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PRG MBOX DIRECTOR User Manual

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SOFTWARE VERSION 3.10
WWW.PRG.COM
®
MBOX
DIRECTOR
USER MANUAL

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  • Page 1 SOFTWARE VERSION 3.10 WWW.PRG.COM ® MBOX DIRECTOR USER MANUAL...
  • 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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Installing Mbox Director................................4 Network Configuration ................................. 5 Running Mbox Director on an Mbox Server.......................... 7 Running Mbox Director on a Separate Mac Computer......................9 Adding Fixtures ..................................12 Changing Configuration / Using Dual Output Features......................15 Working with the Dual Independent Mode ..........................18 Adding Dual Independent Fixtures............................
  • Page 4 Changing Between Servers ................................ 39 Adjusting Master Control Settings.............................. 39 Adding Content to Layers................................40 Creating and Editing Scenes ..............................42 Adding or Deleting Scenes ..............................43 Editing Scenes..................................44 Editing Multiple Scenes ............................... 46 Separators ................................... 47 Searching the Scene List (Find)............................47 Editing Layers Using Drag and Drop ............................
  • Page 5 Palettes....................................... 77 Groups......................................80 Motley Selection Drag and Drop ............................82 Group Hotkeys ..................................83 Advanced Features Value vs. Time..................................... 84 Resetting Values and Times..............................84 Ease In/Out..................................85 Blind Mode ....................................86 Hide and Solo Functions ................................87 Pop-Up Menus ................................... 88 Server Pop-up Menu ................................
  • Page 6 REVISION HISTORY This manual has been revised as follows: Version Release Date Notes June 15, 2011 Initial release. September 15, 2011 Updated to software version 3.5 3.5 A January 26, 2012 Updated to software version 3.5.1 January 08, 2013 Updated to software version 3.6 3.6 A May 22, 2013 Updated to software version 3.6.1...

  • Page 7: Introduction

    Mbox® Director This manual applies to software version 3.10. Familiarizing yourself with this information will help you get the most out of your PRG product. This manual assumes a basic understanding of Mbox Media Server concepts. For more in-depth explanations of Mbox parameters (layers, cameras, lighting, effects, textures, shutters, etc.) and media features, refer to the latest...

  • Page 8: Training Videos

    Training Videos Mbox Media Server Training Videos are available online. The following is a list of videos that apply to Mbox Director: Patching: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07L0DA9pAb0 Director Media Picker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWa83nZREqA CITP – Streaming Feedback & Thumbnails: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQMg9VmJYNM Daemon Application: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpuxdZOErqE Simple Playback: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=916vFB0wAwY...

  • Page 9: Overview

    Art-Net is a broadcast protocol, but in the case of Mbox Director, the messages are sent to a specific IP address. This makes it safer to run Mbox Director on a network which may have other Art-Net devices since it will ignore the IP-specific Mbox Director transmissions.

  • Page 10: Installation And Setup

    Step 1. Locate Mbox Director application on Mac hard drive. Double-click to launch. Note: For easier launching of the application in the future, drag the Mbox Director application icon to the Mac dock. Step 2. To enable Mbox Director to communicate with the connected servers, proceed to "Network Configuration"...

  • Page 11: Network Configuration

    Network Configuration When first setting up Mbox Director, it is important to configure the network settings properly so the application will detect the Mbox server (or servers). This is especially critical when running Mbox Director on a separate Mac computer, since the network setup will be more involved than when running it locally on an Mbox server.
  • Page 12 When connecting a Mac computer (running Mbox Director) to an Mbox server, use the Ethernet 1 port for this type of network connection. The physical Ethernet 1 port on the Mbox server is located on the front of its Dual I/O module. A...

  • Page 13: Running Mbox Director On An Mbox Server

    Running Mbox Director on an Mbox Server Use this procedure when running Mbox Director locally. If Mbox Director will be running on a separate Mac computer or you will be controlling multiple Mbox servers, go to page 9 for networking instructions.
  • Page 14 Daemon is running by pressing [ D] (while Mbox server is in Window mode). Step 8. At Mbox Daemon window, verify that Network Interface reads: Local. (It should update automatically.) Step 9. At this point, Mbox Director will be synchronized with the Mbox server. Proceed to "Adding Fixtures"...

  • Page 15: Running Mbox Director On A Separate Mac Computer

    Running Mbox Director on a Separate Mac Computer Use this procedure when running Mbox Director on a separate computer to operate one or more networked Mbox servers. The computer, in this case, could be a stand-alone Mac an Mbox server itself. If Mbox Director will be run...
  • Page 16 Note: If you do not choose "Manually" and/or you are connected to a public network (with a DHCP server), Mbox Director may warn you that controlling an Mbox server over a DHCP-enabled network is not recommended unless the network administrator can guarantee that your IP addresses will not change dynamically. The network administrator should also verify that the subnet mask will allow the two machines to "see"...
  • Page 17 Step 11. At Mbox server, connect Ethernet cable to Ethernet 1 port (refer back to Figure 2). Step 12. At Mac computer, connect other end of Ethernet cable to Ethernet 1 port. Step 13. At this point, Mbox Director will be synchronized with the network. Proceed to "Adding Fixtures"...

