Pixel Magic hd Mediabox Owner's Manual
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Pixel Magic hd Mediabox Owner's Manual

High-definition hdd (hard disk drive) media player
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  • Page 1 Owner's guide Owner's guide...

  • Page 2: Safety Information

    Safety Information Important Safety Instructions Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

  • Page 3: Additional Safety Instructions

    Additional Safety Instructions • To ensure maximum performance, please read this manual carefully. Keep it in a safe place for future reference • Install this unit in a cool, dry, clean place - away from windows, heat sources, sources of excessive vibration, dust, moisture and cold.

  • Page 4: Welcome

    HD MediaBox provides the missing link between your HDTV, hi-fi, and computer network. Now, from the comfort of your living room, you can play the movies, music, and photos stored on your computers through your TV and hi-fi.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Safety Information Important Safety Instructions Additional Safety Instructions Welcome 1. About HD Mediabox 1.1 Introducing HD MediaBox 1.2 Features & Functions of HD MediaBox 1.2.1 General 1.2.2 Video Playback 1.2.3 Audio Playback 1.2.4 Photo Display An Introduction to High-Definition 1.3.1 HD Format Notation 1.3.2 Interlaced and Progressive...
  • Page 6 8.3 Repeat 8.4 A-B Repeat 9. Upgrading Firmware 9.1 Firmware Version Check 9.2 Downloading and Transferring the New Firmware 9.3 Updating HD MediaBox 10. Troubleshooting 10.1 Changing Video Output Without an Image 10.2 Recovery from Firmware Corruption Support & Warranty Information...

  • Page 7: About Hd Mediabox

    Digital optical, coax, and analogue connectors are all provided to deliver this high fidelity audio into any home theater or stereo system. Included with HD MediaBox is a backlit Remote Control so you can keep the lights low. Combined with the small size and fanless operation, you get a high-powered box that's also easy to live with.

  • Page 8: Video Playback

    Connectivity options USB: HD MediaBox features three USB2.0 ports. Two of these can be used for connecting external “Mass Storage Devices” which include external USB HDDs, thumbdisks, etc. The other USB port will connect directly to a PC or NAS to allow files to be placed on an internal HDD (if fitted).

  • Page 9: Photo Display

    Output Resolution. See section 1.4.3 for supported formats. Slideshows. HD MediaBox can show all files in a folder alphabetically, or you can create a text file, which lists the order of the photos to be shown (see section 7.6).

  • Page 10: Hd Format Notation

    This task is called Deinterlacing. Most of these displays will include the technology to do this, however this is a very complex process and HD MediaBox may do a better job.
  • Page 11 MPEG-1 is very common, mainly due to its ability to store an entire film on a single CD. This Video CD format is a mass-market competitor to VHS in countries where high humidity can quickly degrade magnetic tapes. Common file extensions .mpg Streaming over the 100BASE-T and USB2.0 supported MPEG-2...

  • Page 12: A Brief Overview Of Audio Formats

    * A file extension on a file (such as .avi) does not mean that the data within that file is compatible with the player. Many file formats use similar file extensions, and it is not necessarily an indication of what the file encoding format is. HD MediaBox supports many types of file format, but due to encoding differences, not all files may play.

  • Page 13: A Brief Overview Of Photo Formats

    * A file extension on a file (such as .avi) does not mean that the data within that file is compatible with the player. Many file formats use similar file extensions, and it is not necessarily an indication of what the file encoding format is. HD MediaBox supports many types of file format, but due to encoding differences, not all files may play.

  • Page 14: Familiarizing Yourself With Hd Mediabox

    To provide adequate ventilation, it is recommended that small rubber feet are used on the bottom surface. HD MediaBox Front Panel Power indicator The power status of HD MediaBox is shown by the color of the LED No light - No mains power Red - Standby Green - Running Play/Pause indicator This blue LED shows the playback status of HD MediaBox.

  • Page 15: Hd Mediabox Rear Panel

    • YPbPr (often referred to as Component Video) RJ45 Ethernet Network Connection Allows HD MediaBox to be connected to a computer network for playing media files stored on shared folders or network servers. 10 and 100-BASE-T networks are supported; however 100-BASE-T is recommended as the bandwidth is more suited to common HD MediaBox tasks.

