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PRG Mbox User Manual

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SOFTWARE VERSION 3.7
WWW.PRG.COM
®
MBOX

MEDIA SERVER

USER MANUAL

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  • Page 1: Media Server

    SOFTWARE VERSION 3.7 WWW.PRG.COM ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER 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

    Output Configuration: Single Media Server with Plasma Display and LCD Projector..............24 Setup Basic Setup and Connections..............................25 Connecting the Stage Output..............................26 Networking Multiple Mbox Extreme Servers ..........................26 Getting Started Power-Up Overview..................................27 Power-Up Procedure .................................. 28 Mbox Daemon .................................... 28 Patching Fixtures Patching Overview..................................
  • Page 4 Switching Between Standard EDID or Capturing EDID ...................... 59 SDI Output (SD - Standard Definition & HD - High Definition)....................61 Genlock (Generator Lock)................................62 Enhancing Mbox Performance Recommended Practices ................................64 Chapter 4. Advanced Features 3D Objects and Digital Gobos About 3D Models and Digital Gobos (Objects)...........................
  • Page 5 Effects and Transitions with Additional Input Files ........................102 Adding Custom Effects or Transitions ............................103 Projection Mapping Overview....................................106 Chapter 5. Pixel-Mapping Basic Pixel-Mapping Overview....................................108 Setup ......................................109 Advanced Pixel-Mapping Creating Custom Fixtures................................. 115 Sampling Areas ..................................116 ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 6 QuickTime Streaming with Video Capture Card ....................... 142 USB/FireWire Input................................143 Configuration Setting Video Input for Video Capture Card ..........................144 Configuring Video Input within Mbox ............................146 Chapter 8. Content Creation and Utilities Creating Custom Content Creating Movies and Audio Files .............................. 150 File Extension ..................................
  • Page 7 Content Management Overview....................................167 About Mbox Remote Content Management ........................167 Terminology..................................167 Network Gear ..................................168 Managing Content ..................................169 Configuring Network Bandwidth ............................169 Configuring Server Master/Member Roles........................170 Selecting Content to Sync ..............................171 Synchronizing Content ..............................172 Organizing Content Files ..............................

  • Page 8: Revision History

    This manual has been revised as follows: Version Release Date Notes 02.9800.0001.36 January 8, 2013 Initial release. 02.9800.0001.36 A May 22, 2013 Updated to software version 3.6.1 02.9800.0001.37 January 6, 2014 Updated to software version 3.7 ® VIII MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 9: About This Manual

    High End Systems will support the use of Mbox Designer v3.7 on any console running Hog 2 software. In general, if you are using Mbox with any console other than Vx76, Virtuoso or grandMA, it is a good idea to contact PRG for more information. Additional Documentation For more information, refer to the following manuals: Mbox®...

  • Page 10: Training Videos

    Training Videos Mbox Media Server Training Videos are available on the PRG website. The following is a list of videos that apply to Mbox Media Server: Introduction: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-1/ Hardware Set Up- Front: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-2/ Hardware Set Up - Rear: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-3/ Patching: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-4/...

  • Page 11: Chapter 1. Overview

    OVERVIEW This chapter provides an overview of Mbox features, components, and operations. GENERAL OVERVIEW COMPONENTS FIXTURE DESCRIPTIONS OPERATING MODES...

  • Page 12: General Overview

    The stock library included with the rental Mbox server contains a wide variety of movie clips, still images and 3D objects. Custom media files may be used with Mbox Designer.
  • Page 13 Control by DMX512 or Art-Net. Stores up to 65,535 movies and still images. Stores up to 65,535 3D objects. * This feature only applies to the Mbox Extreme server (hardware). It does not apply to the Mbox Designer software. ® MBOX...

  • Page 14: Concepts Of Operation

    Basic Function The basic function of the Mbox Designer software 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 low-res LED lighting fixture.

  • Page 15: Components

    COMPONENTS Note: This section deals with Mbox Extreme hardware and may not be pertinent to a computer-only installation. Training Video: Mbox Media Server Training Video Chapter 1: Introduction Mbox Extreme Case Assembly The following illustrations show the main case components for the Mbox Extreme v3 hardware:...

  • Page 16: Dual I/O Module

    Genlock connectors are active. (Note that the Genlock Out is not a pass-thru. This output should only be used if the Mbox Extreme server is the master for syncing (rather than using it as a daisy-chain port).
  • Page 17 Ethernet Ports - In general, the two Ethernet ports on the front panel should only be used with Art-Net input from a control console. If the Mbox Extreme server is receiving DMX512 data, then Ethernet should not be connected to either of these ports.

  • Page 18: Auxiliary Input Panel

    The Auxiliary Input panel provides input/output connectors for signals other than video and DMX/Art-Net. Ethernet - This port is used when networking multiple Mbox Extreme servers together. Audio Out - The XLR audio outputs are balanced. The mini plug audio output is unbalanced.

  • Page 19: Mac Computer

    Mac Computer The Mbox Extreme Media Server contains a Mac Pro computer which has been customized by PRG. The Mac computer is used to operate the Mbox system and store the media. It also provides standard computer connectors such as USB and FireWire® for the purpose of importing or exporting media data.
  • Page 20 SPDIF Genlock Card Audio In/Out Graphics Card Figure 1-7: Mbox Extreme v3.5 Components Note: Version 3.5 racks can be easily identified by the "v3.5" label on the top of the Mbox Extreme rack case. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 21: Fixture Descriptions

    Mbox Environment Concept In order to get the most from Mbox Designer, 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...

  • Page 22: Fixture And Layer Overview

    All parameters are controlled by mapping them to control channels on the console. An appendix at the end of this manual contains tables for all channels used with the Mbox Designer software. The fixtures and their controllable parameters are outlined below. To help illustrate these concepts, an image of the corresponding "Heads Up Display"...
  • Page 23 Drawmode / Layer Blend Mode 3D Effect 1 with Controls A & B 3D Effect 2 with Controls A & B  For a complete parameter maps, refer to "Parameter Mapping" on page 205. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 24: Fixture, Layer And Parameter Details

    Shutter Control Mbox has shutters, much like a Leko, which can be used to mask off areas of the final image. The shutters can be thought of as sitting in between the camera and the layers. They do not affect any one layer or group of layers, only the final image.

  • Page 25: Layers: Texture + Object

    A transition style (e.g. dissolves, wipes, bleeds) and a time for the Texture transition 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 image to the next in the time designated.

  • Page 26: Operating Modes

    Dual. The primary purpose of the operating modes is to configure the screen arrangement and required Art-Net universes. The Mbox Setup tab, covered later in this manual, is used to change the operating mode. (Refer to "Setup" page 46). The four modes function as follows: Single Output Mode The Single Output mode provides one video output from the software.

  • Page 27: Panoramic Wide Mode

    Any of the software’s 12 possible content layers can be displayed on either screen or with a portion on each screen (with or without an overlap). Figure 1-12: Example of Panoramic Dual Mode ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 28 Notes ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 29: Chapter 2. Installation And Power-Up

    INSTALLATION AND POWER-UP This chapter provides instructions for setting up the Mbox server and powering up for the first time. SAMPLE CONFIGURATION DIAGRAMS SETUP GETTING STARTED PATCHING FIXTURES...