  • Page 18: Adding Fixtures

    "Important Concepts" on page 3 for definitions of "Fixture" and "Server." To add fixtures: Step 1. At Mbox Director main screen, click Add Fixture icon [+]. (If no servers are connected, the button will be flashing.) Add Fixture Delete Fixture...
  • Page 19 Layers, and DMX Profile fields will be populated according to the settings configured in the Mbox server Setup window. (Note: If any of these values or settings are changed here at the Mbox Director Add Fixture window, the conflicting value will be highlighted, but will not be changed at the actual Mbox server.)
  • Page 20 Step 8. When complete, click Add & Save button to add (patch) the fixture. Step 9. If connecting to multiple Mbox servers, repeat steps 1-7 until all servers have been added. When finished, close Add Fixture window. The main window will now reflect the added fixture(s). Training Video: Patching: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07L0DA9pAb0 ®...

  • Page 21: Changing Configuration / Using Dual Output Features

    Panoramic Dual - one master with two shutters and two keystones, maximum twelve layers. Dual Independent - two masters with up to six layers each. The output mode is configured at the Mbox server’s Setup window. This configuration is "pulled into" Mbox Director when a fixture is added (patched).
  • Page 22 To correct a profile mismatch: Step 1. Right-click on fixture icon box. At pop-up menu, select Change Configuration. Step 2. At Change Configuration window, conflicting settings will be highlighted in green. Click Use Detected Settings from Mbox button to pull in new settings from Mbox server. 1) Click to pull in new settings 2) Click to accept changes Step 3.
  • Page 23 Step 4. At confirmation window, click Finish Reconfiguring Director to relaunch Mbox Director application. Once Mbox Director has relaunched, the fixture and master icon boxes will reflect the new DMX Profile setting. In this example, the window is setup for the Panoramic Dual mode with two server icons and two master icons. Notice also that the Master now has two Shutter and two Keystone tabs in the parameters area.

  • Page 24: Working With The Dual Independent Mode

    Working with the Dual Independent Mode Important! In order to use the Dual Independent mode, Director must be run on a separate computer from the Mbox server. Refer to "Running Mbox Director on a Separate Mac Computer" on page 9. Adding Dual Independent Fixtures In Dual Independent mode, Director will treat the output as two separate servers even though they are actually on the same server.

  • Page 25: Switching To Dual Independent From Other Modes

    To disable AlfaR, set its IP address to an unused IP address (such as 127.0.0.2). Switching to Dual Independent from Other Modes When switching to Dual Independent mode, a dialog provides two setup options as shown below. These options allow the Alfa server to be configured independently or both servers to be configured together. ®...

  • Page 26: General Operation

    GENERAL OPERATION Mbox Director Window The Mbox Director main window is divided into several sections which are used to add media content to layers, configure parameters, and create "scenes" for playback. The primary sections are shown below: Selected Layer Preview...

  • Page 27: Hot-Key (Keyboard Shortcut) List

    Hot-Key (Keyboard Shortcut) List Layer Navigation File Show Intensity/Opacity  Open Show Full Intensity or Opacity option =  Save Show Out Intensity or Opacity option -  Save Show As Show Color Show/Hide Media Library Show Effects Show/Hide Media Library option T Show Media ...
  • Page 28 Select Next Scene in Timeline Select Previous Scene in Timeline Window  Minimize Cycle Mouse Cursor To Next Screen option ’ Help  Mbox Director QuickStart Guide Mbox Director  Preferences  Hide Mbox Director  Hide Others option ...

  • Page 29: Hot Key (Keyboard Shortcut) Notes

    Hot Key (Keyboard Shortcut) Notes Previous Scene Recalls the previous scene in the Scene List. Next Scene Recalls the next scene in the Scene List. Next Scene After End of Loop Break out of an Autofollow loop by advancing to the scene after the end of loop.

  • Page 30: Preference Settings

    Director CPU Throttle - Configures the performance percentage of Mbox Director. When running Mbox Director directly on an Mbox server, it is important that Mbox Director not affect performance of the server. In order to guarantee this, Mbox Director can sacrifice the amount of time it spends drawing on its own graphical user interface.

  • Page 31: Media Preferences

    Media Preferences Media Picker (library) preferences can be set at the Media tab: When "Media Window is a HUD" is checked, the Media Picker window will always stay on top. It is recommended to leave the "Automatically turn off Follow Updates when browsing" option checked. Note: Refer to "Media Picker"...

