SOFTWARE VERSION 3.8 WWW.PRG.
AutoPar®, Bad Boy®, Best Boy®, MBOX®, Nocturne®, PRG Series 400®, V476®, V676®, and Virtuoso® 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. This manual is for informational use only and is subject to change without notice. Please check www.prg.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction About This Manual........................................................................................................................................................................ Important Note About Consoles!.................................................................................................................................................. Additional Documentation .............................................................................................
Console Interface........................................................................................................................................................................ 29 Viewing Thumbnails in a Browser............................................................................................................................................... 30 Application Window Overview .....................................................................................................................
Synchronization Timecode Synchronization (Timecode Sync Playmode) ............................................................................................................ Linking Files to Timecode (Method 1) ................................................................................................................................. TC DMX Controls ..........................................................................................................................................................
Audio ................................................................................................................................................................................. Discrete Audio Support for Multichannel Audio ....................................................................................................................... Alpha Channel in Movies – the Animation and ProRes 4444 Codecs ......................................................................................
REVISION HISTORY This manual has been revised as follows: Version Release Date Notes 02.9800.0004.38 May 9, 2014 Initial release.
Notes VIII MBOX® MINI USER MANUAL
INTRODUCTION About This Manual This manual provides necessary information regarding product safety, installation, and operation for the following PRG product: + Mbox® Mini This manual applies to software version 3.8. 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 Mini: + 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 Mini 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 Mini, 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 4 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 + 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 Color indications: + Green - at default value. + Orange - not at default value.
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, colored, and softened. Guidelines: + Each shutter has two channels of control for its position/angle. Keystone Control The Keystone fixture allows the final output image to be "straightened up" (i.e.
OPERATING MODES Mbox Mini Modes Mbox Mini has two modes of operation: Mini (Single Output), and Mini Pan Wide (Panoramic Wide). The primary purpose of the operating modes is to configure the screen arrangement and required Art-Net universes. Note: Mbox Mini 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 32).
2. INSTALLATION This chapter provides instructions for installing the Mbox Mini software and getting started.
GETTING STARTED Before You Start It is strongly recommended that you install and test the Mbox software on your computer before purchasing a license! Mbox Designer, Studio, and Mini require OSX 10.6.7 or greater to be installed on the computer and a minimum of 100MB on the Boot Drive with additional space for any custom content. The user who installs Mbox must also be an Administrator of the machine. Note on Code Signing and Gatekeeper (for OSX 10.7, 10.8, & 10.
Suggested Hardware Configurations Mbox Mini performance options: + Highest performance - Apple MacPro with 8 or more CPU cores, boot hard-drive and separate RAID or SSD drive for content, Blackmagic Decklink video capture card, ATI 4870 or 5870 graphics card, 4GB or more RAM. + Medium performance - Apple iMac with quad-core processor, boot hard-drive and separate hard-drive for content, ATI 6770 or 6790 graphics card, 4GB or more RAM, external video output adapter for connection to stage device.
Licensing Mbox Software CAUTION! Always install the Mbox software before licensing! Software-only license (eSellerate) If you purchased a software-only license online, then you should have received a receipt and an email with your serial number. The serial number will start with the characters "PRGMBS-" for Mbox Studio or "PRGMBM-" for Mbox Mini. To license your installation of Mbox, you must then connect the computer to the internet and launch the Mbox application.
Launching Mbox Mini When launched, the Mbox Mini 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 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 Mini software, using 4 layers of playback, requires at least 190 channels. + One Art-Net universe per server is required. + By default, Mbox Mini is configured to respond to Art-Net universe 0.
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).
Notes 20 MBOX® MINI USER MANUAL
3. OPERATION This chapter provides instructions for configuration and operation of Mbox Mini.
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 Mini 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.
Grouped Content Description The Mbox applications support the use of "content grouping" in order to allow servers to have content for all servers stored on their hard-drive, but to allow each server to play only the content desired for its own output(s). In this manner, content synchronization can ensure that all show content is on all servers (allowing for one server to take over for another). When programming, selecting a folder and file will cause content (with the matching folder.
Note: Because the panoramic output modes are treated as one larger output when placing and sizing content for playback on a server's layers, their output is treated as only one content group by the Mbox server. The identity setting for the server's second output (Output 2) will affect keystone, warp, and projection mapping for that output, but in panoramic modes, different content will not (and cannot) be selected automatically based on the Identity for Output 2.
Creating and Viewing Content Thumbnails The Mbox Mini software can create thumbnail images of content placed on the hard-drive. To force an update of thumbnails by Mbox Mini, 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.
Viewing Thumbnails in a Browser Another way to view media thumbnails on an Mbox server without a CITP-connected console or Mbox Director, is to use the web browser of any computer connected to the Mbox network. Enter the following into the browser: + If using a browser on the local Mbox sever, the address http://127.0.0.1/Mbox can be used to view the local thumbnails. + To view the thumbnails on a remote machine, enter that machine’s IP address. For example: http://192.168.0.
APPLICATION WINDOW Overview The Mbox Mini 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. Window - While in Window mode, the application’s user interface will be displayed.