  • Page 16: Hd Mediabox Remote Control

    HD MediaBox Remote Control Power On/Off Pressing this key toggles the power of HD MediaBox on/off. Mute Pressing this key toggles the audio output of HD MediaBox on/off. Alpha/Numeric keys These keys enter alpha/numeric values in appropriate areas (e.g. during a Time Search).
  • Page 17 In DVD Playing Mode, pressing this key cycles through the AUDIO TRACKS of the DVD (if more than one). VOLUME +/- Pressing this key changes the output volume of HD MediaBox. The default value is 16 and you can leave it at this setting if you plan to use your amplifier to change the volume.
  • Page 18 While in Zoom Mode, pressing the Up Folder Remote Control key returns the zoom level to 0 (off). When HD MediaBox finishes playing the current file, the zoom level resets to 0 (off), except during a slideshow of photos, when the zoom level remains unchanged.

  • Page 19: Getting Started

    3 Plug the power cord into your power outlet and switch on. You will see a green light on the power supply and a red LED on the front of HD MediaBox to confirm power. Press the key on the Remote Control to turn HD MediaBox on.

  • Page 20: Adding An Internal Hard Disk Drive (Optional)

    HD MediaBox. Please check the manufacturer’s specification for details. HD MediaBox can read file systems formatted in either FAT32 or NTFS. NTFS is recommended, as FAT32 systems are limited to files less than 4GB in size and High Definition video files frequently exceed this.
  • Page 21 step 8 Carefully slide your HDD into the cage from the left as show in the diagram. The base of the HDD should be touching the top plate. Make sure point X and Y are aligned. step 9 step 10 Insert the 4 HDD Turn the cage around so that you can see screws into the holes...

  • Page 22: Initializing And Formatting An Internal Hdd

    • HD MediaBox can only read the first (Primary) partition on an internally fitted HDD. • HD MediaBox can read file systems formatted in either FAT32 or NTFS. NTFS is recommended, as FAT32 systems are limited to files less than 4GB in size and High Definition video files very frequently exceed this.
  • Page 23 step 4 Right click the Unallocated disk and from the pop-up menu select New Partition to start the New Partition Wizard. step 5 Press Next > and select Primary Partition. Press Next > again. step 6 In the Specify Partition Size section, enter the maximum available size (FAT32 partitions are limited to 32,000MB) and press Next >.
  • Page 24 step 7 In the Assign Drive Letter or Path section, select a letter from the list and press Next >. step 8 In the Format Partition section, select your preferred File system (NTFS is recommended) and press Next >. step 9 When completed, detailed information will appear as shown below.
  • Page 25 10 The Disk Management utility will now show the file system as ‘Healthy’ and the internal HD MediaBox HDD is ready for use (see section 4.3.1).

  • Page 26: Connections

    (cable not included) HDMI DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is a common connection on High Definition displays. You can connect HD MediaBox to a DVI-equipped display by using the HDMI connector with an HDMI-to-DVI cable. The information carried over DVI is exactly the same as HDMI and there is no loss of signal quality using the method.

  • Page 27: Standard Definition Connections

    This connection is made using the VGA connector and the supplied breakout cable. Simply connect the included breakout cable to the HD MediaBox VGA connector and then use a standard Component cable to link the breakout cable to your display or AV receiver.

  • Page 28: Audio Connections

    HD MediaBox to a compatible display/receiver/amplifier. In this instance, the Digital to Analog Conversion is performed externally to HD MediaBox. The HD MediaBox digital audio outputs are of equal performance - choose which to use based on compatibility and convenience.
  • Page 29 When the analog audio outputs are used, the Digital to Analog Conversion is performed by the high quality DAC onboard HD MediaBox. You may want to experiment when listening to 2-channel music, to see which provides the highest quality conversion; HD MediaBox or your receiver/amplifier.

  • Page 30: Computer Connections

    5 In Windows XP , cancel any Autorun options and you will now see the following screen. Choose “Open folder to view files using Windows Explorer” and you will now see the contents of the HD MediaBox internal HDD.

  • Page 31: Connecting External Usb Devices

    Disk Drive thumbdisk HD MediaBox supports the use of USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 Mass Storage Devices. This term can refer to thumbdiscs, external HDDs with a USB interface and other devices that are seen by HD MediaBox as file storage.

  • Page 32: How To Share Folders On Windows Xp

    2 Check ‘Share this folder on the network’ and type a share name (this is the name that HD MediaBox will see). step 3 After pressing ‘OK’, the shared folder icon will now have a hand under it as shown below.

