Page 1 User Manual USER MANUAL...
Page 2 Merging Technologies makes no warranties express or implied regarding this software, its qual- ity, performance, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The software is supplied “as is” you, the purchaser, are assuming the entire risk of the results of using this Merging Technolo- gies software.
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contents Introduction Thank you! Overview What is VCube? Contacting Merging International Office: USA: VCube Keys & Options Installation Early VCube Systems VCube Concepts Project Composition Track Video Track Layer Audio Track Layer About This Manual Assumptions Conventions Important Note User Interface...
Page 4 Quick HD Settings Projects Compositions Composition File Tab Page New Composition Load Selective Settings Imported With Composition Import Import Composition and Export Changes Import Layer Import Images Sequence Media Management Media File Browser Drag & Drop Media Handlers QuickTime MPEG File Extensions Supported Tracks and Layers Video Tracks and Layers...
Page 5 MXFix™ (Batch Export, Re-Wrapping) MXFix Quick Procedure MXFix Folders dialog MXFix Wrapper Dialog Running MXFix MXFix Web Monitor Frame Rate Management Control Settings Page File Tab VCube Compositions Media File Browser Locator Tab View Tab Clip Info Video Clip Audio Clip Shortcut Workspace...
Page 6 24fps Composition Chasing other Timecodes Using the Graphic Card S-Video Output Remote Control VCube Chasing Pyramix Via Virtual Transport in the Same PC (PyraCube) VCube Chasing Pyramix Using Virtual Transport Via Network Remote Control VCube with a Sony 9-pin Controller...
Page 7 Matrox Parhelia Settings Frozen Image on Matrox Parhelia Output Poor HD Image Quality Frame Shifting with Virtual Transport Sony 9-pin Not Controlling VCube Recorded Media Files have incorrect Timestamp Video Playback is shifted User Interface with ATI Graphic Card NTSC Video Output Exhibits Some Dropped Frames with PAL Media Files...
Page 8 MPEG Overview Export Media Storage Requirements Installation Examples A Great Solution for Audio Post for Film Basic VCube Operation Pro Tools & VCube Operation Pyramix, VCube and ProTools Avid Unity and VCube Fairlight Controlling a VCube Fairlight DREAM/MFX3 Fairlight DREAM Satellite...
Page 9 Document revision-22 Date: 28th-November-2012 Page 9...
Page 10: Introduction
Media Files imported from a Composition (VCube native Composition or OMF. AAF, and Apple XML are optional). VCube is able to mix different video file formats at different resolutions and frame rates in the same Timeline. It is only necessary to specify the output format. All video Clips are resized and the frame rate compensated as neces- sary to this format in real time.
Page 11: Contacting Merging
Holly Road, Hampton Hill Middx UK TW12 1QQ Phone: +44 (0) 20 894 16547 Fax: +44 (0) 870 1231747 USA: Merging USA (Independent Audio) 43 Deerfield Road Portland, ME 04101-1805 United States of America Phone: +1 (207) 773 2424 Fax: +1 (207) 773 2422 For all documentation inquiries or suggestions for improvement: http://www.merging.com...
Page 12: Vcube Keys & Options
VCube Keys & Options VCube is currently supplied with RGBA, RGB, YUY2, DV25, MJPEG, codecs. DVCPRO (50), DVCPRO-HD (100),DNxHD and IMX/MPEG2 are optional. OMF is provided as a Timeline exchange format. MXF, AAF, and Apple XML are optional. VCube Keys...
Page 13 VCube Versions Introduction : VCube Keys & Options Page 13...
Page 14: Installation
Project A Project is the top level of organization. Projects are saved with the file extension .VCube. A Project controls and keeps track of all the various elements you are assembling at a given time. A Project always contains a Composi- tion, viewed on the Timeline.
Page 15: About This Manual
This User Manual and the other documentation assume you are thoroughly familiar with PCs and Windows terms and concepts. If the PC is new, please ensure the machine is working correctly before attempting to install VCube. Note: Although VCube version 2 runs under the 32 bit versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7, it does not support the “Aero”...
Page 16: Important Note
In electronic form, all the Contents and Index entries and Cross-references are hyperlinks. I.e. Clicking on them will jump to the relevant item. ToolTips VCube software is equipped with ‘ToolTips’ . Hovering the mouse cursor over a tool icon pops-up a box with the name of the function and the keyboard shortcut (where applicable). Support If you cannot find an answer to a query in the documentation, please consult the on-line support at: http://www.merging.com...