Setup The Setup tab of the Mbox application window is used to: + Set the operating mode and Art-Net universe for the Mbox server. + Set the application 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 application. + 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.
Setup: Fullscreen Mode The Fullscreen Mode section is used to set the resolution, frequency, and aspect ratio of the rendering context that Mbox uses. It is not uncommon to change the Fullscreen Mode settings since, for example, a standard definition projector would require different settings than an HD projector, etc. Getting pixel accurate results from any Fullscreen mode setting requires the computer to be receiving EDID information that matches the Fullscreen mode settings.
+ Use Current Mode - This checkbox is used to force Mbox to always use the current desktop resolution and frequency, no matter what Fullscreen Mode resolution and frequency are selected by the controls above. The fullscreen context will be positioned and scaled to fit that resolution based on the selections made in the Fullscreen Mode and AutoFit popups.
Setup: Rendering Mbox will always try to output video frames to the Mac graphics card at the same rate as the current output frequency. However, in some circumstances (e.g., a heavy load), Mbox is unable to deliver the full number of frames per second, and must automatically reduce the number of frames it delivers to the graphics card. At the default setting of x1, Mbox will automatically adjust its update rate.
Setup: Network The Network section is used to configure the Sync, Management, and CITP settings when connecting two or more Mbox servers. + Sync - sets which port the server will use for layer-to-layer and network timecode sync. + Management/CITP - selects the port that the Mbox Daemon application uses for communication with consoles and the Mbox Remote application. When changes are made here, it will be reflected 4-5 seconds later in the Daemon screen.
Setup: I/O Module Note: Mbox Mini supports the use of the Mbox Extreme Dual I/O Module, but does not come with an I/O Module. This section would only apply if the Mbox Mini computer were connected to a Dual IO Module obtained from PRG. The I/O Module section is used to verify the configuration of the connected I/O module output sections. This is important when using Dual Independent mode, as Mbox must know which output to dim with Camera 1 and which output to dim with Camera 2.
Setup: Media Log (Media Errors) The Media Log button opens the Mbox Media Report window, which contains a list of all indexed content (textures, objects, effects, and transitions). When Mbox performs a media scan, it also looks for files with timecode links, errors, or other conflicts and reports them. For example, two media files with the same number would be reported as an error in the log. If a file does not appear in this list, then Mbox will not attempt to play it.
HEADS UP DISPLAYS (HUDS) Overview Mbox Mini 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 173 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 position.
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.
Notes 44 MBOX® MINI USER MANUAL
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 Mini 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 55).
All appropriate files in the Models folder will be compiled automatically the first time Mbox Mini 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 Mini 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 The EuroFlag animated gobo is very basic. The layer’s texture is applied to each star.
TV Screen v1.4 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: + + + + 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 175.
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. The balance and volume may also be adjusted at the Sound window.
+ 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. + If an audio file is triggered with a movie, and that movie's playmode set to Forward Loop, the audio file will loop at the exact same time as the movie.
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 either the TC Reader application (explained later in this section) or the Mbox Remote application (refer to "Mbox Remote Application" on page 127).
Step 5. Press [return]. Step 6. Continue adding entries by pressing Add Item button. Step 7. At File menu, select Save As. Navigate to the Mbox/Media folder, enter MediaTimeCodes.plist as the file name and click Save. IMPORTANT! All values entered in the MediaTimeCodes.plist file must have the padding zeros. Folder and file numbers must have three digits, and the timecode values must have two digits. Incorrectly formatted values will result in those entries being ignored.
To use a Timecode DMX Control, set each of the four channels to the desired values (8-bit numerical). For example, to use the patched channels from the example above, set Layer 1 to start at 02:15:25:02 and set the following values: Universe.Address Value 101,1 002 101,2 015 101,3 025 101,4 002 Guidelines: + Using the TC DMX Control with a movie file will override the TC Default and MediaTimeCodes.plists methods of setting timecode start time for a file.
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 Mini.
Note: The Timecode Reader window does not have to be visible to function. If timecode is being received, it will be shown at the top-right of the Remote main window. Guidelines: + Since TC Reader can retransmit the timecode data via Ethernet, a timecode source can be connected to one Mbox server and then retransmitted to any other networked servers. The servers must be networked together using a compatible network setup.
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.
PLAYMODES 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.
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 "Example: Setting Up Alignment Rectangles Using Remote" on page 147.
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.
PROJECTION MAPPING Overview Projection Mapping is an advanced feature within the Mbox Remote application (separate from Mbox Mini). This feature, in its basic form, can used to configure output settings for simple keystone, warp, and multihead output. For instructions on using Projection Mapping, refer to its section within the Mbox Remote appendix: "Projection Mapping" on page 150.
5. PIXEL-MAPPING This chapter provides instructions for setup and operation of the Mbox pixel-mapping feature.
BASIC PIXEL-MAPPING Note: The Mbox Mini pixel-mapping has a limit of 3072 patched pixels. These pixels can be spread across as many output Art-Net universes as desired. Overview The Mbox software allows mapping of certain functions of Color Kinetics KiNET or Art-Net-controlled fixtures (RGB, Intensity, CMY, etc.) to each of the pixels in the composite video image. Pixel-mapping data is generated from the screen image and is output from an available Ethernet port of the Mac computer.