  • Page 33: Infra Red Distribution

    Infra Red Distribution Instead of using the IR receiver on the front panel of HD MediaBox, it may be convenient to use an Infra Red distribution system. This will enable HD MediaBox to be controlled without being directly in sight of the Remote Control.

  • Page 34: Hd Mediabox Setup

    Make sure that your display device is connected and switched on. After HD MediaBox has been switched on you will see the HD MediaBox logo, followed by the File Browser.

  • Page 35: Audio Setup

    In general, you will only need to use the keys to navigate the setup menus. If you want to exit Setup and return to File Browsing Mode at any time, simply press the key on your Remote Control again. Audio Setup After entering Setup Mode, press the on your Remote Control.

  • Page 36: Spdif Out

    SPDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format) is a protocol to govern the data transferred using the Digital Audio Outputs of HD MediaBox. PCM: This is a stereo digital signal that a wide variety of devices can understand. Use this option if you DON’T have a decoder/receiver/amplifier that can decode digital multi-channel audio signals.

  • Page 37: Active Output

    5.3.1 Active Output Active Output sets lets you choose which Video Output HD MediaBox should use. HDMI: Choosing this will activate the HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port. SD: Choosing this will change the VGA port to Standard Definition Component Video (YPbPr).

  • Page 38: Sd Modes

    Auto EDID (Extended Display Identification Data): If this option is selected, HD MediaBox will attempt to ‘talk’ to the display device over the HDMI interface and determine its native resolution. If the resolution cannot be determined, HD MediaBox will set it’s output to 640x480 at 60Hz. In this instance, please set the resolution manually.

  • Page 39: Hd Rgb

    5.3.4 HD RGB The following formats are sent to your display if HD RGB has been selected as your Active Output (see section 5.3.1). 480p: This is a progressive output of 720x480 720p: This is a progressive output of 1280x720 1080i: This is an interlaced output of 1920x1080 1080p: This is a progressive output of 1920x1080 All the following options are progressive:...

  • Page 40: System Setup

    TV Refresh Rate Use this setting to choose the output refresh rate of HD MediaBox. Your Standard Definition display may accept only one of these settings (usually 60Hz in America and Japan and 50Hz in the rest of the World).

  • Page 41: Tv Shape

    Modern digital displays will probably support both refresh rates, but may have a preference. Refer to your display’s manual for more information. HD MediaBox will automatically set SD outputs to PAL if 50Hz is chosen and NTSC if 60Hz is chosen. 60Hz 50Hz 5.4.2...

  • Page 42: Slideshow

    * In Media Playing Mode, the sequence of next media file depends on the Repeat Mode setting (see section 7.2 for more information) 5.4.5 IP Setting (Internet Protocol Setting) This setting is required for HD MediaBox to detect your network (if present).

  • Page 43: How To Input A Static Ip Address

    Static: Use this setting in a DHCP server is not present. 5.4.5.1 How to Input a Static IP Address If you don't have a DHCP server (e.g. a broadband router), you need to set the IP address of HD MediaBox manually for network access. step 1 Select Setup >...

  • Page 44: Software

    Default: Selecting this will return all HD MediaBox settings to their default factory settings (Firmware version will remain the same) Upgrade: Selecting this will start the firmware upgrade process (see section Reboot: Selecting this will reboot (restart) HD MediaBox. This should be done after a change in IP Settings.

  • Page 45: File Browsing Mode

    6. File Browsing Mode When HD MediaBox is idle, it is in File Browsing Mode. Here, you can browse and select your audio, video and photo files to play. These can be stored in any of the following locations. • An internal hard disk (if fitted) •...
  • Page 46 HD MediaBox will play all the video files in the current folder. Created: and Size: These areas show the date the currently selected file was created and its size.

  • Page 47: Navigating File Browsing Mode

    Navigating File Browsing Mode In general, you will only need to use the keys to navigate the File Browser. However these additional keys can make navigation easier. MEDIA - Pressing this key cycles through the “Display file type:” options Video/Photo/Music/All (see section 6.1).

  • Page 48: Media Playing Mode

    7. Media Playing Mode After selecting a particular media file or files to play, HD MediaBox will enter Media Playing Mode. If the file is a DVD .ISO or .IFO, HD MediaBox will enter DVD Playing Mode (see section When the file reaches the end (or the last file reaches the end if “Play All”, and Repeat Mode is defined), HD MediaBox will return to File Browsing Mode.

  • Page 49: Repeat

    While in Zoom Mode, pressing the Remote Control key returns the zoom level to 0 (off). When HD MediaBox finishes playing the current file, the zoom level resets to 0 (off), except during a slideshow of photos, when the zoom level remains unchanged.

