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PRG MBOX User Manual

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SOFTWARE VERSION v4.2
WWW.PRG.COM
MBOX

MEDIA SERVER

®
USER MANUAL
(rev. D)

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  • Page 1: Media Server

    SOFTWARE VERSION v4.2 WWW.PRG.COM MBOX MEDIA SERVER ® USER MANUAL (rev. D)
  • Page 2 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.com for the latest version. PRG assumes no responsibility or liability for any claims resulting from errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Output Shutter Fixture ..............................15 Layer Fixture ................................16 Chapter 2. Installation Getting Started Before Starting ................................20 Installing Mbox Software ............................20 Licensing Mbox Software ............................22 Launching Mbox ................................. 23 Mbox Daemon ................................24 Adding Content ................................24 Patching Fixtures Patching Overview ..............................
  • Page 4 Chapter 4. Operation Using Outputs and Mixes with Layers Overview ..................................74 Outputs and Mixes in Mbox v4 ..........................74 3D Perspective Camera ............................. 75 Layer Assignment with 3D Cameras .......................... 76 DMX Camera Control in Mbox v4 ..........................76...
  • Page 5 Layer Blending Layer Blending Modes ............................... 95 Text Files Support for Text Files ..............................96 Scripts Using Scripts with Mbox ............................97 Audio Audio Output ................................99 Audio Input ................................102 Playback Synchronization Timecode Synchronization (Timecode Sync Playmodes) ..................103 Layer-To-Layer Playback Synchronization .......................
  • Page 6 Alpha Channel in Movies ............................153 ProRes 4444 and Hap Alpha Codecs ......................... 153 Still Images ................................153 Audio ..................................153 Applications for Content Creation ..........................154 Media Utility Applications Mbox Media Lock ..............................155 Mbox File Convertor ..............................157 MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 7 Appendix A. Networking for Mbox Mbox Networking Guidelines Concepts .................................. 160 Subnet Masking Basics ............................161 Routing Ethernet Communications .......................... 161 Art-Net ................................163 sACN ................................... 163 KiNET .................................. 163 Appendix B. Notable Changes Notable changes from Mbox v3.x Quantity of Layers and Outputs ..........................166 Alignment Rectangles become Mixes ........................
  • Page 8 Layer Volume [Designer/Studio/Mini] ........................189 Layer DMX Timecode [Designer/Studio/Mini] ......................189 Pixel Mapping Group Control [Designer/Studio/Mini] ....................189 Fixture Parameter Descriptions Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Designer ......................... 190 Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Studio ........................195 Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Mini ......................... 200 MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 9 Aspect Control ................................. 217 Frame Blending Control ............................217 Texture Transitions ..............................218 Layer Mix Modes ..............................220 Object Transitions ..............................223 Blend Modes ................................223 Draw Modes ................................223 Pixel Map Group Control Modes ..........................224 MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 10 Rework Image Remapping, add .mblk & activerect 4.1 (revC) March 2, 2017 Fix errors in parameter default values 4.2 (revD) June 19, 2017 Mbox v4.2 release, multichannel audio, new effects, edit MediaTimeCodes.plist info, fix errors with Out Frame and Play Speed parameter values MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 11 This user manual provides necessary information regarding the operation of the Mbox v4 Media Server software. This guide is provided to explain the features in the Mbox v4 software in detail. This manual is written to cover the use of all three versions of the Mbox application - Designer, Studio, and Mini. Differences between the operation of the three versions of software are noted wherever applicable.
  • Page 12 Notes MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 13: Chapter 1. Overview

    OVERVIEW This chapter provides an overview of Mbox Features and operations + GENERAL OVERVIEW + FIXTURE DESCRIPTIONS + OPERATING MODES...

  • Page 14: Features

    Media files are easy to add to the server for playback on demand. The Mbox software runs on an Apple® Mac® computer controlled by Art-Net or sACN. All movies, still images and 3D objects are stored directly on the hard drive, allowing instant access to any file.

  • Page 15: 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 lighting fixture.

  • Page 16: Mbox Environment

    Environment In order to get the most from Mbox, 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.

  • Page 17: Layer Stacking

    The layer stacking order in Mbox is fixed and unless a 3D object is used on a layer, the layer is considered to be a “background.”...
  • Page 18 Transitions One of Mbox’s most powerful features is its ability to perform a timed transition from one piece of content to another on the same layer. There are two types of transitions within Mbox - Built-in and Object Dissolve. There are about 60 different built-in transitions, but only one Object Dissolve.

  • Page 19: Fixture And Layer Overview

    Fixture and Layer Overview The Mbox environment is based on the concept of output masters and layers. Mbox supports up to 32 output masters and 24 active layers at a time (Studio and Mini have fewer layers and output masters), each having its own particular parameters.
  • Page 20 Edge - Top, Bottom, Right, Left Keystone Corners (8) Linearity X, Y + Fixture: Output Shutter (Limited in Studio/Mini) Shutter Mode/Shape Shutter Color - Red, Green, Blue Shutter Controls (8) Shutter X, Y Shutter Scale Shutter Rotation Shutter Damping MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 21 Layer Effect Effect Selector Modifiers - A, B, C, D, E + Sub-Fixture: Layer Volume Volume + Sub-Fixture: Layer DMX Timecode Hours Minutes Seconds Frames For complete parameter maps, refer to “Fixture Parameter Data” on page 182. MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 22: Fixture Descriptions

    The Global Master Intensity masters the intensity of all outputs from the Mbox software, regardless of Output Master Intensity. The Global Master Intensity will affect the hardware dimming state if an Mbox Dual IO Module is connected to the computer. If no IO Module is connected, or if the Software Dimming preference is enabled, the Global Master Intensity will perform the dimming inside the Mbox rendering.

  • Page 23: Output Master Fixture

    With default values, the camera is located at a point 10 units in front (0,0,10) of the center of Mbox’s 3D space, and is focused on the center of that 3D space (0,0,0).

  • Page 24: Output Geometry Fixture

    The Mix Offset parameters work in the same manner as adjusting the output’s position on the global surface on the Outputs tab of the Mbox application. These controls are scaled so that one “tick” of DMX is equal to one onscreen pixel, meaning that the controls can be used for extremely precise, pixel-accurate offsets.

  • Page 25: Output Shutter Fixture

    The shutters can be thought of as sitting between the composited imagery of the output and the virtual camera that provide the view of the imagery. Both Mbox Studio and Mini have reduced shutter functionality when compared to Designer.

  • Page 26: Layer Fixture

    The Layer Fixture parameters are used to modify the properties of Texture (2D) and Object (3D) functionality on one of Mbox Designer’s 24 layers. The Texture element displays 2D content such as stills and movies, while the Object element displays 3D content such as digital gobos and objects. Each layer may combine 2D and 3D functionality to create the final composite image on the layer.
  • Page 27 Separate transition styles (e.g., dissolves, wipes, etc.) and times for both Texture and Object transitions can be set on each layer. If a layer’s transition time control is set above 0, Mbox will use the layer’s current transition mode to change from one texture/object to the next in the time designated.
  • Page 28 Image Remapping Configuration The Image Remapping Configuration parameter is used to select from the available configurations for image remapping on the layer. Image remapping configurations are created on the Image Remap tab of Mbox or Mbox Remote. Layer Effects The Layer Effects are pulled from both the shader-based texture effects and the object effects. The effect will be applied only across the imagery in the layer, not affecting imagery on other layers.

  • Page 29: Chapter 2. Installation

    INSTALLATION This chapter provides instructions for installing the Mbox software and launching the applica- tion for the first time. + GETTING STARTED + PATCHING FIXTURES + PLAYING BACK VIDEO QUICKSTART...