  • Page 30: Sample Configuration Diagrams

    There are many possible configurations for setting up single or multiple Mbox Extreme servers. The following illustrations show just a few of the many possibilities. While the example details the use of the Mbox Extreme server rack and its included Dual I/O Module, the same examples can be applied to a computer running the Mbox Designer software.

  • Page 31: Art-Net Input Configuration: Network Switch And Multiple Media Servers

    Art-Net Input Configuration: Network Switch and Multiple Media Servers In the following configuration, Art-Net control signal is distributed from one control console to one network switch. The network switch then distributes the control signal to all Mbox Extreme servers. Art-Net...

  • Page 32: Output Configuration: Single Media Server With Plasma Display And Lcd Projector

    Output Configuration: Single Media Server with Plasma Display and LCD Projector In the following configuration, a Plasma Display and LCD Projector are connected to a single Mbox Extreme server. VGA IN PLASMA DISPLAY LCD PROJECTOR DVI 1 OUT MBOX EXTREME Figure 2-3: Single Media Server with Plasma Display and LCD Projector ®...

  • Page 33: Setup

    Step 5. Connect local monitor power cable to UPS or to local AC power service. Step 6. Connect UPS power cable to local AC power service. Step 7. Connect stage outputs and other Mbox Extreme servers (if required) according to the following sections. ®...

  • Page 34: Connecting The Stage Output

    Networking Multiple Mbox Extreme Servers The Mbox Extreme Mac computer has two standard Ethernet ports on its rear panel. The first Ethernet port is pre- connected to the two Ethernet ports on the front of the Dual I/O module, and is dedicated to Art-Net reception.

  • Page 35: Getting Started

    Pixel Map as shown in this sample screen below: Upon launch, the Mbox tab will be selected. This tab shows the server’s video output. The Setup tab is used to configure the server preferences and operating modes, while the Pixel Map tab is used for configuration of the Pixel Map and its Art-Net output.

  • Page 36: Power-Up Procedure

    (To force Daemon’s interface to be shown, press [ D] while the Mbox Designer application is in Window mode, or locate the Daemon icon in the dock and click on it.) When viewed, the Mbox Daemon window will always reflect the Network Interface setting as configured in the Mbox Setup tab.

  • Page 37: Patching Fixtures

    PATCHING FIXTURES Patching Overview In order to control Mbox, it will need to be "patched" to a control console. Patching allows channels to be mapped to the controllable elements of the Mbox environment. Use the following guidelines when patching: One Mbox server running Mbox Designer v3.7 software requires at least 466 DMX512 channels.

  • Page 38: Parameter Mapping

    Shutter Control 466 Total Keystone Control Channels Layer 1 Layer 2 Layer 3 Layer 4 Layer 5 Layer 6 Layer 7 Layer 8 Layer 9 372 Total Layer 10 Channels Layer 11 Layer 12 ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 39 Layer 5 Layer 7 Layer 6 Layer 8 Layer 9 Layer 7 372 Total Layer 10 Layer 8 Channels Layer 11 Layer 9 372 Total Layer 12 Layer 10 Channels Layer 11 Layer 12 ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 40 Shutter Control Keystone Control Keystone Control Layer 1 Layer 1 Layer 2 Layer 2 Layer 3 Layer 3 Layer 4 Layer 4 Layer 5 Layer 5 Layer 6 Layer 6 Total Channels Total Channels ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 41: Playing Back Video - Quick Start

    Playing Back Video - Quick Start Once a console has been connected, the Mbox fixtures patched, and the display device turned on, video can be played back. To immediately play back video: Step 1. At console, select Camera fixture and set its intensity to full. Very Important! – the Camera fixture’s intensity controls the built-in hardware dimmer on the I/O module.
  • Page 42 Step 5. To apply an effect to the layer, for example, set the Effect 1 parameter to 2 (sepia tone) and set the Effect 1 Control A to 255 (full). This should result in a sepia version of the same clip: ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 43: Chapter 3. Operation

    OPERATION This chapter provides instructions for configuration and operation of the Mbox server. MEDIA CONTENT APPLICATION WINDOW HEADS UP DISPLAYS (HUDS) DUAL I/O MODULE ENHANCING MBOX PERFORMANCE...

  • Page 44: Media Content

    Apple ProRes - Light or Normal are recommended, High Quality can be used if you make sure the bitrate is not too high (150Mb/sec or lower). Note: ProRes is installed on all rental Mbox servers. But in other cases, unless the ProRes codec is installed on the computer these files will not play back.

  • Page 45: Media Content Management

    Mbox Extreme 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

    , and /Mbox/Models folders cannot be aliases. Each time the Mbox Designer software 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: Additional Media Content Organization Guidelines

    Folder 000 in both the folders is reserved and should not be used. The stock PRG movies and still images are located in Media folders 001 - 038 and 248 - 254. Media folder 255 is reserved for video inputs and layer copy functionality.

  • Page 48: Adding Media Content

    022. To add movies or image files: Step 1. Open Mbox/Media folder. Step 2. At File menu, select New Folder and enter a unique 3-digit number (that is not already being used) followed by a descriptive name. For example, "075.mycontentfolder".

  • Page 49: Grouped Content

    Prior to Mbox v3.6 the user could place all six pieces of content into the same folder and give each piece a unique file number. (e.g. 001.001, 001.002, 001.003 and so on…) When programming the show, the user would have to select six different pieces of media for playback, a different file on each server.

  • Page 50: Configuration/Setup

    Note: Because the panoramic output modes are treated as one larger output when placing and sizing content for playback on a server's layers, their output is treated as only one content group by the Mbox server. The identity setting for the server's second output (Output 2) will affect keystone, warp, and projection mapping for that output, but in panoramic modes, different content will not (and cannot) be selected automatically based on the Identity for Output 2.

  • Page 51: Creating And Viewing Content Thumbnails

    Creating and Viewing Content Thumbnails The Mbox Designer software will create thumbnail images of the content. To force the creation of new thumbnails in Mbox Designer, press [ T]. Thumbnail images are stored in a standard location on every server and are grouped with HTML files that allow any networked computer (Mac or PC) to use an HTML browser to view the thumbnails on the server.

  • Page 52: Viewing Thumbnails In A Browser

    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 53: Application Window

    Window - While in Window mode, the application’s user interface will be displayed. In this mode, the output will NOT be visible on the Stage output of the Dual I/O module. The Window mode interface contains three tabs: Mbox, Setup,...

  • Page 54: Setup

    , stores the startup settings for the Mbox Designer software and the variables that define its operating parameters: window size, screen size, etc. The most important of these settings can be adjusted from the Setup tab, however, some advanced settings can only be adjusted using Mbox Remote. Refer to "Mbox Remote Application"...

  • Page 55: Setup: Control

    29 for more information.) Source IP - this field shows the IP address of the device that Mbox is currently receiving Art-Net from on the universe that is set in the Control Universe field. The IP address is shown to help indicate that Mbox is receiving data on the selected universe, and as a reference for troubleshooting.

