MXPro User Guide
STATEMENT OF WARRANTY DISCLAIMER Videonics, Inc. warrants this product against defects in materials or workmanship as follows: Television screens are simulated and subject to change without notice. This device is not to be used for the unauthorized copying of copyrighted material. For a period of TWO years from the date of purchase, Videonics Inc. will repair or replace the unit, at our option, without charge for parts or labor. After the period of TWO years you must pay all parts and labor charges.
Declaration of Conformity Application of Council Directive(s) Standards to which conformity is declared Manufacturer's Name Manufacturer's Address Importer's Name Importer's Address 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC EN60950, EN55022 Class A, EN50082-1 Videonics 1370 Dell Avenue Campbell, CA 95008, USA Videonics GmbH Industriestrasse 2 90765 Furth/Bay, Germany Type of Equipment Video Mixer Name of Equipment MXPro Model No. MX-3000 PAL Serial No.
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Contents 1 Introduction 4 Major Features • 2 Common Uses for MXPro • 3 MXPro Package Contents • 4 About this User Guide • 5 Contacting Videonics • 8 2 Starting and Stopping MXPro • 32 Understanding the Keyboard • 32 Using the Preview Screen • 35 Changing the Display Configuration • 35 Input Source Previews • 36 Active Source Highlights • 36 Color Selector • 37 Transitions Menu • 37 Selected Transition • 37 Using CURRENT and NEXT Sources • 38 Selecting Sources • 39 Using the Video/Audio Selector • 40 Sw
ii 6 Videonics MXPro User Guide Input Effects Contents 9 Basic Composition Steps • 94 Backgrounds • 94 Foreground Tiles • 95 Creating Color Tiles and Lines • 95 Creating Moving Video Tiles • 95 Creating Still Image Tiles • 95 Manipulating Tiles • 96 Positioning Tiles • 96 Sizing Tiles • 96 Composition Rules • 97 Creating a Composed Image • 98 Playing the Composition • 99 Exiting from Compose Mode • 100 Input Effects Menu • 64 Special Key Combinations • 65 Using Input Effects • 66 B&W • 67 B&W Neg • 6
Contents 13 Advanced Operations Using Titles • 122 Using Color Bars • 122 Performing Roll Edits • 123 Cutting Between Scenes • 123 A/A Roll Edits • 123 A/B Roll Edits • 124 Transitions TO and FROM Solid Colors • 125 Transitions to Modified Sources • 125 Operating in Live Environments • 126 Security Monitoring • 126 Using a GPI Device • 126 Instructions for Building a GPI Trigger • 127 Using a GPI Trigger Device • 128 Calibrating the T-BAR • 128 Resetting MXPro Factory Defaults • 129 Videonics MXPro User
iv Videonics MXPro User Guide LIST of TABLES Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Table 5 Table 6 Table 7 Table 8 Table 9 Table 10 Table 11 Table 12 Table 13 Table 14 Table 15 Table 16 Table 17 Table 18 Table 19 User Guide Contents • 5 Videonics Contacts • 8 Default Colors and Numbers • 42 Border Styles (Defaults) • 45 Keys for Changing Border Attributes • 47 MX-1 Compatibility Hot Keys • 53 Input Effects Mode Key Combinations • 65 Main Mode Input Effects Key Combinations • 65 Setup Menu Navigation Keys • 75
1 Introduction Welcome to MXPro, and thank you for buying Videonics products. This chapter contains: • Brief descriptions of major MXPro features • Typical uses for the MXPro • How to contact Videonics • An inventory of package contents • Description of the contents of this User Guide Please take a few moments to read the material so you can take full advantage of all MXPro benefits.
2 Chapter 1 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide MAJOR FEATURES MXPro contains features found on most video mixers. In addition, it contains the special features described in this section. Superb Video Quality — To ensure highest video quality, MXPro uses 10-bit (4:2:2) video technology for Y/C applications, and 8-bit 4:2:2 for Composite applications. Four Input Synchronized Switcher — MXPro provides four input channels.
Introduction Common Uses for MXPro 3 COMMON USES FOR MXPRO Multiple-Source Video Production — In a video production setup, you can connect one or more video sources (VCR’s, camcorders, video disc players, cameras, title generators, computer graphics systems, and so forth) to MXPro’s four input channels. The Program output can then be sent to a VTR or directly to a monitor. You determine what is sent to the output. While the original inputs play, you can switch between any of MXPro’s channels.
4 Chapter 1 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide MXPRO PACKAGE CONTENTS The MXPro package contains the items shown below. Check your package against the illustration. If anything is missing, contact the dealer where you purchased MXPro for the necessary replacements.
Introduction About this User Guide 5 ABOUT THIS USER GUIDE This User Guide contains the chapters, appendixes, and other sections shown in the following table. Table 1: User Guide Contents Chapter Description Chapter 1 Introduction Basic overview of MXPro features, description of package contents, description of manual, and so forth. Chapter 2 Quick Start Brief steps to setting up MXPro with your equipment. Provided for people quite familiar with connecting video equipment.
6 Chapter 1 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Table 1: User Guide Contents (Continued) Chapter Description Appendix A Transitions List Complete list of transitions available with MXPro, along with their assigned code numbers and descriptions. Appendix B Time Base Corrector Explains the time-base corrector feature built into MXPro. Appendix C Video Quality Discusses issues concerning the level of quality in videos — that is, what to expect and what you can do to improve quality.
Introduction About this User Guide 7 MXPro Buttons When referencing the various buttons (or, keys) and other controls on the MXPro keyboard, they appear in uppercase, boldface characters. For example, the keyboard contains the PLAY button and T-BAR. In some cases you use two buttons together to perform a function. This is normally done using the shift button in combination with some other button. A plus (+) symbol indicates this. For example, you might be asked to enter SHIFT+PIPS.
8 Chapter 1 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide CONTACTING VIDEONICS Videonics provides technical and general support for all of its products. The following table provides information for contacting us with your suggestions, questions, and problems. Table 2: Videonics Contacts Department Contact Information Corporate Headquarters 1370 Dell Avenue Campbell, CA 95008 Main Phone Number (408) 866-8300 Main Fax Number (408) 866-4859 Product Information (800) 338-3348 Information via E-Mail Info@Videonics.
2 Quick Start This chapter contains brief instructions for setting up MXPro with basic equipment. The instructions do not go into detail. If you feel comfortable connecting video and audio equipment, you can probably get started quickly using these instructions. If you are upgrading from the Videonics MX-1, see Appendix E, Information for MX-1 Users, for helpful information in setting up your MXPro. Skim the instructions in this chapter.
10 Chapter 2 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide QUICK START STEPS Setting Up Input Source 00:00 Preview Monitor Input Source 00:00 IN 2 IN 1 Output Monitor PREVIEW OUT OUT Jacks VIDEO IN AUDIO IN 00:00 Output Device ¨ Connect a COMPOSITE-type monitor to MXPro’s PREVIEW OUT jack. ¨ Connect an Input Source (such as a VCR or camcorder) to MXPro’s IN 1 jacks. ¨ Connect a second Input Source to MXPro’s IN 2 jacks.
Quick Start The Preview Screen 11 The Preview Screen ¨ You should see the following (with some slight differences) on the Preview screen. NEXT Source CURRENT Source Transitions Menu Note MXPro displays small previews of the sources you have attached. The images are scaled down both in size and frame rate and, therefore, don’t play as smoothly as they would in a single-source video monitor image. This does not affect the quality of the video going to the output — it is always highest quality.