  • Page 30: Before Starting

    The Mbox installer requires the creation of an Mbox folder at the root level of the computer’s boot hard-drive, or the creation of an alternate Mbox folder plus an alias to that folder. The alias must be placed at the root level of the boot hard-drive.
  • Page 31 Step 3. At the Media Path pane of the installer, choose where the Mbox folder will be placed, as well as what to do if an Mbox folder already exists. For a default installation, leaving the options untouched will place the Mbox folder at the root of the System (boot) drive of the computer.

  • Page 32: Licensing Mbox Software

    Soft-license (eSellerate) - Mbox Studio and Mini only If a soft-license for Mbox Studio or Mini was purchased online, then a receipt and an email with a serial number will have been sent. The serial number will start with the characters “PRGMBS-” for Mbox Studio or “PRGMBM-” for Mbox Mini.

  • Page 33: Launching Mbox

    Launching Mbox When launched, the Mbox 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 either Window or Fullscreen mode.

  • Page 34: Mbox Daemon

    65535 Textures and up to 255 Objects. /Mbox/Media Folder - Texture files may be numbered from 0 to 255 and must be placed into folders numbered 0 to 255 inside the Media folder. Folders 0 and 255 are used for built-in functionality and should be avoided, but can be used if absolutely necessary.

  • Page 35: Patching Fixtures

    Patching Overview In order to control Mbox, it will need to be patched on a control console or with the Mbox Director application. Patching allows parameters to be mapped to the controllable elements of the Mbox environment. Use the following guidelines when setting up the patch on a control console: The Mbox Designer and Studio software requires at least two universes for control.

  • Page 36: Mbox Studio

    Mbox Mini Mbox Mini allows up to 6 output masters and up to 6 playback layers. Use the following guidelines when patching more than four output masters or more than six layers: All six output masters fit onto a single universe of control data.

  • Page 37: Patch Order Summaries

    Audio Volume after Masters DMX Timecode 486 Total Layer 2 Channels Layer 3 (6 Layers) Layer 4 Layer 5 Layer 6 Up to 18 additional Layers may be added, 81 channels each, using consecutive universes as necessary. MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 38: Mbox Studio

    Layer 2 after Masters Layer 3 464 Total Layer 4 Channels Layer 5 (8 Layers) Layer 6 Layer 7 Layer 8 Up to 4 additional Layers may be added, 58 channels each, using the next consecutive universe. MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 39: Mbox Mini

    Audio Volume Universe DMX Timecode after Masters Layer 2 312 Total Layer 3 Channels Layer 4 (6 Layers) Layer 5 Layer 6 If 6 Output Masters are used, Layer 6 must be moved to the next consecutive universe. MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 40: Playing Back Video

    PLAYING BACK VIDEO Quickstart Once a console or Mbox Director has been connected, the Mbox fixtures patched, content added to the server’s hard- drive, and the display device turned on, video can be played back. To immediately play back video: Step 1.
  • Page 41 To apply an effect to the layer, for example, set the Effect 1 parameter to a value of 6 (sepia tone) and set the Effect 1 Modifier A parameter to 255 (full). This should result in a sepia version of the same clip: MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 42 Notes MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 43: Chapter 3. Configuration

    CONFIGURATION This chapter provides information regarding the initial configuration of the Mbox server. + MEDIA CONTENT + APPLICATION WINDOWS + OUTPUT WINDOWS + HEADS UP DISPLAYS (HUDS) + CONNECTED DISPLAYS AND FULLSCREEN MODE INTERACTIONS + ENHANCING MBOX PERFORMANCE...

  • Page 44: File Type Specifications

    Hap Q and Hap Q Alpha, trade off higher bitrates for lower CPU load, so keeping the bitrate at a reasonable level is important. The Hap codec does not need to be installed to play Hap movies in Mbox, but must be installed to encode Hap movies or to play them in other QuickTime-based applications.

  • Page 45: Media Content Management

    IMPORTANT! The hard-drive and folder structure on some computers may be set up differently to that of the rental Mbox server. The Mbox folder can be placed on any drive of the computer, but there must be an alias or symbolic link to the Mbox folder at the root of the boot hard drive of the computer.

  • Page 46: Folder And File Numbering

    The /Mbox/Media, and /Mbox/Models folders cannot be aliases. Each time the Mbox server completes a media scan, a text file is created with all media files found and their corresponding combined file numbers. This text file can be found at /Mbox/Media_Report.txt Note: The initial media scan allows the locations of files to be resolved at startup, therefore the “distance”...
  • Page 47 Each image sequence folder’s name must follow this format - ###.name.sequence. Without the “.sequence” suffix, Mbox will not recognize the files in the folder as being part of an image sequence and they will not be indexed or precessed correctly. For example: 001.My Images.sequence...

  • Page 48: Additional Media Content Organization Guidelines

    000. Media folder 255 is reserved for built-in and utility files. The Mbox software includes built-in files and also has Layer Copy, Syphon, and Video Capture functionality.

  • Page 49: Adding Media Content

    022. To add movies or image files: Step 1. On the computer’s content drive, open the /Mbox/Media folder. Step 2. Using the Finder’s File menu, select New Folder and give the created folder a unique 3-digit number (that is not already being used) followed by a descriptive name.

  • Page 50: Grouped Content

    Usage A typical usage for grouped content may be when more than one Mbox server is used as a portion of a multi-server (widescreen, matrix, etc.) setup with coordinated outputs. Often these setups will make one larger composition with each server supplying one or more portions of the larger image.

  • Page 51: Metadata For Content Files

    [Group #].Folder #.Folder Name -> period between [Group] and Folder Metadata for Content Files Mbox v4 supports the use of metadata to apply certain properties to content files (2D and 3D) when they are played back or displayed onscreen. The metadata can include properties such as: Enabling embedded audio playback in a movie file.
  • Page 52 (boolean) - setting this key to “YES” enables smooth shading for the object, which may help jagged objects look a little smoother under certain lighting situations. Note: Based on properties applied to objects using the Mbox Remote application’s Projection Editor window, the Mbox application may create entries or add other information to the ModelInfo.plist file.

  • Page 53: Creating And Viewing Content Thumbnails

    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...

  • Page 54: Application Windows

    Fullscreen - While in Fullscreen mode, the server’s output windows will cover the entire screen of the displays that are assigned to. If all connected displays are used for outputs, then the main Mbox window’s user interface will not be visible. However, if there are additional displays, then the main Mbox window can be seen and various settings edited live.

  • Page 55: Main Application Window

    View the IP address of the device from which Mbox is receiving data on the starting universe. View start universe, address, range, and source IP for the components that make up the Mbox application (Global Master, Outputs, Layers), plus view individual parameter values within each of the components.

  • Page 56: Patch Tab: Control Input Setup

    Pixel Map Group controls. Universe - this field refers to the first universe that Mbox is “listening to” for control data. Mbox v4 will always use consecutive universes if more than one universe is required. Mbox uses decimal notation for universe numbers: 0 through 255 for Art-Net, and 1 through 63,999 for sACN.

  • Page 57: Patch Tab: Fixture Patch

    Each of the header rows for the three major fixture groups shows the name of the group, the universe it is patched to, the range of channels on that universe that it is using, and the IP address of the source that is sending that universe to Mbox at present.
  • Page 58 The patch table will also show the current received value for every parameter if the Mbox application is receiving Art-Net/ sACN on the correct universe. Similar to how the DMX HUDs worked in prior versions of Mbox, the table shows live changes to incoming control data and colors the values based on whether they are at the default (green text) or at some other value (yellow text).

  • Page 59: Preferences Tab

    The Preferences tab of the Mbox v4 application places all preference settings into a table with individual preferences organized, first by category and then by importance or alphabetically within each category. Note: The Preferences does not include the full configuration of outputs or mixes as these items are set on the other three tabs of the application.