The following guideline assumes that you are using a second Ethernet port to output pixel-mapping and that the first Ethernet port will be set to receive Art-Net to control Mbox. + Mbox pixel-mapping now uses the concept of Destinations (Dests) rather than universes. Dests may be numerical Art-Net universes 0-255, numerical designators (257-999) for KiNET_DMXOUT power supplies, and numerical designators with a port number (257.1 - 999.99) for KiNET_PORTOUT power supplies.
Setup tab, or twice that size if one of the Panoramic output modes is being used (see "Setup: Fullscreen Mode" on page 34). 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.
CAUTION! You should always avoid re-using any Art-Net universe anywhere on your system. Never duplicate Art-Net universe numbers between incoming data and outgoing data. Also avoid duplicate output universes unless you are running a backup system and have some means of merging data or taking control from one server or the other. (Use the "Backup Mode" setting in Mbox Remote to suppress Art-Net output from a backup server. Refer to "Server Control Commands" on page 148.
For KiNET_PORTOUT only, you should enter the three-digit Dest number followed by a port designator (Dest.Port) of zero (e.g., 303.0). This entry causes Mbox to automatically route data for all Dests using that three-digit number to the appropriate port of the KiNET device with the designated IP address. Thereby eliminating the need to have multiple Dest entries in the table for a single IP address. After entering the Dest and Protocol, enter the IP Address.
Go back to the Pixel Map tab and adjust the slider for the DMX Ghosting control. Reduce the level of this control to about 30% and then return to the Window view. Now, the patched fixture view will display patched fixtures at full brightness and unpatched pixels at a reduced intensity. This enables you to better visualize the result of your setup (both context sizing and fixture placement) without needing to set up the rest of your equipment.
Suggested Ethernet Setup for Art-Net Output + Port 1 (receiving Art-Net for control) - IP = 2.1.0.123 Subnet Mask = 255.255.0.0 + Port 2 (sending pixel-mapping Art-Net) - IP = 2.0.0.123 Subnet Mask = 255.0.0.0 + Pixel-map destination IP address for default Dest - 2.255.255.255 or Ethernet 2 The above setup ensures that the computer can receive Art-Net on the first port, and that it will also send pixelmapping Art-Net out from the second port.
ADVANCED PIXEL-MAPPING Creating Custom Fixtures Mbox Mini 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, and so on), and its rotation (in degrees).
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.
Notes 86 MBOX® MINI USER MANUAL
6. PIXEL REMAPPING This chapter provides instructions for the Mbox pixel remapping feature.
ABOUT PIXEL REMAPPING Overview The Pixel Remapping functionality of the Mbox software allows the creation of one or more two-dimensional rectangular objects for use on a layer. Each object can be textured by content used on the layer and can have properties that act upon its entirety or smaller regions thereof. Configuration options for Pixel Remapping allow for opacity changes, texture position changes, rotations, and object position changes.
PIXEL REMAPPING TUTORIAL Training Videos: Pixel Remapping (9 videos): http://www.prg.com/mbox-training-videos/ Overview The concept of Pixel Remapping can be best explained using a tutorial. The example provided in the following tutorial will use a square that will be broken into nine smaller squares. The following image represents this square: The tutorial will create two configurations.
Projected Mapping Pixel Remapping is configured using the MultiScreen Editor application. To open the MultiScreen Editor, locate its icon in the MboxExtreme/Utilities folder and double-click. Upon opening the MultiScreen Editor application for the first time, you are presented with two windows and a blank workspace: + MultiScreen Editor (main) window - allows numerical data entry to set up the configuration and the screens. + Preview window - a scalable view of the selected configuration and screens.
You can see the added the entry in the list (the one that says "[000] {720, 480}"), this is your first configuration (with index 0). You can have more than one configuration (by the end of this tutorial we will have two) with each having the same screen objects (same size/position of screens, etc.), but each configuration may have different pixel remapping, scaling, or additional controls. All configurations get saved into the same MultiScreenData.
Note: You can adjust the Editor's window size by dragging the bottom-right corner. Step 5. Click on the small, blue pop-up handle again (with configuration [000] still selected) and choose Add Screen from the list. You'll see a small disclosure arrow appear to the left of the configuration's entry in the listbox. Click on this arrow to expand it.
Note: The text field at the top of the Preview window shows the current scale of the view and information about the selected screen. Step 7. Reduce the scale and center the background within the view. The selected screen appears at the top-left of the background, with the screen's top-left corner (the selected screen's origin) indicated by a red diamond.
alongside the 2D screen objects. For previsualization purposes, the viewing perspective of 3D screen objects can be altered by repositioning the Mbox Camera fixture. + Z-Pos: Used with 3D screen objects to adjust the distance of the screen object from the camera in order to correctly position multiple screens (to represent their position in the real world) or to ensure that screens that can overlap look correct when doing so. Unlike the Active and Texture values, the Z-Pos value is not scaled in pixels.
