Download ShowSim 3D Manual

G E T T I N G
S T A R T E D
The diagram below shows how ShowSim fits into the process of designing a fireworks display. A .wav (wave) file
containing your soundtrack is prepared outside of showsim and linked into your show, along with an optional
background image. All data used in ShowSim is managed by a centralized SQL database server, which is a
powerful database engine that allows efficient manipulation and storage of all your data. Because ShowSim is
powered by a real database server, working with shows, effects and inventories is much faster and safer than if all
your data had to be managed as separate files stored on your hard drive. You can quickly browse your show
inventory without having to go searching for individual files. More importantly, data is stored as you work rather
than requiring you to periodically click a Save button to make the changes permanent. This means that long
scripting sessions can not be lost by power outages, program crashes or other unpredictable scenarios that could
lock up your system before you had a chance to click Save.
It is also possible to export all types of data from the database server into a text file. This is desirable when you
wish to make file-based backups of your work in order to save it on CD or migrate your ShowSim installation to a
new computer. You can also export effect libraries and shows for the purpose of sending the text file to another
ShowSim user, who can then import your effects and shows in order to review your work. In addition to being
able to import and export ShowSim s native file formats, you can also import and export in a variety of other
industry standard formats such as FireOne .SCR and .FIR files, SmartShow files, PyroDigital etc. The ability to
export into native firing system file formats is how you transfer your shows from ShowSim into the computer
firing system that will actually fire the show.
While shows created in other scripting software such as FireOne and SmartShow can be imported and simulated
with ShowSim, you will find it more efficient to design your shows using ShowSim to start with. This is because
ShowSim features a very powerful user interface that integrates simulation with the design process, giving you
instant feedback at any time. The visual effect browser allows you to quickly locate what you are looking for, and
even test it right on the screen with a click of the mouse to see what it looks like before adding it to your show.
You will probably find yourself testing the show frequently at various intervals as you create it, rather than
creating the entire show blindly only to play it back when you are finished.
Because ShowSim supports importing and exporting native database formats from other manufacturers, you now
have the capability to create scripts that can be used in many different systems. Rather than tying yourself to
one hardware platform due to an expensive software investment, you can do all your scripting in ShowSim with
the freedom to use whatever hardware system you want. If you are a free-lance show designer, there is no
longer a need to worry about having the scripting software to go with the hardware your client is using. If you
are a display operator who wants to switch to a new brand of hardware on the market while still scripting for your
existing hardware, there is no need to purchase and train yourself on new scripting software.
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