  • Page 60: Preferences Tab: Licensing

    If the Mbox application is licensed, this area will show what the licensing methods is, and the serial number of the license as applicable. If the Mbox application is not licensed, this will be reported in this area. For Mbox Studio and Mini, a pop-up menu will be visible and may be used to apply or purchase a soft-license.

  • Page 61: Preferences Tab: Preferences Table

    Many of these preferences require a button to be pressed to apply the edits. CAUTION! A few preferences have a double diamond (◊◊) next to their name, indicating that the Mbox application must be quit and relaunched for that preference to take effect. Preferences Tab:...
  • Page 62 Open Dimmer if no DMX Control: sets Global Master intensity (and IO Module stage output if applicable) to full when the Mbox application has no control input, so as to allow onscreen HUDs to be visible Software Dimming: forces software dimming of Global Master even when connected to an IO Module Start in Fullscreen: automatically enters Fullscreen mode when the application launches Outputs &...
  • Page 63 Syphon Sources: provides controls for assigning Syphon input devices to specific content indices Video Input (1-8): provides controls for setup (device, format, etc.) of video input devices Note: The Mbox Remote v4 application also has a Preferences tab that works in the same way as the Preferences tab in the Mbox application.

  • Page 64: Outputs Tab

    Outputs Tab The Outputs Tab of the Mbox application is used to: Add, delete, and configure video outputs for the server Edit index, name, origin, size, rotation, and flip value of output Assign display to output Assign output master to output...

  • Page 65: Outputs Tab: Overview

    (and mix) settings can be archived to a file or recalled from a previously archived file. As noted on page 44, while the Mbox application is in Window mode, all outputs will be shown as separate windows. When Mbox enters Fullscreen mode, these windows will resize and position themselves to fit their assigned display. It is possible to configure and program a show in Window mode without the actual display devices connected, but at some point displays will need to be connected to the computer and outputs assigned to them.
  • Page 66 Being able to move outputs on the global surface or sub- outputs on both the global surface and on their parent output is critical to getting the right pixels onto the display, as displays may want to have imagery that is unique, repeated, or even overlapping. MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 67: Outputs Tab: Output Configuration

    MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 68 Display Outputs need to have a display assigned to them so that their imagery will be visible on a display device when Mbox is in Fullscreen mode. It is possible to configure and program a show in Window mode without the actual show display devices connected, but at some point the display devices will need to be connected to the computer and outputs assigned to them.
  • Page 69 Assigning a display to an output will cause the output’s imagery to be placed on that display when Mbox enters Fullscreen mode. Assigning no display to an output allows the output to have a window when Mbox is in Window mode, but when the application enters Fullscreen mode, the output’s imagery will not be rendered, even in a window.
  • Page 70 Fit Mode When the Mbox application goes into fullscreen mode, each output that has a display assigned to it will be shown on the corresponding display. If the output’s size is exactly the same as the display’s current resolution, then the fullscreen view will be exactly the same as what was seen in the window.

  • Page 71: Outputs Tab: Global Surface Properties

    Global Surface Properties The global surface in Mbox v4 is the “sandbox” that all rendering for the application happens in. This means that any imagery that is intended for output as video or as pixel mapped data must be rendered onto the global surface. All rendering happens on the global surface and is then “copied”...

  • Page 72: Outputs Tab: Add, Delete, Identify Displays, And Archive

    Clicking on the Delete button will immediately delete the selected output or sub-output, leaving the next consecutive output selected if one exists. ⌘Z] for Note: The Outputs tab user interface includes undo and redo functionality using standard keyboard shortcuts: [ undo and [⌘ ⇧ Z] for redo. MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 73 Clicking on “Reveal Archive in Finder...” will open a Finder window showing the /Mbox/ Archive/MboxSettings folder. Note: Archived settings files are given a name that uses the Mbox software version and a time/date stamp. If desired, these files can be renamed in the Finder to give them more meaningful names.

  • Page 74: Mixes Tab

    The reason for this is because mixes and outputs are almost the same thing. In fact, outputs are mixes, and the global surface is a mix as well. These three items use the same structure within Mbox, but each has a slightly different set of exposed functionality.

  • Page 75: Mixes Tab: Mix Configuration

    The orange box on the minimap is a representation of the portion of the global surface in view. Scrolling will change the size the size of the orange box and therefore the zoom level of the layout view. The layout view will also recenter based on where the cursor is when zooming. MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 76: Image Remap Tab

    Image Remap Tab The Image Remap Tab of the Mbox application is used to: View and edit image remapping data. Open MultiScreenData.plist from disk or in live session with Mbox application.

  • Page 77: Heads Up Displays (Huds)

    HEADS UP DISPLAYS (HUDS) Overview Mbox provides Heads Up Displays (HUDs) that are onscreen overlays containing useful information - control input data, statistics, onscreen overlays. HUDs will be shown an all outputs that have their “Show HUD” property enabled. The HUDs are intended to be used for supplemental information that might be helpful during programming for troubleshooting informational purposes.
  • Page 78 When setting up a configuration of outputs and mixes in advance, or performing the same tasks onsite, it can be helpful to view the outlines of outputs and mixes on Mbox’s outputs. These outlines can be used a helpful guide when...

  • Page 79: Connected Displays And Fullscreen Mode Interactions

    (Extended Display Identification Data). The EDID data provides information on preferred formats and available alternate formats. When connecting the video outputs of the Mbox server to a display device, confirm that the display device appears in the computer’s System Preferences > Displays pref pane. On most Macs, the computer will automatically read the EDID of displays when they are first connected.
  • Page 80 In which case, the display should be replaced with one that does support the desired format. In some cases it may be necessary to use a device between the Mbox server and a display to “spoof”...

  • Page 81: Enhancing Mbox Performance

    CPU speed is also a factor, but based on the speed of modern Macintosh hardware, CPU speed has less impact that the number of cores. The OS will let Mbox use as much RAM as the computer has. Therefore, more RAM (at least 16GB) can be advantageous.
  • Page 82 Notes MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 83: Chapter 4. Operation

    OPERATION This chapter provides operating instructions for the Mbox software + USING OUTPUTS AND MIXES WITH LAYERS + NETWORK INTERFACES FOR MBOX + PLAYMODES + 3D OBJECTS AND DIGITAL GOBOS + ANIMATED TEXTURES + LAYER COPY + DRAWMODES + LAYER BLENDING...

  • Page 84: Overview

    Mixes 1 through 32 are outputs. All of these mixes are optional, but there must be at least one output for Mbox to do anything useful in fullscreen mode with a connected display. Output mixes can have Output Masters assigned to them (the global surface and mixes 33-255 cannot) which allows them to be mastered from the control console.

  • Page 85: 3D Perspective Camera

    Note: In Mbox Studio and Mini, only the global surface has a 3D camera. In the default state, none of Mbox’s mixes have a 3D camera assigned to them, except for the global surface. In this state it is possible to use 3D objects and to see them in perspective, with the center of 3D space being the center of the global surface and the camera’s view being centered on the center of the global surface.

  • Page 86: Layer Assignment With 3D Cameras

    As noted in the previous paragraph, Camera assignment to outputs follows a hierarchy. The hierarchical nature of mixes in Mbox v4 means that the global surface is the “parent” of all mixes (including outputs) and that every output or mix can be the parent of sub-outputs or sub-mixes.

  • Page 87: Network Interfaces For Mbox

    Art-Net, sACN, and CITP, and also proprietary Mbox-only protocols. All of this network communication needs to happen via the network interfaces of the computer that is running the Mbox software. This computer may have more than one network interface and therefore it is important to connect to the correct interface and also to configure any interfaces appropriately for use with Mbox.