  • Page 56: Setup: Fullscreen Mode

    Fullscreen mode. Always confirm that you have the appropriate EDID before using the Mbox Designer software. The Mbox Dual I/O Module provides EDID data to the computer at all time, but if you are using Mbox Designer without the I/O Module, you will need to supply the appropriate EDID by connecting the output device (or some alternate EDID spoofing device) to the computer's video output(s).
  • Page 57 Active Area Controls - In some cases, it may be necessary to use a specific output resolution but keep content fixed inside a smaller area of that resolution. For this purpose, Mbox Designer provides a way to embed a custom active screen area within the larger output area.

  • Page 58: Setup: Rendering

    The optional setting of ÷2 will force Mbox to output a number of frames per second equal to the numerical value that is 50% of the current fullscreen frequency (e.g., If fullscreen output frequency is 60Hz, then update rate would be set to 30fps.)

  • Page 59: Setup: Network

    Ethernet port must be selected. "Ethernet 1" is typically reserved for use with Art-Net input to the Mbox computer, but may be used for Management/CITP in some cases (i.e., when using a controller that only uses one network port for Art-Net and CITP, such as Mbox Director).

  • Page 60: Setup: I/O Module

    Output 1 / Output 2 - The numbered buttons underneath Output 1 and Output 2 indicate that an I/O module output section has been found. If "---" is displayed on one or both buttons, this indicates that Mbox cannot find the I/O module circuit board in question.* These buttons also identify which output section is which.

  • Page 61: Setup: Media Log (Media Errors)

    For example, two media files with the same number would be reported as an error in the log. If a file does not appear in this list, then Mbox will not attempt to play it. Therefore, this list can be used to help identify issues if media files don't play when requested.

  • Page 62: Heads Up Displays (Huds)

    HEADS UP DISPLAYS (HUDS) Overview Mbox Designer provides Heads Up Displays (HUDs) that contain detailed information about the server. There are two methods for calling up most of these HUDs: the Camera fixture control channel or the keyboard. Refer to the chart on page 212 for a listing of discrete values for the Camera Control Channel.

  • Page 63: Using The Huds

    All other HUDs will show the same type of changes to the parameter values. Paging through F1, F2, F3 and F4 HUDs can be helpful during programming to verify value changes, or for troubleshooting patch issues. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 64: Dual I/O Module

    During operation, the I/O module can suppress the stage output so that "inappropriate" content - such as the Mac desktop or Mbox Designer application frame - will not be displayed on the stage output (e.g., when in Window mode). I/O module settings can be configured using the Mbox Setup tab as covered in "Setup: I/O Module"...

  • Page 65: Connected Display Devices And Edid

    Figure 3-2 below. The header of each window will display the name of the EDID set (e.g. PRG-MbE 60Hz as shown below) or the name of the captured EDID (e.g. LCD 2408WFP).

  • Page 66: Switching Between Modes

    Switching Between Modes The Mbox server can operate in one of three default EDID settings, or, if the default sets are not appropriate for the connected display devices, then a custom EDID setting may be captured. Default EDID Sets - Three default sets of EDID data stored within the Dual I/O module provide the necessary information to work with standard computer display resolutions and frequencies, and typical SD and HD-SDI resolutions and frequencies.

  • Page 67: Switching Between Standard Edid Or Capturing Edid

    To capture a custom EDID: Refer to the guidelines on the previous page for more information. Step 1. Quit Mbox Designer. Step 2. Open Mac Displays Preference window (Figure 3-2). Step 3. Connect monitor to preview output of the other output section (not being programmed).
  • Page 68 Step 3. Unplug and replug DVI from rear of Mac, or shutdown and reboot the computer. Step 4. Provided Mbox Designer is not running, you should now be able to see the Mac desktop on the monitor. Step 5. Open Mac Displays Preferences window. Press Gather Windows button to get both of the setup windows onto that monitor.

  • Page 69: Sdi Output (Sd - Standard Definition & Hd - High Definition)

    SDI can be sent from both outputs of the I/O module simultaneously. A standard DVI monitor may need to be connected to the Preview output(s) of the I/O module so that the Mac desktop can be viewed when Mbox Designer is not running in Fullscreen mode.

  • Page 70: Genlock (Generator Lock)

    The function of Genlock is to tell the server when to start drawing each frame of video. This function can be synced so that all Mbox Extreme servers in the system will start drawing at the same time. The Mbox Dual I/O Module provides the the ability to synchronize - or "genlock"...
  • Page 71 To ensure that genlock input and output work successfully, make sure that the devices being synchronized are set to refresh at identical rates. If Mbox Designer is set to output video with a refresh rate of 59.94Hz, then its output can only be usefully connected to another device that is set to refresh at 59.94Hz.

  • Page 72: Enhancing Mbox Performance

    ENHANCING MBOX PERFORMANCE Recommended Practices Use the following recommended practices to enhance the performance of your Mbox system: Disable any screen-savers. Disable File Sharing and Remote Management (any and all sharing, in fact). Turn off automatic software updates. Disable Spotlight on all connected hard-drives by placing them in the Privacy table.

  • Page 73: Chapter 4. Advanced Features

    ADVANCED FEATURES This chapter provides instructions for using the advanced features of the Mbox Designer software. 3D OBJECTS AND DIGITAL GOBOS ANIMATED TEXTURES LAYER COPY DRAWMODES LAYER BLENDING SPECIAL EFFECTS TEXT FILES AUDIO SYNCHRONIZATION ALIGNMENT RECTANGLES EFFECTS AND TRANSITIONS PROJECTION MAPPING...

  • Page 74: 3D Objects And Digital Gobos

    All 3D models and digital gobos require some amount of lighting to be properly visible. If the object file is used without turning on one of the Mbox lighting fixtures or without using Drawmode 1 (Light), then the object will appear on the screen as a black silhouette.

  • Page 75: Preloading 3D Objects

    - 002.LargeObjects.preload Preloading a large number of objects will cause Mbox Designer to take longer to start up and should only be done if the models in question do not appear on screen as quickly as desired. When models are preloaded, it is the vertex array file that is preloaded rather than the original .obj or .vle file.

  • Page 76: Dha And Vari*Lite Digital Gobos

    - 001.NewObject.obj should be renamed as - 001.NewObject.pixels.obj In this case, an object that is 200 generic units tall will appear as 200 pixels tall within Mbox. And a piece of 2D content that is 200px high would fit exactly when applied to that object.

  • Page 77: Creating Custom Digital Gobos

    SVG files are the most compatible and they provide better functionality than AI files. Mbox Designer's vertex array compiler pays attention to "object fill" information in these file types. Path and Stroke information is ignored, unless special steps are taken with the file. (Refer to the Adobe Illustrator documentation for more information on path, fill, and stroke.)
  • Page 78 (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 79 You don't need to change any of the options in the window, just press OK. Add more objects as desired. (You can 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 MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 80 Option 1 or Option 2. The texture applied to the gobo will fill the crop area when the gobo is used in Mbox. Note: It is not recommended that the crop area be sized or positioned so that any portion of an object fall outside the crop area.
  • Page 81 When saving as an AI file, you need to make sure that "Use Compression" is not checked. Step 10. When creating an SVG file, change the file extension from .svg to .svge to allow Mbox Designer to generate thumbnails of the SVG file.

