SOFTWARE VERSION 3.6.1 WWW.PRG.
AutoPar®, Bad Boy®, Best Boy 4000®, PRG Series 400®, MBOX®, MBOX Extreme®, OHM™, Super Node™, V476®, V676®, Virtuoso®, Virtuoso® DX, Virtuoso® DX2, and VL6C+™ are trademarks of Production Resource Group, LLC, registered in the U.S. and other countries. Mac®, QuickTime® and FireWire® are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. All other brand names which may be mentioned in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction About This Manual........................................................................................................................................................................ Important Note About Consoles!.................................................................................................................................................. Additional Documentation .............................................................................................
Setup: Rendering................................................................................................................................................................. Setup: License..................................................................................................................................................................... Setup: Texture Size ......................................................................................................................................
Chapter 5. Pixel Mapping Basic Pixel-Mapping Overview..................................................................................................................................................................................... 66 Setup .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 67 Advanced Pixel-Mapping Creating Custom Fixtures...............................
REVISION HISTORY This manual has been revised as follows: VI Version Release Date Notes 02.9800.0003.36 January 8, 2013 Initial release. 02.9800.0003.36 A April 24, 2013 Updated to software version 3.6.
INTRODUCTION About This Manual This manual provides necessary information regarding product safety, installation, and operation for the following PRG product: + MBOX® Studio This manual applies to software version 3.6.1. Familiarizing yourself with this information will help you get the most out of your PRG product. WARNING: It is important to read ALL accompanying safety and installation instructions to avoid damage to the product and potential injury to yourself or others.
Training Videos Mbox Media Server Training Videos are available on the PRG website. The following is a list of videos that apply to MBOX Studio: + Patching: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-4/ + CITP - Streaming Feedback & Thumbnails: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-6/ + Daemon Application: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-7/ + Media Server Concepts: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-10/ + Play Modes: http://www.prg.
1. OVERVIEW This chapter provides an overview of MBOX features and operations.
GENERAL OVERVIEW Features MBOX allows advanced video playback and effects to be integrated into an automated lighting system. Powerful real time rendering, built-in effects, and interactive 3D objects provide tools for combining pre-recorded movies and still images to create visual imagery, which can be displayed by any projector, LED wall, plasma screen or LED lighting fixture.
Concepts of Operation Basic Function The basic function of MBOX is to control dynamic media - such as movie clips, still images and 3D objects - during a stage show or other performance. The resulting visual imagery is output to a display device such as a projector, LED wall, plasma screen or LED lighting fixture. Built-in features allow the media to be manipulated "on the fly" so that changes can be made during the actual performance and immediately seen on stage.
FIXTURE DESCRIPTIONS MBOX Environment Concept In order to get the most from MBOX Studio, it is important to understand the overall concept of the MBOX environment, which is essentially a building platform for "virtual scenery." The final "look" of this virtual scenery is comprised of multiple layers. These layers can be made up of backgrounds and 3D objects, all of which are controllable elements within the MBOX environment.
Training Video: Mbox Media Server Training Video Chapter 10: Media Server Concepts Fixture and Layer Overview The MBOX environment is based on the concept of layers. The system supports up to 8 active layers at a time, each having its own particular elements and parameters. The elements include a choice of still images, movies, or 3D objects. The parameters include settings such as opacity, texture, intensity, color, blending, rotation, and many more.
LAYERS Fixture: Texture (2D) + Effect 1 with Controls A & B + Effect 2 with Controls A & B + Blend Mode + Drawmode + Color: Red, Green, Blue + Opacity + Texture Folder Number + Texture File Number + Playmode + Playspeed + In-Frame + Out-Frame + Sync Stream and Sync Offset (Timecode and Layer-to-Layer) + Frame Blending + Crossfade Type and Timing Fixture: Objects (3D) + X and Y Position + Scale + X and Y Scale + X, Y, Z Rotation + Object File Number For a complete parameter maps, refer to "Parameter Mapp
Guidelines: + The intensity level must be above 0 to see any output. Shutter Control MBOX has shutters, much like a Leko, which can be used to mask off areas of the final image. The shutters can be thought of as sitting in between the viewer and the layers. They do not affect any one layer or group of layers, only the final image. Shutters can be positioned, rotated, colored, and softened. Guidelines: + Each shutter has two channels of control for its position/angle.
OPERATING MODES MBOX Studio Modes MBOX Studio has two modes of operation: Studio (Single Output), and Studio Pan Wide (Panoramic Wide). The primary purpose of the operating modes is to configure the screen arrangement and required Art-Net universes. Note: MBOX Studio modes are not compatible with MBOX Designer or MBOX Extreme profiles. The MBOX Setup tab, covered later in this manual, is used to change the operating mode. (Refer to "Setup" on page 27).