  • Page 88: Basic Modes

    Forward Once - Movie will play forwards from In-Frame to Out-Frame, pausing on the Out-Frame. If the In-Frame value is modified during playback (but not after the pause), then the playhead will jump to the new frame associated with the In-Frame value. MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 89: Crossfade On Out-Frame

    (using layer’s transition type and time) happen until the Out-Frame of the last movie in the folder is reached. At which point the movie will fade to transparent on the Out-Frame, remaining invisible until the movie or playmode is changed. MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 90: Playout

    The time values above represent the default values. Playout points can be modified on the Preferences tab of either Mbox and Mbox Remote. The preference is called “Playout Points” and the format is in whole numbered seconds (five separate values).

  • Page 91: 3D Objects And Digital Gobos

    Overview The Mbox application can display 3D objects and “Digital Gobos.” Objects and digital gobos can be displayed both with and with a texture, with objects using the UV mapping coordinates stored in the .obj file and digital gobos using automatic UV mapping.

  • Page 92: Objects: Compiling Vertex Array Files

    If objects or digital gobos are still waiting to be compiled and a layer attempts to display them, Mbox will display a fully- transparent null image until the requested file has been compiled.

  • Page 93: Objects: Other Compile-Time Switches

    - 001.NewObject.obj should be renamed as - 001.NewObject.pixels.obj In this case, an .svg object that is 200 generic units tall will appear as 200 pixels tall within Mbox. With default scale settings the object would appear onscreen as 200 pixels tall.

  • Page 94: Objects: Creating Custom Digital Gobos

    Overview Custom digital gobos can be created for use with Mbox. Custom digital gobos should use the SVG file format. Adobe Illustrator® is the best application for creating custom digital gobos because it provides the best toolset for features that Mbox supports.
  • Page 95 (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...
  • Page 96 The default options in the window are fine, just press OK. Add more objects as desired. (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. Character Options MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 97 Option 1 or Option 2. The texture applied to the gobo will fill the artboard when the gobo is used in Mbox. Note: It is not recommended that the artboard be sized or positioned so that any portion of an object falls outside the artboard.
  • Page 98 Before saving the gobo file, consider where the center of the file should be. The center of a digital gobo will be placed in the center of the Mbox window and the gobo will rotate around that center point. The rotational center of the gobo will default to the center of the artboard.

  • Page 99: Animated Textures

    FWD IPR Scrub Scrub Scrub In Mirrored Fan Mirrored Left-Right Scrub Out Bounce Bounce FWD Loop XF Once Once REV Loop XF Scrub Scrub FWD Loop IPR Mirrored Top-Bottom Timecode Sync Bounce Layer Slave Once Layer Master Scrub MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 100: Layer Copy

    A layer cannot copy another layer that is already copying a third layer. Syphon Mbox 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 on a layer within Mbox.

  • Page 101: Drawmodes

    Step 3. Set layer 1’s Drawmode parameter to a value of 1, now the Mbox Designer digital gobo is visible, colored white. Various parameters on the layer can affect the gobo at this point. The layer’s color parameters will affect the...
  • Page 102 The following images first shows the two together and then shows the holes being cut into the stencil by the gobo: Finally, the following image shows the stencil on its own showing the holes cut into it: MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 103 Note: In this particular example, the same result could also be achieved without using Drawmodes by placing the green clip on Layer 1 and placing the textured gobo on Layer 2 making sure that Layer 2’s Drawmode set to 1 so the texture is visible on the gobo. MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 104 In the next two illustrations, Layer 1 is using Drawmode 5 and a movie is placed on Layer 2. The result is shown with Layer 2 using Drawmode 6 on the left and then with Drawmode 8 on the right. MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 105: Layer Blending

    Layer Blending Modes In addition to stacking and positioning, Mbox has other tools such as opacity and effects for helping with the basic compositing of imagery. But aside from special cases like stenciling and one of two of the texture effects, the actual content on one layer doesn’t affect other layers.

  • Page 106: Text Files

    TEXT FILES Support for Text Files Mbox can display text using RTF (Rich Text Format). The RTF format results in high quality text and allows the ability to change the font, size, style, and color. .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.

  • Page 107: Scripts

    SCRIPTS Using Scripts with Mbox Mbox can be used to trigger custom scripts. These scripts can be either AppleScripts or shell scripts. The two types of scripts are created differently, but both types can be triggered identically. Scripts are numerically indexed using an 8-bit prefix, just like other content on the server. Scripts must be placed in the /Mbox/plugins/scripts folder.
  • Page 108 Mbox. However, shell scripts can be dangerous if they modify the core functionality of the computer or its communications.

  • Page 109: Audio

    Selecting an Output Device Simply getting Mbox to play audio does not require any preferences to be set, but in order for the resulting audio to be audible, the appropriate audio output device must be selected in the Audio section of Mbox’s Preferences tab.
  • Page 110 Unlike in previous versions of Mbox, audio files can no longer be triggered using a still image. Embedded Audio Tracks (in QuickTime Movies) Mbox can also play audio that is embedded in a movie. There are two ways to get Mbox to play embedded audio: Rename the file, adding the .audio suffix: a file named - 001.MyMovie.mov would be renamed as - 001.MyMovie.audio.mov...
  • Page 111 Multi-channel Audio Output Starting with the release of Mbox v4.2 multi-channel audio playback with more than two channels of audio is supported with both embedded audio and sidecar audio. Mbox supports up to 24 channels of audio playback in both cases.

  • Page 112: Audio Input

    With audio input direct to the Mbox application, it may be necessary to provide some “upstream” gain control for the audio signal to make sure that the signal is loud enough, but not so loud as to be clipping. Mbox does not require a particularly loud signal for timecode.

  • Page 113: Playback Synchronization

    TC Reader application (explained later in this section), or the Mbox Remote application. (Refer to the Mbox Remote User manual for more information) MIDI timecode (MTC) can only be input into the TC Reader or Mbox Remote applications.
  • Page 114 For the time being, the MediaTimeCodes.plist file can be used to create a MediaInfo.plist. This can be useful to translate an existing MediaTimeCodes.plist file from Mbox v3 for use with Mbox v4. As noted above, this method is deprecated and results in the information being copied into a new MediaInfo.plist file only if one does not already exist.
  • Page 115 128 > 255 - Negative offset (movie plays sooner) -> 1 point = 1 frame Receiving SMPTE Timecode SMPTE (LTC) timecode input to the Mbox application may be achieved in one of two ways. The preferred method is through an audio input to the Mbox computer. (Refer to “Audio Input”...
  • Page 116 End – specifies a time where the internal generator will loop back to the start time. Note: The timecode window does not have to be visible onscreen to function. When the Mbox application is receiving timecode, this can be monitored using the [F10] HUD or through the main window of the Mbox Remote application.
  • Page 117 When receiving network timecode from either TC Reader, each Mbox server must be told which Ethernet interface is being used for the timecode stream. The Network section of the Mbox application’s Preferences tab can be used to select the interface for receiving timecode. Use the pop-up labeled “Sync” to select the interface. Only currently connected interfaces will be shown in the pop-up menu.

  • Page 118: Layer-To-Layer Playback Synchronization

    Layer-To-Layer Playback 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 32 sync streams can be selected for both sync mastering and slaving.

  • Page 119: Mboxtime

    MboxTime As noted in the previous section, layer sync between two Mbox servers is very good, but it is not perfect. It is possible for the two servers to deliver a frame of video slightly out of sync due to delays in sync stream transmission over the network or simply because the internal playback engines of the Mbox applications on the two separate computers are not perfectly in sync.
  • Page 120 When using MboxTime from either a SMPTE source or the Mbox Network Clock application, it is possible to check that the Mbox application is receiving MboxTime by bringing up the [F9] HUD. The MboxTime value and type (Network or LTC) will be reported in the HUD: MBOX®...