Page 17: User Interface
User Interface Overview VCube is organized with a Tabbed Page interface. Every Tab can be displayed in a broken away window, on top of the Preview, if required, even while Preview is full screen. Classic pull-down menus complement this user inter- face.
Page 18: Program Screen
Program Screen VCube Program Screen The main VCube screen appears when the program is launched. This screen is NOT resizable in the conventional Windows manner and will occupy the whole screen area of one PC monitor unless Floating Window mode is selected ([F4] toggles).
Page 19: Context Menus
Right-click in the Preview pane or in the Timeline with the Cursor over the tracks to display contextual menus. Note: The Timeline menu contents varies depending on circumstances. Preview Context Menu In Simple, Full Screen or Floating modes, several VCube functions can be accessed with a Right-Click on the pre- view area : Preview Context Menu...
Page 20: Zoom In The Timeline
Show Record Page in lower panel [F12] User Interface > Show Record Page Toggle Transport Control Panel [T] User Interface > Toggle Transport Tool Show Preset Tab Settings > Show Preset Tab Zoom in the Timeline To change the Zoom level use [Alt + Mouse wheel] or [Alt + Click into the Time Ruler and Drag]. [Alt + Drag in the Timeline] Zooms to the Region selected.
Page 21: Timeline
Timeline User Interface > Show Timeline Page [F11] brings the focus to the Timeline Tab below the Preview pane. Dou- ble-clicking the Timeline Tab breaks it away as a floating window. Layer Select Area Opacity Control Mute Solo Source and Destination Rectangles Locator Bar Range Loop Play Head and Time Ruler...
Page 22: Film Footage Ruler
• Layer 1 is selected in Video Track 1. Track 1 is also selected. Sting Clip is set to Fade In. • Opacity of every Layer is set to full (100). Layer 2 in Video Track 1 has been modified in Size or Position •...
Page 23 First foot position The Time field enables an offset to be entered if required. For example when a 15 foot (10 second) leader starting at 01:00:00:00:00 precedes the first frame of action and the first frame of action should show 0.00 Feet & frames at 01:00:10:00.00 TimeCode then enter an offset of 01:00:10:00:00 Reset Reset Feet Every Hour...
Page 24: Synchronization
• MTC (MIDI TimeCode from a suitable hardware MIDI interface or IP MIDI etc.) Note: that an Ethernet connection used as a source of TimeCode is also able to feed VCube with an SD stream from a Video Server simultaneously.
Page 25: Important Note
When Chase is enabled, VCube enables VCube as VT Clock Master • When an AJA Card is enabled or if VCube launches with an AJA card enabled, VCube enables VCube as VT Clock Master if no Pyramix is detected (running) on the same VT Server instance (on the same computer) and it disables VCube as VT Clock Master if Pyramix is running (PyraCube Setup) •...
Page 26: Quick Settings
Quick Settings Overview In order to ensure that VCube is as versatile as possible there are a very large number of settings. To make it easier to configure VCube for common formats there are two Quick Settings options. These two dedicated Settings panels enable one click setting of the Video Input format, the Composition format, the TimeCode frame rate and the Video Output format.
Page 27: Quick Sd Settings
Quick SD Settings Quick Standard Definition Settings page Current Configuration The Current Configuration section summarizes the current state of VCube in terms of: Size : Shows the number of horizontal and vertical pixels. Field Order: Shows Progressive Frame for non field based formats or field order and type.
Page 28 Audio Ref Field shows the current Audio Reference source. Click on the down arrow to select an alternative. TC Clock Ref Field shows the current TimeCode Reference Source. Click on the down arrow to select an alternative. Note: Except in exceptional circumstances it is highly desirable, if not essential, that all the refer- ences are the same and, ideally, sourced from external video syncs.
Page 29: Quick Hd Settings
Quick HD Settings Quick High Definition Settings page Current Configuration The Current Configuration section summarizes the current state of VCube in terms of: Size : Shows the number of horizontal and vertical pixels. Field Order: Shows Progressive Frame for non field based formats or field order and type.
Page 30 Audio Sampling Rate E.g. 48000 Hz Reference Source The Reference source Panel features two or three drop-down lists: Video Reference Source Field shows the current Video Reference source. Click on the down arrow to select an alternative. (This line is only present when a Video card is fitted.) Audio Ref Field shows the current Audio Reference source.