2. INSTALLATION This chapter provides instructions for installing the MBOX Studio software and getting started.
SETUP Installing MBOX Studio Software The MBOX Studio installer will place the required files in several places on your computer. You must have the necessary rights to install software on that computer (password authentication).
GETTING STARTED Overview When launched, the MBOX Studio software will initially show a splash screen. After a brief pause, the application window will appear. During this time the software will scan and index all media. Depending on the preferences, the software may enter Fullscreen mode. In Fullscreen mode, if no control signal is being received the output screen may be black. This is normal and you can exit Fullscreen mode at any time (see below).
MBOX Daemon MBOX network communication involves a software application called MBOX Daemon. This software is required on all MBOX servers to enable remote feedback. When the MBOX application is launched (on the MBOX server), it will automatically launch the last version of MBOX Daemon used on that computer. To view the Daemon interface, choose it in the dock or press [ D] while the MBOX application is in Window mode.
Patching Fixtures In order to control MBOX, it will need to be "patched" to a control console. Patching allows channels to be mapped to the controllable elements of the MBOX environment. Use the following guidelines when patching: + The MBOX Studio software, using eight layers of playback, requires at least 434 channels. + One Art-Net universe per server is required. + It is not recommended to patch more than one MBOX server to a single universe, as this will limit the number of layers that can be used.
Parameter Mapping Summary: Single Output Start Size Type 1 11 Master 12 8 Keystone 20 14 Shutter 34 42 Layer 1 76 42 Layer 2 118 42 Layer 3 160 42 Layer 4 202 42 Layer 5 244 42 Layer 6 286 42 Layer 7 328 42 Layer 8 Universe 1st 369 Total Channels Summary: Dual Output - Panoramic Wide 16 Start Size Type 1 11 Master 12 8 Keystone 20 14 Shutter 34 42 Layer 1 76 42 Layer 2 118 42 Layer 3 160 42 Layer 4 202 42 Layer 5 244 42 Layer 6 286 42 L
Playing Back Video - Quick Start Once a console has been connected, the MBOX fixtures patched, and the display device turned on, video can be played back. IMPORTANT! The following procedure assumes that some content has been placed at Folder 001 / File 001. To immediately play back video: Step 1. At console, select Master fixture and set its intensity to full. Step 2. Select Layer 1 fixture and set its opacity to full. (Note that when viewing in the HUD, opacity will be shown as "opac.
Step 4. At this point, adjust the folder and file parameters to change to different media content. For example, changing to another folder and file might result in the following clip: Step 5. To apply an effect to the layer, for example, set the Effect 1 parameter to 2 (sepia tone) and set the Effect 1 Control A to 255 (full).
3. OPERATION This chapter provides instructions for configuration and operation of MBOX Studio.
MEDIA CONTENT File Type Specifications MBOX supports Apple QuickTime® technology for rendering and playback of images and movie files. The following file types are supported: Still Image Files JPEG (.jpeg or .jpg), PNG (.png), TARGA (.tga), TIFF (.tiff or .tif) for still image files. + For still images not requiring transparency, JPEG is the best choice. + To use files with transparency, PNG is the best choice. Movie Files QuickTime format (.mov) for movie files.
If the file extension of a DV movie file is changed from .mov to .vid, MBOX will deinterlace the movie as it plays. The results of deinterlacing on the fly are not as good as when using deinterlaced content, but this means that interlaced content can be played without it looking as noticeable. As is the case with all media servers, MBOX playback performance can decrease as the resolution of its media files increases.
Library folders within the Media folder must have a number prefix and can have a descriptive name separated from the number by a period or a space. For example: 025.Central Park or 025 Central Park Files within each library folder must have a numerical prefix, can have a descriptive name if desired, and must have a three-letter file extension. Each of these parts should be separated by a period: 001.Great Lawn.jpg or 001.
Additional Media Content Organization Guidelines + Media folders 000 and 255 are reserved for default files and utility files respectively. The MBOX Studio software can use a video capture card to receive external video input. This input can be used to display video from an external source on any layer, as if it were content on the server's harddrive. You may also display video from a USB or FireWire® camera connected directly to the computer.
Adding Media Content When adding content files, it is recommended that new, unique folder numbers be created for the custom content. It is possible to have more than one folder with the same numerical prefix, however, as long as the content files within such folders do not have the same numerical prefix. Also, folders need not have numerical prefixes. CAUTION! Numbered content files will be assigned a folder number that is equal to the numerical prefix of their immediate parent folder.