  • Page 121: Effects And Transitions

    Effects and transitions that require additional image input files will use numbered files placed in a specific location inside the Mbox folder. The actual parent folder of the image files will depend on the effect or transition in question: Alpha Mask From File Effect - /Mbox/plugins/images/masks/...

  • Page 122: Adding Custom Effects Or Transitions

    The Mbox software can access new Image Units placed in the /Library/Graphics/Image Units folder. In addition to placing Image Units into the folder, a file must be created to define the parameters of the effect. The file enables Mbox to use these Image Units properly. These definition files are saved in the standard Apple Property List format, but with special file extensions instead of the typical .plist file extension.
  • Page 123 Every effect has a txfx file that defines the parameters of the effect. For the effects that are built into the Mbox application, these txfx files can be found in the application’s bundle. To open the application bundle first find the Mbox application’s executable file;...
  • Page 124 Once the edits are complete, the new txfx file can be placed in the /Mbox/plugins/effects folder and the Mbox application launched. The results should look like this: Example 2: Reworking the White Diagonal Transition This is how the White Diagonal transition normally looks about halfway through the transition.
  • Page 125 Remember that if incorrect keys or inappropriate values are entered, then it is likely that the entire effect or transition will fail when used with Mbox. It is best to start by modifying values to a small extent and examine the result of those changes.

  • Page 126: Pixel Mapping

    Independent modes or the combination of Output 1 and Output 2 in the Panoramic modes) was available to be the source for sampling. As a result of the changes in Mbox v4 - the addition of the Global Surface and Mixes - the pixel mapping engine can now use a variety of sources: the Global Surface, Mixes (which include outputs), and Layers.
  • Page 127 Pressing the button will change the source’s size to whatever size Mbox is using. There is a new checkbox to the right of the size fields that when checked causes the source size in the pixel mapping editor to automatically update when the actual source changes size.

  • Page 128: Projection Mapping

    Projection surfaces (Topography files) and more complex projection mapping settings can also be created, applied, and adjusted for use with Mbox. For instructions on using projection mapping, refer to its section within the Mbox Remote User manual.

  • Page 129: Chapter 5. Image Remapping

    IMAGE REMAPPING This chapter provides instructions for the Mbox image remapping feature. + ABOUT IMAGE REMAPPING + IMAGE REMAPPING TUTORIAL + ADVANCED CONTROL + GLOSSARY...

  • Page 130: Overview

    Editing Image Remapping Data There are two different applications that can be used to edit image remapping data for the Mbox server: the Mbox application itself and Mbox Remote. The methods for editing image remapping data are the same in both applications.
  • Page 131 Switching Between File Mode and Live Session Both Mbox and Mbox Remote allow a switch from file mode to a live session and provide the ability to copy the data from the file on disk to Mbox or to re-read the current data from Mbox (discarding the existing data) and load that into the editor.

  • Page 132: User Interface

    User Interface The illustration below shows the user interface of the Image Remap tab of the Mbox application. This is the same as the interface seen in the Mbox Remote applications: The data editing and preview areas are combined onto the Image Remap tab.

  • Page 133: Image Remapping Tutorial

    All controls will use 8-bit values for this tutorial to keep things simple and to use fewer channels. With nine squares each having three channels, and six layers set up on the server, Mbox will need to receive 9 x 3 x 6 = 162 additional channels from the control source.

  • Page 134: Projected Mapping

    There should be one entry in the configuration list “[001] No Name {720, 480}”): this is the first configuration and has an index of 001. Mbox Designer allows up to 255 configurations (though this tutorial will only have two), with each having its own set of screen objects.
  • Page 135 [ +] scales it up. Clicking and dragging will pan the view. Note: The text field at the top of the Preview area shows the current scale of the view and information about the selected screen object. MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 136 Often when talking about projection or LED configurations, this reference image may be called a “Pixel Map,” which should not be confused with the concept of Pixel Mapping from Mbox. It’s totally different as in this case the document describes how/where pixels in the content will be mapped on outputs, whereas Pixel Mapping is the process of turning screen pixel color into control data to be output to external lighting fixtures.
  • Page 137 Active: This is the origin and dimensions (in pixels) of the rectangular area on Mbox’s global surface where the selected screen object (and its applied texture, see below) will be drawn. In most cases, the active width and height for a screen object will be the same size as its texture dimensions unless some scaling is desired while remapping the pixels.
  • Page 138 The stride setting tells the screen object how many channels to automatically skip when it is used on multiple layers, so it can use the correct address offset for each layer. MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 139 1) For example, if Mbox is receiving a 16-bit offset value for the X Position parameter, but only ever needs to move a screen object 100 pixels left or right, then it may make sense relate the full range of 0-65535 (65536 steps) to a range of 100px to the left to 100px to the right (-100 to +100).
  • Page 140 If the screen object were to move onscreen (on Mbox’s output), it would move away from the area that the LED processor is mapping to that particular LED screen. To keep projected mapping correct only the texture needs to move, but in the opposite direction to the screen’s apparent movement.
  • Page 141 3, and set the control type to “Texture Y Pos”. Once there is one screen object created in the editor, it’s a good idea to test the configuration in Mbox to make sure the correct sign (i.e. direction) has been applied to the scale value for the texture X and Y position properties. In most cases, particularly with console control (i.e., no scenic encoders), once the direction (and therefore the sign...
  • Page 142 Step 19. With the configuration done, it’s time to test it in Mbox. On Layer 1 - bring up the opacity, select the sample PNG as the texture on the layer, set the Image Remap parameter to a value of 001, and also supply the correct default external control data (for the opacity and texture X &...
  • Page 143 With different values, the texture will move, and as it moves off the surface of a screen object, it becomes fully transparent. Note: The Mbox output’s size is set to 1920 x 1080 to match the image remapping configuration’s Display Width and Height values.

  • Page 144: Discrete Mapping

    (using the Image Remap parameter on the layer) it’s easy to use additional configurations at any time. Keeping the same patch for the controls means that control values don’t have to be changed or repatched when switching configurations. MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 145: Advanced Features (3D Vertex Array Screen Objects)

    Overview The following section covers Triangle Strips and Fans. Use of these items goes beyond typical rectangular screen objects for image remapping. If unsure about how to use these features, contact Mbox support for assistance. Triangle Strips In order to support non-rectangular shapes, standard screen objects may be converted to Triangle Strip screen objects.
  • Page 146 Remember that each vertex that is added will be associated with the two previous vertices to create a new triangle. Note: There is no need to edit the Z value for triangle strips or fans, as doing so will have no impact on the resulting triangle or its texturing. MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 147: Triangle Fans

    Triangle 4 is built from the 1st, 5th, and 6th vertices. In this manner it is possible to make an object with radial symmetry, and with enough vertices to create a smooth curve, or to create an arc or circle. MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 148: Image Remapping Glossary

    Repeat X/tX Sets both X position and texture X position distances for each Pixels 0 - use offset value repeat of a repeated screen object, typically used with a fixed offset value only, not live control MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 149 Note 1: Sticky controls affect the current screen object and all following screen objects until another sticky control of the same type is used on a following screen object. Note 2: The X/Y/Z rotations only work if screen objects are converted to 3D vertex screen objects - either Triangle Strips or Triangle Fans. MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 150 Notes MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 151: Chapter 6. Video Input

    VIDEO INPUT This chapter provides instructions for the Mbox video inputs. + EXTERNAL VIDEO SIGNAL INPUT + SYPHON VIDEO INPUT...

  • Page 152: Overview

    Mbox Designer allows up to eight video inputs per server. The actual number of inputs will depend on the video input device(s) used. Each of the eight inputs must be set up in advance to work properly with Mbox; setting the input type, input number, and video format.