  • Page 32: Osc Preferences

    OSC Preferences The Open Sound Control (OSC) feature allows Mbox Director to be controlled by external apps such as Lemur or TouchOSC using UDP protocol over a WiFi or Ethernet connection. This feature can be enabled at the OSC tab: To enable and configure OSC: Step 1.
  • Page 33 Syntax Examples: To view a list of all possible syntax for use with OSC apps, press the [Dump More OSC Syntax Examples} button. These examples are also printed at the end of this manual. Refer to "OSC Syntax" on page 99. To copy an OSC path to clipboard: Right-click on a parameter name in the main window to copy the appropriate syntax for that parameter (selected or specific) to the computer’s clipboard.
  • Page 34 General syntax rules: OSC syntax paths must be ALL lowercase with ALL spaces removed! For example: /md/palette/1/timeonly Input and output values, if required, must be a float within the range 0.0 to 1.0 unless you are using a ’/dmx’ suffix (see below).

  • Page 35: Keyboard Macros Preferences

    Keyboard Macros Preferences Mbox Director provides 10 programmable shortcuts that can be used to send OSC-style messages. These shortcuts are mapped to the keys Option-0 through Option-9, and are also available in the Edit > Keyboard Macros menu. The Keyboard Macros tab can be used to customize these shortcuts.

  • Page 36: Art-Net/Sacn Trigger Preferences

    Art-Net/sACN Trigger Preferences Mbox Director scenes can be triggered using Art-Net or sACN. In this case, incoming values are compared to the numerical values of scene names as entered in the Scene List. For example, a scene named '1.15 Top of Show' would be triggered by sending the correct values for 1.15.
  • Page 37 Guidelines: If the first channel is set to any value greater than 0, and a scene with a name that starts with the trigger number exists in the Scene List, then the scene will be recalled and the trigger number will be highlighted. Once a scene is triggered, it will not re-trigger unless the incoming data changes, either by changing the enable channel to a different non-zero value, or by changing the scene number channels to different values and then returning them to the values to trigger the original scene.

  • Page 38: Media Picker

    "generate" them at each connected Mbox server. (This only needs to be done once unless changes are made to the content.) After they have been generated at the server and "fetched" by Mbox Director, the thumbnails will be displayed in the Media Picker any time it is opened. To refresh the thumbnails in the Media Picker window, click the Refresh Thumbnails icon.

  • Page 39: Generating Thumbnails

    Generating Thumbnails When the Refresh Thumbnails button is clicked, the Fetch Thumbnails window will appear. The default setting is for the box to be unchecked. However, if this is the first time that thumbnails are being generated or if you have added/ changed/deleted media on the server, then the box needs to be checked.

  • Page 40: Enabling Feedback

    Using Fullscreen Mode in Local Configurations If Mbox Director and Mbox are running on the same computer, and you intend to use Mbox in Fullscreen mode, the Fullscreen mode secondary display should be set to Output 2. This assumes that the Mbox is being used in Single Output mode (not in one of the dual modes).

  • Page 41: Pinning Windows

    To pin a window, click on its pin icon in the upper-left corner. Pin Icon Undo/Redo Mbox Director supports a robust, unlimited undo/redo system. Undo/Redo is not only useful to back out of any unwanted changes, but it’s a great tool for exploring Mbox features, since you can always get back to where you were if you decide you don't like the look.

  • Page 42: Quick Start

    Up and Running Mbox Director is a powerful program which can be used to configure an extensive number of layer parameters and scenes. However, it is not difficult to quickly select some media content and preview it in the Mbox server window.
  • Page 43 Step 6. At Mbox Director window, open Media Picker by clicking on "eye" icon. Step 7. If thumbnails are not visible, press Refresh Thumbnails icon. Wait about 10 seconds for thumbnails to appear. Step 8. Select a texture by clicking directly on its thumbnail.

  • Page 44: Creating Shows

    Show files can also be copied from one computer to another for use on different Mbox Director setups. Use the Mac Finder to copy files to portable devices such as USB flash drives.

  • Page 45: Changing Between Servers

    Changing Between Servers When Mbox Director is connected to more than one Mbox server, each server (will appear as an icon in the main window. To change between servers, click the server’s icon or press Command [] + a number (1 thru x) to select the corresponding server.

  • Page 46: Adding Content To Layers

    "look" of the virtual scenery, which can then be saved as a scene and played back on an Mbox server. (For more information on layers, refer to the Mbox Media Server User Manual.) Layer content and parameters can be edited in the Mbox Director window. Guidelines: A layer must have an opacity level above 0 to be visible.
  • Page 47 To customize layers: Step 1. Select desired server by clicking on its icon. The active layers will be displayed. Step 2. Select desired layer by clicking on its icon. Step 3. Using Opacity slider, raise intensity to a level above 0. (255 is full.) Step 4.