12 Chapter 2 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Using the Route The Route functions ensures that MXPro understands where your input devices are Function connected on the rear panel. If you connect S-Video (Y/C) devices to the IN 1, IN 2, IN3, and/or IN 4 jacks, re-routing is not necessary. Go on to the next section, “Running the Demo”. Otherwise: ¨ After starting MXPro with all devices connected and turned on, press ROUTE to display the Route screen.
Quick Start Cutting Between Sources 13 Cutting Between Sources ¨ Press CUT/A. A B C D COLOR CUT NEXT A B C D COLOR When you press one of the cut buttons, the small light below the buttons glows steadily to indicate it is the CURRENT source. When you press one of NEXT buttons, the small light above that buttons blinks to indicate it is the NEXT source. The light below the A button comes on and the Output monitor displays the signal from whatever device is plugged into the inputs labeled IN 1.
14 Chapter 2 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Setting up a Transition To set up a transition you need to select the sources you want to use and the transition you want to use when switching between them. Here’s how to transition from source A to source B using a horizontal wipe. ¨ Press CUT/A to set A as the CURRENT source. MXPro shows a steadily glowing light below the CUT button you press. ¨ Press NEXT/B to set B as the NEXT source (the one you want to see after the transition finishes running).
Quick Start Using CUT Transitions 15 Manual Transitions Use the TAKE BAR to run transitions and control their speed and direction. ¨ Set up the transition as you would normally. However, instead of pressing PLAY, simply move the T-BAR. The transition begins running as soon as you move the T-BAR. You can even move back and forth by moving the T-BAR in different directions. Give it a try! Using CUT Transitions Most video productions use simple cuts a majority of the time.
16 Chapter 2 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Using Transition Categories MXPro categorizes transitions into five major groups — User, Basic, Edges, Trailing, and Shapes. You can access any category at any time by pressing one of the Transition Category buttons. USER BASIC EDGES TRAILING SHAPES When you press one of the buttons, the content of the Transitions Menu (see “The Preview Screen” on page 11) changes. ¨ Press the TRAILING button.
3 Installing MXPro This chapter explains how to install (or, set up) MXPro to use with other equipment. Major topics include: • Understanding Sources and Output • Understanding Preview and Program monitors • Understanding the MXPro connectors • Identifying Cables and Adapters you might need • Installation Examples • Installing a Microphone If you are upgrading from the Videonics MX-1, see Appendix E, Information for MX-1 Users, for information that will be helpful setting up your equipment.
18 Chapter 3 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide SOURCES AND OUTPUT Source and Output refer to the way you use devices with MXPro. You can simultaneously connect up to four source devices and two output devices to MXPro. 00:00 Source Source Source Source Output Output Source — A source is an input device. Each source provides a video signal, audio signal, or both. You use MXPro to combine and (optionally) animate these signals. Output — An output is a device on which you record and/or broadcast a signal.
Installing MXPro Preview and Program Monitors 19 PREVIEW AND PROGRAM MONITORS MXPro designates monitors as either Preview or Program to indicate how a particular monitor may be used. This manual uses the following pictures to distinguish between the two monitors. Preview Monitor Program Monitor Preview Monitor The Preview monitor is your “working” monitor. Most of the time it contains controls for managing Source and Output devices.
20 Chapter 3 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide UNDERSTANDING MXPRO CONNECTORS To properly set up MXPro, you need to know how and where to connect external components – such as VCR’s, camcorders, and so forth. You use cables to connect video devices to MXPro’s rear panel. See “Cables and Adapters” on page 23. Remove MXPro from its package and set it so you can see the rear panel. Refer to the panel and the illustration on page 21 while reading this section.
Installing MXPro MXPro Rear Panel OUT Y/C S-Video POWER POWER 1 2 L L VIDEO IN (Y/C) 1 3 AUDIO OUT Left and Right 4 2 VIDEO IN 3 1 4 2 AUDIO IN 3 R R VIDEO IN Composite AUDIO IN Left and Right L DIGITAL VIDEO IN (FUTURE UPGRADE) PREVIEW OUT PREVIEW OUT Composite OUT (Y/C) OUT R OUT Composite L AUDIO OUT CONTROL (GPI) R CONTROL (GPI) Understanding MXPro Connectors VIDEO IN (Y/C) S-Video 4 21
22 Chapter 3 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Power Connector The MXPro package contains the required Transformer and Power Cord for the unit. Male Socket Female Plug Power Adapter Plug Male Plug Transformer Power Cord WARNING! Use only the power cord and transformer provided in the package. Do not use this power cord and transformer with any other equipment. Failure to observe these conditions can damage your equipment and void your warranty.
Installing MXPro Cables and Adapters 23 CABLES AND ADAPTERS To connect video devices to MXPro you need specific types of cables. You might also need one or more adapters, depending on your equipment. Look closely at the jacks on the MXPro rear panel and note that they accept RCA Composite or S-Video connectors. RCA Composite S-Video (Y/C) Before connecting any device to the MXPro, make sure the cable you are using has the right type of fitting for the jack you intend to use.
24 Chapter 3 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Audio Connectors To connect a stereophonic audio device to MXPro, you need two separate audio cables — one for the Left channel and one for the Right. To connect a monaural audio device you need a Y-Adapter cable. Connect the single end of the adapter to the line input or output on the device. Connect the two remaining ends to the Left and Right channel inputs or outputs on the MXPro rear panel. The Y-Adapter cable does not provide stereophonic audio.
Installing MXPro Correlating Input Sources to MXPro Jacks 25 camcorders, laserdisc players, satellite tuners, broadcast tuners/receivers, character generators (CG’s), video-equipped computers, and audio devices (such as a CD player or tape deck). MXPro sends the output signal to a recording device (such as a VCR) and/or a Program monitor. A second monitor, Preview, can be used to display preview images of all input sources.
26 Chapter 3 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Live Broadcast Configuration This configuration is useful in a live broadcast environment. 1 Connect the VIDEO OUT from Camera 1 to VIDEO IN 1 on the MXPro rear panel. Connect the AUDIO OUTs from Camera 1 to AUDIO IN 1 on the rear panel. 2 Connect the VIDEO OUT from Camera 2 to VIDEO IN 2 on the MXPro rear panel. Connect the AUDIO OUTs from Camera 2 to AUDIO IN 2 on the rear panel.
4 1 POWER 2 1 3 5 2 L L VIDEO IN (Y/C) 1 3 Preview Monitor Installing MXPro Live Broadcast Configuration 4 2 VIDEO IN 3 1 4 2 AUDIO IN 3 4 R R L DIGITAL VIDEO IN (FUTURE UPGRADE) PREVIEW OUT OUT (Y/C) OUT L AUDIO OUT R CONTROL (GPI) R 6 8 27 Program Monitor 7 Live Broadcast Configuration 9
28 Chapter 3 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Post Production Configuration This configuration is useful in a Post-Production environment where you mix two or more programs together. 1 Connect the VIDEO OUT from VTR 1 to VIDEO IN 1 on the MXPro rear panel. Connect the AUDIO OUTs from VTR 1 to AUDIO IN 1 on the rear panel. 2 Connect the VIDEO OUT from VTR 2 to VIDEO IN 2 on the MXPro rear panel. Connect the AUDIO OUTs from VYR 2 to AUDIO IN 2 on the rear panel.
Installing MXPro Post Production Configuration 1 POWER 4 2 1 3 2 L L VIDEO IN (Y/C) 1 3 Preview Monitor 4 2 VIDEO IN 3 1 4 2 AUDIO IN 3 4 R R L DIGITAL VIDEO IN (FUTURE UPGRADE) PREVIEW OUT OUT (Y/C) OUT R 7 29 Program Monitor 6 CONTROL (GPI) R Post Production Configuration 5 8 L AUDIO OUT
30 Chapter 3 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide USING A MICROPHONE WITH MXPRO This section explains how to connect a microphone to MXPro.