  • Page 153: Blackmagic Ultrastudio Devices And Decklink/Active Silicon Phoenix Pcie Capture Cards

    Note: The audio inputs on Blackmagic devices only receive/capture audio when the unit is actively capturing video (i.e. only when Mbox is displaying that video input on a layer) and therefore the audio inputs cannot be used as a timecode audio input to the Mbox application.
  • Page 154 Step 1. Go to the Preferences tab in Mbox or Mbox Remote. In the Video Inputs section, find the input (1 - 8) to be configured. Click on the disclosure arrow to the right of the input’s name to reveal the configuration pane.

  • Page 155: Quicktime Streaming Devices (Pcie Or Usb/Firewire)

    In such cases, the activerect metadata entry can be used with the .mblk (Mbox Link) media item to get the desired result. The .mblk media item acts as a built-in alias for movie and still image items in the /Mbox/Media folder. Adding a .mblk media item allows there to be different properties (e.g.

  • Page 156: Syphon Video Input

    Specific Syphon inputs can be assigned to specific index numbers in the Video Inputs section of the Preferences tab in Mbox or Mbox Remote. The Mbox v4 application has automatic discovery of active Syphon sources to aid in the assignment of sources to index numbers.

  • Page 157: Displaying Syphon Input On A Layer

    Mbox can also use Syphon to output video to other Syphon-aware applications on the same computer (e.g. MadMapper). In this way, Mbox’s output can be used as an input to the other application, perhaps for further manipulation, 3D mapping, effects, etc.
  • Page 158 Notes MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 159: Chapter 7. Content Creation And Utilities

    CONTENT CREATION AND UTILITIES This chapter contains information on the proper formatting of content for playback on the Mbox server, along with content management and conversion utilities. + CREATING CUSTOM CONTENT + MEDIA UTILITY APPLICATIONS...

  • Page 160: Movies

    QuickTime movies can have all sorts of file extensions. But Mbox will only open movie files with the .mov or .mp4 file extensions. Keep in mind that even though Mbox may try to open and play a file because it uses one of these three file extensions, this does not guarantee that the movie will play! It is a good idea to always test all files in advance.

  • Page 161: Compression (Bitrate)

    Mbox only supports playback of content using the DV codec, not the DVCPro codec. In Mbox the Hap codec is decompressed using special means rather than how other codecs are decompressed. Hap uses special APIs that enable the movie to be decompressed on the GPU rather than on the CPU. This can allow computers with fewer/slower CPU cores to have better performance than with other codecs.

  • Page 162: Frame Rate

    Resolution Movie resolution - the movie’s dimensions in pixels - has an impact on the performance of the Mbox server. To put it simply, the larger the movie’s pixel dimensions, the harder it is to play. For best results, always try to play the smallest movie possible.

  • Page 163: Alpha Channel In Movies

    Alpha Channel in Movies It is often very useful to be able to add areas of transparency to a layer when using Mbox. Transparency can 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.

  • Page 164: Applications For Content Creation

    “Audio Output Volume Control” on page 101 for details. Applications for Content Creation There are many applications that can be used to create or edit content for Mbox, varying from the high end (Adobe After Effects , Apple Final Cut ) to the low end (QuickTime 7 Pro).

  • Page 165: Media Utility Applications

    Mbox server that has the same username and password entered into the Media Lock application. This means that content can be locked on one Mbox server and it will always be available to play on any Mbox server as long as the same username and password is entered into the Media Lock application on that machine.
  • Page 166 In both cases it may be necessary to quit and relaunch the Mbox application if it was running. When an attempting to play locked content on a rental Mbox server that does not have the correct username and password entered, Mbox will display the locked content diagnostic image on the screen.

  • Page 167: Mbox File Convertor

    Hap codec. If “Preserve” is chosen, movie(s) will not be converted to another codec, but rather the application will attempt to fix the file so that Mbox can play it. The changes made do not affect the codec or quality of the movie.
  • Page 168 Pre-Multiplying Alpha The Mbox File Convertor has one additional function: it can apply pre-multiplied alpha to a TIFF or PNG file that was created using straight alpha. This can help to reduce fringing around the edges of these files if they were created improperly.

  • Page 169: Mbox Networking Guidelines

    NETWORKING FOR MBOX This appendix provides guidelines for setting up Mbox networks. + MBOX NETWORKING GUIDELINES...

  • Page 170: Concepts

    The majority of communications to and from Mbox use Ethernet protocols. This means that Ethernet networks route the data into the Mbox server and from the server to other connected devices. Because all of these protocols need to live in harmony, steps need to be taken to avoid interference between protocols, and to maximize the available network bandwidth/speed.

  • Page 171: Subnet Masking Basics

    Subnet Masking Basics For pretty much all communication to and from Mbox, each octet in an interface’s subnet mask will be set to either 0 or 255. Values other than 0 or 255 can be used for more complicated subnetting, but are typically not needed with Mbox and won’t be discussed here.
  • Page 172 255.0.0.0. -> Both interfaces are on the same sub-network (i.e. 2.x.x.x), but have unique IDs on that network. Because this is a valid IP scheme, the computer will allow this; but using this setup will cause issues with Mbox software. One or both of these interfaces should use a /16 subnet mask instead of the /8 subnet mask, thereby placing the two interfaces onto different subnets.

  • Page 173: Art-Net

    This can make the hardware configuration and software setup more complex. Additionally, the device to be unicast to must still be on the same subnet as an interface on the Mbox computer, otherwise the packets won’t be received at all.
  • Page 174 Notes MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 175: Appendix B. Notable Changes

    NOTABLE CHANGES This chapter briefly outlines notable changes between Mbox v3 and v4. + QUANTITY OF LAYERS AND OUTPUTS + ALIGNMENT RECTANGLES BECOME MIXES + LAYER COPY + TEXTURE SIZE + OUTPUT MODES + OUTPUT IDENTITY + OBJECT EFFECTS + TEXTURE EFFECTS...

  • Page 176: Quantity Of Layers And Outputs

    The Mbox Daemon application is mostly the same between v3 and v4. However, the version of Daemon used with Mbox is critical to correct function. i.e. Do not use Daemon v3.x with Mbox v4.x and vice versa. In addition, the formatting of the database that Mbox and Daemon use for content management and synchronization is different between v3 and v4.

  • Page 177: Output Identity

    Texture Effects Mbox v4 keeps all the same texture (2D) effects as Mbox v3.x [except for a couple that are broken in El Capitan] but the numbering of effects has been changed to group similar effects. Additionally, the majority of the effects have received some enhancements made possible by the addition of three effect modifier parameters for each effect, giving a total of five per effect.

  • Page 178: Linking Files To Timecode Values (For Timecode Playmodes)

    DMX Timecode controls The last four parameters on each layer of Mbox v4 may be used to directly control the timecode start time for content on the layer. The four parameters represent Hours, Minutes, Seconds, and Frames and may be modified at any time - even while a file is playing.

  • Page 179: Audio Output

    (delay) to +2.0 (advance) seconds. Note: Mbox v4 can play eight files with audio at the same time. Files (for Mbox v4.1) can have two audio channels (stereo). Beginning with Mbox v4.2 both movies with embedded audio and sidecar audio files will allow for playback of up to 24 channels of audio.

  • Page 180: Output Geometry

    Output tab of the Mbox application. Therefore, if an output has an X position of 100 on the Outputs tab, setting the mix offset X parameter to a value of 32867 will move the mix 100 pixels to the right on the global surface.

  • Page 181: Audio Playback

    (H.264) and movies with embedded audio that have the .audio tag. Use of the AVFoundation player does not mean second class performance as it did in Mbox v3.x but some aspects of playback may be unavailable in the AVFoundation player (see below).