  • Page 48: Creating And Editing Scenes

    Creating and Editing Scenes scene is a pre-programmed event which defines what happens on each layer during playback. The scene contains the pre-programmed settings for all master controls and layer parameters. Scenes can be named and played back in sequence using manual control, autofollow times or timecode. Guidelines: Each scene stores all data for all fixtures, all the time.

  • Page 49: Adding Or Deleting Scenes

    trigger - Allows playback by one of three trigger types: MIDI Show Control, MIDI Control Change, and MIDI Note. A drop-down menu provides the trigger options. Minutes:Seconds AF (AutoFollow) - Specifies an autofollow time. To enter a time, click in the AF field. Format: max - This is the computed maximum time-fade of all parameters in the scene, in seconds.

  • Page 50: Editing Scenes

    To add a preview thumbnail: The preview thumbnail will be the same as the currently displayed thumbnail in the selected server’s icon box. Click the + icon at the left of the scene name to add thumbnail. Editing Scenes The Scene List can be configured to automatically save changes using the Auto Apply Edits checkbox. If this box is not checked, then the manual Update button will need to be pressed in order to save any changes.
  • Page 51 Note: A white, green, and/or blue dot next to a parameter indicates that it has changed from its default value. To reset the default value, click the dot. The dot above the Opacity slider resets ALL layer values to their default. Also see page Dot Indicator - Indicates a change to the default value.

  • Page 52: Editing Multiple Scenes

    Editing Multiple Scenes Multiple scenes may be edited at one time when multiple scenes are selected in the Scene List. To select multiple scenes, use the [shift] and [command] buttons while selecting two or more scenes in the list. Guidelines: When scenes are selected, Director will circle the parameters that will be changed in the event of an update (either manually or by auto apply).

  • Page 53: Separators

    Separators Scenes can be organized into groups using "separators." The separators can be labeled and will provide quick access to the first scene of each group. To insert a separator: Step 1. Select first scene of the group. (The separator will be placed above this scene.) Step 2.

  • Page 54: Editing Layers Using Drag And Drop

    Editing Layers Using Drag and Drop Mbox Director has a drag and drop feature which can be used to create new duplicate layers or copy a layer’s parameter settings onto another layer. It can also be used to add layers to scenes.

  • Page 55: Adding Layers To Scenes

    To apply parameter settings to another layer: Step 1. Select layer which contains the settings to copy by clicking on its layer icon box. Step 2. Using cursor, click on a category or individual parameter and drag it up to the target layer’s icon box. For example, dragging the "Size"...

  • Page 56: Selectively Store Into A Scene

    Selectively Store into a Scene It is possible to selectively store a parameter, group, tab, an entire layer, or multiple layers into a scene. To perform a selective store: Using cursor, click on a parameter, group, tab, layer, or multiple layers and drag it on top of a scene in the Scene List.

  • Page 57: Editing Multiple Layers

    Editing Multiple Layers Multiple layers can be selected and edited at the same time. This can be used for quick editing or to create fan offsets. Selecting Multiple Layers Multiple layers can be selected using the Shift [] and Command [] keys. Hold down [] while clicking on layer icon boxes to select a range of layers.

  • Page 58: Adjusting Relative Offset Across Layers

    Adjusting Relative Offset Across Layers If multiple layers are selected, the relative offset values can be adjusted using the [V] key. This method will maintain any relative offsets in the parameter values for the selected layers. Notes: During this action, the parameter sliders will be disabled to prevent accidental override of layer offsets. The Value button will display "relative"...

  • Page 59: Fanning Layers

    Fanning Layers A fan effect can be applied to multiple layers using the [F] key. This is especially useful with parameters like X-Position to create a nice spread across layers. Fanning Time or Delay values will also create impressive results. Notes: When setting a fan, Layer 1’s values will stay the same while all other selected layers will change.

  • Page 60: Copying Multiple Layers From One Server To Another

    Copying Multiple Layers From One Server to Another Multiple layers can be copied from one server to another using the multiple selection feature. Even if the servers are configured differently, Director will duplicate the parameters that are common to both. To copy multiple layers: Select multiple layers and drag them on top of a different server’s icon.

  • Page 61: Playback

    PLAYBACK Overview Once scenes have been created and stored in a show file, they can be played back individually using manual control or played back automatically using timecode, autofollows, and/or triggers. Guidelines: A scene with an assigned timecode value will take precedence over its autofollow time. Triggers take precedence over both timecode and autofollow.