Creating and Viewing Content Thumbnails The MBOX Studio software can create thumbnail images of content placed on the hard-drive. To force an update of thumbnails by MBOX Studio, press [ T]. Thumbnail images are stored in a standard location on every server and are grouped with HTML files that allow any networked computer (Mac or PC) to use an HTML browser to view the thumbnails. Individual thumbnails can also be used by consoles connected to the server.
APPLICATION WINDOW Overview The MBOX Studio application window allows the server’s output to be viewed in either Window or Fullscreen mode on the preview monitor. Fullscreen - While in Fullscreen mode, the server’s output (i.e., video) will be displayed at "full screen" without any user interface showing. In this mode, the output will also be visible on the Stage output of the Dual I/O module. Window - While in Window mode, the application’s user interface will be displayed.
Setup The Setup tab of the MBOX Studio application window is used to: + Set the operating mode and Art-Net universe for the MBOX Studio software. + Set the software to start in either Window or Fullscreen mode. For Window mode, the window size can be set. For Fullscreen mode, the resolution can be set. + Input License Key to authorize the software. + Set a width and height for Textures.
Setup: Control The Control section is used to set the operating mode, protocol, address and layer count for the server. + Mode - use this pop-up menu to select the desired mode. (Refer to "Operating Modes" on page 10 for detailed information about each mode.) It is important that the operating mode match the console profile that is being used.
if the EDID does not match the setting entered here, MBOX Studio will not output the desired resolution and/or frequency when the software enters Fullscreen mode. Always confirm that you have the appropriate EDID before using the MBOX Studio software.
+ Force Desktop Mode - when this box is checked, MBOX Studio will will force the Mac's desktop resolution and frequency to match the Fullscreen mode resolution and frequency. This will result in faster switching back and forth, and also prevent the SDI output from being interrupted. Once the desktop resolution has been set, the operating system will remember the setting. By default it is off (unchecked).
Setup: Texture Size The Texture Size section is used to set the resolution of the largest content (still or movie) that will be displayed. This setting should be kept to the lowest possible minimum, since overly large values can negatively affect performance. If you attempt to display content that is larger than the Texture Size - either in width or height - it will automatically be reduced in size (in 50% increments) until it fits within the Texture Size.
Setup: Video Inputs The Video Inputs section is used to select and configure the local video inputs to the server. These inputs can be a PCIe video capture card (e.g., Blackmagic Decklink) or a USB or FireWire camera. When setting up the video inputs, make sure that none of the layers are attempting to display the video input that is being configured.
HEADS UP DISPLAYS (HUDS) Overview MBOX Studio provides Heads Up Displays (HUDs) that contain detailed information about the server. There are two methods for calling up most of these HUDs: the Camera fixture control channel or the keyboard. Refer to the chart on page 101 for a listing of discrete values for the Camera Control Channel.
Using the HUDs The HUDs can be very useful during programming to view the values for fixtures and parameters. When making changes to the parameters, the values will be immediately reflected in HUD screens. For example, when making changes to parameters on the Layer 1 Fixture, they can be viewed in the Layer:Texture HUD (F2). The following screen shows Layer 1 with the default levels: This next screen shows Layer 1 after some modifications have been made to the effects, color and scale.
DISPLAY DEVICES Connected Display Devices and EDID Without special hardware or software, a typical computer can only output video resolutions and frequencies that are supported by the display equipment that is connected to it. Display devices communicate their required input configurations via EDID (Extended Display Identification Data), which is essentially a communication protocol used between a device and a computer.
ENHANCING MBOX PERFORMANCE Recommended Practices Use the following recommended practices to enhance the performance of your MBOX system: + Disable any screen-savers. + Disable File Sharing and Remote Management (any and all sharing, in fact). + Turn off automatic software updates. + Disable Spotlight on all connected hard-drives by placing them in the Privacy table. + Set Energy Saver settings to disable computer and display sleep, and to stop hard-drives from being put to sleep.
4. ADVANCED FEATURES This chapter provides instructions for using the MBOX advanced features.
3D OBJECTS AND DIGITAL GOBOS About 3D Models and Digital Gobos (Objects) 3D Model and Digital Gobo files are arranged into individual folders within the /Mbox/Models folder. Lighting All 3D models and digital gobos require some amount of lighting to be properly visible. MBOX Studio uses default lighting settings for 3D objects, which is not adjustable. You may turn on full ambient lighting for any layer by using Drawmode 1 (refer to "Using Drawmodes" on page 47).
All appropriate files in the Models folder will be compiled automatically the first time MBOX Studio is started (and successfully locates them). Thereafter, files in the Models folder will only be compiled if they are new or if they have been modified since the last time MBOX Studio was used. Compiling all of the stock files in the Models folder takes some time, but this task occurs in the background, allowing all other functions to be available during this process.