4 Basic Operations This chapter describes several basic MXPro operations, including: • Starting and stopping MXPro • Using the MXPro keyboard • Using the Preview screen • Using CURRENT and NEXT sources • Selecting Sources • Using the VIDEO/AUDIO selector • Cutting Between Sources • Working with Color • Using Backgrounds • Using Borders
32 Chapter 4 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide STARTING AND STOPPING MXPRO Press the Power switch to start or stop MXPro. The switch, located on the right-end of the unit, is a rocker-type switch. Also power on or off all sources and output devices. UNDERSTANDING THE KEYBOARD Use the MXPro keyboard to control how the unit operates. The better you understand all of the functions available from the keyboard the better your results.
1 MX Pro DIGITAL VIDEO MIXER - TBC 8 PLAY FREEZE AUDIO MIX PIPs COMPOSE LEARN ROUTE SETUP DISPLAY SHIFT-DEMO 2 BG COLOR SPEED REVERSE USER A 9 BORDER STYLE BORDER COLOR 7 NEXT CUT A 7 4 1 BASIC B B 10 0 8 5 2 EDGES C C 3 9 6 3 TRAILING D D 11 OK SHAPES COLOR COLOR MXPro Keyboard 12 SHIFT AUDIO VIDEO 13 4 STROBE FLIP CHROMA KEY COLOR NEG COLOR CORRECT 14 MOSAIC FLIP POSTERIZE B&W NEG B&W INPUT EFFECTS 5 6 Basic Operations Understanding
34 Chapter 4 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide 8 Play Button — Press to invoke the next command, complete with transition if specified. In other words, set up your CURRENT and NEXT sources, select a transition, then press PLAY at the moment you want MXPro to perform the step. 9 Control Buttons — Use these buttons to reverse transition direction, change transition speed, specify background and border colors, and set border styles.
Basic Operations Using the Preview Screen 35 USING THE PREVIEW SCREEN The Preview Screen is your control center for MXPro operations. This section describes individual items on the Preview screen. The Preview screen appears on the monitor attached to the MXPro PREVIEW OUT jack.
36 Chapter 4 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide • FULL – Displays only the Input Source Preview windows, each in a larger size. Transitions Menu not displayed (SHIFT+3). • NEXT — Displays full-screen image of the NEXT input source. Transitions Menu not displayed (SHIFT+4). • CURRENT — Displays full-screen image of the CURRENT input source. Transitions Menu not displayed (SHIFT+5). See “Display” beginning on page 73 for examples of these configurations.
Basic Operations Color Selector 37 Color Selector The Color Selector shows current choices for background color, border color, and border style. The selector shows the actual colors, and also shows the numeric values associated with each. This example shows a background color 5, border color 7, and border style 5. Background Color Border Style Border Color If you turn off the border (that is, set the border style to zero), the border color swatch and number do not appear in the Color Selector.
38 Chapter 4 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide USING CURRENT AND NEXT SOURCES The concept of CURRENT and NEXT sources is fundamental to MXPro operations. As you go about creating productions, you always have a CURRENT and NEXT source. Example… Suppose you want to create a sequence of transitions from Kong’s thoughtful gaze to footage of a fighter plane contemplating take off and, finally, a shot of Stonehenge for a mystic closing.
Basic Operations Selecting Sources 5 39 Press NEXT/C to select Stonehenge as the NEXT input source. CURRENT Source B Source A NEXT Source C 6 Select a transition to use this time to switch from CURRENT to NEXT source, such as a slow dissolve. The CURRENT source (the fighter plane) continues running, and being sent to the output device.
40 Chapter 4 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide USING THE VIDEO/AUDIO SELECTOR The VIDEO/AUDIO selector controls which parts of the input signal get used from any given source. VIDEO You can set the VIDEO/AUDIO selector to any of three positions — VIDEO only, AUDIO only, or both. Press the button as required to turn on the Video, Audio, or both lights. AUDIO VIDEO – Video changes, audio does not. AUDIO – Audio changes, video does not. BOTH – Audio and Video both change.
Basic Operations Swapping Sources 41 SWAPPING SOURCES This section discusses common ways to switch between source devices. Simple Cuts To switch to a specific source, press the CUT button for that source. The CUT buttons cause the switch to occur almost immediately. For example, press CUT/A to immediately switch to that input. You don’t need to press PLAY or use the T-BAR when you use the CUT buttons. To immediately switch to a colored background, press CUT/COLOR.
42 Chapter 4 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide WORKING WITH COLORS Common uses for color include solid colored backgrounds and colored borders around objects. So, you need to know how to choose colors and identify those you’ve chosen. MXPro gives each color a unique number ranging from 0 (zero) to 9. The following table defines these colors and their code numbers.
Basic Operations Using Color Backgrounds 43 Using Color Backgrounds Colored backgrounds have many uses. For example, to dissolve to a solid black background when transitioning out of the CURRENT source, hold the black for a moment or two, then dissolve from the black background into the NEXT source. Tip Use the solid color background to lay down ten seconds of Black at the beginning of your video.
44 Chapter 4 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Creating Custom Colors You can change any color other than Black (see Table 3 on page 42) to create custom colors. You cannot add more colors, but you can change the existing ones. Once you create a custom color, it stays permanently in the MXPro unit until and unless you change it again. BG COLOR and BORDER COLOR share the color palette. Therefore, changing any color affects both the background and border colors.
Basic Operations Using Borders 45 USING BORDERS Borders have many uses, such as providing a distinct separation between two sources while running a transition. Wipe Transition No Border Wipe Transition White Border You can also use borders to frame images in a picture-in-picture (PIP) image, and so forth. Whatever purpose you use a border for, you can specify the color and style for the border. Note For the two following procedures, note that not all border styles can be applied in all cases.
46 Chapter 4 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Changing Border Styles This section explains how to specify different edges, color borders, and drop shadows to use in conjunction with border styles. Procedure To change a border style setting 1 While the Preview screen is displayed, enter BORDER STYLE+# — where # can range from 1 to 9 (inclusive) and is the number of the border style you want to change, as shown in Table 4, Border Styles (Defaults), above.
Basic Operations Changing Border Styles 47 MXPro automatically stores the border style so that it is available until and unless you change it again.
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5 Transitions Using too many transitions of varying styles can be like taking a rollercoaster ride after eating a nine-course meal — messy and unpleasant. MXPro contains over 500 transitions from which you can choose. Furthermore, you can manually control any transition to change the way it works, thereby creating your own versions of the supplied set. Transitions artistically switch from one scene to the next in a production.
50 Chapter 5 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide BASIC TRANSITION CONCEPTS Transitions create on-screen effects used when switching from one source to another (that is, one scene to another). The most basic type of transition is the cut, where the first frame from the NEXT source immediately replaces the last frame from the CURRENT source. Cuts produce abrupt changes. Other types of transitions use special effects to produce a smoother, more artistic change from one source to the next.
Transitions Basic Transition Concepts 51 As you can see, you first set up the transition, then execute it. Nothing happens until you use the T-BAR or PLAY button to run the transition. So, you set everything up, then run the transition at the precise moment you want it to occur. As soon as one transition finishes, immediately set up the next one so that all you have to do is press PLAY or use the T-BAR to proceed.
52 Chapter 5 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide TRANSITION CATEGORIES AND MENUS To help manage the 500+ transitions, MXPro separates them into five logical categories — User, Basic, Edges, Trailing, and Shapes. Use the Transition Category buttons to access the different categories. Transition Category Buttons USER BASIC EDGES TRAILING SHAPES When you press a Transition Category button, MXPro displays the transitions available in that category in the Transitions Menu*.