Page 31: Projects
The top level of organization in VCube is the Composition. A Composition is a set of instructions to VCube. These include format information, screen layout and an EDL indi- cating what Media is to be played and when. It also determines fades, levels and other parameters. A Composition does not contain Media Files.
Page 32 Open an Existing Composition File > Open or [Ctrl + O] or the File Open Icon in the Toolbar opens the VCube Compositions Browser Page: 1. If the File page is showing the Media File Browser page switch to the VCube Compositions page.
Page 33: New Composition
File > New closes the existing Composition (if any is open) and creates a new Composition with the same settings as the last open Composition. Alternatively open the VCube Compositions Browser Page User Interface > Settings Tabs > File > Show VCube Files [Ctrl + O] . 1. Browse and select a destination folder 2. Click on New 3.
Page 34: Settings Imported With Composition
Workspace When selected the Workspaces in the current Composition will be overwritten with the ones in the Composition about to be loaded. Shortcut When selected the Keyboard Shortcuts in the current Composition will be over- written with the ones in the Composition about to be loaded. Clips From Layer When selected All Layers in the current Composition will be imported.
Page 35: Import
An .EDL file is created in the Composition folder. This file can also be opened in a text editor e.g. Notepad. Import Layer A particular layer or a selection of layers can be imported from a VCube Composition into the current one. [Ctrl + Alt + L]...
Page 36: Import Images Sequence
Import Images Sequence Import Images Sequence creates a Video file from a set of Individual Image Files numbered consecutively. A wide range of Image file formats are supported. [Ctrl + I] Import Images Sequence dialog The Import Images Sequence Page has two Tabs, Main and Video. Main Tab Output Output Path...
Page 37 Still Image File Formats Supported Supported File Description Extensions .dpx Digital Moving Picture Exchange (DPX) .yuv YUV RAW .yuv8 YUV 8 BIT RAW .yuv10 YUV 10 BIT RAW .yuv16 YUV 16 BIT RAW .bmp Microsoft Bitmap .png Portable Network Graphics .jpg Joint Photograpic Experts Group .jpeg...
Page 38 Video Tab Import Images Sequence dialog File Format Field shows the Output File format selected currently. Click on the down arrow to select from: CUBE *. Cube *.avi MPEG *.mpg MPEG *.mpeg MPEG *.m2v MPEG *.m1t MPEG *.m2t *.mxf QuickTime *.mov Frame Rate The field shows the Frame Rate selected currently.
Page 39: Aaf
Please see: InterChange Import on page 151 [Alt + O]File > Import > Composition (Create New) If VCube cannot find a Media File the VCube: Searching for Media File Tab pops-up. Projects : Import...
Page 40: Mxf
VCube treatment of the effect as above. 1. If the path to media is included in the Composition, VCube asks the user to specify a network location for those Media Files: Workspace/OMFI Media Files/... or a specific user path. If OMF Media Files are on the local storage, press Cancel when the dialog appears.
Page 41 3. Lastly VCube uses the database to re-link Media Files. If the path to Media Files is not available in the OMF Composition, then the Scan function must be used to generate the OMF Media Files data base. The first scan process can take a very long time on a big media server storing thousands of files.
Page 42 Click on the Cancel button to cancel any changes and close the dialog. Note: The VCube Preferred Search Directories dialog can also be reached directly from the Settings Menu. It enables VCube to re-link Media Files spread over different workspaces or serv- ers.
Page 43: Media Management
Media Management Scope VCube supports Video only, Video + Audio, Audio only, single Still Image and Still Image Sequence Media Files. VCube has a pair of File management Tabs for managing Compositions and Media Files. Media Files can dragged and dropped into the Preview screen or the Timeline. Please see: Drag & Drop on...
Page 44 When checked all Media Files in the folder specified will be shown including those in sub- folders. Load Opens the Create New Composition dialog. [Ctrl + L] VCube Create New Composition dialog Cancel Aborts the Load Media Management : Media File Browser...
Page 45: Drag & Drop
Closes the current Composition with a dialog inviting Save it if it has been changed, then opens a new Composition with the same Settings as the previous Composition. Places the selected Media File on the selected Layer at the current Playhead Cursor position.
