How do I use my Sprite Media Player's motion sensor to trigger decorations?
The Sprite Media Player’s motion sensor adds an entirely new element of fun to your displays by allowing you to create movement-triggered digital decoration events.
The motion sensor is great for more than just startle scares, pranks, and other frightening displays; you can use it to make almost any scene interactive. For instance, you could play some Night Before Christmas decorations to make Santa appear just as the kids come downstairs.
Setting up the motion sensor is easy; follow the steps below to create these effects for yourself!
Triggering Multiple Decorations with Your Sprite
Beginning in Fall of 2021, the Sprite Media Player now has the ability to trigger multiple decorations. Previously, the Sprite could only trigger one decoration.
If you bought your Sprite before Fall of 2021, you can use this feature too! You'll just need to install the newest firmware update.
Here's a direct download link to the newest firmware:
http://www.medeawiz.com/assets/Sprite_20210416_FW.img
Before Getting Started: Which Decorations Work with the Motion Sensor?
The Sprite's motion sensor requires "buffer files" to work. The buffer file is a short, static video that plays on repeat.
When the motion sensor is triggered, the Sprite will play your decoration. After the triggered decoration plays, the Sprite will reset to playing the buffer file until the motion sensor is activated again.
If you need assistance locating your buffer files, please take a look at the following article:
Which decorations include "buffer" files for motion sensor triggers?
Now it’s time to learn how the magic trick is performed. Here are some easy steps to set up your own motion sensor enhanced decorations.
Step 1: Prepare Your Decorations
The Sprite is programmed to respond to specific files based on their filename.
First, copy both the buffer file and the decoration video to your USB stick or SD card.
Then, rename the buffer file to “000.mp4”, and rename the decoration file to “001.mp4”. (If file extension names are hidden on your computer, then you will just rename the files to “000” and 001”.)
If you're triggering multiple decorations, they will all use the same buffer file. You can name the extra decorations “001.mp4”, “002.mp4”, “003.mp4”, etc.
Once you’ve loaded the files onto your storage device, connect the storage device to your Sprite player.
Step 2: Place your Motion Sensor
Effective placement of the motion sensor is equal parts strategy and artistry.
The motion sensor is triggered whenever a person or object enters the sensor path. If your guest is standing in the sensor path when the decoration finishes, it will start playing again instead of pausing and waiting for a new trigger to occur.
If you are playing a short decoration (like a startle scare), you may want to place the sensor in a spot where it can only be triggered once to ensure that the surprise won’t be spoiled for the next set of visitors.
Consider your other decorating props in your display when placing the motion sensor. You may be able to hide the sensor under a table holding your candy bowl, or on the other side of a decorative tombstone.
Step 3: Connect your Media Player
First, connect the Sprite Media Player to your TV, projector, or other display device. Most decorators will use the Sprite's HDMI connection, but you can also use the composite video cables included with the Sprite.
Next, connect your motion sensor to the port on the Sprite labeled “I/O”.
Finally, connect the included power cable to the Sprite, and turn it on.
As soon the Sprite powers up it will automatically detect your renamed video files and start playing the buffer file. If you need to adjust the settings, you can use the "Setup" button to stop playback and reveal the settings menu.
Step 4: Trigger the Sensor
Once a person moves within range of the sensor, the Sprite will trigger the decoration to play. As soon as the decoration has played entirely, it will loop back to the beginning of your buffer file.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
Now that you’re all set, test out the motion sensor. Try triggering it from different directions and distances, imagining how your audience may interact with your display. You may want to adjust the height and angle of your motion sensor to perfect the effect.