Network Server and Remote Clicker

How is the PerfectCue® Network Server different from other products in this area?

Our our system is designed to use PerfectCue devices over the Internet. PerfectCue has a reputation for robust performance and reliability. It has become a standard in the industry. Our customers are audio visual professionals, event managers and staging companies that organize meetings for technical, scientific and business organizations. The PerfectCue Network server is designed for them, more so than end users.

Do I need a PerfectCue to use the PerfectCue Network Server?

No. When the presenter sends a virtual click, the cue is received by the Network Server application and is displayed with a light and (optionally) a sound. The operator can manually change slides on a nearby presentation computer in response to the cue. However, the system is much more effective when it is used to trigger a PerfectCue device that, in turn, controls one or more presentation computers.

Can I connect two PerfectCues?

The network server can only accept one connecting cable which connects to a single cue light. However multiple cue lights can be interconnected. Remember, every PerfectCue has two USB ports so two computers can be controlled remotely by a single cue light. In addition, the cable can be connected to DSan's PC-USB4 PC-Extender that has four USB ports.

"PerfectCue Not Detected." What could be wrong?

Although the PerfectCue connecting cable has a USB plug, the computer "sees" it as an ordinary COM port. Open the Control Panel. Navigate to Device Manager. Look for Ports (COM & LPT). The cable should appear as "USB Serial Port (COM X)." If you do not see it, try unplugging the cable and reconnecting to the computer. Some computers have security systems that block USB devices. Ordinarily, this should not prevent our cable from being recognized as a serial port.

The cable contains a microprocessor from Future Technology Devices, Intl. When you connect for the first time, Windows will try to install drivers. If properly installed, those drivers should be viewable under the Properties tab when right-clicking the Com port listing. As shown here. Those drivers must be installed in your System32 sub directory for the cable to function correctly.

Why does the meeting record need to include the Local IP address?

The presenter may be controlling his presentation over a local network such as in an a office or company. Therefore, his clicker app needs to retrieve the IP address of the server computer on the local network.

Can I control PowerPoint directly from the server application?

No. We made the decision not to provide this functionality. Generally, during a live presentation, you don't want to disturb the computer that is running the PowerPoint presentation. If the Network Server app is running on the same computer as the PowerPoint presention, as soon as you give the Server focus (to make adjustments), the PowerPoint app loses focus. A navigation keystroke such as Right Arrow or Left Arrow wouldn't work.

PerfectCue gives the most reliability and flexibility to control presentations.

How secure is my computer running a PerfectCue Network Server that can accept outside connections?

A look at the Windows Defender management panel will show many dozens of applications that are already allowed to communicate with outside hosts. Installing PerfectCue Network Server adds one additional opening and then only for communication for the Network Server. There are more than 65000 ports on most routers. So it would take a dedicated hacker a fair amount of time to find an open port and to know what kind of data it accepts to pass to your machine.

Why do you have two server interfaces – the actual server application and the Web site?

This is largely for convenience. But the arrangement affords some practical advantages.

The Web site and the server application both communicate with the same cloud database. Whatever information you see on the desktop application can be viewed on the Web site.

While the server is running, a meeting is opened and must remain open during a live meeting in order to receive "clicks" from a remote presenter. You would not want to disturb it. However, you can always use the Web site to create a new meeting, add presenters, send emails or text messages to presenters during the live meeting.

The Web site also provides an extensive user guide to the server administration.

Why do you ask for the password to my email address?

It is not "We" actually who ask for this. It is the server.

When you purchase PerfectCue Network Server software, we create a Web account for you with your email address as a login name because it is always unique. Your order number is the initial password. You may update the password. However, the account always remains with your email. (Please contact DSan if you wish to change the account email.

Yes, you can transfer the account to another person or company.)

When you first log in, you are asked to create a User Name. This could be your personal name or the name of your company. This is the From name that presenters will see when you communicate with them from within the application by email or text messaging. >

When you want to use the application to send invitations to presenter, by default, the From address is Meetings@SlideSyncService.com and the mail server is the SlideSyncServer mail server. If you wish that mail to presenters be sent through your email server, (this allows recipients to reply directly to you) you must provide your email address, your email password and your email server. This information is saved on your computer only. And it is encrypted. For security, this feature is not available when using the Web site to send messages because the Web site would be capturing your email details.

So, just to clear. When you submit your email account password, this is saved on your machine only and is never transmitted to the Network Server.

What is the purpose of delaying the slide change after the presenter’s click as been received?

Have you ever been in an airport or train station and heard a bell or some chime-like sound cue just before the announcement is made? This sound is designed to get your attention to listen. Without this cue, you might hear the announcement but not be paying enough attention to process it.

Many PowerPoint presentations have slides with multiple bullet points. Slides — especially text-heavy slides — tend to all look the same. Having a click or beep sound just prior to the slide change alerts the audience to pay attention to a new slide. It is a very subtle suggestion. Getting an audience to look at the screen before the slide change helps them to perceive the change as it happens.

It can also, in a subtle way, impart a rhythm to the presentation. People sense movement with the regular click sound.

How many copies of the server software can I run?

You can run an unlimited number of copies. Remember, however, that your purchase includes just one Web account. If you share your account credentials with others, they can see, edit, or even delete the meetings that you have set up. This could be disastrous during a live event.