  • Page 62: Playback Using Loops

    Guidelines: If AF is checked, autofollow times will execute when the scene is recalled (unless a timecode has been specified, in which case autofollows will be ignored). It is not necessary to have timecoded scenes in order for the autofollow feature to work. It is best to use one or the other, not both (except in the case of Implicit Loops -- see below).
  • Page 63 To delete a loop: Step 1. Right-click on required scene. Step 2. At pop-up menu, select Delete. To delete a link: Step 1. Right-click on link in Scene List. Step 2. At pop-up menu, select Delete Link. Implicit Loops Loops can also be "implied" by using a combination of timecode and autofollow times. For example, if an autofollow time is running and the next scene in the Scene List has a timecode value greater than the current timecode, then it will loop back to the last timecoded scene in the list.

  • Page 64: Playback Using Timecode

    Playback Using Timecode Timeline Overview When a timecode is entered for a scene, the scene will be displayed in the timeline graphic at the bottom of the Mbox Director window. The timeline shows the current position of the playback sequence, and provides controls for play, pause, forward and back.

  • Page 65: Timecode Playback

    SMPTE timecode will play in the left channel. This allows a splitter to send the music to a speaker for listening, while the timecode is sent to Mbox Director. (The timecode signal should be connected to the LINE IN port of the Mac computer.)
  • Page 66 (since it automatically detects the FPS of external timecode), this setting can be changed in order to display a more accurate timeline. To change the setting, select Preferences from the Mbox Director menu. When Director receives MIDI timecode, it will automatically detect the FPS. The detected FPS is shown in the lower-...
  • Page 67 Step 8. At Sound Input tab, select Line In and raise input volume slider. Verify that audio is being received. Step 9. At Mbox Director Timeline, click Play button []. Scenes will begin executing at the specified times. Step 10. Use Pause button or space bar to pause playback.

  • Page 68: 24-Hour Clock

    24-Hour Clock Scenes can be played back using a 24-hour clock. In this case, the playhead will always follow the current time of day during playback. If a longitude and latitude are entered, scene times can also be relative to the local sunset and sunrise.

  • Page 69: Scrub

    Scrub The current position of the timeline can be changed by entering a new time in the clock field or "scrubbed" using the scrub feature. To go to a new timecode position: Click inside time clock field and enter a new clock position. The timeline will move to that position. To scrub in the timeline: Click inside the time clock field, then use the mouse to scrub forward or backward in the timeline.

  • Page 70: Timecode Editing

    Timecode Editing Timecode entries can be edited at any time by changing the values in the Scene List or by dragging the markers in the timeline. To edit timecode using the timeline: Step 1. Be sure Play Lock button is not enabled. Step 2.

  • Page 71: Overlapping Scenes

    Remove Scene from Timeline - Removes the timecode value, but leaves the scene in the Scene List. Delete Scene Preview - Removes preview thumbnail. Set Preview With Layer Image - Sets preview thumbnail to layer image. Link To Scene - Allows scenes to be linked together. Note: The Timeline popup, Scene List popup, and Scene menu are similar.

  • Page 72: Midi Operation

    Using the keyboard, enter the desired cue number after the GO prefix. Director supports the following cue number format: ####.## or [1-9999].[01-99]. (This format is the same as the PRG Vx76 console.) For example, "GO 2.5."...

  • Page 73: Setting Midi Preferences

    MIDI Control Change: CC - Allows for an arbitrary control change command. When selected, CC will be entered into the trigger column. Using the keyboard, enter the desired control change number after the CC prefix. Director supports entries from 0-124. For example, "CC 52." MIDI Note On: NT - Allows for an arbitrary note command.
  • Page 74 To filter a channel, uncheck its box.) MIDI Triggers - Specifies which set of triggers to use. The default setting, "Playback/Scene Triggers only," specifies that Mbox Director will only listen to triggers that have been programmed in the Scenes table (refer to "Creating and Editing Scenes"...

  • Page 75: External Control Setup

    In order to use trigger controls from a lighting console, the correct output settings must be configured at the console. For example, when using a PRG Vx76 control console, the output configuration is set using the Settings window. To configure Vx76 console MIDI output: Step 1.

  • Page 76: Controlling Director With A Midi Device

    Controlling Director with a MIDI Device When Mbox Director is used with a third-party MIDI device, the MIDI controls can be mapped to the device’s buttons, knobs, and faders. For example, when using the Trigger Selected Fixtures mode and a Behringer BCF 2000 MIDI...

  • Page 77: Parameter Store And Recall

    PARAMETER STORE AND RECALL Presets The Presets feature is used to store specific parameters for the purpose of building "scenes." (Refer to "Creating and Editing Scenes" on page 42). The most important aspect of presets is that they are referenced by the scenes. This can be used to save time during the initial programming of a show and for quickly updating parameters throughout all scenes if something on stage changes.