  • Page 82: Animated Digital Gobos

    Animated Digital Gobos Mbox animated gobos are similar to SVG gobos, but they have built-in functions which have their own controls. Animated gobos, saved as .dgob files, are located in the /Mbox/Models/002.Animated_Gobos folder. Unlike normal digital gobos, these files do not need to be compiled so there will be no corresponding .vtxa files. Like other digital gobos, the animated gobos are treated as objects and some of them require lighting.

  • Page 83: Tv Screen V1.4 (002/001)

    3D object. In the following example, the foremost layer has been rotated on the Y axis: B mod <= 127 B mod > 127 ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 84: Snow V1.2 (002/002)

    The Snow animated gobo is somewhat complicated. In order to have complex snowflake shapes, a folder named "snowflakes" must be created within the Mbox folder and numbered .vtxa files (1 to 254) must be placed into it. .vxta files can be copied from the model_cache folder into the snowflakes folder.

  • Page 85: Tunnel V1.1 (002/003)

    The A modifier sets the amplitude of the ripples. The B modifier sets the number of ripples. In the following example, the X rotation has been adjusted so that the shape can be seen more clearly. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 86: Ring Stripe (002/005)

    For the Fisheye animated gobo, Animation Speed controls the seam blending and mirroring (0-126 = mirrored, 127 – 255 = normal). The A modifier sets the push from center. The B modifier sets the push from edge. fisheye fisheye mirrored ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 87: Cylinderscreen (002/008)

    Y axis of the Mbox 3D environment). MultiScreen Gobo (002/009) The MultiScreen animated gobo is used with the Mbox Pixel Remapping features to allow placement of content onto a predefined structure that can receive external data (Art-Net) to control both the position and arrangement of the content on the structure, and also the structure’s position in 2D and 3D space.

  • Page 88: Fit To Screen (002/010)

    Note: Depending on the aspect ratio of the screen vs. the content, the range of 0-63 may look the same as either 64-127 or 128-191. Horizontal Vertical Horizontal and Vertical Training Video: Mbox Media Server Training Video Chapter 18: 3D Functionality ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 89: Animated Textures

    Once Once Rev Loop XF Scrub Scrub FWD Loop IPR Mirrored T-B Timecode sync Bounce Layer Slave Once Layer Master Scrub  For a complete channel map, refer to "Play Mode" on page 215. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 90: Layer Copy

    When using the Raw copy mode, if a source layer makes a timed transition, then any destination layers using that source will not receive the transition. Their content will change immediately. A layer cannot copy another layer that is already copying a third layer. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 91: Using Drawmodes

    However, you’re only using one layer not two. You can set the Drawmode back to 0 and try out the other lighting fixtures to see how they affect the gobo. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 92: Drawmode 16 - Orthographic View

    Drawmode 16 causes 3D objects to be drawn using orthographic projection. Typically, when 3D objects are drawn in Mbox, they all share one vanishing point, which is a fixed point at the center of the screen (assuming the camera is in its default position).

  • Page 93: The Stencil

    The following example first shows the two together and then shows the holes being cut into the Stencil by the gobo: Finally, the following example shows the Stencil on its own showing the holes cut into it: ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 94 Stencil. In this particular example, the same result could be achieved without using Drawmodes by placing the green clip on Layer 1 and placing the textured gobo on Layer 2 with Layer 1’s Drawmode set to 1. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 95 In the following example, Layer 1 is using Drawmode 5 and a movie is placed on Layer 2, shown with Drawmode 6 on the left and then with Drawmode 8 on the right. draw thru stencil draw onto stencil ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 96: Layer Blending

    128. To use these two items together, set the drawmode channel to a value of 6 + 128 = 134. Overlay (default) Additive Screen Multiply Subtractive Exclusion Invert Subtractive Invert Additive Training Video: Mbox Media Server Training Video Chapter 10: Media Server Concepts ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 97: Special Effects

    You cannot tell that the gobo is rotating from the example image here, but it is. But no decay is visible since there is "nothingness" behind it. However, if you reduce the opacity of Layer 1 behind the gobo, you can begin to see the decay. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 98: Fog

    In the image below, the Fog effect has been turned on. Now the differences in the Z-position (distance from the camera) can be seen. The object furthest from the camera is darkest. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 99: Text Files

    TEXT FILES Support for Text Files Mbox can display text using RTF (Rich Text Format) or TXT (Text) files. Both files will work, but the RTF format will result in higher quality. .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 100: Audio

    AUDIO Audio Output Features Overview In addition to movies, still images, and 3D objects, Mbox can also play audio files. Audio can be played back by any of the following methods: The Mac computer’s internal speaker. The Mac computer’s SPDIF audio jack.

  • Page 101: External Audio Tracks (Associated Aiff Files)

    0. The audio file will play, but the triggering content will not be displayed. Embedded Audio Tracks (in QuickTime Movies) Mbox can also play audio that is embedded in a movie clip. To get Mbox to play the embedded audio in these files, it will be necessary to rename the file: a file named - 001.MyMovie.mov would be renamed as - 001.MyMovie.audio.mov...

  • Page 102: Synchronization

    Mbox allows movie playback to be synchronized to external SMPTE or MIDI timecode, or a simple internal clock. The timecode sync works with both 30 fps non-drop and 30 fps drop-frame timecode and requires the use of the Mbox Remote application (refer to "General Operation"...
  • Page 103 Hours, Minutes, Seconds, and Frames. Be sure to include leading zeros so that each element is two characters. Step 5. Press [return]. Step 6. Continue adding entries by pressing Add Item button. MediaTimeCodes.plist Step 7. At File menu, select Save As. Enter as the file name and click Save. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 104 Line In connector on the Mac, therefore, "Line In" must be selected as the audio input source in the Sound preference window in the Mac's system preferences. The input volume can also be adjusted here. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 105 When using a timecode input, multiple layers on one Mbox server or layers on multiple servers can respond to the same timecode, but need not have any other layer properties set the same (except the Timecode Sync playmode, of course).

  • Page 106: Layer-To-Layer Synchronization

    Layer-To-Layer 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 16 sync streams can be selected for both sync mastering and slaving.

  • Page 107: Kiosk Playmodes

    Kiosk Playmodes Several Kiosk Modes are available for controlled playback of files. 180 - Kiosk Mode non-looping, pause on last frame of last file - this is the same as the range of 180-184 in Mbox Extreme v3.3. 181 - Kiosk Mode non-looping, loop last file - this mode will loop the last file in the folder using the layer's currently selected crossfade type and time.

  • Page 108: Alignment Rectangles

    Every rectangle has and Origin X, Origin Y, Width, and Height setting. All simple rectangles share a common lineweight setting and can only be white in color. Basic white rectangles can be created by using the Mbox Remote application. (Refer to "Example: Setting Up Alignment Rectangles Using Remote"...
  • Page 109 These features rely on additional information stored in the alignment.plist file. The Mbox Remote application is able to create these additional properties and edit them after they have been created. The supplemental application called "Mbox Alignment Rectangles" can also help create and edit these more complex alignment rectangles.