  • Page 50: Image Adjustments

    Image Adjustments Pressing the key during playback will cycle through the following sliders. • Brightness • Contrast • Saturation • Vertical Position • Aspect Ratio • Subtitle Delay Use the keys or the keys to adjust the values of each slider. These adjustments are not active when playing audio-only files.

  • Page 51: Brightness

    This works in co-operation with the Setup > System > TV Shape setting, so make sure this is set correctly first. By default, HD MediaBox will automatically detect the Aspect Ratio (shape) of the played file. However, if the file is unusually encoded, this setting may help correct the shape manually.

  • Page 52: Playlists And Slideshows

    Remote Control. If Random or All is selected, HD MediaBox will move onto the next file after it has finished playing the current file. Using this method, you can specifically choose the first file to play. The selected Repeat Mode will determine the order of subsequent files.

  • Page 53: Subtitles

    Subtitles Pressing the key cycles through the subtitles of the media file (if present). Subtitle encoding is currently supported for .ts files. For a subtitle file to be available during playback, the files must be in the same folder as the video file and start with the same name as the video file, for example: If the video file is named samplevideo.ts The subtitle files must be named as follows: samplevideo.english.srt...

  • Page 54: Dvd Playing Mode

    7), with the following differences: Menu Navigation Unlike the other media types played by HD MediaBox, DVD files have their own menu system and navigational structure. Use the following keys to navigate your DVD files. Up/Down/Left/Right Pressing these keys will navigate the DVD file menu screens.

  • Page 55: Info Screen

    SUBTITLE Pressing this key cycles through the SUBTITLES of the DVD (if present). The name of the Subtitles will be visible in the top-right of the screen. AUDIO Pressing this key cycles through the AUDIO TRACKS of the DVD (if more than one). The name of the Audio Tracks will be visible in the top-right of the screen.

  • Page 56: Repeat

    DVD video files can loop continuously from point A to point B. This feature can be useful during calibration. During playback, pressing the key once will select point A Pressing this key again will select point B. HD MediaBox will now loop continuously from point A to point B.

  • Page 57: Upgrading Firmware

    9. Upgrading Firmware Firmware is a name given to the software stored inside HD MediaBox - it controls the functionality of HD MediaBox. It is important that your firmware is up-to-date, as new features, bug fixes, and enhanced operation may be available for your player.

  • Page 58: Updating Hd Mediabox

    You will see a pop-up message asking you for confirmation Caution: it is important that the power to HD MediaBox is not interrupted during the upgrade process. If power is interrupted you may need to use the recovery process outlined in section 10.2.
  • Page 59 HD MediaBox will now start the firmware upgrade process and you will see a progress bar and percentage. After HD MediaBox has completed upgrading the firmware, it will automatically reboot. Congratulations. Your HD MediaBox is now ready for use - Please refer to the new firmware instructions to learn about any new features or operational changes.

  • Page 60: Troubleshooting

    10. Troubleshooting Problem Possible Cause Solution No Picture • HD MediaBox is not plugged in • Check power cable is connected as per section 3.1. And that a • HD MediaBox has not been green light is showing on the front switched on using the Remote panel of HD MediaBox.

  • Page 61: Changing Video Output Without An Image

    Problem: No video output or unreadable video output. Explanation: By default, HD MediaBox outputs 480p from the HDMI port, if on startup your display can’t read this signal, you may need to change the output resolution and format without being able to see the image.

  • Page 62: Recovery From Firmware Corruption

    LED remains constantly lit and File Browser doesn’t display. Explanation: This can occur if a firmware upgrade was interrupted or other firmware corruption has occurred. Solution: The following steps allow you to reset HD MediaBox without using the on screen menus. step 1...

  • Page 63: Support & Warranty Information

    Email: support@pixelmagicsystems.com International Support Hotline: (852) 2607 4078 Caution: Under NO circumstances should you attempt to repair or modify your HD MediaBox unit as this could expose you to electrical shock, and/or severely damage your HD MediaBox. Product Warranty Pixel Magic Systems Ltd.
  • Page 64 © Copyright 2006 Pixel Magic Systems Ltd. HD MediaBox™ is a trademark of Pixel Magic Systems Ltd. All rights reserved. DivX™ is a trademark of DivXNetworks, Inc. HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC. BURR-BROWN® is a registered trademark of...

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