Transitions Basic Transitions Category 53 Basic Transitions Category This category includes common transitions, such as wipes and dissolves. The transitions in this category are color coded White. See page 132 for samples of the icons in this category. MX-1 Compatibility If you are upgrading to MXPro from the Videonics MX-1 Video Mixer, the transitions in the Basic category are the same as the MX-1. MXPro provides a set of hot keys that directly correspond to the MX-1 Effect buttons.
54 Chapter 5 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Tip During production planning, determine which transitions you want to use, then set up the User category to contain those transitions. This gives you quick, immediate access to the transitions you intend to use without having to search through the other categories. See the following section (“Changing User Transitions Menu”) to learn how to tailor the menu to your preferences.
Transitions Selecting Sources to Use During Transitions 55 SELECTING SOURCES TO USE DURING TRANSITIONS An important step in setting up a transition is to identify the CURRENT and NEXT sources. Use CUT and NEXT to choose the two sources. MXPro provides feedback in a couple of different ways to confirm your choices. Selecting Sources and Getting Feedback A B C D COLOR The lights between the rows of CUT and NEXT buttons act as indicators.
56 Chapter 5 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide SELECTING TRANSITIONS To select a transition to use between the CURRENT and NEXT sources, do one of the following: • Use the ARROW keys to select from the Transitions Menu on the Preview screen; or, • Enter the transition’s assigned number on the MXPro numeric keypad, then press OK.
Transitions Using Transition Numbers 57 Procedure To select a transition from the Transitions Menu: 1 If necessary, press the appropriate Transition Category button to display the set of transitions containing the one you want. 2 Use the ARROW keys to highlight the transition you want to use. Blue highlights the currently selected transition. Use the LEFT and RIGHT ARROWS to move the highlight horizontally. Use the UP and DOWN ARROWS to move the highlight vertically.
58 Chapter 5 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide ADJUSTING TRANSITIONS Every transition runs at a pre-set speed and direction. Symbols appear below the transition icon in the Transitions Menu indicating the current speed and direction. Transition Icon Transition Speed Transition Direction Use the SPEED and REVERSE buttons to change the speed and/or direction of a transition.
Transitions Changing Transition Direction 59 Changing Transition Direction Transitions can run in two directions — forward and reverse. If you use the PLAY button, transitions run, by default, in the forward direction. If you use the T-BAR, moving it up runs the transition forward; moving it down runs it in reverse. For example, a simple wipe transition might move a vertical border across the screen from right-to-left or left-to-right, replacing scene a with scene b.
60 Chapter 5 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Using Auto-Reverse Auto-Reverse automatically reverses the direction of transitions each time they run. In the previous building renovation example, you press REVERSE at the conclusion of each transition to alternate between left-to-right and right-to-left wipes. When you use Auto-Reverse, MXPro handles switching automatically.
Transitions Running Transitions 61 RUNNING TRANSITIONS After selecting the CURRENT and NEXT sources and the transition to use, you can run the transition either automatically or manually. • Use PLAY to run transitions automatically, when you want them to run smoothly and always the same way. • Use the T-BAR to run transitions manually, when you want fine control over the way it runs. For example, you can make the transition speed up, slow down, or even reverse itself at any point.
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6 Input Effects Use Input Effects to alter the signal coming into MXPro from a source device. You can create many different effects by combining Input Effects. Flip This chapter describes MXPro Input Effects, which are available in the following button group on the MXPro keyboard. INPUT EFFECTS B&W B&W NEG You can use Input Effects in the following ways: • Apply input effects to any source. • Combine as many different input effects as you want to create entirely new effects.
64 Chapter 6 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide INPUT EFFECTS MENU Press any input effects button to display the Input Effects Menu — or, press the INPUT EFFECTS button. B&W B&W NEGATIVE POSTERIZE FLIP VERTICAL MOSIAC MXPro does NOT update the preview images to show Input Effects 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 COLOR CORRECT COLOR NEGATIVE 0 0 FLIP HORIZONTAL STROBE When you press one of the input effects buttons (such as POSTERIZE), MXPro automatically selects that effect in the menu.
Input Effects Special Key Combinations 65 Special Key Combinations Use the following key combinations while working with the Input Effects menu. Table 7: Input Effects Mode Key Combinations Key Combination Result ARROW KEYS Moves cursor (or, highlight) between the different Input Effects. Numeric Keypad Directly sets the parameter value for the highlighted effect. INPUT EFFECTS Exits from Input Effects mode.
66 Chapter 6 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide USING INPUT EFFECTS Input effects aren’t visible in the small Preview thumbnails. To make them visible: 1 Make the channel to which the input effects are applied the NEXT source. That is, press NEXT/A, B, C, or D. 2 Press the DISPLAY button to display the NEXT Preview option (see “Display” beginning on page 73); or use the shortcut SHIFT+4.
Input Effects B&W 67 B&W Changes the input picture to black and white. Removes all color from the image. Parameter Values — Zero or one. 0 = Off: 1 = On B&W NEG Reverses all black and white values in the image. If applied to a color image, reverses all black and white values but does not change any color values in the image. Parameter Values — Zero or one. 0 = Off: 1 = On Note To create a black and white negative effect, also turn on the B&W effect.
68 Chapter 6 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide MOSAIC Divides picture into tiles. Parameter Values — Zero through seven. Zero turns off the effect. Low values create numerous, small tiles. High values create fewer, larger tiles. Highest values might make image difficult to recognize. COLOR CORRECT Adjusts overall color values throughout the entire image. You cannot, however, apply Color Correction to PIP tiles. You can set Color Correction values separately for each channel. Parameter Values — Zero or one.
Input Effects Color Neg 69 COLOR NEG Inverts all colors in the image. Parameter Values — Zero or one. 0 = Off: 1 = On CHROMA KEY 1 2 3 Chroma key replaces all occurrences of a color in an image with a different image. In this example, (1) the block of color in the first image (the area behind Kong’s head) gets replaced with the image of the Golden Gate Bridge (2). The resulting image (3) is Kong superimposed over the bridge. See Chapter 10, Chroma Key, for complete details.
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7 Functions Route Menu Setup Menu MUTE This chapter describes the Function buttons, which give you access to MXPro’s built-in functions. The function button group contains eight buttons, but gives you access to more than eight functions.
72 Chapter 7 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide DEMO Press SHIFT+DEMO to run a demonstration of several MXPro transitions and other effects. Demo works in conjunction with the CURRENT and NEXT sources. (If you have one source selected as CURRENT and NEXT, the Demo works with that source only.) The Demo shows many of the effects you can produce with MXPro. The demo runs automatically and, upon reaching the end, starts over from the beginning.
Functions Display 73 DISPLAY To control what appears on the Preview monitor, use the DISPLAY function. Press DISPLAY to cycle through the different display configurations. See samples of these configurations on the next page. The illustrations show the key combination you can use to directly access any display configuration. STANDARD – Provides most extensive display. Shows preview images of all active input sources and a menu of up to 30 different transitions from which you can choose.
74 Chapter 7 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide STANDARD – SHIFT+1 Note For all examples on this page, assume source A is CURRENT and source B is NEXT. Input sources C and D show up only when using STANDARD or FULL options. TWO CHANNEL – SHIFT+2 FULL – SHIFT+3 Flashing white border indicates CURRENT source, unless that source is the COLOR channel.
Functions Setup 75 SETUP The Setup functions control various aspects of the way MXPro operates, including Force Field Freeze, GPI Out Mode, Comb Filter, and Black Level. To access the Setup functions, press SETUP.
