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frequently asked questions
Q. How do I turn off the beamz?
A. By selecting the power button on the application, the beamz unit stops working. Closing application causes the lasers to shut down.
Q. I get an error that says "All pipe instances are busy."
A. If you close and restart the software too fast, you will get an error that says "all pipe instances are busy". Just click OK and the software will continue to load, but the beamz unit will not come on. The software must be closed again and restarted.
Q. Windows says that this application has not passed Windows Logo testing.
A. We are in the process of obtaining Windows Logo certification. Rest assured that the beamz USB driver will not harm your PC. Simply press "Continue Anyway" and the software will finish installing.
Q. Windows tells me I need to have a driver.
A. Be sure to have the application installation CD in the drive when you connect the beamz unit to your computer for the first time. Alternately, if you already have the beamz application installed, you can "Browse" to the beamz folder and select the "USBIODS.sys" file and then continue driver installation. Make sure that you have connected the beamz controller into the same USB port that you originally used when you set-up your beamz. If you connect the beamz controller to a different USB port, you'll be prompted to reinstall the driver again.
Q. When I plug my beamz unit into my (USB hub, powered USB hub, keyboard, etc) my beamz unit (turns off, behaves erratically)/my computer restarts.
A. The beamz unit must be plugged directly into a USB port on the computer. Plugging the beamz unit into any sort of hub may cause the unit to behave in an unpredictable manner.
Q. I just installed the music files but I don't see any songs.
A. You must either restart the beamz application or select the path to the new music from the tools/options page before you will be able to see the newly added music files
Q. Why does this application not work on my 64 bit machine?
A. Presently, beamz does not provide 64 bit driver support. Updates will be available in the future.
Q. Can I use my beamz with a Mac computer?
A. If you own an Intel-based Macintosh with a dedicated video card (such as a MacBook Pro or Mac Pro, but not an iMac or iBook) and WinXP is installed on your Macintosh, you can run beamz using virtualization software such as Paralles Desktop 3.x or Vmware Fusion.
Q. How do I register my set of beamz?
A. Visit thebeamz.com to register your set of beamz. Click on the button that says "product registration."
Q. My beamz unit won't light up.
A. Make sure the beamz arms are seated securely in the base. If the beamz lasers still do not light up, check your USB cable connection. Make sure your beamz unit is on a flat, stable, level surface and the controller arms are securely inserted into the beamz base. Make sure there are no cables or other obstructions underneath either of the beamz unit arms. Such obstructions can cause the beamz unit to act unpredictable.
Q. How do I control the volume?
A. There are three ways to adjust the volume of your beamz: twist the round knob on the base of the beamz; slide the volume bar on the User Interface; adjust the volume on your computer.
Q. Why won't my USB port fit into the base of the beamz?
A. The USB port on the beamz base unit is actually inverted with the rounded edges pointing down instead of up.
Q. What songs should I play first?
A. We created a playlist called Easy Play... any of the songs in there are great starters!
Q. How do I start a song?
A. Once the song loads, the beamz unit will switch to ready to play mode. Click the large right button on the beamz controller base and the rhythm accompaniment will begin.
Q. Are the lasers dangerous?
A. The lasers used in the beamz music system are very safe. The beam emits a class 2 laser, which is the same class as the lasers used in grocery store scanners. Laser pointers sold in stores for cat toys are five times stronger than the lasers used in the beamz. To ensure the safety of all beamz players, the product has successfully met all safety standards after undergoing testing by a professional laser compliance consulting service which helps companies meet national and international standards.
Q. Why is there no sound coming from beamz?
A. Check that your computer is not on mute and that the volume levels are appropriate. If you desire to listen via speakers, make sure that your headphones are not plugged into your laptop.
Q. How does custom beamz layout work?
A. Please click this link for details on the custom beamz layout interface.
Q. How long will it take me to learn to play the beamz?
A. The beamz can literally be played by anyone regardless of age or experience. You do not need to know how to read music.
Q. What is the recommended minimum experience for the beamz players?
The beamz can literally be played by anyone regardless of age or experience. You do not need to know how to read music and no training is required. As with all products, young children should be supervised. However, don't be fooled by its simplicity. The beamz can also be used by experienced musicians who wish to perform and record their performances.
Q. What type of computer do I need?
To get the most out of the beamz system, we recommend the following minimum computer system requirements. 1. A Pentium 4 processor. 2. A PC running windows XP with Service Pack 2 and .Net 2.0 or Windows Vista. 3. A minimum of 512 MB of system memory (one GB or greater preferred). 4. Four GB of free hard disk space. 5. One free USB port. The beamz controller will not function correctly if connected to a USB hub. 6. A monitor with a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels or better. 7. A sound card and a speaker system or headphones.
Q. What accessories do I need?
To play the beamz, users need an appropriate computer (see system requirements). External speakers or headphones are recommended. Those items do not come in the beamz box.
Q. I do not have separate computer speakers. Can I still play the beamz?
The beamz can be played through the speakers built into your computer, however it is recommended players use speakers that can produce a more robust sound. Good quality free-standing computer speakers may satisfy many players.
Q. Can I play the beamz without the hardware attached?
Yes, you can trigger the beamz instruments by using the computer mouse and the virtual beamz pictured on your computer. But we think you'll have more fun using your hands and whole body to get into the rhythm.
Q. Why does everything (every beam) sound like a piano?
If you're hearing piano from every beam instead of the instrument/sound that is shown on the computer display, first try changing songs then returning to your desired selection. If that doesn't work, shut down the beamz app – restart - and reload your desired song.
Q. Why does the sound not ‘pulse' or not continually play a sequence of sounds/notes when I block the beam?
You may be playing a type of beam we call 'one shot' or 'advance'. A 'One shot' will play a single beat or short ‘riff' and then end. In order to continue to hear sounds you must pass your hand through the beam after each completion of the 'riff'. Another type of beam found on some songs is called a 'conductor' beam which may or may not have any sound on it. Passing your hand through this will advance the song to the next section/chord.
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