  • Page 78: Store And Recall

    Guidelines: The Preset window is scalable by dragging the bottom-right corner. To "pin" the Preset window on top, click on its pin icon in the upper-right corner. The quick-buttons located on the right side of the window (Label and Delete), can be used in combination with the preset buttons to perform specific actions.

  • Page 79: Editing Presets

    Notes: When dragging parameter values onto a preset button, the drop location will show a green ring to indicate where the data will be dropped. Pressing [Esc] on the keyboard will cancel the drag. If parameters are dragged onto an existing preset, a merge is performed, adding values for parameters with no replacing existing values, and existing values when parameters already have a value stored in the preset.
  • Page 80 Note: After unlinking parameter values from preset data, you must press the scene Update button if the "auto apply edits" box is not checked. (Refer to "Creating and Editing Scenes" on page 42.) Reveal - If the [cmd + option] keys are held down, the store and recall buttons will be replaced by the "reveal" button.

  • Page 81: Unlinking Vs. Deleting

    Press the Auto Delete button to have Mbox Director perform the actions. Using auto delete is not recommended in cases when presets are complex, multiple parameter types across multiple fixtures as the result could affect a large portion of the show data.

  • Page 82: Window Indicators

    Window Indicators When dragging parameter values onto a preset button, the drop location will show a green ring to indicate where the data will be dropped. Pressing [Esc] on the keyboard will cancel the drag. If parameters are dragged onto an existing preset, a merge is performed, adding values for parameters with no replacing existing values, and existing values when parameters already have a value stored in the preset.

  • Page 83: Palettes

    "looks") can be stored into these individual palettes for later recall. They can also be deleted or edited at any time. Once stored, palette data can be exported and imported into other Mbox Director files. To open the Palette window, press the [Palette] button on the Media Picker (or use keyboard -Y):...
  • Page 84 To store into a palette: Step 1. Open Palette window. (Pin window on top by pressing its pin icon.) Step 2. At main Director window, select an individual parameter or parameter group (tab) and drag to a palette button. For example, drag the Keystone tab to Palette 12 as shown below: Step 3.
  • Page 85 To recall a palette: Step 1. Open Palette window. Step 2. Do one of the following: a. Choose a Recall option (Value Only, Timing Only, or Timing & Value) by right-clicking on a palette button. b. Choose Recall Timing or Recall Value & Timing by clicking appropriate button at right side of window. Then click a palette button.

  • Page 86: Groups

    Groups Groups of server layers can be stored and recalled using the Groups feature. The Groups feature provides a quick way to select multiple elements for editing. A Group window, available from the Media Picker, contains 20 banks of 100 groups (for a total of 2000 groups).
  • Page 87 To store a Group: Step 1. Open Group window. (Pin window on top by pressing its pin icon.) Step 2. At main Director window, select multiple layers and drag to a group button. For example, select odd layers (1, 3, and 5) and drag to Group 1 as shown below: To label a group: Step 1.

  • Page 88: Motley Selection Drag And Drop

    Motley Selection Drag and Drop When a Group selection contains two or more layers, where the selected layers do not belong to the same server and also do not have the same layer number, it is called a "Motley Selection." When dragging parameter values from one member of a Group having a "motley"...

  • Page 89: Group Hotkeys

    Group Hotkeys Hotkeys can be used to quickly recall groups. To setup hotkeys, open Preferences window and select the Keyboard Macros tab. Edit fields to specify which groups can be recalled by keyboard commands as shown in the example below: ®...

  • Page 90: Advanced Features

    ADVANCED FEATURES Value vs. Time The layer parameters can be displayed in the Mbox Director window by Value, Delay, or Time. These are defined as follows: Value - Specifies a parameter’s value setting. For example, opacity can range from 0 (not visible) to 255 (100% visible).

  • Page 91: Ease In/Out

    Ease In/Out The Ease In / Ease Out timing option provides a method for applying a sine curve to a timed move. This option can be toggled on or off in the pop-up menu for any parameter that can have a timing value, or it can be done by typing in E6, for example, where 6 is the number of seconds.

  • Page 92: Blind Mode

    Blind Mode Blind mode allows changes (edits) to be made in Director without them being output to Mbox. This feature is similar to Blind or Preview modes on lighting consoles, where edits to a show can be made on-the-fly without those changes being immediately reflected on the stage.

  • Page 93: Hide And Solo Functions

    Hide and Solo Functions When a large number of layers are playing content, it is often difficult to determine what content is being generated by which layer. The [hide] and [solo] buttons provide a way to isolate or turn off different layers. Hide - Sets the output opacity of the selected layer to zero.

