Concepts Of Operation - PRG Mbox User Manual

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. Built-in features allow the media to be
manipulated "on the fly" so that changes can be made during the actual performance and immediately projected. This
eliminates the need to modify media clips in advance, which can take considerable time to be re-rendered. Mbox
Designer is like a combination of After Effects, Photoshop, Maya, and Studio Cut Pro which can be used in real-time
to project custom imagery.
Control
Mbox Designer can be controlled by either a lighting console or a personal computer running Mbox Director software.
In either case, the console or computer can be used to configure and control all aspects of the Mbox media content
and playback parameters.
+
Console - Since a lighting console would typically be used in a stage production, this method is a convenient and
logical way to consolidate all stage control elements into a single device. Control protocol options include
DMX512 and Art-Net which can be input from the console to the Mbox Dual I/O module.
+ Mbox Director - Mbox Director is a software application that allows control of an Mbox Media Server from a
personal computer or from the Mbox server's computer itself.
This manual assumes that a lighting console is being used to control an Mbox Extreme Media Server. The same
concepts apply to any computer running the Mbox Designer software, although some aspects of the hardware may
be different. For instructions on using Mbox Director, refer to the separate Mbox Director User Manual
(02.9800.0002.xx).
Primary Components
The Mbox Extreme Media Server is made up of several different components that work together to achieve the final
result. The three primary components are the Mac computer, Dual I/O module and Auxiliary panel. The media is stored
on the Mac hard drive, while the Dual I/O module provides the interface between the Mac computer and the
projection devices. The Auxiliary panel provides input/output connectors for signals other than video and DMX512/
Art-Net.
The following simplified diagram illustrates how the components work together:
CONSOLE
MAC COMPUTER
(stored media)
Mbox Extreme MEDIA SERVER
®
6 MBOX MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
DUAL I/O MODULE
(interface)
AUXILIARY PANEL
(other signals)
Figure 1-1: Simplified Component Diagram
FINAL MEDIA OUTPUT
(to projector, LED wall, plasma screen, etc.)
Audio, MIDI, SMPTE, SDI video, etc.