  • Page 110: Effects And Transitions

    255 files, numbered 001 – 255. In the case of the Custom Wipe transition, you may have up to 20 files – ten are hard- edge wipes 001 – 010, and ten are soft-edge wipes 011 – 020. Numbering, naming, and file extensions conventions follow the same rules as standard Mbox content. [e.g. 001.MyFile.png] Guidelines: The input image files must be sized appropriately for their intended purpose.

  • Page 111: Adding Custom Effects Or Transitions

    . In order to enable Mbox to use these Image Units properly, a file must be created to define the parameters of the effect. These files are saved in the standard Apple Property List Editor format, but with special file extensions – not ".plist". For effects, the file extension will be ".txfx"...
  • Page 112 This is what the plist information for this transition looks like: ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 113 UserVisibleName properties. If you fail to use the correct type or an appropriate value for a property, 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 114: Projection Mapping

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

  • Page 115: Chapter 5. Pixel-Mapping

    PIXEL-MAPPING This chapter provides instructions for setup and operation of the Mbox pixel-mapping feature. BASIC PIXEL-MAPPING ADVANCED PIXEL-MAPPING...

  • Page 116: Basic Pixel-Mapping

    Art-Net directly. KiNET devices will receive that protocol directly over Ethernet. When pixel-mapping, Mbox retains the normal video output so a video signal can still be sent to a display device. Mbox also provides the ability to previsualize the pixel-mapping setup on the video monitor.

  • Page 117: Setup

    Setup While in Window mode, select the Pixel Map tab at the top of the Mbox window. If there is no current pixel-mapping file, you will see an empty configuration like the one below. If a pixel-mapping configuration already exists, then click the New button and choose a name and save location for the new file.
  • Page 118 When you place a fixture on the context grid, an entry for that fixture is added to the table on the right of the grid. Mbox will automatically patch fixtures in order (as you place them) beginning with Dest 16.
  • Page 119 Also avoid duplicate output universes unless you are running a backup system and have some means of merging data or taking control from one server or the other. (Use the "Backup Mode" setting in Mbox Remote to suppress Art-Net output from a backup server. Refer to "Server Control Commands"...
  • Page 120 IP of one Ethernet port on the computer. Port Name - Enter the exact name of the Ethernet port on the Mbox computer that you want the data to be sent from. The data will automatically be sent to the IP address matching the subnet broadcast IP address for that port.
  • Page 121 If you have two Ethernet ports on your computer, recommended practice is to receive Art-Net to control Mbox on one port and to output pixel-mapping data from the other port. Therefore the two ports must be on separate subnets to ensure that Mbox can determine which port to use.
  • Page 122 0, to allow all Art-Net levels to pass - settings of 254 or 255 will suppress some or all of the Art-Net output. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 123: Advanced Pixel-Mapping

    The default slew rate is 0 seconds - Mbox will allow the fixture to change color as fast as it can.

  • Page 124: Sampling Areas

    If you create numerous custom fixture profiles, save your patch file to an external drive and take them with you for the next show. PRG has the capability to create special fixture types that cannot be created by the on-board fixture creation tool.
  • Page 125 However you will probably not be using a video output if you are using Sample Areas. Outlines of sample areas Layers placed inside areas Previsualization ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 126 Notes ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 127: Chapter 6. Pixel Remapping

    PIXEL REMAPPING This chapter provides instructions for the Mbox pixel remapping feature. ABOUT PIXEL REMAPPING PIXEL REMAPPING TUTORIAL ADVANCED CONTROL...

  • Page 128: About Pixel Remapping

    ABOUT PIXEL REMAPPING Overview The Pixel Remapping functionality of the Mbox software allows the creation of one or more two-dimensional rectangular objects for use on a layer. Each object can be textured by content used on the layer and can have properties that act upon its entirety or smaller regions thereof.

  • Page 129: Pixel Remapping Tutorial

    External control over the screen object properties of the Pixel Remapping is handled through Art-Net. While this Art- Net can be patched to the same universe as Mbox, this is impractical unless very few channels are required. Ideally, a unique universe should be used. In the case of moving scenery, this external Art-Net may be derived from positional data that a scenic feedback system creates and which is then converted into Art-Net.

  • Page 130: Projected Mapping

    Step 1. On the main window, double-click on the "0" in the Universes area - it is defaulted to 0 - and type in a new number (this tutorial uses universe 5) that is not one of the current control universes for your Mbox server.
  • Page 131 You can also use the configuration when the Mbox fullscreen output size is set to different values, but the object's location on the screen may not be in the right place.
  • Page 132 If you press [command -] on your keyboard you will reduce the scale of the view whereas pressing [command +] scales it up. You can also click and drag on the background to pan the view. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 133 You now need to enter useful values for the screen properties. But first an explanation of each of the properties (all origins are based on the top-left of the Mbox output, the MultiScreen object, and the screen object being 0,0): Active: Origin and dimensions (in pixels) of the rectangular area on Mbox's output screen where the selected screen (and its applied texture) will be drawn.
  • Page 134 2D screen objects. For previsualization purposes, the viewing perspective of 3D screen objects can be altered by repositioning the Mbox Camera fixture. Z-Pos: Used with 3D screen objects to adjust the distance of the screen object from the camera in order to correctly position multiple screens (to represent their position in the real world) or to ensure that screens that can overlap look correct when doing so.
  • Page 135 3) And finally, the 32-bit signed control has a very large range that is both negative and positive. 32-bit signed controls are generally reserved for positional feedback from very accurate scenic encoders as the large range allows the control to be extremely accurate, receiving actual encoder counts in many cases. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 136 3 x 9 = 27. And finally for your scale, an 8-bit control has a range of 0-255, and the opacity parameter has a range of 0.0-1.0 so you need to divide 1 by 255 = 0.00392157. You don't need an offset, min, or max. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 137 3, and the control type to Texture Y Pos. Press the Save button. Note: Once you have one or more screen objects created in the editor, you'll want to test your configuration in Mbox to make sure you have the correct sign on the scale value for your X and Y position properties. In most cases, particularly with Art-Net-only control (i.e., no scenic encoders), once you figure out the signs for one screen object you...
  • Page 138 Make sure to use the correct Active and Texture origins and Width & Height from the chart on page 126, and also to substitute the correct address for each control. You should end up with what you see below: ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 139 But what about the MultiScreen object's 3D visualization functionality? It's pretty simple to get the MultiScreen configuration to do this, and easy to get Mbox to display it. The idea, when using the 3D element of any configuration, is that a specific area of one output of the server (or the entire output) will show the 2D representation, and some other dedicated area (or the other output of the server) will show the 3D representation.
  • Page 140 Test Value slider. a. Because this is a projected mapping configuration, the texture (the graph paper) should always stay in the same place in the 3D representation no matter where the 3D screen object is. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 141 Note: In both the 2D and 3D representations, the pink coloring is used to show a portion of the screen object that has no texture (i.e., where the screen object is fully transparent) due to the either the object's texture origin/width/height or the received control values. When you first use this revised configuration in Mbox, you'll see something like this: ® MBOX...
  • Page 142 LED panels. Step 22. To accomplish the move, open the Mbox Remote application, show the Server Preferences window, select the preference called "3D Center Left X," and adjust it so the 3D representation moves and becomes centered on the right-hand screen.