Step 9. Before adding the other eight screen objects, you're going to add some controls to the first screen object. Remember that we said you would need Opacity, X Position, and Y Position controls for each screen object. With the Square 1 screen object selected in the MultiScreen Editor app, click once again on the small popup handle at the top right of the window. This time select Add Control from the list. As when you added a screen object, a disclosure arrow will appear in the listbox.
b. Control Type Pop-up: This is where the property of the screen that is to be controlled is selected position, texture position, rotation, etc. Refer to "Screen Object Control Types (Units, Typical Scale Value)" on page 106 for more details on the control types. c. Scale/Counts Pop-up: This switches between the two methods of scaling the incoming Art-Net data to apply it to a control.
Step 14. After adding the opacity control press the Save button; then you can add the X and Y position controls. Here's where you can speed things up by using copy and paste. Make sure that the opacity control is highlighted in the listbox, press [ C] and then [ V], and you'll get a copy of the opacity control. Rename it "tX position." a. For the Texture X position control, the universe is the same, the address is 2, the data type is "8-bit 127", stride is still 27. Two complex decisions remain though.
There is a Control Test Value slider on the main window that changes scale based on the selected control's data format, and allows you to test linear controls (e.g., position, opacity) within the MultiScreen Editor application. If you look at the Preview window, the text field at the top will show you both the screen object's location and the texture location. As you move the slider, you should be able to see these values change and also check to see if the direction is correct. Step 16.
Step 17. To test the configuration you have created on Layer 1 - select Object folder 2, file 9 for the MultiScreen object, select the sample PNG as the texture on the same layer, and also supply the correct additional ArtNet data (for the opacity and texture X & Y position) on Universe 5. You should see something like this: Note: Since the texture X & Y position controls default to 127, you will need to set them to that value to see the portion of the texture in the illustration above.
Step 19. On the main window of the MultiScreen Editor application, uncheck the box labeled "Ortho" in the Display section. You should end up with this: Step 20. You can use the Control Test Value Slider to mimic what will happen when this multiscreen object receives data. Because the Texture X Position and X Position controls (likewise the Texture Y and Y position) use the same address, when you move the slider, the 3D screen object moves and the texture moves on that object.
b. Whereas the 2D representation will look like this, with the graph paper moving around, but the outline of the complete MultiScreen object staying the same. Note: In both the 2D and 3D representations, the pink coloring is used to show a portion of the screen object that has no texture (i.e., where the screen object is fully transparent) due to the either the object's texture origin/width/height or the received control values.
The 3D representation will be positioned across the boundary between the two screens and it will occupy some of the same screen area as the 2D representation. As mentioned previously, you should place the 3D representation onto the second output so it doesn't get in the way of the images being send to the LED panels. Step 22.
And if you then make some adjustments to the various controls for each of the nine squares, you might end up with something like this: Note: In the 2D representation, the screen objects don't move but the texture does, resulting in a jumbled image. In the 3D representation, the screen objects move, but the overall texture is not jumbled and is viewable where the screen objects are. The edges of the screen objects are not visible/shown, only the portion of the screen object that has texture on it.
ADVANCED CONTROL The following section covers advanced Pixel Remapping features. If you are unsure about how to use these features, contact PRG support for assistance. Triangle Strips and Triangle Fans (3D Vertex Array Screen Objects) In order to support non-rectangular shapes and/or to allow screen objects to be rotated in 3D space, standard screen objects may be converted to Triangle Strip screen objects or Triangle Fan screen objects.
By editing the X and Y coordinates of the triangle strip, you can create differently sized triangles. Editing the tX and tY coordinates adjusts the texture mapping to the vertices of the screen object. Textures will be stretched as required to match the coordinates, be careful, otherwise your texture may be distorted! The + and - buttons allow you to add or delete individual vertices to as to create shapes that are not four-sided.
GLOSSARY Screen Object Control Types (Units, Typical Scale Value) 1) Texture X Position - Left/Right position of the texture on screen object. (pixels, varies) 2) Texture Y Position - Up/Down position of the texture on screen object. (pixels, varies) 3) X Position - Left/Right position of the screen object. (pixels, varies) 4) Y Position - Up/Down position of the screen object. (pixels, varies) 5) Dimmer - Brightness (fade to black, not transparent) of texture on screen object. (0 - 1, 0.
23) Opacity (Global) - Transparency (fade to transparent) of texture on all screen objects. (0 - 1, 0.00390625) 24) Origin X - Moves the origin X from the default origin (top left corner) of a screen object. This is a sticky control. (pixels, 0 - use offset) 25) Origin Y - Moves the origin Y from the default origin (top left corner) of a screen object. This is a sticky control.
Notes 108 MBOX® MINI USER MANUAL
7. VIDEO INPUT This chapter provides instructions for the Mbox video inputs.
EXTERNAL VIDEO SIGNAL INPUT Overview Mbox supports three types of external video inputs: PCIe cards, Blackmagic UltraStudio Thunderbolt, and USB/ Firewire devices. For best performance, Mbox has native support for the Blackmagic (Decklink and UltraStudio) and the Active Silicon Phoenix products. Other PCIe cards that support QuickTime streaming may work, but not as well. USB/FireWire devices must output a QuickTime stream. Mbox Mini allows up to two video inputs per server.