Creating Custom Digital Gobos Overview Custom digital gobos can be created in two formats: SVG and AI (Adobe Illustrator®). Adobe Illustrator is the best application for creating custom digital gobos because it provides the best toolset for features that MBOX supports. SVG files are the most compatible and they provide better functionality than AI files. The MBOX vertex array compiler pays attention to "object fill" information in these file types.
Step 2. Use the various drawing tools to compose the gobo. The most useful tools are the objects (ellipse, rectangle, polygon, or star), the paintbrush, the linear tools (line, arc, spiral), text tool, and the pencil. All of these tools, except the line tool, will create a filled object. Filled objects will be compiled as solid areas in MBOX and will be the areas that accept a texture, if one is applied. Text Lines Objects Paint Brush Pencil Tool Options Step 3.
Step 4. To expand an object, first select the object, then choose Expand from the Object menu. This will open a pop-up window. You don't need to change any of the options in the window, just press OK. Add more objects as desired. (You can use multiple layers, if required.) Step 5. Use the text tool to create text as desired. Use the Character options to set font and size.
Step 6. Text is a special case, and must be converted out "outlines." Switch to the Selection Tool and select the text. Select "Type" in the menu bar, and then select "Create Outlines." You cannot make outlined text (stroke only), it has to be filled. Step 7. If you are creating an SVG gobo, you need to apply a crop area to the document. The size and location of this crop area will determine whether your digital gobo will fall under Option 1 or Option 2.
Step 8. Before you saving the file, consider where the center of the file should be. By default, the center of a digital gobo will appear in the center of the MBOX window and the gobo will rotate around that center point. If you save the file as an AI file, you can set the center by modifying the origin of the file in Illustrator.
Animated Digital Gobos MBOX animated gobos are similar to SVG gobos, but they have special functions. Animated gobos, saved as .dgob files, are located in the /Mbox/Models folder. Unlike normal digital gobos, these files do not need to be compiled so there will be no corresponding .vtxa files. Like other digital gobos, the animated gobos are treated as objects and some of them require lighting. EuroFlag (005) The EuroFlag animated gobo is very basic. The layer’s texture is applied to each star.
TV Screen v1.4 (006) The TV Screen animated gobo allows a texture to be placed onto a plane in 3D space and manipulated it as a 3D object. The texture can rotate and spin on all three X, Y, and Z axes. (A texture on its own will only rotate on the Z axis.) The TV Screen will automatically light itself and Drawmode 1 does not have to be set for it to be visible.
DRAWMODES Using Drawmodes The Drawmodes feature provides control over how a 3D object is lit and how it interacts with other layers. Drawmode has its own control channel with several modes. The different Drawmodes are: + + + + 0 = Idle 1 = Light 2 = Cut Stencil 3 = Cut plus Light + + + + 4 = Cut and Draw 5 = Cut, Draw plus Light 6 = Draw Thru Stencil 7 = Draw Thru plus Light + 8 = Draw Onto Stencil + 9 = Draw Onto plus Light For a complete channel map, refer to "Draw Mode" on page 103.
The Stencil To explain the Drawmodes other than "Light" requires an explanation of the "Stencil" and what it means to cut it, draw onto it and draw through it. The Stencil is an imaginary layer that can be cut, as if cutting holes in a piece of paper. The Stencil can then be used as a tool to tell other layers how their textures are applied: either onto the areas where the stencil is whole or the areas where the Stencil has holes in it.
The following shows an example of using the Stencil to affect a higher numbered layer. The left image shows a digital gobo on Layer 1 in Drawmode 1 (Light) so that it can be seen. The right image shows a movie clip on Layer 2 in Drawmode 0 (idle). The movie on Layer 2 obscures the gobo on Layer 1. In the example below, on the left, Layer 2 has been set to Drawmode 6 (Draw thru Stencil) and on the right it has been set to Drawmode 8 (Draw onto Stencil).
The benefits of the various Drawmodes become more apparent when the holes cut into the Stencil are used to affect more than one layer. Interesting results can be achieved by using a movie with a transparency effect to cut the Stencil. In the example below, the left-hand image shows a movie playing on Layer 1, and on the right, that same movie with the White Alpha Effect (056) turned on.
LAYER BLENDING MODES Using Layer Blending There are seven layer blending modes. Many of these layer blending modes have been chosen to best replicate common modes found in commercial image editing software (e.g. PhotoShop®, After Effects®). The modes and their values are: + 0 - Default Overlay: no layer blending + 1 - Additive: layer’s colors are added to underlying colors (blacks appear transparent). + 2 - Screen: similar to above, with less of underlying color (blacks appear transparent).
