XPression Commands

The XPression motion graphics system can be controlled from a remote device or computer via RossTalk commands. These commands can be sent to the switcher over an ethernet connection.

Sending RossTalk Commands to XPression

XPression accepts RossTalk commands over ethernet on port 7788. This allows you to perform various functions such as Take, Next, move up or down in the sequencer, and trigger a GPI.

To Send RossTalk Commands to XPression

Note: Each command should be terminated by a carriage return and a line feed (CR/LF).
  1. Click Edit > Hardware Setup.
  2. Click the GPI Boards tab.
  3. Click Add and in the Brand list, click RossTalk.
  4. Click OK.
  5. In the State list, click Enabled.
  6. Click TCP and in the TCP Port list, click 7788.

To Send RossTalk Commands XPression

Note: Each command should be terminated by a carriage return and a line feed (CR/LF).

Commands can be sent directly through a telnet connection or any other application that can send ASCII commands.

  1. Create a network connection to the switcher on port 7788.
    Tip: If you are using multiple RossTalk connections, it is recommended that you increment the port number for each device.
  2. At the prompt, enter the commands you want to send.

XPression Supported RossTalk Commands

XPression supports a number of RossTalk commands. The exact commands and how XPression reacts to the commands is outlined in the following table.

Note: All commands are case sensitive.
Note: The framebuffer numbering in RossTalk does not match the numbering in XPression. For example, to select framebuffer 1 in XPression you must enter framebuffer 0 in RossTalk. For framebuffer 2, enter 1, and so on.
Table 1. RossTalk Commands
Command Description
CLFB buffer Clears framebuffer number buffer.
  • Example: CLFB 0000
  • Result: Clears framebuffer 1.
CLFB buffer:layer Clears layer number layer in framebuffer number buffer.
  • Example: CLFB 0000:2
  • Result: Clears layer 2 on framebuffer 1.
CLRA Clears all framebuffers.
CUE takeid:buffer:layer Prepares take item takeid to go to air next in framebuffer number buffer on layer number layer. The take item is not taken to air, but is prepared to be taken to air without any frame delay.
  • Example: CUE 3:2:-5
  • Result: Prepares to load the take item 3 into the framebuffer 3 and onto layer -5.
DOWN Move the current selection in the sequencer to the item below it in the list.
FOCUS takeid Set the sequencer focus to the take item number takeid.
  • Example: FOCUS 0005
  • Result: Sets the focus to take item 0005.
GPI gpi Trigger the simulated GPI input gpi. This is treated as if the GPI input were triggered externally.
  • Example: GPI 5
  • Result: Triggers GPI input 5.
LAYEROFF buffer:layer Takes a scene in framebuffer number buffer on layer number layer off air using the defined out transition.
  • Example: LAYEROFF 0000:2
  • Result: Removes the scene on layer 2 of framebuffer 0000 (the first framebuffer).
NEXT Take the current take item in the sequencer to air and advance the current selection to the next item in the list.
READ Take the current selection in the sequencer to air.
RESUME buffer Resumes all layers in framebuffer number buffer.
  • Example: RESUME 0000
  • Result: Resumes all layers in framebuffer 1.
RESUME buffer:layer Resumes layer number layer in framebuffer number buffer.
  • Example: RESUME 0000:2
  • Result: Resumes layer 2 in framebuffer 1.
SEQI takeid:layer Loads the take item takeid to air on layer number layer to the output channel selected in the template. The Sequencer focus moves to this item.
  • Example: SEQI 0005:7
  • Result: Loads the take item 0005 onto layer 7.
SEQO takeid Takes the take item takeid off-air.
  • Example: SEQO 0005
  • Result: Takes the template with TakeID 5 off-air.
SWAP buffer Loads all the take items that are currently in the cued state to air in framebuffer number buffer. If a framebuffer is not specified, all cued take items in all framebuffers are taken to air.
  • Example: SWAP 0
  • Result: Takes all the cued take items in framebuffer 1 to air.
TAKE takeid:buffer:layer Loads take item takeid to air in framebuffer number buffer on layer number layer. The Sequencer focus does not move to this item.
  • Example: TAKE 5:0:7
  • Result: Loads the template with TakeID 5 into framebuffer 1 and onto layer 7.
UNCUEALL Removes all cued items from the cued state.
UNCUE takeid Remove item with take id takeid from the cued state.
UP Move the current selection in the sequencer to the item above it in the list.
UPNEXT takeid Sets the preview to the take item takeid in the sequencer without moving the focus bar.