Timeline

Creating and managing timelines on the Hive software allows for intricate playback synchronisations and media compositing. Using these tools, you can create a nuanced and professional presentation of your media on the timeline, with full control over how and when visual changes occur during playback.

Activating the Timeline

Selecting the checkbox next to Use Timeline will activate the current timeline on your Hive player.

Adding Content to the Timeline

To add content to your timeline:

1. Select the Content Commands button.
2. Choose the type of content you would like to import into the timeline. You can select from the following:
   • Add media content
   • Add template
   • Add input
   • Add colour

Parameter Commands

The Parameter Commands function lets you add customisation to your content on the timeline. This is useful for on-the-fly tweaks and adjustments.

To add a parameter command:

1. Add a piece of content to the timeline and expand it using the little plus icon.
2. Select the Parameter Commands button and choose a parameter command:
   • Add opacity: A keyframe graph will appear to control the opacity of the clip on the timeline.
   • Add blend mode: A keyframe table will appear to control blend modes throughout the content's duration.
   • Add size mode: A keyframe table will appear to control the sizing of content throughout the clip's duration.

To remove a parameter command, highlight the parameter text in orange, then click the Remove Command button from the parameter commands menu.

Adding Keyframes

You can add keyframes to a content command parameter by selecting the command so that the keyframe graph is highlighted in orange. Then, choose where you want to add the keyframe.

To move the keyframe forward or backward throughout the timeline, hold the Shift button and use the left and right arrow keys. For the opacity parameter, you can also use the scrollbar to adjust the opacity intensity.

Easing Types

Easing type selections provide control over the animation curve, allowing you to smooth transitions or create more abrupt effects. The table below shows the available easing types:

Easing Type	Description
Line	Linear easing, no curve
Ease in sine	Accelerates as a sine wave
Ease out sine	Decelerates as a sine wave
Ease in cubic	Accelerates as a cubic function
Ease out cubic	Decelerates as a cubic function
Ease in out cubic	Accelerates and decelerates using a cubic function
Ease in quint	Accelerates as a quintic function
Ease out quint	Decelerates as a quintic function
Ease in circle	Accelerates as a circular curve
Ease out circle	Decelerates as a circular curve
Ease in out circle	Accelerates and decelerates in a circular motion
Ease in elastic	Accelerates with elasticity
Ease out elastic	Decelerates with elasticity
Ease in out elastic	Elastic easing in and out
Ease in quad	Accelerates as a quadratic function
Ease out quad	Decelerates as a quadratic function
Ease in out quad	Accelerates and decelerates using a quadratic function
Ease in quart	Accelerates as a quartic function
Ease out quart	Decelerates as a quartic function
Ease in out quart	Accelerates and decelerates using a quartic function
Ease in expo	Exponential acceleration
Ease out expo	Exponential deceleration
Ease in out expo	Exponential acceleration and deceleration
Ease in back	Accelerates while moving backward
Ease out back	Decelerates and overshoots slightly
Ease in out back	Moves backward then forward, overshooting
Ease in bounce	Accelerates with a bouncing effect
Ease out bounce	Decelerates with a bouncing effect

Timeline Commands

The Timeline Commands dropdown provides a list of options, including importing and exporting the timeline, setting frame rates, and synchronising to workers.

Timeline Properties

In the Timeline Properties section, you have access to all the settings for your timeline. Each property can be configured to suit your needs:

• Title: The name of the timeline.
• Duration: The current duration of the timeline.
• Framerate: The framerate the timeline is currently set to.
• Resolution: The content resolution of the timeline.
• Queen Worker Sync: Synchronises the timeline with workers connected to the queen.

Clearing the Timeline

To completely clear the timeline, use the Timeline Commands button. This is helpful if you want to start a new timeline from scratch.

Importing and Exporting Timelines

You can import and export timelines, which is useful for archiving or later use.

To import a timeline:

1. Select the Timeline Commands button.
2. Choose Import Timeline and select the file from your device.

Adding Timelines to the Media List

By adding your timeline to the media list, it becomes an independent piece of content. You can play the exported timeline in the media list or add it to a playlist or timecode list.

To add a timeline to the media list:

1. Select the Timeline Commands button.
2. Choose Add to Media List.

If you amend the timeline, be sure to update your media file using the Update in Media List button located in the timeline properties dropdown.

Synchronising Timelines with Workers

When using a queen and worker format, you can synchronise timelines so they match between the queen and worker devices. To do this, select the Timeline Commands button and choose Sync to Workers. You will be asked for confirmation, as this action replaces the timeline on the workers.

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