76 Chapter 7 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Force Field Freeze The Force Field Freeze option lets you specify whether you want MXPro to perform a frame or field freeze. This option works in conjunction with the Freeze feature (see “Freeze” on page 83). Frame Freeze produces best quality, but it might produce a jittering effect when trying to freeze objects in motion. In such cases, use a Field Freeze Field Freeze – MXPro freezes only every other line of the image.
Functions Route 77 ROUTE The Route function has the following, primary purposes: • Configure MXPro to match your equipment. • Re-direct signals coming from an input device to different or multiple MXPro channels. • Split the audio input on IN 3. Configuring MXPro MXPro ships from the factory with the following default options: • Source Input 1’s video and stereo audio are assigned to channel A, with the video signal routed through the S-Video connector.
78 Chapter 7 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Default Settings for Route Function IN 1 routes to Channel A IN 2 routes to Channel B 1 POWER 2 1 3 L L VIDEO IN (Y/C) 2 4 VIDEO IN 3 1 4 2 R IN 3 routes to Channel C AUDIO IN 3 4 DI R IN 4 routes to Channel D If your set up does not match the default options, you need to change the Route settings.
Functions Configuring MXPro 79 MXPro highlights the currently selected NEXT channel – in this case, channel B. To select a different channel, press the corresponding NEXT button. For example, to select channel C, press NEXT/C. MXPro then highlights that channel in the menu. MUTE MXPro highlights the appropriate R, L, V, and/or S connectors in the corresponding diagram showing the current configuration for the current channel. Note above that channel B is currently selected.
80 Chapter 7 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide 6 Repeat this process (if required) for any and all devices in your configuration. 7 When finished, press ROUTE to exit from the Route menu. Note If you do not see the proper image previews on the Preview screen, it might be that your configuration is not set up correctly. Re-directing Input Signals Use the Route function to re-direct signals coming from source devices to different MXPro channels.
Functions Routing Audio through Color Channel 81 The Preview Image window for both the A and B channels should show the same source image. The input signals (video and audio) connected to the MXPro inputs labeled 1 have now been directed through channel B. MUTE You can now apply whatever effects you want to the B channel. For example, to flip the image horizontally, go to the Input Effects menu and activate the Flip effect for channel B.
82 Chapter 7 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide LEARN MXPro Learned Script The Learn feature consists of one or more Learned Environments. Within each Learned Environment you can create a Learned Script. In a Learned Script you teach MXPro about a series of transitions and edits you want to include in a production. This is similar to using an Edit Decision List (EDL), though not as flexible or powerful.
Functions Freeze 83 FREEZE The Freeze effect immediately freezes the selected video source. You can freeze up to two video sources, then transition between them while retaining the freeze – that is, the freeze stays in MXPro’s memory until you specifically release it. This section describes the types of freeze effects you can produce with MXPro and how to use Freeze with transitions. You can also use the Freeze effect with the MXPro PIP and Compose features.
84 Chapter 7 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Freeze Examples This section discusses some common uses for the Freeze function. As you use MXPro over time, you’ll probably create many others ways to use this function. Single Source (A/A) When working with a single source, use the Freeze function to transition to or from the Editing second image. Procedure To use Freeze with Single Source Editing: 1 Route a video source to Channel A.
Functions Freeze Examples 85 Creating Still Montages You can use the Freeze function to transition between a series of still images to create a “still montage.” You can use anywhere from one to four sources. Procedure To create a still montage: 1 Route at least one video source to Channel A. Remember, you can use up to as many as four sources for this procedure. This example starts from a black screen, then transitions to a still image. 2 Enter BG COLOR+0 (zero) to set the background color to black.
86 Chapter 7 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Freeze and Transitions The preceding examples used the dissolve transition to move between frozen images. You can use any MXPro transition to move between freezes, with the following exceptions: • MXPro cannot perform a Trailing-type transition TO a frozen image. It releases the Next source prior to running the transition. • MXPro can perform a Trailing-type transition FROM a frozen source to a moving source.
8 PIPs Single PIP Multi-PIP PIPs (Picture-In-Picture) provides a way to combine images on the same screen. For example, one image appears inside a small rectangle, and the other image fills the remainder of the screen, as shown by Single PIP, above. You can freeze the background or foreground, or make either one a solid color. You can create Single PIP configurations where two images appear on the screen at the same time.
88 Chapter 8 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide SINGLE PIP In a Single PIP configuration, one tile fills the background while another tile and its mask float atop the background. The CURRENT source always serves as the background tile; the NEXT source always serves as the PIP image. Background Tile …from CURRENT Source Foreground Tile and Mask …from NEXT Source Background Tile The background tile always fills the entire screen.
PIPs Foreground Tile 89 Manipulating the This section explains how to change the position, size, shape, and so forth of the foreForeground Tile ground tile. In each case, do the steps after pressing PIPS, as described in the preceding steps. You can do any of these steps while the PIP plays on the Output. Table 10: Manipulating PIPs Tiles To change tile… Use or press… Notes… JOYSTICK Moves tile around screen.
90 Chapter 8 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide You can apply the following shapes to PIP tiles. To select a shape, press the numeric key (0 through 9) that corresponds to the shape you want, as indicated below. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Manipulating the Mask The mask changes shape, size, and position when you change the corresponding attribute of the foreground tile. You can, however, manipulate the mask independently, as described in this section.
PIPs Multi-PIP 91 MULTI-PIP In a Multi-PIP configuration, as many as 16 separate images can share the screen at the same time, with each image inside a separate tile. You can use any of the four input sources to provide the images that appear in the tiles. You might, for example, have the same image appear in eight of the tiles, and another image appear in the remaining eight tiles in a 16-tile configuration.
92 Chapter 8 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Procedure To create a Multi-PIP image such as the one shown above: 1 Assume the image of Kong originates on input source A. Press CUT/A to make source A the CURRENT source. It serves as the primary input. If you want, instead, to make the background a solid color, press CUT/COLOR. See “Using Color Backgrounds” on page 43 to learn how to select colors. 2 Assume the graphic of the word “Kong” originates on input C. Press NEXT/C to make source C the NEXT source.
9 Compose A Composition consists of individual tiles placed on the screen. A Composition can contain up to 16 separate tiles and one background. Tiles can be solid color rectangles, moving video sequences, or still (frozen) images. COMPOSE provides a way to create screens containing picture elements, solid colors, and rectangles. A composed screen consists of a background and one or more objects (called tiles) placed atop the background. The background fills the entire screen.
94 Chapter 9 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide BASIC COMPOSITION STEPS This section explains the steps involved in creating the composition screen shown at the beginning of this chapter. Further details for each of the steps then follow. 1 Select the background. This example uses a still image of a mountain range. You can use still images, moving video, a solid color background, or color bars. 2 Create a solid color tile.
Compose Foreground Tiles 95 FOREGROUND TILES Creating Color Tiles and Lines Color tiles can be rectangles of any size and shape. Colored lines are simply thin rectangles. You can create horizontal and vertical lines, but not diagonal ones. When you place a color tile on the screen, it can overlap other tiles. If the other tile is a color tile, the new tile obscures the previous one wherever they overlap.
96 Chapter 9 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide MANIPULATING TILES You can place foreground tiles anywhere you want on the screen. You can set their size, fill them with color or images, and set their border characteristics. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Remember, once you place and define a foreground tile you cannot change it. Placing the tile occurs once you move the Compose Cursor (or, rectangle) to any other position on the screen. You’ll learn about the Compose Cursor in this section.
