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PinUp Player = Interactive Gameplay Videos ! ** RELEASED **


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#1 NailBuster

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 12:30 AM

Please use the updated info/threads for the new version of PinUp Player v1.2 at vpinball.com

 

This thread is for older versions... thanks.

 

Greetings...

 

I've written a VPX addon called "PinUp Player".   It's purpose is for adding easy support for Topper videos(and more) interactively during  VPX gameplay.  For example,  play a short-clip video when you hit a target.

 

Its an activex(com object) that can be easily called directly within VPX script. 

 

 

install is just a simple EXE that you run and configure where to display your topper videos(it uses VLC player as media driver).  

 

There are now two options in using the PinUp Player with your tables.  You can choose to use the B2S plug-in interface that allows you to react to events/triggers via B2S (so no modifying VPX script at all).  It is easy to get up and running using this method.

 

If you want complete control or are using a non-rom based table then you can use the direct VPX script method....this is a more advanced and 'expert' method that will give you more control of exactly how videos will be displayed.

 

Watch this youtube video to get an idea on installing and how to start with the PUPB2S inteface:  

 

 

 

Here's a sample of how it works within script VPX:

 

'**************************
'   PinUp Player Config
'   Change HasPuP = True if using PinUp Player Videos
'**************************

Const HasPuP = True

if HasPuP Then
        Dim PuPlayer
        Const pTopper = 0

        Set PuPlayer = CreateObject("PinUpPlayer.PinDisplay")   

        PuPlayer.Init pTopper,"mySample"

        PuPlayer.playlistadd pTopper,"Toppers",    1 , 5       '5 second rest is demo only, should be 30-60
        PuPlayer.playlistadd pTopper,"TopperBack", 1 , 5
        PuPlayer.playlistadd pTopper,"winning",    1 , 5

        'SetBackground
        PuPlayer.playlistplay pTopper,"TopperBack"      'random file from topperback playlist/folder
        PuPlayer.setbackground pTopper, 1               'make current video background   
End if

 

 

in above example:  
 
Init is the root folder of where all video files are located for this table.
Then you can add playlists (unlimited) that are really just subfolders of your table root that contain videos.
playlistadd  (  <folder name>,  <sort/alpha/shuffle>, <restSeconds>);
pretty self explaining...  the VTX will manage playlists and shuffle them.  RestSeconds is what I use to 'limit' the amount of videos being played.  So lets say you want a ramp video to play, but since I set it to 60... you can hit that ramp multiple times but no videos will play until the restSeconds time has passed since last video played.
 
now anywhere else in the code you trigger videos like this for example:
 
if HasPuP Then PuPlayer.playlistplay pTopper,"toppers"
..
..
if HasPuP Then PuPlayer.playlistplay pTopper,"winning"
..
..

PinUP Player (PUP) will play the next media file in the playlist...and take note of restSeconds within each different playlist.

 

You also can call directly a more 'controlled' play like this:

if HasPuP Then PuPlayer.playlistplayex pTopper,"ramps","avatar.mp4",100,1 

playlistplayex (<screen#>,<playlistname>, <filename>, <volume>, <priority>)

 

force will override the restSeconds....so for a drain or something similar

 

also PUP will expose lots of media methods:  .stop, resume, volume...etc

 

what's nice about this way.  Lets say for my Football ("soccer") table I can just copy 10 new video files into "football/goals" sub-folder and without changing any scripts/vpx the videos will be auto-added to the playlist for goals!

 

...soon we'll need tables to support DOF,  PMD, and PUP :)   (am I missing any more?)

 

************************  PinUp Player is now released!!!  BETA is now open to everyone!!!!   ************************************

 

Latest Beta Files are here:  (Remember you need to install VLC 32-BIT media player prior to using PinUP Player.

 

www.nailbuster.com/nailcode/PinUPPlayer_latest_BETA.zip  

 

If you want to learn/see an example of how to work with VPX script/PUPlayer directly download the sample project here...

 

DOFLinx has also added support for PinUP Player to work with FuturePinball and Pinball FX2  (info/docs will be released shortly).

 

Thanks to all the testers....and especially TerryRed aka "the Tron-Man Tester".  He has helped with the troubleshooting (aka told me to add sh*t load of new features :)

 

Remember it's still beta...so there 'may' be some minor(?) issues....

 

*** For all troubleshooting issues please use this thread:  http://www.vpforums....showtopic=39100

 

** Note:  For some(all?)  Windows 7 users,  if you have playback issues see the first post in troubleshoot thread for workaround *****

 

Let the games begin.....  picture fog-machine/lasers and loud speakers playing "video killed the radio star"....

 

bye for now...David


Edited by NailBuster, 14 January 2018 - 03:43 PM.


#2 xenonph

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 12:38 AM

OMG!!! I hope this is what I think it is!!

A way to add video to VPX tables!!!

Now I can use this method to see all those topper videos in action as a Desktop table user??

Or is this just for front-end usage or only cabinet users?

Absolutely great!!!