  • Page 182: Image Sequence Playback

    To play an image sequence as if it’s a movie, rather than a still image, Mbox displays the still images one after the other, at a predetermined rate. There are both advantages and disadvantages to image sequences.

  • Page 183: Fixture Descriptions

    FIXTURE PROFILE REFERENCE This chapter talks about changes in fixture profiles + FIXTURE DESCRIPTIONS + PATCHING NOTES + PATCH ORDER SUMMARIES + FIXTURE PARAMETER DATA + FIXTURE PARAMETER DESCRIPTIONS + DISCRETE VALUES FOR SLOTTED PARAMETERS...

  • Page 184: Overview

    In this way, the Mbox server can be thought of a complex moving light, and can be controlled like one too.

  • Page 185: Output Master: Color, Brightness, And Contrast

    The Output Effects are pulled from the shader-based texture effects (1-220) that may be used on each layer. The effect will be applied only across the imagery in the output, not affecting imagery on layers or other outputs. Mbox v4 expands the flexibility of effects by allowing for up to five modifiers.

  • Page 186: Layer Fixture: Effects

    Layer Fixture: DMX Timecode The Layer DMX Timecode parameters are used to apply a live timecode sync value to movie content on the layer. This value applies only when a timecode sync play mode is used. MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 187: Patching Notes

    Mbox Studio can have eight Output Masters: By default, Mbox Studio has one assigned Output Master which includes all of the functionality – base, one effect, geometry, keystone, and shutter – and which requires 63 channels. At least one Output Master is always required.
  • Page 188 Mbox Mini can have six Output Masters: By default, Mbox Mini has one assigned Output Master which includes all of the functionality – base, one effect, keystone, and shutter – and which requires 40 channels. At least one Output Master is always required.

  • Page 189: Patch Order Summaries

    PATCH ORDER SUMMARIES Summary: Mbox Designer Start Size Type Sub-Type Universe Global Master Light 1 Light 2 Light 3 Light 4 Light 5 Output Master 1 Base 143 Total Channels FX 1 (1 Master) FX 2 Camera Geometry Keystone Shutter Up to 31 additional Output Masters may be added, 93 channels each, using consecutive universes as necessary.

  • Page 190: Summary: Mbox Studio

    Summary: Mbox Studio Start Size Type Sub-Type Universe Global Master Light 1 Light 2 Light 3 Light 4 Light 5 113 Total Channels Output Master 1 Base (1 Master) Geometry Keystone Shutter Up to 7 additional Output Masters may be added, 63 channels each, using consecutive universes as necessary.

  • Page 191: Summary: Mbox Mini

    Varies The Pixel Mapping Control fixture is an optional add-on fixture for all versions of Mbox. Between 1 and 2000 of this fixture may be added and patched wherever desired. Patch location is set in the Mbox Remote application. MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 192: Fixture Parameter Data

    The data in these charts is organized by fixtures and/or sub-fixture components. See tables beginning on page 48 for information on how sub-fixtures are combined into fixtures. In some cases, PRG recommends combining sub-fixtures (e.g. the Layer fixture) to create one fixture rather than several.

  • Page 193: Output Master Effect [Designer(2)/Studio(1)/Mini(1)]

    Output Master Camera [Designer only] Chan Size Function Default Snap Notes Value of 0 applies DMX controls, 255 applies Enable Projection Projection Mapping Camera matrix from Mbox Camera Remote Position X 32767 Position Y 32767 Position Z 42767 Note: non-standard default...

  • Page 194: Output Master Keystone [Designer/Studio]

    Total Channels Output Master Keystone [Mini] Chan Size Function Default Snap Notes Keystone 1x 32767 Keystone 1y 32767 Keystone 2x 32767 Keystone 2y 32767 Keystone 3x 32767 Keystone 3y 32767 Keystone 4x 32767 Keystone 4y 32767 Total Channels MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 195: Output Master Shutter [Designer]

    Output Master Shutter [Studio] Chan Size Function Default Snap Notes Shape Shutter Mode/Shapes Additive Green Additive Blue Additive Edge Softness Shutter 1a Shutter 1b Shutter 2a Shutter 2b Shutter 3a Shutter 3b Shutter 4a Shutter 4b Total Channels MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 196: Output Master Shutter [Mini]

    Output Master Shutter [Mini] Chan Size Function Default Snap Notes Additive Green Additive Blue Additive Edge Softness Shutter 1a Shutter 1b Shutter 2a Shutter 2b Shutter 3a Shutter 3b Shutter 4a Shutter 4b Total Channels MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 197: Layer Base [Designer]

    Z Scale 32767 Z Rotation 32767 X Rotation 32767 Y Rotation 32767 Z Spin X Spin Y Spin Mix Select Mix Mode Layer Mix Modes Blend Mode Blend Modes Draw Mode Draw Modes Image Remap Total Channels MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 198: Layer Base [Studio/Mini]

    32767 Scale 32767 X Scale 32767 Y Scale 32767 Z Rotation 32767 X Rotation 32767 Y Rotation 32767 Mix Select Mix Mode Layer Mix Modes Blend Mode Blend Modes Draw Mode Draw Modes Image Remap Total Channels MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 199: Layer Effect [Designer(4)/Studio(2)/Mini(1)]

    Minutes maximum of 59 Seconds maximum of 59 Frames maximum of 29 Total Channels Pixel Mapping Group Control [Designer/Studio/Mini] Chan Size Function Default Snap Notes Mode Pixel Mapping Group Control Modes Intensity Red/Cyan Green/Magenta Blue/Yellow Total Channels MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 200: Fixture Parameter Descriptions

    The data in these charts is organized by product version. Fixtures are listed in basic patch order and show detail of their component sub-fixtures. Fixture quantities (required or optional) are noted. Parameters are listed in patch order. Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Designer Fixture...
  • Page 201 Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Designer continued... Fixture Sub-Fixture Parameter Description Intensity Master intensity of output Red subtractive & additive for output Green Green subtractive & additive for output Base Blue Blue subtractive & additive for output Brightness Brightness for output Contrast...
  • Page 202 Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Designer continued... Fixture Sub-Fixture Parameter Description Curve Enables and elects keystone curve/mode Gamma Gamma of edge blend area Edge Top Position/depth of top edge blend area Edge Right Position/depth of right edge blend area Edge Bottom Position/depth of bottom edge blend area...
  • Page 203 Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Designer continued... Fixture Sub-Fixture Parameter Description Opacity Transparency of the layer Red subtractive & additive for layer Green Green subtractive & additive for layer Blue Blue subtractive & additive for layer Brightness Brightness of layer Contrast Contrast of layer...
  • Page 204 Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Designer continued... Fixture Sub-Fixture Parameter Description Z Spin Adjusts spin of content around the Z axis X Spin Adjusts spin of content around the X axis Y Spin Adjusts spin of content around the Y axis Mix Select...

  • Page 205: Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Studio

    Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Studio Fixture Sub-Fixture Parameter Description Intensity Master intensity of all video output Control Selects control Macros and HUDs Used with Control to select specific modes for Control Selector Global Master macros/HUDs Pixel Mapping Master intensity of all pixel mapping output...
  • Page 206 Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Studio continued... Fixture Sub-Fixture Parameter Description Intensity Master intensity of output Red subtractive & additive for output Green Green subtractive & additive for output Base Blue Blue subtractive & additive for output Brightness Brightness for output Contrast...
  • Page 207 Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Studio continued... Fixture Sub-Fixture Parameter Description Shape Enables and selects shutter shape Red Additive Green Green Additive Blue Blue Additive Edge Softness Set the soft edge amount for all shutters Output Master Shutter 1a Left-bottom | Left Amount continued...
  • Page 208 Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Studio continued... Fixture Sub-Fixture Parameter Description Opacity Transparency of the layer Red subtractive & additive for layer Green Green subtractive & additive for layer Blue Blue subtractive & additive for layer Brightness Brightness of layer Contrast Contrast of layer...
  • Page 209 Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Studio continued... Fixture Sub-Fixture Parameter Description Effect 1 Select First 2D effect applied to the layer Modifier 1a First modifier Modifier 1b Second modifier Modifier 1c Third modifier Modifier 1d Fourth modifier Modifier 1e Fifth modifier Effect 2 Select...