  • Page 94: Pop-Up Menus

    Pop-Up Menus Special pop-up menus can be accessed by right-clicking in different areas of the main screen. These menus contain various options depending on the area clicked. Server Pop-up Menu To access the server pop-up menu, right-click on a fixture’s icon box. Fetch Thumbnails and Rescan Media - This option rescans the media content files and generates the corresponding thumbnails.

  • Page 95: Master Pop-Up Menu

    Master Pop-up Menu To access the master pop-up menu, right-click on a master’s icon box. This menu has similar options as the Server Menu (see previous). Layer Pop-up Menus The layer pop-up menus have some of the same options available on the Server Menu (see previous). The only difference is that they apply to the layer instead of the server.

  • Page 96: Parameter Pop-Up Menus

    Parameter Pop-up Menus Pop-up menus for the various parameters, and groups of parameters, can be accessed by right-clicking on the parameter titles or tabs in the main window. For example, click on Opacity to bring up the Opacity Menu. Click on Effects tab to bring up Effects Group Menu.

  • Page 97: External Control

    Control by an External Console (Passthrough) The Passthrough feature allows Mbox Director to merge Art-Net or sACN commands from an external console with its own output. Once the feature is enabled, pop-up menus can be used to enable control of specific parameters, groups of parameters, or entire layers.
  • Page 98 Step 4. At main Director window, right-click on parameter names, group tabs, and layer icons to bring up configuration windows. Select Passthrough Art-Net to specify for Passthrough control. For example, right-click on Opacity as shown below: Step 5. Once an item is set for Passthrough its name will be displayed in tan. Any changes made at the console would then be reflected in Director.

  • Page 99: Controlling An External Projector (Serial-Over-Ethernet)

    Controlling an External Projector (Serial-Over-Ethernet) The Profile setting available in the Add Fixture and Change Configuration windows allows the Mbox Director output to be changed from the default Mbox (.Mbox with Layers) configuration to Serial-Over-Ethernet. The Serial-Over- Ethernet feature allows Mbox Director to control any external projector which will accept Serial-Over-Ethernet protocol.

  • Page 100: Troubleshooting

    If an Mbox server is plugged into a network that has an active DHCP server running (i.e. computers connected to the network receive automatic IP address and subnet mask settings), then Mbox Director will provide a warning with the "Dynamic Addressing" pop-up. You can choose to allow the DHCP network, but the recommended action would be to press the Cancel button, reconfigure your network and servers to use static IP addressing, then patch the server.

  • Page 101: Ip Address Changed

    IP Address Changed If "IP Address changed!" is displayed in the server icon, it means that either the Mbox server has been plugged into a different Ethernet port the network configuration has been changed. To correct: Step 1. Be sure your Ethernet cables are not swapped. Step 2.

  • Page 102: No Reply

    To fix this, first make sure your Ethernet cables are not swapped, then make sure that both Mbox Director and the Mbox server are on the same subnet. Bring up the tooltip help for suggestions.

  • Page 103: Window Mode

    Window Mode If Mbox is in Window mode while adding a Dual Independent fixture, the "window mode 2nd image not available" warning will be displayed in the AlfaR icon box. To view both output images, it will be necessary to switch Mbox to Fullscreen mode. Refer to "Enabling Feedback"...

  • Page 104: Art-Net Trigger Errors

    Art-Net Trigger Errors When the Art-Net Trigger is enabled at the preferences window, an indication will be displayed in the Scene List. If errors are encountered, these will be displayed as warnings. Be sure all setting are correct. Refer to "Art-Net/sACN Trigger Preferences"...