Edited by xenonph, 06 November 2017 - 12:40 AM.

CHECK OUT THIS TUTORIAL http://www.vpforums....howtopic=32515
TO USE DB2S BACKGLASS PROGRAM WITH DESKTOP TABLES ON 1 MONITOR

 


#3 TerryRed

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 01:08 AM

VERY much interested in this.

 

PM sent.



#4 RustyCardores

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 01:18 AM

very interesting!


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#5 TerryRed

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 01:25 AM

OMG!!! I hope this is what I think it is!!

A way to add video to VPX tables!!!

Now I can use this method to see all those topper videos in action as a Desktop table user??

Or is this just for front-end usage or only cabinet users?

Absolutely great!!!

 

I'm gathering that this is more intended for cabinet users to use on a Topper screen (or middle screen like myself), unless you are playing in windowed fullscreen mode on desktop, then maybe it could be possible.

 

That being said...if this is able to work well, it could be useful for table activated interactive Topper videos, or "Future Pinball like" videos that occur during gameplay (ie, SLAMT1LT).

 

What really interests me, is how easy it would be to add videos to a folder for an extended playlist. Very smart idea. This allows more videos for a table action to be added to reduce repetition...and anyone can do it without touching the table. Very clever. Also, we may be able to add hi-res video files instead of low quality UltraDMD resolution vids.  Editing videos is EASY to do.

 

This is a big deal for VPX...hell I would love to see this work for Future Pinball as well. Since it's VB based as well, it would probably be just a matter of a VBS script to make it work.

 

I've always understood what was needed to make this work for VP...but I'm not a programmer.


Edited by TerryRed, 06 November 2017 - 01:32 AM.


#6 DJRobX

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 01:36 AM

Great to see someone working on tihs!

Just a suggestion/something to consider:

Instead of making a new com object, you could grab the B2S sources and mod them to do the same thing.   Now your can check for toppers for a given table, without needing to modify table scripts, and you can even potentially respond to events and such in a generic way (the same way DOF and B2S do).

Or you could create a B2S plugin if you don't want to mess around with the full sources. 


Edited by DJRobX, 06 November 2017 - 01:44 AM.


#7 xenonph

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 01:38 AM

So many possiblities!!!

Could something like the dB2S screenres.txt be used to tell the program which screen you want the videos on?

This is how I am able to have dB2S backglass on same screen as table. (By putting a 1 on the 5th line in screenres.txt.)

if this had something similiar telling it which screen to use, it could be used to put video toppers on DT version tables!!

This is why I love this hobby!!!

Best community in the whole world!!!


Edited by xenonph, 06 November 2017 - 01:41 AM.

CHECK OUT THIS TUTORIAL http://www.vpforums....howtopic=32515
TO USE DB2S BACKGLASS PROGRAM WITH DESKTOP TABLES ON 1 MONITOR

 


#8 RustyCardores

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 01:48 AM

Great to see someone working on tihs!

Just a suggestion/something to consider:

Instead of making a new com object, you could grab the B2S sources and mod them to do the same thing.   Now your can check for toppers for a given table, without needing to modify table scripts, and you can even potentially respond to events and such in a generic way (the same way DOF and B2S do).

Or you could create a B2S plugin if you don't want to mess around with the full sources. 

 

I think a B2S plugin would be perfect for this Rob


Rusty Cardores (Russell Stewart) - Gold Coast, Australia

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'SSF' - Get awesome VPX Surround Sound Tactile Feedback in your cab https://www.facebook...oups/SSFeedback/

'Virtual Topper' - It's cooler than you might think! Check out the pics on my Instagram.


#9 DJRobX

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 01:49 AM

Yep - I would suggest a new config file for this purpose.    The existing screenres file is already complicated as it is, and there is an alternate format for a different mod of B2S that handles aspect ratios. 

Thinking about it more the B2S plugin structure would probably work great for this.  Super clean and simple.   If it's good enough to handle all the things DOF can do, it should be good enough for this. :) 



#10 RustyCardores

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 01:51 AM

Well David, you've gone and got everybody excited now. I hope we haven't scared you off ;) lol


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'SSF' - Get awesome VPX Surround Sound Tactile Feedback in your cab https://www.facebook...oups/SSFeedback/

'Virtual Topper' - It's cooler than you might think! Check out the pics on my Instagram.


#11 NailBuster

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 02:11 AM

Well David, you've gone and got everybody excited now. I hope we haven't scared you off ;) lol

 

wow....that was quick....  and  a bit 'scary' is true ;)

 

I'm new to all the VPX architecture so I'll listen to the advice of the experts.    I'll have a look into the b2s plugin...maybe the plugin can access the com so that it is up to user on how to use.

 

As far as it's config.  The program has a really simple (very similar to how you setup backglass/dmd in pinball fx).   And you can customize the aspect ratio (or fit to window).

 

Also,  I supported pop-up mode so it could realistically overlay your DMD/LCD with a video and then hide when video done....(for people without a dedicated lcd/topper).  