Blackmagic Decklink and Active Silicon Phoenix Video Capture Cards (PCIe) Mbox has been optimized to provide the best possible video input (quality, framerate, latency) with Blackmagic Decklink and Active Silicon Phoenix PCIe cards. Note: At present time Mbox does not support the Decklink 4k capture card, or the Active Silicon LFG cards.
Step 4. At Blackmagic Design Decklink window, click on "Set input" pop-up menu to select an appropriate input type. The three possible selections are: SDI Video, Y, R-Y, B-Y Video, and NTSC/PAL (Y in). These correspond to SDI, Component, and Composite video input types. Because Mbox does not use the audio input on the Decklink Video Capture card, the audio type in each of the inputs can be ignored. Step 5. Close Blackmagic Design Decklink window.
a. Decklink card: At Video Inputs window ,set input type pop-up to "Blackmagic," then set input number pop-up to match the input you will be using on the card. Always use 1 for HD Extreme and use 1-4 for Quad. Finally, set the input format pop-up to the correct type. b. Phoenix card: At Video Inputs window ,set input type popup to "Phoenix," then set the input number pop-up to match the input you will be using on the card.
Blackmagic UltraStudio Devices (Thunderbolt) Mbox also supports the UltraStudio Mini Recorder, Express, and 4K. To obtain the best performance with these products, make sure that the Thunderbolt bus has enough available bandwidth for the capture device and any other connected Thunderbolt devices. Latency with Thunderbolt devices may be slightly higher than that obtained with PCIe cards. Note: At present time Mbox does not support input resolutions larger than 1920 x 1080 from UltraStudio devices.
Step 4. At Blackmagic Design Decklink window, click on "Set input" pop-up menu to select an appropriate input type. The possible selections may include SDI Video, HDMI Video, Y, R-Y, B-Y Video, and NTSC/PAL (Y in), and will depend on the UltraStudio device installed. Because Mbox does not use the audio input on the UltraStudio device, the audio type in each of the inputs can be ignored. Step 5. Close Blackmagic Design Decklink window. To configure Mbox video inputs for UltraStudio card: Step 1.
Step 3. At Video Inputs window, set input type pop-up to "Blackmagic," then set input number pop-up to input 1. Finally, set the input format pop-up to the correct type. Step 4. The edit fields labeled T, B, R, and L can be used to enter a crop (in pixels) to the incoming video signal. Step 5. When enabled, the Sub checkbox will cause Mbox to display a substitute image if a video input is not available. The default substitute image is a blue rectangle with the input type number and format listed.
QuickTime Streaming Devices (PCIe or USB/FireWire) Mbox also supports all other capture devices that conform to the QuickTime streaming format. Such devices include USB and FireWire cameras, and some PCIe capture cards. Setup on Mac: QuickTime streaming devices may require driver software to be installed. Check with the manufacturer and install the most current version. Additional setup may be required depending on the device. To configure Mbox video inputs for QuickTime streaming device: Step 1.
Step 7. Make sure Texture Size width and height settings are as large or larger than the camera input resolution width and height. Failing to set the Texture Size correctly will result in an unusable image when the video input is requested for display. Texture Size is entered at the Setup tab of the Mbox Setup window. Step 8. In some cases, you may need to restart the Mbox software after changing the video input settings.
SYPHON VIDEO INPUT Using Syphon Mbox Mini includes the Syphon framework, which allows Mbox to either send or receive real-time, full-framerate videos or stills between applications on the same machine. For example, it is possible to place the video output from Quartz Composer, Unity 3, or other applications onto a layer within Mbox. Note: For more information on the Syphon framework, refer to the webpage: http://syphon.v002.
Step 4. Once you have identified the application and source names, copy and paste the App:Source pair into a Syphon Sources item in Remote Preferences to reserve that source for a specific Syphon input (refer to "Setting Mbox Server Preferences Remotely" on page 147 for more information).. When Mbox next finds that App:Source pair, it will automatically allocate it to the configured Syphon input. Guidelines: + Mbox Mini has a limit of 2 Syphon inputs.
8. 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 126 MBOX® MINI USER MANUAL
A. MBOX REMOTE APPLICATION This appendix provides operating instructions for the Mbox Remote application.
GENERAL OPERATION About Mbox Remote The Mbox Remote application is used for remote monitoring and management of the Mbox application. The Remote application is included with the Mbox software and can also be used on any Mac® computer (running Snow Leopard® OSX 10.6.7 or greater) to monitor/manage from a remote location. Mbox Daemon 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.
Starting Mbox Remote Before opening the Remote application, ensure that your computer is on a network with one or more Mbox servers. Ensure that each Mbox servers’ instance of Mbox Daemon, and optionally, Mbox applications, are running and that Mbox / Daemon CITP ports are set to the same Ethernet port that the Remote application is connected. When Mbox Remote starts, it will either resume with its previous state or start with a blank configuration.