  • Page 105: Appendix A. Reference

    APPENDIX A. REFERENCE OSC Syntax General: Path Value Range Description (no value) resend feedback for all OSC parameters /md/menu/layer1 select only layer 1 /md/menu/layer1+- 0.0 or 1.0 toggle selection of layer 1 /md/menu/server1+- 0.0 or 1.0 toggle selection of server 1 /md/selected/opacity 0.0 to 1.0 set opacity for selected layer.
  • Page 106 /md/server1/layer1/green 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/layer1/green/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/layer1/blue 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/layer1/blue/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/layer1/library 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/layer1/library/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/layer1/file 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/layer1/file/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/layer1/playmode 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/layer1/playmode/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/layer1/playspeed 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/layer1/playspeed/dmx...
  • Page 107 /md/server1/layer1/yrotate 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/layer1/yrotate/dmx 0 to 65535 /md/server1/layer1/yspin 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/layer1/yspin/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/layer1/xscale 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/layer1/xscale/dmx 0 to 65535 /md/server1/layer1/yscale 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/layer1/yscale/dmx 0 to 65535 /md/server1/layer1/zscale 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/layer1/zscale/dmx 0 to 65535 /md/server1/layer1/objectlibrary 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/layer1/objectlibrary/dmx...
  • Page 108 All Server 1 Master Parameters: Path Value Range /md/server1/master/lightingambientints 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/lightingambientints/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/lightingambientred 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/lightingambientred/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/lightingambientgreen 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/lightingambientgreen/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/lightingambientblue 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/lightingambientblue/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/lightingspot1ints 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/lightingspot1ints/dmx...
  • Page 109 /md/server1/master/effect1/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/fx1ctrla 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/fx1ctrla/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/fx1ctrlb 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/fx1ctrlb/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/effect2 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/effect2/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/fx2ctrla 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/fx2ctrla/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/fx2ctrlb 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/fx2ctrlb/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/intensity...
  • Page 110 /md/server1/master/pixintensity/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/pixelmapcontrol 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/pixelmapcontrol/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/audiovolume 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/audiovolume/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/shuttershape 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/shuttershape/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/shuttershutterx 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/shuttershutterx/dmx 0 to 65535 /md/server1/master/shuttershuttery 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/shuttershuttery/dmx 0 to 65535 /md/server1/master/shutterred...
  • Page 111 /md/server1/master/keystoney/dmx 0 to 65535 /md/server1/master/tiling 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/tiling/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/tileoverlap 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/tileoverlap/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/scale 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/scale/dmx 0 to 65535 /md/server1/master/edgetop 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/edgetop/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/edgeleft 0.0 to 1.0 /md/server1/master/edgeleft/dmx 0 to 255 /md/server1/master/edgebottom...
  • Page 112 Mbox Director Menu: Layer Menu: /md/menu/preferences Select Layer Menu /md/menu/alllayers+master Services Menu: /md/menu/nextlayer /md/menu/previouslayer /md/menu/makenewstickynote /md/menu/layer1 /md/menu/searchwithgoogle /md/menu/layer1+- /md/menu/hidemboxdirector /md/menu/layer2 /md/menu/hideothers /md/menu/layer2+- /md/menu/quitmboxdirector /md/menu/layer3 /md/menu/quitandcloseallwindows /md/menu/layer3+- File Menu: /md/menu/layer4 /md/menu/layer4+- /md/menu/openshow /md/menu/layer5 Open Recent Show Menu /md/menu/layer5+- Recent Items Menu...
  • Page 113 /md/menu/showintensityoropacity /md/menu/deletescenepreviewonly /md/menu/fullintensityoropacity Playback Menu: /md/menu/outintensityoropacity /md/menu/showcolor /md/menu/play /md/menu/showeffects /md/menu/play /md/menu/showeffects /md/menu/runlock /md/menu/showmedia /md/menu/unlockstop /md/menu/showgeometry /md/menu/rewindhomekey /md/menu/showobject /md/menu/forwardtoend /md/menu/showanimation /md/menu/nextframe /md/menu/showrotate /md/menu/forward10frames /md/menu/showspin /md/menu/forward1second /md/menu/showsync /md/menu/previousframe /md/menu/showkeystone /md/menu/backward10frames /md/menu/showkeystone /md/menu/backward1second /md/menu/showshutter /md/menu/gotoselectedscenekeyframe /md/menu/showpixel /md/menu/viewplayhead /md/menu/showlighting /md/menu/addmarkeratplayhead /md/menu/showlighting /md/menu/zoomin /md/menu/showcamera /md/menu/zoomout /md/menu/zoomintoframes Scene Menu: /md/menu/resetzoom...

  • Page 114: Appendix B. Networking For Mbox

    APPENDIX B. NETWORKING FOR MBOX Concepts The majority of communications to and from Mbox use Ethernet protocols. This means 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 115: Routing Ethernet Communications

    How the IP Address and Subnet Mask Work Together For a device with the IP address of 192.168.0.123 and a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0, the first two octets of the IP address "192.168" are used to specify the sub-network, and the last two octets "0.123" specify the device's unique identifier within that network.

  • Page 116: Standard Control Protocols

    It is possible for interfaces to send packets to or receive packets sent to a multicast address without joining the corresponding multicast group. But unless the interfaces join the multicast group, switches between the devices may not forward the multicast packets correctly. Most of the time you can use a /8 subnet mask (255.0.0.0) with Mbox.

  • Page 117: Kinet

    KiNET KiNET is intended to be unicast only. Therefore all packets are addressed to specific IP addresses. This is efficient, but as with Art-Net unicast, the user must know all of the IP addresses of the connected devices that they want to communicate with.
  • Page 118 Notes ® MBOX DIRECTOR USER MANUAL...
  • Page 119 Mbox® Director User Manual Version as of: August 31, 2015 PRG part number: 02.9800.0002.31...
  • Page 120 Production Resource Group, LLC Dallas Office 8617 Ambassador Row, Suite 120 Dallas, Texas 75247 www.prg.com...

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