  • Page 210: Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Mini

    Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Mini Fixture Sub-Fixture Parameter Description Intensity Master intensity of all video output Control Selects control Macros and HUDs Used with Control to select specific modes for Control Selector Global Master macros/HUDs Pixel Mapping Master intensity of all pixel mapping output...
  • Page 211 Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Mini continued... Fixture Sub-Fixture Parameter Description Red Additive Green Green Additive Blue Blue Additive Edge Softness Set the soft edge amount for all shutters Shutter 1a Left-bottom | Left Amount Output Master Shutter 1b Left-top | Left Angle continued...
  • Page 212 Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Mini continued... Fixture Sub-Fixture Parameter Description Opacity Transparency of the layer Red subtractive & additive for layer Green Green subtractive & additive for layer Blue Blue subtractive & additive for layer Brightness Brightness of layer Contrast Contrast of layer...
  • Page 213 Parameter Descriptions: Mbox Mini continued... Fixture Sub-Fixture Parameter Description Effect 1 Select First 2D effect applied to the layer Modifier 1a First modifier Modifier 1b Second modifier Modifier 1c Third modifier Modifier 1d Fourth modifier Modifier 1e Fifth modifier Volume...

  • Page 214: Discrete Values For Slotted Parameters

    Value then 0 0-255 for config index number Cancel Keyboard HUD Value then 0 Shows mesh on all Show Object Mesh 0 = all, 1-24 = by layer number objects Shows guides for blend Show Edge-blend guides areas MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 215 Masked fixtures’ output Pixel Mapping Masking On Value then 0 forced to 0 Hold 3-sec then Quit Mbox Application Hold 3-sec then Shutdown Computer Hold 3-sec then Restart Computer 0-255 for script index number Hold 3-sec then...

  • Page 216: Combined Effects

    Blur - Quick Y quick blur on Y axis mixer amount Blur - Box box-shaped convolution radius Blur - Gaussian sophisticated/slow blur radius blurs outwards from Blur - Zoom size x position y position point in image MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 217 (127=def.) (127=def.) position adjust oval image crop with x position y position Crop - Oval XY soft edge & xy position size edge aspect (127=def.) (127=def.) adjust position Crop - Horizontal horizontal 90° shutters mixer width (127=def.) MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 218 FX, Matte from Layer using selected layer and mixer mode 101-124 mode = layer w/ uses UV Map image/ UV Map from 1-24 = distortion movie on selected layer mode Layer layer amount to generate texture map MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 219 Tile - 1 image tiling no gaps mixer divisions horizontal horizontal vertical vertical Tile - 2 image tiling with gaps mixer divisions spacing divisions spacing Tile - Glide rectangular tile effect angle width x position y position Reflected MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 220 Double Vision offset image and overlay mixer x offset y offset Rippling simple ripple effect mixer size granularity Flicker dynamic flickering effect mixer size speed Shake 2D dynamic shaking effect mixer size speed MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 221 Roll - Right horizontal roll right mixer speed pause Roll - Left horizontal roll left mixer speed pause 0-127 = idle, Freeze freezes image 128-255 = frozen Droste geometric distortion strands period rotation zoom Comic Effect posterize/halftone effect MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 222 Damping increments flips texture drawing on Texture Flip mode objects z spin: x spin: y spin: 0=home, 0=home, 0=home, 1-126=rev, 1-126=rev, 1-126=rev, Spin drop shadow effect 127=stop, 127=stop, 127=stop, 128- 128- 128- 255=fwd 255=fwd 255=fwd MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 223: Notes For Combined Effects

    Notes for Combined Effects Note 1: Plugin image for Effect 90 - Mask From File. Plugin image must be located in /Mbox/plugins/images/masks and must have an 8-bit index number. File must have transparency (i.e. an alpha channel) and should use the PNG format.

  • Page 224: Keystone Blend Mode/Curve

    Keystone Blend Mode/Curve Grid Value Mode Blend Curve Controls Overlay Keystone/Warp is set from Mbox Disable DMX Keystone controls Remote Use DMX controls Linear X/Y corner controls Use DMX controls Raised Cosine X/Y corner controls Use DMX controls Sine X/Y corner controls...

  • Page 225: Video And Utility Inputs (Texture Folder 255)

    Note: Depending on the product version (Designer/Studio/Mini) there are limits placed on the number of layers, syphon inputs, and number of video inputs. This table represents the full list of available inputs for Mbox Designer. Studio has 12 layers, and Mini has 6. Therefore, the Copy Layer values will be limited to those maximums for each. Studio has 4 Syphon inputs, and Mini has 2.

  • Page 226: Play Modes

    Play out Mode - last 5 seconds Play out Mode - last 10 seconds Play out Mode - last 15 seconds Play out Mode - last 20 seconds Play out Mode - last 30 seconds Restart Movie from In Point MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 227: Play Speed

    Note: Depending on the product version (Designer/Studio/Mini) there are limits placed on the number of sync stream outputs. This table represents the full list of available streams for Mbox Designer. Studio has 16 sync stream, and Mini has 8. Therefore, valid Sync Stream output values will be limited to those maximums for each, but all versions can receive up to 96 streams.

  • Page 228: Texture Transitions

    3D rotate effect around horizontal center Zoom Out zoom out and back in Zoom In zoom in and back out Horizontal Bars 10 horizontal bars, hard edge Horizontal Bars + Blend 10 horizontal bars, soft edge MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 229 Object Dissolve fade out on current object, fade in on new object Note 1: The custom hard-edge transitions require JPEG still image files to be placed at /Mbox/plugins/images/grayscale with each image having an index number 1 through 10. Note 2: The custom soft-edge transitions require JPEG still image files to be placed at /Mbox/plugins/images/grayscale with each image having an index number 11 through 20.

  • Page 230: Layer Mix Modes

    Fit, Rotate, Crop boundary content center is placed in center of Mix, Center, Vertical Fit, scale-to-fit mix vertically, rotated to match Rotate, No Crop mix rotation, NO CROP to mix boundary MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 231 Fit Best, No Crop vertically depending on aspect ratio, NO CROP to mix boundary content is not centered in Mix, scale-to-fit mix horizontally or Fit Best, Crop vertically depending on aspect ratio, crops to mix boundary MBOX® USER MANUAL...
  • Page 232 NO CROP to mix boundary content is not centered in Mix, scale-to-fit mix horizontally or vertically depending on aspect ratio, Fit Best, Rotate, Crop rotated to match mix rotation, crops to mix boundary MBOX® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 233: Object Transitions

    Object Transitions Value Transition Description Dissolve dissolve 1-10 in Mbox v4 these transitions are unavailable, status TBD Blend Modes Value Blend Mode Description Standard no blending Additive layer’s colors are added to underlying colors (blacks appear transparent) Screen similar to Additive, with less of underlying color (blacks appear transparent) Multiply multiplies layer’s color with underlying color (blacks appear opaque)

  • Page 234: Pixel Map Group Control Modes

    Mbox data IRGB Master, Merge merge data and Mbox data are merged using HTP, the result is then mastered by the group IRGB controls RGB controls generate a color that is HTP merged with Mbox’s data and...

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