  • Page 143: Discrete Mapping

    (using the Animation A parameter on the layer) it's easy to use additional configurations at any time. Keeping the same patch for the controls means you don't have to change those values when switching configurations. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 144: Advanced Control

    ADVANCED CONTROL The following section covers advanced Pixel Remapping features. If you are unsure about how to use these features, contact PRG support for assistance. Triangle Strips and Triangle Fans (3D Vertex Array Screen Objects) In order to support non-rectangular shapes and/or to allow screen objects to be rotated in 3D space, standard screen objects may be converted to Triangle Strip screen objects or Triangle Fan screen objects.
  • Page 145 In this manner you can make an object with radial symmetry and with enough vertices to smooth the curve, create an arc or circle. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 146: Glossary

    22) Repeat Y/tY - Sets both Y position and texture Y position distances for each repeat of a repeated screen object, typically used with a fixed offset value only, not live control from Art-Net. (pixels, 0 - use offset) ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 147 ** The X/Y/Z rotations only work if screen objects are converted to 3D vertex screen objects - either Triangle Strips or Tri- angle Fans. See Appendix A for details. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 148 Notes ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 149 VIDEO INPUT This appendix provides setup instructions for the four video inputs available on the Mbox Extreme server. OVERVIEW CONFIGURATION...

  • Page 150: Video Input

    Video Input Mbox allows for up to four video inputs per server. Each input must be set up in advance for it to work properly with the video signal that is being used. The two types of supported video inputs are: QuickTime streaming (Video Capture card) and USB/FireWire (camera).

  • Page 151: Usb/Firewire Input

    Mbox can receive a video input from a Mac-compatible USB or FireWire camera. Any camera that works with QuickTime-based applications on the Mac should work. However, because there are such a wide variety of cameras, it is impossible to verify that all of them work with Mbox. Always test your particular camera with the Mbox in advance.

  • Page 152: Setting Video Input For Video Capture Card

    Before attempting to use a video input from a BlackMagic video capture card, it will be necessary to configure the card for the type of video signal that it will be receiving. This configuration is done outside the Mbox Studio software.
  • Page 153 The three possible selections are: SDI Video, Y, R-Y, B-Y Video, and NTSC/PAL (Y in). These correspond to SDI, Component, and Composite video input types. Because Mbox does not use the audio input on the Decklink Video Capture card, the audio type in each of the inputs can be ignored.

  • Page 154: Configuring Video Input Within Mbox

    Step 2. Make sure that the capture card is installed in the computer or that the USB/FireWire camera is connected. Step 3. Make sure that no layer on Mbox is being told to display a video input. (Send all fixtures to their default state on the console to be sure.)
  • Page 155 Step 8. When enabled, the Sub checkbox will cause Mbox to display a substitute image if a Decklink input is not available. The default substitute image is a blue rectangle with the input number and format listed. You can use a custom substitute still image by typing the Folder.File index (e.g. 004.001) into the field next to the Sub checkbox.
  • Page 156 Notes ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 157: Chapter 8. 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 158: Creating Custom Content

    Animation is one of the two codecs that allow for an alpha channel which can be used by Mbox - the other being Apple ProRes 4444. The only reason to use the Animation codec is when a movie requires transparency. In this case, be aware that the bit rate of Animation movies can be very high as its compression scheme is actually optimized for large areas of the same color - essentially for animated cartoon content.

  • Page 159: Compression (Bit Rate)

    60 then the movie will play more smoothly; so 20fps content will look better than 24fps content. So if the Mbox output frequency is 50Hz, then it would be best to create content that is rendered at 25fps. If output frequency is 59.94Hz, then content should be rendered at 29.97fps, and so on.

  • Page 160: Discrete Audio Support For Multichannel Audio

    AIFF audio files for playback on Mbox must be encoded as 2-channel (Stereo: L & R), LPCM, 16-bit Integer (Big or Little Endian) at a sample rate of 44.1 kHz. Other sample rates will play, but will not play at the correct speed. Mbox cannot play more than one AIFF audio file at a time.

  • Page 161: Alpha Channel In Movies - The Animation And Prores 4444 Codecs

    Alpha Channel in Movies – the Animation and ProRes 4444 Codecs It is often very useful to be able to add areas of transparency to a layer when using Mbox. This will 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 162: Media Utility Applications

    Mbox and not on any other computer! Only lock content that you place onto an Mbox! All of the stock movie, object and digital gobo content on Mbox is also locked and cannot be used on any other computer or media server.
  • Page 163 Step 8. After clicking Open button, the dialog window will close and Media Lock will lock the items. If you are locking a great number of files, this process may take a minute. Mbox will display an indication of how many files were processed and if there were errors in the "Files"...

  • Page 164: Mbox File Converter

    If "Preserve" is chosen, the processed movie 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 165: Pre-Multiplying Alpha

    The Mbox File Converter has one additional function: it can apply pre-multiplied alpha to a TIFF or PNG file that was created using straight alpha. As noted above, this can help to reduce fringing around the edges of these files if they were created improperly.
  • Page 166 Notes ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 167: Appendix A. Mbox Remote Application

    MBOX REMOTE APPLICATION This appendix provides operating instructions for the Mbox Remote application. GENERAL OPERATION CONTENT MANAGEMENT SETTING SERVER PREFERENCES PROJECTION MAPPING...

  • Page 168: General Operation

    Mbox Daemon It is important to note that Mbox Daemon software is required on all servers to enable remote feedback to both Mbox Remote and to CITP/MSEX-enabled devices. When Mbox Designer launches, it will automatically launch the last version of Mbox Daemon used on that computer.

  • Page 169: Starting Mbox Remote

    Once the network is configured, servers can be added to the Mbox Remote window for the purpose of monitoring and management. To add servers: Step 1. At Mbox Remote main window, click Edit Servers button or press [ ,] on the keyboard to open the Mbox Remote Preferences window. Displays Server Status Information...
  • Page 170 Step 2. At Remote Preferences window, double-click on any available Mbox servers in the list. They will be added to the main window. Step 3. When at least two servers have been added, click red X button to close Preferences window. Servers will be displayed in the Servers column of the Remote main window.

  • Page 171: Setting Mbox Remote Preferences

    Setting Mbox Remote Preferences Open the Mbox Remote Preferences window at any time by clicking the Edit Servers button on the main window or pressing [ ,] on the keyboard. Monitor HUD Enable - The Monitor HUD can be toggled on and off by clicking the Enable checkbox in the Preferences window or by pressing [...

  • Page 172: Server Status

    The window provides options for how the icons are displayed. Click the size icons and/or use the View dropdown menu to customize. Icon Size Options Status Tab Display Options Master Output Layer Streams Server status can be setup by dragging components into the status area. Drag Server to Status Area ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 173 Layer information can be viewed by dragging a layer icon to the bottom of the status area. Drag Layer The currently selected layer will be highlighted with a green outline and its information will be displayed below the layer icons. Selected Layer Layer Details ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 174: Indicators

    Mbox Remote window. Server Timecode Value – if an Mbox server is receiving timecode locally or over the network, that timecode value will be show to the right of the server’s IP address in the Servers column.

