RVI?

[jerekb]

What exactly does an RVI (Remote Video Interface) do and what kind of things is it used for?

[icewolf08]

An RVI is an ETC Net3 device that does just what it sounds like, give you remote video. It allows you to view up to two displays worth of information from the main console. RVIs can be equipped with keyboards and touch screens so that a user may control functions of the console from a remote location. Often RVIs are used to provide tech table displays for an LD or a cuelist display for a stage manager. Some venues put RVIs in various places around the theatre to allow easy access to control of lighting.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by icewolf08

An RVI is an ETC Net3 device that does just what it sounds like, give you remote video. It allows you to view up to two displays worth of information from the main console. RVIs can be equipped with keyboards and touch screens so that a user may control functions of the console from a remote location. Often RVIs are used to provide tech table displays for an LD or a cuelist display for a stage manager. Some venues put RVIs in various places around the theatre to allow easy access to control of lighting.

A small clarification. An RVI is also an older ETC Net1 device that provided console displays (and I believe an RFU plug-in station) only. Used for the Express line of consoles, and Obsession, etc.

--Sean

[NickJones]

Yeah, they are seldom used anymore. They were a good idea, but there are now cheaper options to do the same thing. And really there are no big reasons to want one.

[derekleffew]

Originally Posted by NickJones

Yeah, they are seldom used anymore. They were a good idea, but there are now cheaper options to do the same thing. And really there are no big reasons to want one.

Sorry, wrong on many counts.

Here's a recently-built RVI station:

from A sweet RVI setup - Electronic Theatre Controls.

[icewolf08]

Originally Posted by Sean

A small clarification. And RVI is also an older ETC Net1 device that provided console displays (and I belive an RFU plug-in station) only. Used for the Express line of consoles, and Obsession, etc.

--Sean

Actually I don't think that the Net1/Net2 devices were called RVIs. They were similar in operation, but if I recall correctly they had a different moniker. Just like how ETC's RRFUs and wRFUs became RFRs. For some reson, Remote Video Node, or Just ETC Net Node, sticks in my head, dunno if that is true.

Originally Posted by NickJones

Yeah, they are seldom used anymore. They were a good idea, but there are now cheaper options to do the same thing. And really there are no big reasons to want one.

If you mean that the older ones are seldom used anymore, that may be more true as people are getting rid of the oder systems, but people use RVIs all the time. RVIs interface with the network in a much different manner than other devices, like a laptop. Plus, an RVI will be cheaper than a laptop. There are many situations where having RVIs is very useful, and they can be an integral part of any deployment. The specification for my systems upgrade that is coming up includes multiple RVIs for both permanent locations and portable use.

[icewolf08]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

Sorry, wrong on many counts.

Here's a recently-built RVI station:

from A sweet RVI setup - Electronic Theatre Controls.

As soon as I saw that photo I knew who built that. If only I could get him to join CB. There are a couple of those in use down the street from me, and many other similar permanent RVI installs in the same venue.

[waynehoskins]

Originally Posted by icewolf08

Just like how ETC's RRFUs and wRFUs became RFRs.

Man, I'm getting old. They renamed the Arfoo? What's the world coming to?

An RVI (or remote video whatchadealie by any other name) is wonderful. It lets you look at your console screens from anywhere else on the (Etcnet) network through magic. Old names included "video node" and the like. I've never been lucky enough to have those on any shows I've done, but many times I've really wanted them. Track sheets get close, but nothing beats being able to look at the numbers live. Except maybe being able to type in numbers live too.

[sclausenETC]

I'll also point out a purely boring reason to purchase an RVI rather than use your own laptop/PC - it's covered by the ETC warranty and is not likely to be stolen or used for any other purpose, like a laptop might. :-)

And yes, the ETCNet (Net1) and ETCNet2 devices were called the Remote Video Node and Video Node respectively. At least I think they were...

Back to your regularly scheduled programming....

Sarah

Sarah Clausen
Controls Product Manager
ETC, Inc.

[Chris Chapman]

Originally Posted by icewolf08

Actually I don't think that the Net1/Net2 devices were called RVIs. They were similar in operation, but if I recall correctly they had a different moniker. Just like how ETC's RRFUs and wRFUs became RFRs. For some reson, Remote Video Node, or Just ETC Net Node, sticks in my head, dunno if that is true.

Actually they are called RVI's. I have one. I'm in a Net1 house with an Express and set it up with my RFU for Tech to do quick modifications of cues. We break it out at least twice a year on our big shows.