recorder that marks the second iteration of its kind (ex. Shape Editor). While the initial signal recorder resides in the Shape Editor, FIFO Image stands as a dedicated solution with enhanced functionalities. At its core lies FIFO, a buffer employing the "first in, first out" principle to record the mouse cursor's position. Within the FIFO editor, users can leverage the mouse cursor to capture its movements, with the added capability of linking cursor positions to BEYOND Inputs or controlling them through the Node Image feature. This powerful tool opens up possibilities for precise and versatile signal recording within BEYOND.

Functionality Updates

Timeline Marker Import/Export

The Timeline Marker enables users to import and export Timeline markers seamlessly. This functionality supports the CSV format, initially designed by Reaper software, and it's expected to be compatible with various applications that utilize similar CSV formatting, such as Cuepoints. This functionality enhances BEYOND's flexibility, offering users a streamlined process for managing Timeline markers and promoting interoperability with a range of applications.

To import Timeline markers, users can open the timeline editor, navigate to File » Import markers, and view the Raw data tab for a detailed look at the comma-separated file with column names. Adjustments, including compensating for high time offsets, can be made using the "Apply offset to markers" feature. After reviewing and confirming the imported values, users can click OK to generate timeline markers, dynamically adjusting the viewing area.

For exporting Timeline markers, users can open the timeline editor, select File » Export markers, and choose the destination for the CSV file. The exported file adheres to the same CSV format initially designed by Reaper software, ensuring seamless compatibility with external systems.

Ableton Link

BEYOND now features comprehensive support for the Link protocol from Ableton, designed to synchronize musical beat, tempo, and phase across multiple applications running on local networks.

Link acts as both a server and client, ensuring seamless communication between Link-enabled devices within the same network.  By enabling the Link button in BEYOND, the software effortleslly follows the incoming beat from other devices, and any changes in the beat are received and updated.  Whether BEYOND initiates a beat change or responds to changes from other Link-enabled devices, this integration ensures a synchronised and harmonious experience across multiple applications running on one or more devices.

Turbo Streaming (UDP)

With BEYOND 5.5, we are introducing an advanced communication model tailored for a substantial number of FB4 controllers to improve efficiency and responsiveness. To activate this feature, simply click on the Turbo button located in the bottom bar.

The Turbo button operates in two activy states: disabled and enabled, each corresponding to the Classic and Turbo communication models, respectively.

The Classic Model replies exclusively on TCP/IP communication.  While TCP ensures reliable data delivery by waiting for confirmation, it may introduce delays due to high segmentation and multiple internal messages for confirmation. 

In Turbo Mode, you can seamlessly integrate the strengths of both TCP and UDP communication.  Unlike TCP, UDP is less dependent on delivery notifications.  The Turbo mode protocol optimally combines the reliability of TCP with the efficiency of UDP, offering enhanced performance for FB4 controllers.

PangoBeats

PangoBeats is a standalone application offering real-time BPM detection, seamlessly integrating with BEYOND and QuickShow for synchronized audio-visual performances.  With a user-friendly interface, PangoBeats offers DJs, musicians, and live performers a powerful tool for enhancing their shows.  Key features include real-time BPM detection, an FFT visualizer, and a raw audio waveform display.  

DMX Control and Interface Improvements

QuickDMX Command Line

We've enhanced QuickDMX, now allowing you to set multiple channels or gradients between them using a command line for quick and efficient manipulation of multiple channels simutaneously. 

Access the QuickDMX tool by clicking the tab at the bottom of the screen (after enabling DMX output in the settings).

Create sequences effortlessly by adding steps, adjusting slidfers, and setting step duration.  Control sequence speed with the Step duration feature and Beats/Time buttons.  Easily review and output steps manually.  Save sequences to cues by dragging and dropping.  Rename channels, change colors, and specify control types.  Choose between slider, spreadsheet, or waveform views.

Lock Screen

BEYOND now features a lock screen option for increased security.  Set a password in the configuration window and access the lock screen from the main menu, preventing interaction with BEYOND until the correct password is entered.  This ensures a secure way to leave the system running while maintaining control. 

Upgrades to Groups Operation

BEYOND now enables users to change the current output group in real-time, providing more flexibility and control over your output groups during live operations.  This allows for on-the-fly definition of the desired group of zones while selecting content, eliminating the need for pre-setting on the cue or using a destination cue.  

Extra Documentation

Networking for Lasershows, BEYOND, and Entertainment

Incredibly important documentation concerning networking and PC systems is now available.  This guide provides an overview of netowrking in the context of laser shows and the entertainment industry, and how to tune your system to effectively handle the specific needs of our protocols and entertainment technology.  

Main Menu Hot Keys

BEYOND allows you to assign keyboard shortcuts for various menu functions.  To open the hotkey editor, go to settings > Menu Hotkeys.

TV Mode

TV mode in BEYOND is a specialized setting for FB4 streaming and calculation, addressing the flicker in laser projection by allowing users to set a constant FPS.  To implement TV mode, set the desired FPS in the Master tab.  Start with a low value and gradually increase, considering the total points in your content.  This mode efficiently manages network and CPU load, providing flexibility for optimal laser performance.

Other Notable Changes and Bug Fixes

In addition to the numerous new features, we have implemented several smaller changes aimed at improving overall functionality and eliminating bugs.

1. BEYOND now includes a full-featured Advanced Shape (abstract) editor.
2. UI updates to color effect builder and parametric image.
3. New FB4 firmware supports new Turbo mode. Functionality remains the same.

As always, there were lots of bug fixes, minor changes, and improvement sto quality of life. If you'd like to see the full list of changes, please refer to the internal change log inside the software.

Conclusion

This concludes our update for the time being.

Please feel free to watch our informative videos on these topics, read the detailed list of changes, and download the latest update in-app.

If you have questions on BEYOND 5.5 or QuickShow 5.5, please create a ticket using our support system, and one of our support team members will reach out to help get you set up.

We hope you enjoy using these exciting new features!