  • Page 175: Content Management

    Mbox server. Mbox Daemon must be running and correctly configured in order for Mbox Remote to function. (When an instance of Mbox is started, the last version of Daemon will be will also be started automatically.) Finally, an Mbox application itself must be running (i.e., Mbox Designer or Mbox Studio).

  • Page 176: Network Gear

    A Collection is identified by a letter; Mbox Designer allows 26 total collections on a network (a-z), while Mbox Studio only allows 1 collection (a). Each Collection must have at least one Master and one Member server in order to allow synchronization. Only a licensed instance of Mbox allows Collections to be configured.

  • Page 177: Managing Content

    Mbox when transferring files. In this case, the Mbits/second bandwidth field is used as a hint for the starting network speed.

  • Page 178: Configuring Server Master/Member Roles

    Configuring Server Master/Member Roles In order to start using Content Management, a Master server must be selected for a given Collection. By default, all Mbox servers are in the same collection (a). IMPORTANT! The Servers area on the left will always display the list of managed servers. After the Collection has been configured, the Status/Content tabs and file detail/history columns at the right side of the window will reflect the content of whichever server is currently selected.

  • Page 179: Selecting Content To Sync

    Blank - Folder is not a "managed" folder. White - One or more files in this folder need to be synchronized. Gray - This folder is synchronized. Rotating - This folder is currently being synchronized. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 180: Synchronizing Content

    "File Conflicts" on page 176). Step 4. To tell all servers to rescan for new content, click the Scan All Servers button or perform a rescan [ R] on each Mbox server individually. Plays content ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 181: Organizing Content Files

    Note: A file’s new sync status will be reflected in the window approximately 10 seconds after it has been changed. Note: Files with extensions not recognized by Mbox will not be indexed. These will be placed at the bottom of the file list.

  • Page 182: Sync History

    To view the History, first select a folder, then click the History button. Clear History or Refresh the information by clicking the applicable button. History Information History Button Note: On the Master and Member servers, there is a status area within Mbox Daemon that displays the status of the current and past file transfers. ® MBOX...

  • Page 183: Content Management Archive

    Each server can be configured to use a specific percentage of the free disk drive space to store archived content files as result of deletions or replacements during synchronization. Archives will be stored in the /Mbox/archive/<Type>/ <Folder #>/<File #> where the file name will be a time/date stamped version of the archived file.

  • Page 184: File Conflicts

    Folders with the same Index number will be flagged with the <multiple folders> bar as shown below: File conflicts can be resolved by either deleting the duplicate files/folders or by renaming/indexing them using the Mac Finder. (Refer to "Organizing Content Files" on page 173.) ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 185: Monitor And Manage Modes

    Note: Multiple instances of Mbox Remote are allowed to run as managers, but only one Master is allowed for each Collection. In this case, select the Master for a Collection, then press the Manage button.

  • Page 186: Setting Server Preferences

    If you select a server or layer on the Remote main window and then press [ P], the Mbox Server Preferences window will open. This window allows you to remotely set the preferences of the server: Art-Net Universe, Number of Layers, Alignment Rectangles.

  • Page 187: Server Control Commands

    Shutdown Computer – immediately shutdowns the computer. Show Mbox Daemon – if the Mbox Daemon is hidden on the server, it will be unhidden. Launch Mbox Designer – launches the Mbox Designer software. (This only works if Mbox Daemon is running.) Mount Server –...

  • Page 188: Timecode Window

    Source – choose the appropriate source for timecode: Generator, Audio In Left, Audio In Right, or MTC (MIDI timecode). Output – Local (internal routing only), or an active Ethernet port (for sending timecode over the network to Mbox servers). Auto-Start – enabling this will cause timecode be active as soon as the Remote application launches. Depending on the source setting, the application will immediately begin generating or listening for external timecode.

  • Page 189: Projection Mapping

    [ ,] on the keyboard. Step 2. The Mbox server should be visible. Double-click on it to add it to the browser window. Make sure (for now) that the "Advanced Projection Settings" checkbox is not checked. Set any other sizing or layout preferences that you would like and press [...
  • Page 190 Step 3. Press [ P] to open the Mbox Server Preferences window and scroll down to the settings called "Output 1 Identity" and "Output 2 Identity." (You may have to click off then back on the server in the browser window to refresh the Server Preferences window.)
  • Page 191 In Basic Mode, you will only see a tab called "Projection" on the primary level and a tab called "Output Setup" on the secondary level. (Hereafter referred to using hierarchical notation: Projection > Output Setup.) ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 192: Basic Mode

    FullScreen Mode resolution on the Setup tab in the Mbox software) for that physical video output from the Mbox server. Below this you will see a box for overlap, a pop-up to select Single, Dual, or Triple output, and if the Mbox software is using a Panoramic mode, a checkbox labeled "Combined"...
  • Page 193 The Available Texture is force-fit (stretched or squished) to fit into the Context, therefore the Context size values have an effect on the overall force-fit sizing of the image. By default the Context size is the same as Mbox's FullScreen Mode resolution and the same size as the Available Texture.
  • Page 194 You can view guide lines for vignettes by setting the Master HUD parameter to a value of 222 and then performing a media rescan [ R] on the Mbox server. To disable the guide lines, set the HUD parameter to a value other than 222 and perform another rescan.
  • Page 195 To reset the Output Setup, click on the Options pop-up above the column list of Identities and select the Clear Output Settings option. This will remove all Texture, Vignette, and Keystone/Warp settings. If you intend to use the Advance Projection Mode, you should clear the Output Setup first. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 196: Multihead Setup

    If all the settings are correct, Mbox will output the desired resolution. In Window mode, the window will now be the same aspect ratio as the Fullscreen output (32:9 in the case of 3840x1080). Unless content has been specifically created at the fullscreen resolution it will have to be scaled up to fill the entire output.
  • Page 197 A keystone or warp may be added as described in the previous section (refer to page 186). To reset the settings, you can either press the Configure button again and enter some other multihead and overlap settings, or return to the Options pop-up and select Clear Output Settings. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 198: Advanced Mode

    In Advanced Projection mode, the Output Setup tab is the same except for the addition of a field for entering a model (i.e. object) file for use as the keystone rendering surface. The model used must be compatible with Mbox (obj, topo, svg) and must be placed within the standard Mbox/Models folder's 8-bit structure.
  • Page 199 Topography (topo) objects created by the Mbox system. If you are using model files on individual playback layers within Mbox as a tool for projection mapping, it is not recommended that you also try to use a keystone model. As a general rule of thumb you will probably never have the Objects and Keystone checkboxes checked at the same time.

  • Page 200: Topography

    Mbox's Topography files (topo objects) are 3D objects constructed programmatically within the Mbox Designer and Mbox Remote interactions. Topo objects are intended primarily as projection surfaces to be used for projection mapping. Because they can be created in Remote, there is no need for an external modeling application. UV mapping (texturing) coordinates are also created and manipulated.
  • Page 201 Mesh: rectangular shape with no thickness and adjustable grid divisions for enhanced warping control. Sphere: spherical shape with adjustable curvature. Pixel Rect: rectangular shape with no thickness. The Pixel Rect's dimensions are translated to actual pixel count. Mesh dimensions: horizontal X vertical divisions for the mesh. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 202 By default, content is stretched or squished to fit both the size and aspect ratio of the topo file. Content is cropped to the edge of the topo file. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 203 This viewing location can be different from the viewing position implied by the UV map settings in the original file. The Tex Camera causes Mbox to apply the texture to the topo object in a manner that allows the image to appear undistorted from a specific viewpoint - by default topo objects are UV mapped in a "flat...
  • Page 204 Address - start address for this control, within the selected universe (1 - 512). Stride - if this control is to be repeated for each patched layer of Mbox, the Stride parameter sets the offset per layer for the control. For Example: If your server has eight different 8-bit controls, each using one channel of data, then your Stride should use a value of 8.