LAYER COPY Using Layer Copy At times, there may be a need to play the same movie content on more than one layer at the same time. The same content can be requested on multiple layers, but doing so causes the content to be read from the hard-drive more than once, as well as being decompressed more than once. This is a waste of resources if you intend to display the same frame of the same movie on multiple layers at the same time.
TEXT FILES Support for Text Files MBOX can display text using RTF (Rich Text Format) or TXT (Text) files. Both files will work, but the RTF format will result in higher quality. .rtf An RTF file can be created by using the TextEdit application on the Mac computer. Simply type some text into a document and then save as an RTF file. Be sure to give the document a numerical prefix, make sure it has a file extension of .rtf, and place it in the Media folder.
AUDIO Audio Output Features Overview In addition to movies, still images, and 3D objects, MBOX can also play audio files. Audio can be played back by any of the following methods: + The Mac computer’s internal speaker. + The Mac computer’s line-out or digital audio connectors. Selecting an Output Device In order for sound to play, the appropriate audio output device must be selected in the Mac's Sound Preference window. (To use the XLR or 3.
+ Audio files must be AIFF files - Stereo (L&R), 16-bit Integer, Linear PCM encoding, Big-Endian or Little-Endian. + The sample rate of the audio file must match the default sample rate of the computer for it to play at the correct speed (44.1kHz) . + A triggered audio file will always loop when the triggering movie loops (at the movie's out-point). If the audio is triggered by a still image, it will play once and not loop.
SYNCHRONIZATION Timecode Synchronization (Timecode Sync Playmode) MBOX allows movie playback to be synchronized to external SMPTE or MIDI timecode, or a simple internal clock. The timecode sync works with both 30 fps non-drop and 30 fps drop-frame timecode and requires the use of the MBOX Remote application (refer to "MBOX Remote Operation" on page 88).
Note: Apple's Property List Editor application is an optional install with the Snow Leopard developer tools only. In Lion and Mountain Lion, you will need to find an alternate editor for Property List files. To create a TimeCodes file using Apple's Property List Editor application: Step 1. Locate Property List Editor icon in /Applications/Mbox Utilities folder and double-click on icon. An Untitled window will open. Step 2. At window, click Add Child button. At Key field, enter a number which is library.
Receiving SMPTE Timecode (LTC) SMPTE timecode input can be connected to the audio line-in port on the Mac computer. Both balanced and unbalanced SMPTE signals are accepted, as are both 30fps non-drop-frame and 30fps dropframe formats. "Line In" must be selected as the audio input source in the Sound preference window in the Mac's system preferences. The input volume can also be adjusted here. Receiving MIDI Timecode A USB->MIDI interface box is required to receive MIDI timecode within MBOX Studio.
Layer-To-Layer Synchronization MBOX offers the ability to synchronize playback of a designated master layer on one server to a layer on another server. A layer on one server can sync to the same numbered layer on another server, or one of two sync streams can be selected for both sync mastering and slaving.
Kiosk Playmodes Several Kiosk Modes are available for controlled playback of files. + 180 - Kiosk Mode non-looping, pause on last frame of last file - this is the same as the range of 180-184 in MBOX v3.3. + 181 - Kiosk Mode non-looping, loop last file - this mode will loop the last file in the folder using the layer's currently selected crossfade type and time. + 182 - Kiosk Mode non-looping, fade out last file - this mode will fade the last file to transparent using the layer's current crossfade time.
ALIGNMENT RECTANGLES Using Alignment Rectangles Oftentimes there is a need for program content to conform to a particular area of the output. This is especially true when outputting to a device that will crop the video signal or when using one server to drive multiple LED screens using one layer per screen. In this case, Alignment Rectangles can be used to aid in the placement of content on the MBOX video outputs.
Alignment Rectangle Grouping: It is possible to have nine (9) groups of Alignment Rectangles. The group number comes into play when the Master control channel is set to a value that makes Alignment Rectangles visible. Rectangles can be assigned to groups using the MBOX Remote application. (Refer to "Setup of Alignment Rectangles Using Remote" on page 93.
EFFECTS AND TRANSITIONS Effects and Transitions with Additional Input Files Effects and transitions that require additional image input files will use numbered files placed in a specific location inside the Mbox folder.
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5. PIXEL MAPPING This chapter provides instructions for setup and operation of the MBOX pixel-mapping feature.
BASIC PIXEL-MAPPING Overview The MBOX software allows mapping of certain functions of Art-Net-controlled fixtures (RGB, Intensity, CMY, etc.) to each of the pixels in the composite video image. Up to 32 universes of Art-Net data is generated from the screen image and is output from an available Ethernet port of the Mac computer. It may be necessary to use an Art-Net to DMX512 converter to change the data into a more suitable protocol if the device intended to be controlled cannot receive Art-Net directly.