Step 2. At Remote Preferences window, double-click on any available Mbox servers in the list. They will be added to the main window. Step 3. When at least two servers have been added, click red X button to close Preferences window. Servers will be displayed in the Servers column of the Remote main window. Servers that can now be managed Note: No matter which tab is selected in the window (Status or Content), the Servers area on the left will always display the list of managed servers.
Setting Mbox Remote Preferences Open the Mbox Remote Preferences window at any time by clicking the Edit Servers button on the main window or pressing [ ,] on the keyboard. Monitor HUD + Enable - The Monitor HUD can be toggled on and off by clicking the Enable checkbox in the Preferences window or by pressing [ M] on the keyboard. It will show a floating window of the Breakout View that is currently selected (designated by a surrounding white box) in the main window.
Server Status The Status tab of the Remote window shows, by default, the server’s master output and individual layer streams. Setup The window provides options for how the icons are displayed. Click the size icons and/or use the View dropdown menu to customize. Icon Size Options Status Tab Display Options Server status can be setup by dragging components into the status area.
More-detailed layer information can be viewed by dragging a layer icon to the bottom of the status area.
Indicators The Mbox Remote window has several indicators that provide system information. Server Name and IP Server Status Indicator Layer Opacity Playback Position Timecode Server status - The color-coded dot in the Servers column indicates the running status of the server: + Green – Server connection good, Mbox running in Fullscreen mode. + Green/Yellow Flashing – Server connection good, Mbox running in Window mode. + Yellow – Server connection good, Mbox not running. + Red – No server connection.
Flags "Flags" are another type of indicator that may appear to the right of a layer thumbnail during operation. The flags indicate various conditions, some that need to be resolved for proper playback. Flag indication types: 1) Movie Mode - Any movie that is a) not a preferred codec (see list on page 162) but is thread-safe, or b) that is playing audio will have this flag. Resolution: If not playing audio, re-encode move using preferred codec.
CONTENT MANAGEMENT Overview About Mbox Remote Content Management The Mbox Remote Content Management system allows quick and easy management of content between Mbox servers.
in the server list with a letter between a-z and a light colored background. For example, Master of Collection "a." is the icon for the + Member - The Member server acts as the "destination" for Content Management in a Collection; This means that the Member will be synchronized to mirror the state of the Master in the Collection. Members are denoted in the server list with a letter between a-z and a dark colored background. For example, is the icon for a Member on Collection "a.
Managing Content In order to manage content, servers must first be added to Mbox Remote. Refer to "Adding Servers" on page 129 for instructions. Configuring Network Bandwidth There are two properties that control the available network bandwidth which the Content Management system will utilize to transfer content. To configure the bandwidth, open the Mbox Remote Preferences window by clicking the Edit Servers button on the main window or pressing [ ,] on the keyboard.
Configuring Server Master/Member Roles In order to start using Content Management, a Master server must be assigned for a given Collection. By default, all Mbox servers are in the same collection (a). IMPORTANT! The Servers area on the left will always display the list of managed servers. After the Collection has been configured, the Status/Content tabs and file detail/history columns at the right side of the window will reflect the content of whichever server is currently selected.
Selecting Content to Sync In order to synchronize files between Master and Member servers, folders must first be added to the managed folders list. To add a folder to the managed list: Step 1. Select Master server. Step 2. Do one of the following: a. At a content folder row (in the Content Tab), mouse-over the blank Sync column. The sync icon will highlight (and a tooltip will appear in the bottom-left corner of the window). Click on the sync icon to manage this folder. b.
Synchronizing Content After a folder has been added to the managed folders list (see previous page), content can then be synchronized. The window allows for synchronization of a single file, a single folder, or multiple folders. Step 1. To start synchronization from the Master to the Member servers, do one of the following: a. At a folder, click its white Sync icon to synchronize all files in that folder. b.
Note: A file’s new sync status will be reflected in the window approximately 10 seconds after it has been changed. Note: Files with extensions not recognized by Mbox will not be indexed. These will be placed at the bottom of the file list. File(s) not indexed Organizing Content Files Organization of a server's media files is completely under user control using the Mac Finder, rather than a large opaque database. Any changes to name, index number, or file extension can be done using the Mac Finder.
Sync History The History button, available at the top-right of the window, will display status information for all pending and past synchronization tasks. To view the History, first select a folder, then click the History button. Clear History or Refresh the information by clicking the applicable button. History Information History Button Note: On the Master and Member servers, there is a status area within Mbox Daemon that displays the status of the current and past file transfers.
Content Management Archive Each server can be configured to use a specific percentage of the free disk drive space to store archived content files as result of deletions or replacements during synchronization. Archives will be stored in the /Mbox/archive// / where the file name will be a time/date stamped version of the archived file. When the archive runs out of space, the oldest files (by date) are deleted from the archive until there is enough space available.
File Conflicts During synchronization, file conflicts can occur as a result of the following: + Two files in the same folder with the same Index number. + Two folders with the same Index number having files with repeated Index numbers. Other issues can be caused by: + Folder permissions. + Insufficient disk space.
