Cobalt, Congo ?

Question

Hi 
 Is the Cobalt software set to replace Congo? 
 As the Congo console in not being manufactured anymore will there be any further updates in the Congo software? 
 I understand the Cobalt will run on the congo sn. in parallel with the congo software. would it be a good idea to install the new cobalt software now to get used to it? 
 Apologies for the list of questions and for maybe asking what has been asked before. 
 Regards 
 Nik 
 Nik Jeremy 
 Technician, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, UK

Ric · Answer

A quick question: Does installing the Cobalt software on a Congo Snr. also install the latest (last) version of Congo software? Or does it keep the Congo version that was already installed? I'm just trying to determine file compatibility is going to be ok 'IF' we have to switch back & forth between Congo & Cobalt. i.e. what version Congo files are compatible with Cobalt; and how long will Cobalt versions be backwardly compatible with the last version of Congo?

kellison · Answer

Ric, 
 6.4.1 is apparently the last version of Congo software that will be released. Everything forward will be released as Cobalt software. 
 You can keep the existing Congo software and switch back and forth. According to the post in this forum by Kirk Starks announcing the release of Cobalt software... 
 Cobalt v7.0.0 software installs in a new folder as a parallel installation. This means that the existing Congo software installation folder and plays folder are unmodified and remain accessible and useable. 
 When you install Cobalt V7.0.0, the contents of the existing plays folder are COPIED into a new Cobalt plays folder, so all the existing show files are immediately available in Cobalt V7.0.0. 
 Opening a Cobalt v7.0.0 show in Congo v6.4.1 
 When make a show file in Cobalt v7.0.0, you can open it in Congo v6.4.1 by saving the file to USB, then switching to Congo v6.4.1 and opening the file from USB. 
 Switching your Congo between Congo v6.4.1 software and Cobalt v7.0.0 software 
 During this time of transition, if you need to return to Congo v6.4.1 use on your console (For example guest users who want to use the older version, touring shows, etc.) simply do the following: 
 Launching Congo v6.4.1 
 Press F1 on an external keyboard while powering up the system to start using the Congo software installation. From this point onward, the system will start as Congo v6.4.1. 
 Launching Cobalt v7.0.0 
 Press F2 on an external keyboard while powering up the system to start using the Cobalt software installation. From this point onward, the system will start as Cobalt. 
 Remember, you can switch between Congo and Cobalt as you need to - the two installations will not interfere with each other. 
 You can read the full post here http://community.etcconnect.com/forums/t/13479.aspx . 
 Regards, 
 Keith

starksk · Answer

Hi Ric, 
 Keith is correct about the Cobalt installer and previous versions of Congo. We do not automatically update the Congo version when updating to Cobalt 7.0.x. His suggestion to update the Congo side before updating to Cobalt is a good one, but if you have already updated to Cobalt 7.0.x, you can still update the Congo version by running the same Congo 6.4.1 installer. (Note that if you run it from the Cobalt side, you will still need to follow the F1 instructions to switch back to the Congo side) 
 As far as show file compatibility, show files created in Cobalt 7.0.x are backwards compatible only with 6.4.1. Congo show files created in earlier versions of Congo are subject to the notes listed in the release notes, but in general are compatible with Cobalt software. 
 Moving forward, we know that there will come a time when the features of Cobalt will not be backwards compatible with Congo 6.4.1. This is the same effect as version 6.4.1 show files not being compatible with a Congo running version 5.1.0. The ability to switch back to Congo from Cobalt is something that we added to help ease the transition. We hope that you will continue the forward journey with us as we develop new and exciting features.