Outputs Tab: Overview - PRG MBOX User Manual

As with previous versions of the Mbox application, Mbox v4 renders video imagery that is ultimately delivered to the
video outputs of the computer. Imagery from each playback layer is rendered onto a surface called the Global Surface.
Rectangular areas of the global surface can be sampled and used as outputs for the software. Outputs are assigned to
connected displays (monitors, projectors, LED processors, etc.) for actual viewing. Positioning an output on the global
surface determines which pixels will be sampled from the global surface and send to the output and then on to the
output's assigned display.
The Outputs tab provides all the controls for configuring the global surface and video outputs of the Mbox application.
On this tab outputs can be added and deleted, their properties set, and their arrangement relative to each other
adjusted. Each output may be assigned to a connected display. In addition, the Global Surface sizing is set here, as
well as scaling properties for output windows that are seen when the Mbox application is in Window mode. Finally,
output (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.
Outputs Tab: Overview
The Outputs tab is arranged in two sections: a scrollable column on the left with controls for configuring outputs and
showing the properties of existing outputs and a layout view to the right.
Note: The rendering engine in Mbox v4 allows the use of both outputs and sub-outputs. Sub-outputs are defined as
rectangular areas within an output, similar to how outputs are areas within the global surface. A parent-child relationship
is established between an output and its sub-outputs (its children) allowing sub-outputs to be grouped for organizational
purposes or to work in combination with video output to a multi-head display device. Many of the properties and
methods of configuration for sub-outputs are identical to those for outputs. The following descriptions may use the word
"output" to mean both outputs and sub-outputs in some cases.
Every output has a tile representing that is placed in the column on the left side of the Outputs tab. Each output tile
displays the output's index number as well as other properties: name, width, height, flip, rotation, assigned display, and
assigned output master. Tiles for sub-outputs will be indented slightly from their parent outputs. Clicking on an output's
tile in the list or on the output's graphical representation on one of the layout views will select it. Selected outputs will
be highlighted in both places. Only one output may be selected at one time. To deselect an output, click on any empty
area in the layout view.
The two graphical views on the right side of the Outputs tab show the layout of the outputs and sub-outputs. The top
layout view shows all outputs and sub-outputs in their position on the global surface. The bottom layout view shows
sub-outputs in their position on their parent output. Both outputs and sub-outputs may be moved in the top layout view,
but only sub-outputs can be moved on the bottom layout view. Adjusting the position of a sub-output in the correct
layout view is important to achieving the desired end result.
+ A sub-output's position on the global surface affects which pixels will be copied from the global surface and used for
the sub-outputs portion of its parent's output.
+ A sub-output's position on its parent affects where on the output the sub-output's pixels will be copied to.
+ A sub-output's position on the global surface is linked to their parent's position. If the parent output is moved on the
global surface the sub-output will move by the same amount.
+ Typically, sub-outputs' positions do not overlap on their parent output. But sub-outputs' positions may overlap on
the global surface if overlapped and blended projectors are being used.
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