Compose Composition Rules 97 COMPOSITION RULES Observe the following rules when creating compositions. • Select and define the image you want to use as the background before entering Compose mode. • A composition can contain one background and anywhere from one to 16 foreground tiles. • When you create a foreground tile that overlaps an existing solid color rectangle or still image, the overlapping portion erases whatever it overlaps. The larger tile is drawn first.
98 Chapter 9 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide CREATING A COMPOSED IMAGE Procedure To create a composition: 1 2 Create or choose the background on the Preview screen. Do this before entering Compose mode because the CURRENT source at the time you enter Compose mode automatically becomes the background for the composition. a Solid Color Background – Use the BG COLOR button to select the color you want. Then press CUT/COLOR or use a transition to make COLOR the CURRENT source.
Compose Playing the Composition 99 3 Use the JOYSTICK or ARROW KEYS to position the Compose Cursor where you want it on the screen. 4 Size the Compose Cursor to the size you want for the foreground tile. You can do the two preceding steps in either order. 5 Press one of the NEXT buttons to fill the tile with whatever color or image you want. a Solid Color Background – Press NEXT/COLOR to fill the tile with the currently selected color.
100 Chapter 9 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide EXITING FROM COMPOSE MODE Remember, if you do not record your composed image to the output device before exiting Compose mode, your composed image will be lost and cannot be recovered. To exit from Compose mode, press COMPOSE.
10 Chroma Key Using Chroma Key you can combine two completely separate images to create a composite image that might be impossible to create any other way. You’ve probably seen the Chroma Key effect used in television weather reports. The weather person stands in front of a “blue screen” (a solid blue background) and the weather map then keys onto the background from some other source. CHROMA KEY combines two sources to create a composite image.
102 Chapter 10 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Chroma Key requires careful preparation of the input sources to achieve the desired effect. Keep the following points in mind: • The color used for the background must not appear elsewhere in the image. For example, if Kong’s head (in the example above) contains colors close to the chroma key background, the picture of the bridge would appear in those areas. (Professionals often use a special “blue screen” paint for the backdrop when filming the image.
Chroma Key Preparing the Keyed Footage 103 PREPARING THE KEYED FOOTAGE Preparation of the Keyed footage presents a challenge. It is the most important and most difficult step, because the solid colored background is so crucial to the success of the illusion. To achieve the required background requires, in most cases, special props, lighting, and other materials. In this example, we placed our flying hero atop a platform centered on the set.
104 Chapter 10 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide 5 Press CHROMA KEY to activate the effect. The Preview screen displays a fullscreen picture of the Keyed footage from source C. A cursor (a small flashing circle) appears atop the image. Chroma Key Cursor Once you activate Chroma Key it stays in effect until you specifically deactivate it (which you’ll learn to do later in this procedure). To change the selected color or colors for the Chroma Key, press SHIFT+CHROMA KEY.
Chroma Key Performing the Chroma Key 105 PERFORMING THE CHROMA KEY When the Preview screen shows the desired chroma key results: ¨ Press PLAY. The Output monitor shows the Chroma Keyed image. Press PLAY again to cut back to the background source. You can also dissolve between the Background footage and the Chroma Key footage using the T-BAR, rather than pressing PLAY.
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11 Learn Mode MXPro Learned Script In Learn Mode, MXPro “remembers” most of what you do, such as which transitions you used and how you used them. You can subsequently instruct MXPro to re-play those steps, at which time MXPro creates the production on the output device. The basic steps involved in using Learn mode include: • Create a Learned Environment. • Place MXPro in Learn mode. • Create the production, complete with transitions, freezes, input effects, and so forth.
108 Chapter 11 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide LEARNED ENVIRONMENTS A Learned Environment can be thought of as a “snapshot” of your current MXPro configuration, including input effects, functions, styles, and so forth, that are in effect when you create the Learned Environment. You can subsequently recall a Learned Environment whenever you want to use it.
Learn Mode Learned Scripts 109 Procedure To create a Learned Environment: 1 Set up MXPro the way you want for this particular environment. This includes setting any input effects you want, selecting the initial CURRENT and NEXT sources, defining color, defining borders, and so forth. 2 Enter LEARN+, where can be any value from 1 to 8. MXPro saves all current settings under the number you enter.
110 Chapter 11 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Other buttons count as one step, including SPEED, FREEZE, SETUP, INPUT EFFECTS, ARROW keys, CURRENT and NEXT sources, and so forth. Example… The following Learned Script consists of 7 individual steps: 1 Press NEXT/B to select that device as the NEXT source (step one). 2 Press SPEED to increase the speed of the transition (step two). 3 Press SPEED again to increase the transition speed one more unit (step three).
Learn Mode Using Learn Mode 111 USING LEARN MODE Procedure Learn mode involves the following steps: 1 Activate all devices. Turn on MXPro and all devices you intend to use, if necessary. 2 Press LEARN+ to engage Learn mode, where can be any value from 1 to 8. The number designates the Learned Environment you want to use. Note that the INPUT EFFECTS LED (or, light) flashes while MXPro is in Learn mode. 3 Enter production steps.
112 Chapter 11 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION When MXPro comes to the end of a Learned Script, it stops. You can re-initiate the same or any other Learned Script by entering the SHIFT+LEARN+ for the script you want to run. You can do the following in a Learned Script: ¨ Perform transitions, including use of Reverse and Speed settings. ¨ Choose CURRENT and NEXT sources. ¨ Use the Freeze function. ¨ Transition audio, video, or both.
12 Working with Audio COLOR VIDEO MIX +6 +3 0 -3 -6 -10 AUDIO -20 -30 -° MXPro provides flexible control for audio sources. You can: • Easily switch between devices. • Record video and/or audio from a device, in any combination. • Allow or disallow transitions to affect audio. • Automatically or manually fade the sound between sources. • and more… Before using audio sources, make sure they are properly connected to the MXPro. See Chapter 3, Installing MXPro, for instructions.
114 Chapter 12 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide AUDIO DEVICES YOU CAN USE You can: • Use dedicated audio input sources, such as audio cassette players, compact disc players, and even live microphones. (See “Using a Microphone with MXPro” on page 30 for installation instructions.) • Use the audio signal coming from combined input sources, such as the audio track contained on a video tape. • Separate the audio signal to record only the audio track from a video tape, laser disk player, and so forth.
Working with Audio Selecting Audio Sources 115 Selecting Audio Sources Select audio sources the same way you select video sources, using the CUT and NEXT buttons and the highlights at the top of the Preview screen. CURRENT Audio Source Indicates that source can be monitored through MXPro’s headphone jack NEXT Audio Source Remember, MXPro highlights the CURRENT video source in yellow (above the Preview window). The speaker icon inside the highlight indicates that the current audio is on channel A.
116 Chapter 12 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide WAYS TO USE AUDIO You can manage audio in several different ways during video transitions. This section explains some of the more useful methods. Audio Accompanies Video When you transition from one source to another, you might want the native audio (that is, the sound recorded on the original media) to transition right along with the video.
Working with Audio Continuous Audio 117 Continuous Audio Example… Suppose you taped a musical concert using two cameras. The first camera focuses on the musicians and picks up the audio. The second camera focuses around the audience to get the reactions of different listeners. You want to mix together the footage from both cameras, but have only the audio from the first camera play through all transitions.
118 Chapter 12 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide USING THE AUDIO MIXER MXPro’s Audio Mixer provides extensive control over all audio channels. You can, for example, subdue the audio on one channel (such as background music) and pump up the audio on another (such as the narrative). To access the Audio Mixer, press AUDIO MIX in the Functions button group.
