Failover utilizing PlayAudio12 (automatic video/network switching)

[Tommy]

Hi there.

I have a question about the failover system for video output, such as to projectors. 

I have a main machine (A) and a backup machine (B), and I am using PlayAudio12 for the audio interface. If machine A stops due to some accident, the audio seamlessly and automatically switches to machine B, which I find to be a truly innovative feature.

Given this, I'm wondering if it's possible to utilize the same PA12's LifeSine (VST) feature to automatically send a signal from B to a matrix switcher that can accept MIDI, OSC, or TCP inputs,  the moment the system switches from  A to B, allowing the video to also switch over instantaneously. Is there a way to accomplish this?

Additionally, we are controlling projectors via Art-Net; is it possible to also automate the switch-over for this system? I don't know if such equipment exists, but we have used the firewall application 'RadioSilence' in the past to disconnect the backup machine from external networks, unlocking it only when necessary using AppleScript written into a StreamDeck.

I'm hoping to find a way to automate all these processes together.

Thanks,

Tommy

[Tommy]

[COMPLETED]

Although there have been no reply comments so far, it has been almost half a year now since I built an auto failover system, which includes all the functionalities I need:

• Video (4K multi-output)
• Art-Net (for multi-projector control)
• PTZ Camera (NDI + VISCA over IP)
• Audio (of course)

I had a bit of trouble syncing the playhead position when failing back, but ultimately, everything worked out very well, and I am very satisfied.
The features I implemented this time are summarized in the description of the following video:

[QLab Experiments] Auto Failover System with Redundancy for Multiple Video Outputs (SDI)
https://youtu.be/z5mk2iyxeJU

Thanks!

[adenb...@gmail.com]

Hi Tommy,

This looks good. Any chance you fancy sharing a project file with the nitty gritty in (without your content of course), or a write up of how it works?

I assume you are using the jack out from the PA12 which triggers on failover and then capturing that to trigger other things?

[Tommy]

Hello,

While I haven't shared the workspace file, as you assumed, at the moment a failover occurs, the signal output from the PlayAUDIO's TRS Output Jack is captured by a device like the MiDi-SPY (https://midiplus.com/html/SPY.html), converted to USB, and sent to both the Primary and Backup Macs. The received MIDI signal then triggers various OSC commands and scripts, effectively enabling the video failover.

Thank you,

Tommy