Monitor and Manage Modes Mbox Remote includes two modes for managing and monitoring the Content Management system. + Manage - allows the Mbox Remote application to perform Content Management actions. (Only one instance of Mbox Remote on the network can be set to this mode.) + Monitor - allows the Mbox Remote application to monitor Content Management operations. (Any number of Mbox Remote instances on the network can be set to this mode.) Mbox Remote automatically assumes the Manage role.
SETTING SERVER PREFERENCES 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.
Step 6. Use Line field to enter a lineweight for the rectangle. (The default lineweight is 1.) Step 7. Use Col (Color) pop-up to specify a color. 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.
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.
PROJECTION MAPPING Projection Mapping is an advanced Mbox feature. If you are unsure about its operation, contact PRG support for assistance. Overview The Mbox Remote application can used to configure output settings for simple keystone, warp, and multihead output. Beyond those settings, projection surfaces (Topography files) and more complex projection mapping settings can be created, applied, and adjusted for use with Mbox Designer and Mbox Studio only.
Step 3. Press [ P] to open the Mbox Server Preferences window and scroll down to the settings called "Output 1 Identity" and "Output 2 Identity." (You may have to click off then back on the server in the browser window to refresh the Server Preferences window.) Step 4. By default the Output Identity preferences will both be set to a value of "0". Do one of the following: a.
Step 6. Press [ E] to open the Projection Editor window. At the top of the Projection Editor window, you will see the name of the selected server and the two Identity values in parentheses - e.g. "Mbox123 (1,2)". On the left side of the Editor window you will see a column listing the two Output Identities belonging to the selected server. To edit the settings for an output, select the appropriate Identity in this column.
Basic Mode Setup of Output and Keystone/Warp In Basic Mode, the first step to configuring the output is to select the number of outputs that each physical video output on the Mbox server computer is using. Depending on the computer used, each Mbox server can have up to two (2) physical video outputs. Through the use of multi-head adapters, each of these video outputs can be split into up to three (3) outputs. (For this purpose, use a dual/triple head adapter product such as Matrox TripleHead2GO.
Step 4. On the Output Setup tab, you will now see a pop-up labeled "Output 1 of 2" that allows the selection of each output for editing. Below this pop-up is a label stating the actual output size of this output. In a Dual Output setup, this will be ½ of Mbox's FullScreen Mode resolution. Below this you will see two tabs labeled "Texture" and "Keystone/Warp." The Texture tab will be set correctly for you, but may be edited as required to adjust image position and scale.
Note: Reducing the Sample width or height will result in the image becoming larger on the corresponding axis. This is because less of the texture is being displayed, but since the Context has not changed size, fewer pixels will be stretched across the same area. When a positive overlap is entered during output configuration, the outputs will be offset along the X-axis to create the necessary overlap. The Vignette settings are used to apply a vignette (i.e. edge-blend) to each output.
that area of the keystone surface. Keystone mode allows you to adjust the four corners by changing the position of the four corner points and to adjust the linearity of the entire image by changing the position of the center point. The smaller points will reposition themselves to remain on a straight line between adjacent corner points. You cannot edit these intermediate points. Click inside the rectangle that contains the area you want to adjust.
Multihead Setup First, connect the multihead adapter to the computer and confirm that the computer sees the adapter and that you are able to output the desired resolution from the desktop. If the desktop can't run at the desired resolution, then Mbox can't either. (Some devices may need additional software to tell the computer what to do or to reprogram the EDID in the device.) Next, determine the resolution that needs to be sent to the multihead adapter.
At this point, the settings can be adjusted to affect the overlap between the two halves, the blend, the aspect ratio, and the orientation. A keystone or warp may be added as described in the previous section (refer to page 155). To reset the settings, you can either press the Configure button again and enter some other multihead and overlap settings, or return to the Options pop-up and select Clear Output Settings.
Advanced Mode (Mbox Designer/Studio Only) Advanced Projection Setup The Advanced Projection mode is enabled by checking the checkbox in the Mbox Remote Preferences window. (Open the Remote Preferences window by clicking the Edit Servers button on the main window or pressing [ ,] on the keyboard.) Projection > Output Setup In Advanced Projection mode, the Output Setup tab is the same except for the addition of a field for entering a model (i.e. object) file for use as the keystone rendering surface.
CAUTION! Models created by external 3D modelling applications may not be appropriate for use as shutters or as keystone rendering surfaces. Great care must be taken in UV mapping such objects when they are created. This functionality is best matched with the simpler Topography (topo) objects created by the Mbox system. If you are using model files on individual playback layers within Mbox as a tool for projection mapping, it is not recommended that you also try to use a keystone model.
Camera Control Descriptions: + Orthogonal checkbox: disables perspective rendering and forces camera position to center. Used for flattening view, affects aspect and texture mapping on 3D objects. + Bearing: camera's horizontal angular offset from the Z axis. + Distance: camera's horizontal distance from the origin. + Eye Position: camera location. - X: camera's distance from the origin along the X axis. - Y: camera's distance from the origin along the Y axis.
The initial step in using topo file is to create the base object. With the Topography > Geometry or Topography > Texture tabs selected, select New Topography… from the Options pop-up. In the window that appears, there are five settings to configure for the new topo file. + Folder.File: 8-bit index number for the topo object file that you are creating. This must be a unique index that does not currently exist.