Working with Audio Audio Mixer Controls 119 Audio Mixer Controls The default settings in the Audio Mixer have all channels at 0 (zero) db. The MIX channel, however, is set at its mid-way point. Channel A is selected, as indicated by its highlighting. The following tables explain how to operate the Audio Mixer controls from the MXPro keyboard.
120 Chapter 12 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide USING HEADPHONES You might find headphones helpful for monitoring audio input signals. You can plug a set of headphones directly into the MXPro by connecting them to the Headphone jack located on the right side of the unit, next to the Power switch. Note You can use stereophonic headphones, but the audio is always monaural — that is, MXPro mixes the left and right channels together.
13 Advanced Operations This chapter discusses operations you might not use very often, but are quite helpful when you need them.
122 Chapter 13 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide USING TITLES In Chapter 3, Installing MXPro, you learned how to install a character generator (CG) to use with MXPro (see “Live Broadcast Configuration” on page 26). Using a set up where you connect the CG between the MXPro and the output device (downstream), you can create titles for your productions. Using any of the Videonics TitleMaker products or PowerScript, you can superimpose titles over video and use transitions for sophisticated titling.
Advanced Operations Performing Roll Edits 123 PERFORMING ROLL EDITS Two types of roll edits are commonly used in video editing — A/A rolls, and A/B rolls. You can do both types of rolls with MXPro. A/A rolls can be accomplished with relative ease. As you’ll learn later in this section, you can also do A/B roll editing with MXPro, although it does require good preparation and manual control of the devices.
124 Chapter 13 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide You can perform an A/A roll with an automatic editing system. Press FREEZE at the end of one scene and wait for the editing system to start the next scene. While the controller locates the next scene, set up the transition you want. When you see the editor release the recorder from the pause state, press PLAY on the MXPro to run the transition.
Advanced Operations Transitions TO and FROM Solid Colors 125 Transitions TO and FROM Solid Colors You can insert a solid color background between two scenes for impact. For example, scene one dissolves to solid black, holds briefly, then dissolves from black to the next scene. Procedure To run this type of transition: 1 Assume your CURRENT source is on Channel A — press CUT/A to ensure it is the current one.
126 Chapter 13 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide OPERATING IN LIVE ENVIRONMENTS In most live environments you need the ability to quickly and easily switch between the various live feeds. MXPro serves this need well because you can view the four input sources on the Preview screen and easily run transitions from the CURRENT to the NEXT feed simply by pressing PLAY or moving the T-BAR. SECURITY MONITORING MXPro also serves well for monitoring security cameras.
Advanced Operations Instructions for Building a GPI Trigger 127 Instructions for Building a GPI Trigger This section contains a diagram of the GPI Trigger Button you can build and all associated instructions. Required Tools Soldering Iron and Solder and Parts Wire Cutters Electric Drill Parts Required A B F A “normally open momentary push-button switch” (A). One four-inch piece of 3/4-inch PVC pipe (C) and two end caps (B and E). 3-conductor, 22-24 gauge stranded wire cable (D). G H C A stereo 3.
128 Chapter 13 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide Using a GPI Trigger Device If your edit controller is automatic and has GPI trigger, you can trigger each page in a project with the controller. You might need a special cable to connect the GPI jacks from the GPI device to MXPro. WARNING! Always turn off power before plugging into any GPI jack. The following instructions explain how to automatically trigger events using the device described above.
Advanced Operations Resetting MXPro Factory Defaults 129 RESETTING MXPRO FACTORY DEFAULTS When you first power up MXPro, it operates using settings defined by Videonics. As you go about using MXPro and changing its various settings, the unit stores your settings in its memory (called NVRAM). You can reset all settings to their factory defaults. Procedure To reset MXPro to its factory defaults: 1 Power down the unit (using the Power switch). 2 Press down and hold the SHIFT and SETUP buttons.
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A Transitions List This appendix shows the icons assigned to each MXPro transition, and identifies them by number. Some transition descriptions use special terms and abbreviations to describe how the transitions work. (A) — The CURRENT source: the one on the screen before the transition begins. (B) — The NEXT source: the one on the screen after the transition finishes. Dissolve — One image fades away as another fades in. Wipe — A simple window or boundary that reveals the underlying video.
4 5 6 7 8 9 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178
Transitions List Basic Transitions 133 The Basic Transitions category contains transitions numbered from 0 through 239. The category contains a wide assortment of effects. Transitions 0 through 29 serve as the default assortment in the Transitions Menu. When you turn the unit on for the first time, these transitions appear in the menu. They provide a unique assortment of transitions suitable for many purposes.
134 Videonics MXPro User Guide Appendix A Table 15: Descriptions of Basic Transitions (Continued) # Description 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 H Exp. (B) from L Ctr/Comp. (A) to R Ctr H Exp. (B) from L Ctr/Slide (A) to R H Wipe (B) from R Ctr H Exp. (B) from R Ctr H Exp. (B) from R Ctr/Comp. (A) to L Ctr H Exp. (B) from R Ctr/Slide (A) to L H Slide & Wipe (B) from R Ctr/Slide (A) to L H Slide & Wipe (B) from L Ctr/Slide (A) to R H Slide (B) from L/Comp.
Transitions List Basic Transitions 135 Table 15: Descriptions of Basic Transitions (Continued) # Description # Description 77 78 79 V Comp. (A)/Slide (B) V Slide (A)/Slide (B) V Picture Roll 182 183 184# 80 V Curtain Wipe (B) from Ctr to full 185# 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 V Curtain Exp. (B) from Ctr to full V Wipe (B) from T Ctr V Exp. (B) from T Ctr V Exp. (B) from T Ctr/Comp. (A) to B Ctr V Exp. (B) from T Ctr/Slide (A) to B V Wipe (B) from B Ctr V Exp.
136 Videonics MXPro User Guide Appendix A Table 15: Descriptions of Basic Transitions (Continued) # Description 109 V Comp. line to B edge; Exp. to full 214 screen Slide in slice (B) from L Ctr; Wipe slice to 215 full Comp. in slice (B) from L Ctr; Exp. to full 216 110 111 # Description Fly-in from T L/fixed proportion Fly-in from T R/fixed proportion 217 218 219 H Cube Roll V Cube Roll 220 221# Zoom in on (A); zoom away from (B) Mosaic Zoom 222 223 Ctr Comp. (A); swing back; out B Ctr Comp.
Transitions List Edge Transitions 137 EDGE TRANSITIONS Edge transitions move a border across the screen between the outgoing and incoming images. Edge transitions group into sets of six. For example, transitions 300 through 305 perform the same type of effect, but using six different edges: transitions 306 through 311 perform the same type of effect, but using the same six edges as the preceding group: and so forth.
138 Videonics MXPro User Guide Appendix A TRAILING TRANSITIONS Trailing transitions leave duplicate versions of the image in their wake as they traverse the screen. Table 17: Trailing Transitions Description No.
Transitions List Shape Transitions 139 SHAPE TRANSITIONS Shape transitions use various geometric and custom shapes (stars, hearts, and so forth) to transition from one image to the next.