The following guidelines assume that you are using a second Ethernet port to output pixel-mapping Art-Net and that the first Ethernet port will be set to receive Art-Net to control MBOX Studio. + Typically Art-Net is sent to the broadcast destination IP address for the local network being used. For Art-Net this destination address is usually 2.255.255.255.
Setup tab, or twice that size if one of the Panoramic output modes is being used (see "Setup: Fullscreen Mode" on page 28). The pixel-mapping context’s origin is at the bottom left of the grid and that origin is position (0,0). In the illustration above, a 50 x 50 context has been applied over a fullScreen size of 800px x 600px. Each rectangular subdivision of the context will be (800px/50) x (600px/50), or 16px x 12px.
Once you have placed several fixtures on the context grid, you are ready to see what they can do. Press [Return] or the Place New Fixtures button to exit fixture placement mode. You should save your file by clicking the Save button at this time. The text field above the file action buttons displays the location of the current pixel-mapping file. Click the Mbox tab at the top of the window to return to the Window view and play some content.
By default MBOX Studio will broadcast pixel map Art-Net using the destination address, but in cases where the computer is connected to ArtPoll compliant devices (e.g. Artistic Licence Ether-Lynx) MBOX will unicast selected universes to the specific IP Address for those devices. If more than one device responds stating that they require a universe of data, then that universe will be broadcast instead of being unicast. + Most Art-Net devices use an IP address of 2.#.#.# and subnet mask of 255.0.0.0.
ADVANCED PIXEL-MAPPING Creating Custom Fixtures MBOX Studio allows you to create custom fixture profiles for use in your patch. At the Pixel Map tab, click on the Fixture Type pop-up menu and choose Create New Profile. A window will open to enable you to set up a new fixture profile. You can select the shape of the pixels (rectangle or circle) that your new fixture will display on the screen, the type of fixture (RGB, CMY, CYM, or Intensity), and its default rotation (in 90° increments).
depend on the fixture and its orientation. Finally, you select if the scan is linear (moves across one row and then across the next in the same direction) or if it is zigzag (moves across one row and then across the next in the opposite direction). Go ahead and create a new fixture profile. Give the profile a name and then a width and a height. Select a shape for the pixels in the fixture and then a pixel type and a fixture rotation if desired.
The second task is to determine the portion of the context grid onto which each screen sample will be mapped. Without Sample Areas, the entire screen image is mapped directly to the context for conversion to Art-Net - so something at the top of the screen will always be mapped to fixtures that are placed at the top of the context grid.
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6. VIDEO INPUT This appendix provides setup instructions for the MBOX video inputs.
OVERVIEW Video Input The MBOX Studio software allows for up to two video inputs per server. Each input must be set up in advance for it to work properly with the video signal that is being used. The three types of supported video inputs are: Blackmagic Decklink, QuickTime streaming (other video capture card) and USB/FireWire (camera). Using a Video Capture Card A video capture card installed in the Mac computer can act as a video input for the MBOX Studio software.
CONFIGURATION Setting Video Input for a Video Capture Card NOTE: A Blackmagic Design card is shown in this procedure. Before attempting to use a video input from a BlackMagic video capture card, it will be necessary to configure the card for the type of video signal that it will be receiving. This configuration is done outside the MBOX Studio software. To configure video capture card: Step 1. Quit MBOX Studio application, if running. Step 2. At Apple menu, select System Preferences. Step 3.
Step 4. At Blackmagic Design window, click on the "Set input" pop-up menu to select the appropriate input type. The available choices will depend on the input signals that the installed card is able to receive, as different cards may have different input types. In the case of the Decklink HD Extreme capture card (show below), the three possible selections are: SDI Video, Component Video, and Composite Video (Y in).
Configuring Video Input within MBOX Once the appropriate video signal type for the BlackMagic video capture card has been selected (see previous procedure), MBOX must be told which stream to "listen to." In other words, if you are receiving a 720p/59.94 signal on the input to the video capture card, MBOX needs to listen to the 720p/59.94 stream and not one of the others. To configure video input: Step 1. Start MBOX Studio software. Step 2.
Step 8. When enabled, the Sub checkbox will cause MBOX to display a substitute image if a Decklink input is not available. The default substitute image is a blue rectangle with the input number and format listed. You can use a custom substitute still image by typing the Folder.File index (e.g. 004.001) into the field next to the Sub checkbox. The substitute image does not work for QuickTime inputs. Step 9. Once everything is set up correctly, click Close button to close setup window. Step 10.