Topography > Geometry The Geometry tab allows you to define the position, rotation, size, and curvature of the selected topo file. + Origin pop-up: anchor point for the topo object's position coordinates. + Vertical checkbox: rotates the topo object 90° around its X axis as drawn through the origin point. + Position: object's home position in 3D space. + Size: object's size. W refers to width, D refers to depth, T refers to thickness.
Topography > ModelInfo > Properties ModelInfo settings for a topo file are used to define core functions of how the topo object reacts to layer scaling and positioning, UV mapping, external Art-Net control (e.g. for remote control of positioning), and keystone/warp. The Properties tab has four settings. + Fixed Position checkbox: causes the object's position and scale to be disconnected from Art-Net control.
To add a control, click on the "+" button. To remove the currently selected control, click on the "-" button. If more than one control exists, use the up/down arrows or Control pop-up to toggle between the controls. Next, use the Source pop-up to select the type of control data being received - Constant, DMX (Art-Net), or SADI. + Constant - offset values set on the Controls tab will affect the parameter, but there is no external control.
+ Counts -number of steps of incoming data that equal the Travel setting's value. For Example: Using an unsigned 8-bit (u8) parameter with a range of 0-255, if you want your topo object to move 2 meters across the range of 0255, you would enter a Travel of 2.0, and Counts of 255. + Vector (X/Y/Z) - direction of travel described as a directional vector -1.0 - 1.0. X is left<->right, Y is up<->down, Z is towards<->away.
Vignette The Vignette tab provides the controls to create custom rectilinear edge masking that can be used on any object. Refer to "Projection > Output Setup" on page 159 for more information on the adjustment of vignette settings. Vignettes created here can use any arbitrary size. The blend amount is reconfigured automatically when the size is changed. Therefore on screen, there is little or no visual difference between a size of 100 x 100 with an amount of 5.0 and a size of 1 x 1 with a size of 0.05.
+ Z axis is away from<->towards from the viewer, away from is negative and towards is positive 3D Modeling Application (Blender) Mbox Most 3D modeling applications swap the Y and Z axes when compared to Mbox. The Y axis now being the towards<>away and the Z axis being up<->down. When exporting obj files from your modeling application for use in Mbox, make sure to swap the appropriate axes to ensure the model appears with the correct orientation within the Mbox 3D environment.
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 39 Layer 1 73 39 Layer 2 112 39 Layer 3 151 39 Layer 4 Parameter Descriptions Universe Fixture 1st Parameter Description Pixel Map Level Intensity master for pixelmapping Art-Net output Pixel Map Control Control functions for pixelmapping Texture Effect 1 190 Total Channels Master 2D effect applied to the final image Modifier 1a First modifier Modifier 1b Second modifier Red Red subtra
Parameter Descriptions (Continued) Fixture Parameter Description Red Red additive Green Blue Scale Edge Softness Shutter 1a Shutter Parameter Descriptions (Continued) Fixture Parameter Description Texture File Selects numbered file from within Texture folder Play Mode Selects play mode of movie content Play Speed Adjusts play speed of movie content Green additive Blue additive Adjusts the size of the shutters Adjusts the soft edge of the shutters In Frame Bottom-left corner L/R adjustment
Master Control Channel (Continued) Master Values Chan Size Function 1 1 Pixel Map Level 124 Show Alignment Rectangles Group 4, No X or O N 125 Show Alignment Rectangles Group 5, No X or O Show Alignment Rectangles Group 6, No X or O Default Snap 255 Command 2 1 Pixel Map Control 0 Y 126 3 1 Texture Effect 1 0 Y 127 Show Alignment Rectangles Group 7, No X or O 4 1 Modifier 1a 0 N 128 Show Alignment Rectangles Group 8, No X or O 5 1 Modifier 1b 0 N 129 Show Alignment R
Keystone Layer Chan Size Function Default Snap Chan Size Function Default Snap 1 1 Corner 1-X 0 N 1 1 Effect 1 0 Y 2 1 Corner 1-Y 0 N 2 1 Effect Control 1a 0 N 3 1 Corner 2-X 0 N 3 1 Effect Control 1b 0 N 4 1 Corner 2-Y 0 N 4 1 Layer Blend Mode 0 Y 5 1 Corner 3-X 0 N 5 1 Draw Mode 0 Y 6 1 Corner 3-Y 0 N 6 1 Red 255 N 7 1 Corner 4-X 0 N 7 1 Green 255 N 8 1 Corner 4-Y 0 N 8 1 Blue 255 N 9 1 Opacity 0 N 10 1 Text
Layer Blend Mode Play Mode Values Mode 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) 3 Multiply multiplies layer’s color with underlying color (blacks appear opaque) 20 21 22 Subtractive layer’s colors are subtracted from underlying colors (blacks appear transparent) Exclusion underlying colors are inverted where layer color is li
Frame Blending 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® Mini User Manual Version as of: May 9, 2014 PRG part number: 02.9800.0004.
Production Resource Group, LLC Dallas Office 8617 Ambassador Row, Suite 120 Dallas, Texas 75247 www.prg.
