Overview - PRG MBOX User Manual

EXTERNAL VIDEO SIGNAL INPUT

Overview

Mbox supports three types of external video inputs: PCIe cards, Blackmagic UltraStudio Thunderbolt devices, and
USB/Firewire devices. For best performance (i.e. lowest latency and best image quality), Mbox has native support for
Blackmagic (Decklink and UltraStudio) and Active Silicon Phoenix devices. Other PCIe cards that support QuickTime
streaming may work, but not as well as Blackmagic or Active Silicon devices. USB/FireWire devices must output a
QuickTime stream and will usually have greater latency and lower quality than PCIe or Thunderbolt devices.
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.
Mbox rental servers come equipped with a Decklink Quad capture card installed in the Mac computer. In both cases the
inputs to the card are connected to the input connectors on the rack. The Decklink Quad capture card supports four SDI
(1.5G SD/HD) inputs.
CAUTION! To configure Mbox to work with any capture device, make sure the latest version of the device drivers have
been installed.
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