7. CONTENT CREATION This chapter contains information on the proper formatting of content for playback with MBOX.
CREATING CUSTOM CONTENT Creating Movies and Audio Files As mentioned earlier in this manual, MBOX will try to play any QuickTime movie -no matter what codec it may be however, movies using non-preferred codecs may not play as well as movies that use the preferred codecs. While MBOX will do the best job possible to play any movie content, if the file is not optimized specifically for MBOX, poor results may occur.
+ Other codecs, when treated as non-preferred, are played in a QuickTime "wrapper" rather than natively in MBOX. Because of this, playback may be poor, playmodes other than FWD Loop and FWD Once may not work, movies may not loop unless the in/out points are rolled inwards slightly, frame blending will not work, and some transitions and effects may not work properly. On the plus side, embedded audio tracks in movies with nonpreferred codecs may play when the movie is played.
of either file (especially the movie file) once the two have been separated. (You can always shorten the movie or play portions of it by adjusting the in and out points.) AIFF audio files for playback on MBOX must be encoded as 2-channel (Stereo: L & R), LPCM, 16-bit Integer (Big or Little Endian) at a sample rate of 44.1 kHz. Other sample rates will play, but will not play at the correct speed. MBOX cannot play more than one AIFF audio file at a time. The most recent file requested will play.
Alpha Channel in Movies – the Animation and ProRes 4444 Codecs It is often very useful to be able to add areas of transparency to a layer when using MBOX. This will make it possible to see other layers behind, to create a "knockout" for IMAG, or to properly display a movie that uses green-screen technology. When creating content, there are several QuickTime codecs that allow an alpha channel (transparency information) to be embedded in a movie.
Notes 86 MBOX® STUDIO USER MANUAL
A. MBOX REMOTE APPLICATION This appendix provides operation instructions for the MBOX Remote application.
MBOX REMOTE OPERATION About MBOX Remote The MBOX Remote application is used for remote control and monitoring of MBOX. The application can be used on any Mac computer (running Leopard® X 10.5.7 or greater) to monitor from a remote location. MBOX Daemon Before discussing the MBOX Remote application, it is important to note that MBOX Daemon software is required on all servers to enable remote feedback to both MBOX Remote and to CITP/MSEX-enabled devices.
General Operation Before opening the MBOX Remote application, ensure that your computer is on a network with one or more MBOX servers. It is important that all MBOX servers be running the latest versions of the MBOX and the MBOX Daemon applications, and that all computers have compatible network settings.
To add an MBOX server for monitoring, double-click on the server. The server(s) will be added to the window: At the Server View Settings section of the Preferences window, adjust the Size (width in pixels), Mode (single or dual output), Aspect (4:3 or 16:9), and number of columns as desired. It is a good idea to make things larger at this time, and if you have servers using two outputs or a 16:9 aspect ratio, set those preferences as well.
To see more details about a layer, click and drag that layer to an empty spot on one of the breakout columns: To delete a Server View or Breakout View, right-click on the view and then select "Remove" from the pop-up menu. To see more information about a server or layer, hover the cursor over one of the Breakout video streams for approximately 3 seconds.
Description of Indicators The Remote window has several indicators that provide system information. Server status - The green, yellow, or red dot to the left of the server name in the Server View column indicates the running status of the server: + Green – Server connection OK, MBOX running in Fullscreen mode. + Green/Yellow Flashing – Server connection OK, MBOX running in Window mode. + Yellow – Server connection OK, MBOX not running. + Red – No server connection.
Setting MBOX Server Preferences Remotely If you select a server or layer on the Remote main window and then press [ P], the MBOX Server Preferences window will open. This window allows you to remotely set the preferences of the server: Art-Net Universe, Number of Layers, Alignment Rectangles. To edit a setting, click inside the box that surrounds the name of the setting. The preference will become active so that it can be edited. Note that text values will require pressing [enter] to accept them.
Step 8. Specify a Screen and Group as required. Step 9. Press "Set" button to apply rectangle settings. If rectangles are not currently being displayed, all rectangles in the selected group will appear briefly to show the location of the new rectangle. If rectangles are being displayed, the new rectangle will appear and remain until the alignment rectangle display is turned off.
Timecode Window To toggle the Timecode window on and off, press [ T] on the keyboard. + Source – choose the appropriate source for timecode: Generator, Audio In Left, Audio In Right, or MTC (MIDI timecode). + Output – Local (internal routing only), or an active Ethernet port (for sending timecode over the network to MBOX servers). + Auto-Start – enabling this will cause timecode be active as soon as the Remote application launches.
Notes 96 MBOX® STUDIO USER MANUAL
B. PARAMETER MAPPING This Appendix contains tables for the combined parameter map, as well as, additional controls such as playmodes, tiling, shutter shapes, aspect control, blending control, texture effect, transitions, and built-in shapes.