140 Videonics MXPro User Guide Appendix A Table 18: Shape Transitions (Continued) Ctr Wipe 554 555 556 557 559 560 561 562 558 Ctr Wipe (B) witHorizontal Slide from T 563 564 565 566 568 569 570 571 567 Bounce off edges/Wipe 572 573 574 575 577 578 579 580 576 Ctr Wipe (A) to 1/16 screen; CCW spiral reveal * 581 582 583 584 586 587 588 589 585 Random Sizes Flips (B); fills screen at end 590 591 592 593 595 596 597 598 594 Random Wipes (B); Ctr wipe to full scr
Transitions List Shape Transitions Table 18: Shape Transitions (Continued) Horizontal Curtain Expand (B) from Ctr to full 617 618 619 620 622 623 624 625 621 Horizontal Compress (A) to Ctr line; Expand (B) from line 626 627 628 629 631 632 633 634 630 Horizontal Compress (A) L to 1/2 screen slice; Slide slice R * 635 636 637 638 640 641 642 643 639 Horizontal Compress (A) L to 1/2 screen slice; Slide to R; slide under Ctr line * 644 645 646 647 649 650 651 652 648 Horiz
142 Videonics MXPro User Guide Appendix A Table 18: Shape Transitions (Continued) Horizontal Compress (A)/Wipe (B) * 680 681 682 683 685 686 687 688 684 Horizontal Wipe (A)/Expand (B) 689 690 691 692 694 695 696 697 693 Horizontal Compress (A) to L edge; Expand (B) from edge 698 699 700 701 703 704 705 706 702
Transitions List Default User Transitions 143 DEFAULT USER TRANSITIONS The User Transitions category contains a default set of transitions compiled from the other categories. You can tailor the User category to your particular needs — see “Changing User Transitions Menu” beginning on page 54.
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B Time Base Corrector The MXPro contains a Time Base Corrector (TBC) that ensures top quality results in your productions. The TBC operates automatically at all times. You don’t have to do anything special to use the feature. TBC compensates for image “shifting” and “wavering” that occurs with many VCR’s, camcorders, and other video devices.
146 Videonics MXPro User Guide Appendix B VERTICAL INTERVAL DATA Time code, closed captioning, and other data in the vertical interval should be added after mixing (downstream from MXPro). This is necessary because dissolves and other transitions mix the data signals, making them unreadable. The MXPro might remove vertical interval data from the sources, depending on how data has been added and the accuracy of a source’s time base.
C Video Quality MXPro meets the highest video quality standards. However, video artifacts can appear in video productions, especially when you use sophisticated effects and transitions. This appendix describes some of the video artifacts that can occur. Note The situations and artifacts discussed in this appendix normally apply to advanced video concepts. They might, therefore, be of interest only to a selected audience.
148 Videonics MXPro User Guide Appendix C VIDEO SCALING ARTIFACTS Reducing a video image’s size can create artifacts because some picture information must be discarded to reduce the number of pixels in the image. In some cases, picture information might disappear when eliminating pixels. For example, lines in the image might appear jagged when MXPro removes pixels and, therefore, parts of the line. Some MXPro transitions scale an image down gradually.
Video Quality Video Processing Artifacts 149 VIDEO PROCESSING ARTIFACTS Video processing circuits (such as enhancers, sharpness controls, and the playback circuitry in some VCR’s) can over-process the video. This might cause the video signal to interfere with the invisible sync portion of the signal, thus making the signal non-standard.
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D Technical Specifications MXPro is a four-input video production switcher, mixer, frame synchronizer/TBC (Time Base Corrector), Manual Color Corrector, and special effects generator. Table 19: MXPro Technical Specifications GENERAL Power Supply External in-line; 110VAC@60Hz/220VAC@50 Hz universal CE/FCC/UL/CSA Approved (Non-US/Canada versions meet local regulatory standards) Dimensions 16.6” x 9.5” x 3” 422mm x 241mm x 76mm Weight 4 lbs. (1.
152 Videonics MXPro User Guide Appendix D Table 19: MXPro Technical Specifications (Continued) EFFECTS Video 501 Transitions Input Effects Strobe, Mosaic, Flips, and Posterize Special Effects Chroma Key and Compose Audio Mix, Fade, Background COLOR GENERATORS 2 (Background and Border) Millions of Colors VIDEO PERFORMANCE Meets long-haul video broadcast specs including CCIR-601 sampling and RS-170A Digital Conversion 13.
E Information for MX-1 Users This appendix helps Videonics MX-1 users make an easy transition to MXPro. It highlights key operational commands from the MX-1 that have changed with MXPro. MXPro offers many new features and expands the capability of some MX-1 operations. You won’t be able to enjoy the full benefits of the new features without reading the other chapters in this User Guide.
154 Videonics MXPro User Guide Appendix E Setup Mode Differences. MX-1 Setup functions can be found on the MXPro ROUTE screen. MXPro Setup contains most of the functions found in MX-1 Advanced Setup, with the following changes and additions: GPI Mode Added – See “GPI Out Mode” on page 76 and “Using a GPI Device” on page 126 for further information. Comb Filter Added – See “Comb Filter” on page 76. Frame/Field Freeze Added – See “Force Field Freeze” on page 76 and “Freeze” on page 83.
155 Information for MX-1 Users Transitions Organized Differently All transitions available with the MX-1 are also available with MXPro, but you can now select from more than 500 different effects. See Appendix A, Transitions List, for a complete description of what is now available. USER BASIC EDGES TRAILING SHAPES MX-1 buttons such as Flips, Wipes, and Fade/Dissolve no longer exist. Instead, MXPro categorizes transitions into these five groups.
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Glossary Some terms defined in this glossary might not appear in the body of the User Guide. A/A Roll A term originating in the film world. Normally describes rolling a single source into an effects device, such as the Videonics MXPro, and creating transitions between the individual scenes. A/B Roll Variation of A/A Roll (described above). Normally describes rolling two or more sources into an effects device, such as the Videonics MXPro, and creating transitions between the various source images.
158 Glossary NTSC National Television Standards Committee. A body that defines television standards in the USA. NTSC is characterized by each frame being composed of 525 horizontal scanning lines per frame, occurring at 30 frames per second. The format is used in North America, Central America, Japan, and parts of South America. (Also see PAL and SECAM.) NVRAM Non-Volatile Random Access Memory. MXPro uses NVRAM to store unit settings so that they are available whenever you power up the unit.
Index A adapters 23 arrow keys 34 audio accompanies video 116 adjust sliders 119 advanced setups 120 background music 118 continuous 117 control 114 devices 114 fade 116 headphones 120 mixer panel 118 monaural 24 monitoring 120 mute 81 source 115 highlight 115 speaker icon 115 stereo 24 transitions 114 using COLOR channel 118 AUDIO MIX 32 background music 118 channel mixer 118 slider 118 default settings 119 headphones channel 118 panel 118 select channel 119 Audio Mixer 118 auto-reverse transition 60 B B&
ii Index Videonics MXPro User Guide D I M DEMO 12, 72 demo 12 run 72 locked 72 device input number of 20 output number of 20 DISPLAY 32, 73 user transitions 54 input effects 63 source highlight 36 preview image 36 INPUT EFFECTS 34, 63, 64, 66 B&W 67 B&W NEG 67 CHROMA KEY 105 COLOR CORRECT 68 COLOR NEG 69 COMPOSE 98 FLIP Horizontal 67 FLIP Vertical 69 key combinations 65 LEARN 110 menu 64 MOSAIC 68 parameter values 66 PIPS 88 single 90 POSTERIZE 67 STROBE 69 using 63 input selector switch 25 install c
Videonics MXPro User Guide Index P S PIPS 32, 82, 87, 88 mask 90 multiple 91 create 92 shapes 90 single 88 create 88 tile 88 PLAY 32, 34, 39, 41, 43 AUDIO MIX 116 CHROMA KEY 105 COMPOSE 99 LEARN 109 PIPS 88 transition 50, 61 number 57 post production configuration 28 POSTERIZE 67 power cord 22 switch 32 preview CURRENT defined 73 FULL defined 73 image 36 quality 147 monitor 73 NEXT defined 73 screen 39 STANDARD 54, 56 defined 73 TWO CHANNEL 54, 56 defined 73 PREVIEW monitor 11, 19 PREVIEW screen 11 PROG
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