  • Page 205: Modelinfo

    Double-click on the empty grey field to enter editing mode, type in the object's index and press the [return] key. ModelInfo In addition to being able to affect the modelinfo properties of Mbox-created topo objects, Remote also allows you to add modelinfo properties to existing object files (obj, svg). This functionality provides the means to set fixed and emissive properties, override UV mapping, add controls, and apply a keystone/warp.

  • Page 206: Vignette

    3D objects, they are not recommended for use with projection mapping. svg/svge Mbox Designer and Studio can use svg files for projection mapping, but topo files are far more useful and flexible. [Note: to work with the thumbnail generator for Mbox, the svg file extension must be changed to "svge".] axes - Mbox XYZ different to modeling apps' XYZ!! Mbox labels its 3D axes differently that most 3D modeling applications.
  • Page 207 (movie or still image) file applied to the object within Mbox. Typically UV mapping is very specific to the geometry of the object and the desired look of the object. Mbox is able to adjust the UV mapping of the object allow for correct texturing from differing viewpoints.
  • Page 208 Notes ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 209: Appendix B. Maintenance

    MAINTENANCE This appendix contains procedures for extended care of the Mbox Extreme server. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE...

  • Page 210: Routine Maintenance

    Step 3. Remove grill and air filter. Step 4. Clean filter with compressed air (or water, if allowed to fully dry). Step 5. Re-install. Air Filter Grill Screw (6) Figure B-1: Air Filter Removal ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 211: Removing The Computer

    Step 2. At front of rack, remove grill and air filter. Refer back to Figure B-1 on page 202. Step 3. Carefully slide computer out of case (Figure B-2). Step 4. Remove side brackets from computer. Figure B-2: Computer Removal ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 212 Notes ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...

  • Page 213: Appendix C. Parameter Mapping

    PARAMETER MAPPING This Appendix contains tables for the combined parameter map, as well as, additional controls such as playmodes, tiling, shutter shapes, aspect control, blending control, texture effect, transitions, and built-in shapes. PARAMETER MAPPING CHARTS...

  • Page 214: Parameter Mapping Charts

    Parameter Mapping Charts One Mbox server running v3.6 software or greater is made up of between 14 and 22 fixtures depending on the operating mode. For ease of use, some consoles may split the Layer fixture into two separate fixtures. Previous operating modes have significant differences in the arrangement of parameters.
  • Page 215 Layer 5 Layer 7 Layer 6 Layer 8 Layer 7 Layer 9 Layer 8 372 Total Layer 10 Layer 9 Channels Layer 11 372 Total Layer 10 Layer 12 Channels Layer 11 Layer 12 ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 216 Shutter Control Keystone Control Keystone Control Layer 1 Layer 1 Layer 2 Layer 2 Layer 3 Layer 3 Layer 4 Layer 4 Layer 5 Layer 5 Layer 6 Layer 6 Total Channels Total Channels ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 217 Mbox Parameter Descriptions (Continued) Mbox Parameter Descriptions Fixture Parameter Description Texture 2D effect applied to the final Fixture Parameter Description Effect 1 image The ambient light washes 3D Modifier 1A First modifier Intensity objects evenly from all sides, Modifier 1B...
  • Page 218 Mbox Parameter Descriptions (Continued) Mbox Parameter Descriptions (Continued) Fixture Parameter Description Fixture Parameter Description Selects the shape of the Selects the amount of blending Shape Curve shutters from four modes for the edge-blend Moves the shutters left and Moves the entire keystoned...
  • Page 219 Mbox Parameter Descriptions (Continued) Mbox Parameter Descriptions (Continued) Fixture Parameter Description Fixture Parameter Description Texture Adjusts rotation of the layer 2D effect applied to the layer Z Rotation Effect 1 through the Z axis Modifier 1A First modifier Adjusts spin of the layer...
  • Page 220 Camera Fog and Blur controls are mapped to Blend and Overlap respectively. These controls are used to Values Command make changes to the blend for use with the Wide Pan- Enable All oramic mode. Disable Masked Disable All ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 221 A round iris, scale is magnified to 30-39 Iris Mode enclose the screen. No other controls. A Bezier curve is drawn touching the "Blob" 40-49 midpoints of the rectangle formed by Mode Leko Mode. ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 222 Effect 3 Effect 2 (see Effects) (see Effects) Effect Control 3a Effect Control 2a Effect Control 3b Effect Control 2b Effect 4 Transparency (see Effects) Effect Control 4a Green Effect Control 4b Blue Texture Library ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 223 Playout Mode - last 5 seconds Playout Mode - last 10 seconds Playout Mode - last 15 seconds Playout Mode - last 20 seconds Playout Mode - last 30 seconds 250-255 Restart Movie from In Point ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 224 (blacks appear transparent) underlying colors are subtracted Invert from layer’s colors (blacks appear Subtractive opaque) layer’s colors are inverted and are Invert Additive added to inverse of underlying colors (blacks appear transparent) ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 225 Wobble dynamic wobbling effect size speed Bump Distortion bump distortion radius scale Hole hole distortion radius Pinch pinch distortion radius scale Torus torus distortion width thickness Twirl twirl distortion radius angle ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 226 6-fold Rotated Tile Six-sided Tile Effects rotation size 6-fold Reflected Tile Six-sided Tile Effect rotation size 12-fold Reflected Twelve-sided Tile Effect rotation size Layer Edge Blend Left Soft edge to transparent amount softness ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 227 128 - 159 = flip X, inverts drawing axes (X,Y,Z) when Texture Flip applying a texture to an object 160 - 191 = flip Z 192 - 223 = flip X, Y, Z 224 - 255 = flip Y, ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 228 Mod 2B controls Y-position. The default value for both additional controls is 127. Also, the shape of the oval can be manually preset – contact a PRG representative for more info. Effects 201-217 are not available for use on the Master fixture.
  • Page 229 Push Left new image pushes in right to left Push Down new image pushes in top to bottom Push Up new image pushes in bottom to top ® MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL...
  • Page 230 Object Fade fade out on current object, fade in on new object RAID/Mbox/plugins/images/grayscale The Page Curl transitions attempt to use files 021 and 022 in the folder. If these files do not exist, the transitions will not work properly. File 021 is a 1920 x 1080 50% gray, and file 022 is a 480 x 480 radial gradient.
  • Page 231 Mbox® Media Server User Manual Version as of: January 6, 2014 PRG part number: 02.9800.0001.37...
  • Page 232 Production Resource Group, LLC Dallas Office 8617 Ambassador Row, Suite 120 Dallas, Texas 75247 www.prg.com...

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