**************************************************************************** SM Pro Audio http://www.smproaudio.com **************************************************************************** Date: 08/12/09 I. Description This application is a beta development build of the upcoming V1.5 VFX Application. II. File List o VFXSetup_xxxxxxxx_beta.exe - the main executable o Read_Me.txt - this file o RELEASE_NOTES - V1.5 beta release notes o Operation Manual V041109.pdf - V1.5 beta operation Manual o Quick Start Guide - V1.5 Beta Quick Start Guide III. Requirements 1. This tool is designed to run under Windows XP/VISTA 32-bit. 2. V-Machine rev1 hardware unit. IV. Known Issues The new features offered by this beta build change the way that the Plugs and Banks folders are handled. The new system allows for the creation of VFX Library folders. A VFX Library is essentially the old Plugs and Banks folders rolled into one directory. VFX Library folders can be used from any location (assigned in options). Users can load VFX Libraries on demand, export current working projects to new library locations, etc. Because of this new structure, along with other improvements to plugin chunk handling, you must back up your previous plugs and banks creations prior to installing this beta product. If you do not backup your sound creations you may not be able to use them in the event that you wish to 'roll-back' to an earlier version of software. It is recommended to backup your current plugs and banks folders on your PC and any external media in the event you may wish to roll-back. The plugs and banks folders are found in the following directories: WinXP - C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR USER NAME HERE\Application Data\vfx Vista - C:\Users\your user name here\AppData\Roaming\vfx\ After installing the new beta you can now perform an 'export' from the V-Machine to connected media to backup what is loaded on the internal drive of the V-Machine. Since exporting is a new feature this needs to be done after updating the V-Machines firmware to new beta version. Check the new beta Operation manual for more information. V. How to install on the PC 1. Simply install by running the install executable. Any previous versions will be overwritten. V. Updating the V-Machine firmware - IMPORTANT INFORMATION 1. It is important to update your V-Machines firmware to use this beta software. The beta V1.5 (and later) software requires that you manually update the V-Machines firmware! Hold the 'LEARN' dual button combination down while you power on the V-Machine. Hold the LEARN combination until you see "UPDATE V-MACHINE". Release the LEARN button combination and start the VFX Application on the PC. The VFX Application will prompt to update the V-MAchines firmware. Confirm the selection and wait until the firmware has been updated. Updating a V-Machine to this beta firmware will take considerable time. Future firmware updates past V1.5 will complete much faster as the firmware transfer mechanism has been improved from V1.5 onwards. Ongoing beta and future release software will always prompt for future firmware updates when mismatched versions of hardware and software are detected. VI. How to roll-back to an earlier version 1. Format the V-Machine. 2. Install a previous version of the VFX Application on your PC 3. Follow the standard update firmware process VII. Feedback All feedback is most welcome. Please send suggestions and comments to beta@smproaudio.com User support is not offered for beta release candidates.