#12 laylow

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 08:28 AM

That's awesome news!  :otvclap:



#13 BambiPlattfuss

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 10:43 AM

FINALLY Topper Videos like they should be! When it is done and is working i would love to help Creators to make Videos for Tables. Since I am one of the PinballX Topper Video Guys ;) But this is so much better then Pinballx Topper Videos or Damn we could use both together. 5 Screen Cabinets for sure will come :) 


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#14 Jodannar

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 10:51 AM

My vote is for a b2s plug-in. This may make me actually use a spare screen as a topper to trial


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#15 Onevox

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 12:18 PM

I don't read script very well. Would this allow a "loop" to play and is interrupted by video calls then restart the loop once the called video ends? 

 

I keep trying to imagine how to create a seamless experience with this so that the the video calltransitions return back to a loop without you being aware of it. Hmmmm. 


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#16 senseless

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 04:46 PM

That is an awesome idea. Interactive video topper makes a lot out sense:). Just think of the possibilities. Original tables like stranger things with triggered movie samples. Love it!

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#17 NailBuster

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 10:24 PM

I don't read script very well. Would this allow a "loop" to play and is interrupted by video calls then restart the loop once the called video ends? 

 

I keep trying to imagine how to create a seamless experience with this so that the the video calltransitions return back to a loop without you being aware of it. Hmmmm. 

That's a good idea....  background video for topper and then 'splash' videos and then back to background....

 

I could imagine a movie theme table like 'terminator'.....and the interactive toppers would go in sequence of the movies time,  so as you progress you get further in the movie :)

 

good thing I went with a 450GB SSD ;)



#18 TerryRed

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 10:31 PM

That is an awesome idea. Interactive video topper makes a lot out sense:). Just think of the possibilities. Original tables like stranger things with triggered movie samples. Love it!

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I already sent Scotty Wic a link to this thread...   :)



#19 RustyCardores

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 10:43 PM

 

I don't read script very well. Would this allow a "loop" to play and is interrupted by video calls then restart the loop once the called video ends? 

 

I keep trying to imagine how to create a seamless experience with this so that the the video calltransitions return back to a loop without you being aware of it. Hmmmm. 

That's a good idea....  background video for topper and then 'splash' videos and then back to background....

 

I could imagine a movie theme table like 'terminator'.....and the interactive toppers would go in sequence of the movies time,  so as you progress you get further in the movie :)

 

good thing I went with a 450GB SSD ;)

 

 

I was thinking that we could use still topper images as normal (keeping load & hd space req to a minimum) and have video overlay them on call.  This would work fine for movie segments that represent the current table action, but in its simplest form, the video could appear to provide animation to the still image topper.

 

So for example:  If we were to animate one of the current Fishtales toppers to have a 2 second clip of it with a wagging tail, we could drop that on top of the still version on call. The result... a still fish that wags it's tail in response to table events.  We could do the same with lighting effects.

 

If the new tail wag video can't be blended with a still image, I guess the background topper could be a 2 second loop of a still fish. This should achieve the same result, while keeping load & space to a min.


Edited by RustyCardores, 06 November 2017 - 10:46 PM.

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'SSF' - Get awesome VPX Surround Sound Tactile Feedback in your cab https://www.facebook...oups/SSFeedback/

'Virtual Topper' - It's cooler than you might think! Check out the pics on my Instagram.


#20 TerryRed

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Posted 06 November 2017 - 11:07 PM

 

 

I don't read script very well. Would this allow a "loop" to play and is interrupted by video calls then restart the loop once the called video ends? 

 

I keep trying to imagine how to create a seamless experience with this so that the the video calltransitions return back to a loop without you being aware of it. Hmmmm. 

That's a good idea....  background video for topper and then 'splash' videos and then back to background....

 

I could imagine a movie theme table like 'terminator'.....and the interactive toppers would go in sequence of the movies time,  so as you progress you get further in the movie :)

 

good thing I went with a 450GB SSD ;)

 

 

I was thinking that we could use still topper images as normal (keeping load & hd space req to a minimum) and have video overlay them on call.  This would work fine for movie segments that represent the current table action, but in its simplest form, the video could appear to provide animation to the still image topper.

 

So for example:  If we were to animate one of the current Fishtales toppers to have a 2 second clip of it with a wagging tail, we could drop that on top of the still version on call. The result... a still fish that wags it's tail in response to table events.  We could do the same with lighting effects.

 

If the new tail wag video can't be blended with a still image, I guess the background topper could be a 2 second loop of a still fish. This should achieve the same result, while keeping load & space to a min.

 

 

 

I gave it a very quick testing last night. Videos look and play smoothly on top of DMD, or Topper, or on top of B2S! Also displays still pics. Very nice!

 

Alot more testing to do...there may be a limit to how quickly you can switch between videos / pics without causing some kind of fps dip in the game.  This may be more an issue with VLC player than anything else.

 

So, yes...,. you could possibly have a VPX version of Aliens Legacy (with videos) with this! (but no video overlays for Alien Tracker).