Parameter Mapping Charts One MBOX server running v3.6 software or greater is made up of between 14 and 22 fixtures depending on the operating mode. For ease of use, some consoles may split the Layer fixture into two separate fixtures. Previous operating modes have significant differences in the arrangement of parameters. In all cases, a show programmed to run in one particular operating mode will not be compatible with a server running another mode.
Summary: Single Output Start Size Type 1 11 Master 12 8 Keystone 20 14 Shutter 34 42 Layer 1 76 42 Layer 2 118 42 Layer 3 160 42 Layer 4 202 42 Layer 5 244 42 Layer 6 286 42 Layer 7 328 42 Layer 8 Parameter Descriptions Universe Fixture Size Type 1 11 Master 12 8 Keystone 20 14 Shutter 34 42 Layer 1 76 42 Layer 2 118 42 Layer 3 160 42 Layer 4 202 42 Layer 5 244 42 Layer 6 286 42 Layer 7 328 42 Layer 8 Description Pixel Map Level Inte
Parameter Descriptions (Continued) Fixture Parameter Description Red Red additive Green Blue Shutter Parameter Description Out Frame Sets out-frame of movie content Sync Stream Blue additive Opacity of shutter blades Edge Softness Adjusts the soft edge of the shutters Selects 1 of 16 channels for playback synchronization Sync Offset Adjusts layer's playback sync offset later/earlier Frame Blending Adjusts the amount of interframe blending for movie content Shutter 1a Bottom-left corner
Master Control Channel Master Values Chan Size Function 1 1 Pixel Map Level 116-117 Default Snap 255 118-119 N 2 1 Pixel Map Control 0 Y 3 1 Texture Effect 1 0 Y 4 1 Modifier 1a 0 N 5 1 Modifier 1b 0 N 6 1 Red 255 N 7 1 Green 255 N 8 1 Blue 255 N Command Timecode HUD Bottom Right Timecode HUD Bottom Left 120 Show Alignment Rectangles No Group, No X or O 121 Show Alignment Rectangles Group 1, No X or O 122 Show Alignment Rectangles Group 2, No X or O 123
Keystone Shutter Chan Size Function Default Snap Chan Size Function 1 1 Keystone 1a 0 N 1 1 Red 0 N 2 1 Keystone 1b 0 N 2 1 Green 0 N 3 1 Keystone 2a 0 N 3 1 Blue 0 N 4 1 Keystone 2b 0 N 4 2 Scale 32767 N 5 1 Keystone 3a 0 N 6 1 Edge Softness 0 N 6 1 Keystone 3b 0 N 7 1 Shutter 1a 0 N 7 1 Keystone 4a 0 N 8 1 Shutter 1b 0 N 8 1 Keystone 4b 0 N 9 1 Shutter 2a 0 N 10 1 Shutter 2b 0 N 11 1 Shutter 3a 0 N 12 1 S
Layer Layer Blend Mode Chan Size Function Default Snap 1 1 Effect 1 0 Y 2 1 Modifier 1a 0 N 3 1 Modifier 1b 0 N 4 1 Effect 2 0 Y 5 1 Modifier 2a 0 N 6 1 Modifier 2b 0 N 7 1 Layer Blend Mode 0 Y 8 1 Draw Mode 0 Y 9 1 Red 255 N 10 1 Green 255 N 11 1 Blue 255 N 12 1 Opacity 0 N 13 1 Texture Folder 0 Y 14 1 Texture File 0 Y 15 1 Play Mode 0 Y 16 1 Play Speed 127 N 17 2 In Frame 0 N 19 21 2 Out Frame 65535 N 1 Sync
Play Mode Values Frame Blending Play Mode 0-9 Forward Loop 10-19 Reverse Loop 20-29 Forward Once 30-39 Reverse Once 40-49 Forward Bounce 50-59 Reverse Bounce 60-69 Random 80-89 Scrub - In Frame 90-99 Scrub - Out Frame 130-134 Values Description 0 No Frame Blending (more accurately, blend time = 0) 1-255 Variable Frame Blend Time, as a proportion of the frame time. This is a square-law control, and 50% blend time is achieved at value 210, 25% blend time at value 165.
Effects Refer to notes at end of Effects table.
Effects (Continued) Refer to notes at end of Effects table.
Effects (Continued) Refer to notes at end of Effects table.
Effects (Continued) Refer to notes at end of Effects table.
Transitions Refer to notes at end of Transitions table.
Transitions (Continued) Refer to notes at end of Transitions table.
MBOX® Studio User Manual Version as of: April 24, 2013 PRG part number: 02.9800.0003.
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