Page 46: Media Handlers
VCube to manage this file format. VCube features complete support of QuickTime for both Playback and Record/Render/Convert Media Files. Any QuickTime specific codec can be used in VCube for both Playback and Record/Render/Convert Media Files once installed on your VCube machine.
Page 47: Mxf
HD files must be encoded with DVCPro 100 (dv10), VC-3 (aka AVID DNxHD), AVC-Intra (aka Panasonic P2), or MPEG2-HD (aka Sony XDCAM-HD) codecs. VCube can render or wrap MXF files using all the supported codecs listed above. Due to real-time constraints, Record is not available for AVC-Intra.
Page 48: File Extensions Supported
Supported File Record / Render / Description Extensions Convert .cube VCube native format .avi Audio Video Interleave. AVI is defined by Microsoft. AVI is the most common format for audio/video data on the PC. .gen AVID Nitris file format .omf...
Page 49: Tracks And Layers
Tracks and Layers Each Composition includes a number of Video and Audio Tracks on which audio and video Clips can be placed. Blocks representing placed or recorded Clips will appear on the Track as soon as a Clip has been placed. The Track itself extends horizontally beneath the Time Scale bar, and multiple Tracks are stacked vertically.
Page 50: Video Tracks And Layers
Video Track Header Lock When checked the entire Track is locked for editing. Track Number Track Mute Mutes (Hides) all Layers in the Track. Track Solo Solos the Track Layer Number Shows the Layer number (Normal) Under Development - may be used for compositing. Layer Opacity Field shows the current Opacity value.
Page 51: Audio Tracks And Layers
The number of Tracks and Layers is effectively unlimited. Audio Bit Depth VCube plays 8, 16, 20, 24 or 32 bit audio files and captures in 16, 24 or 32 bits. Sampling rate options for capture are 44 KHz and 48 KHz.
Page 52: Transport And Navigation
Transport and Navigation Navigation VCube offers a number of ways of navigating around a Composition. Time Ruler In the Timeline panel, under the Locator Bar, is a larger horizontal gray area with Timecode numbers and gradua- tion marks. This is the Time Ruler. On the left, above the track headers, the Composition Frame Rate is shown.
Page 53 Locator Tab Page Locator page The Locator Tab Page displays all the Locators set in the Composition. In the upper section thumbnails of all set locators are displayed. Any change in the Timeline edit is reflected in the Locators thumbnails immediately. The Tab Page can be resized by clicking and dragging on the edges or the bottom right-hand corner.
Page 54: Locator Bar
Color Click in the Color field to open the Color Picker. Please see: Color Picker on page 17 Lock locator Click on Lock Locator to protect the selected Locator from changes. The button is checked when active. Notes Field The gray panel at the bottom of the page is a free-text field for notes. Simply Click in the field and type. Locator Bar At the top of the Timeline panel lies the Locator Bar.
Page 55: Transport Control
Double-clicking the Locator or hitting Enter locates the transport to the Locator position and closes the Tool. Transport Control VCube features a range of Transport Control options including a Transport Toolbar and Transport Control Panel. Of course, the Transport Commands are also available via remote controllers that support them. Transport Control Bar The Transport functions can be controlled with the mouse or keyboard locally.
Page 56: Transport Tool
frames for the optional video output. A zero value indicates a correct setting of Disk Cache and Playback Buf- fers. 2. Current TimeCode position. Can also be used as a locator by double-clicking in the field, editing the existing or typing a new TimeCode value and clicking outside the field or hitting Enter. 3.
Page 57 Please see: Remote Control on page 167 If Sony 9 Pin Machine Control is enabled in the same Tab then VCube controls the external machine while chas- ing its TimeCode. A further Transport Control panel appears below the Internal Machine. Please see: Machine Control on page 175 •...
Page 58: Go To Timecode
Control of External Machine When Ctrl is used with the Transport controls the Internal Machine is unlinked for the controls. In this way it is possible to control the external Sony 9-pin machine to receive control commands directly from the VCube key- board.
Page 59: Recording And Acquisition
Settings > Show Video I/O Tab [Shift + Alt + P]. Please see: Video I/O on page 138 Note: Be sure that both reference video input on the synchronization panel of the VCube and the Video Card Reference Input are referenced to the same genlock, black and burst, or video sig- nal.
Page 60: External Controller
VCube computes the Chase Offset and the In and Out record points automatically. • If an Auto Edit in Assemble mode fails (Stopped by user, invalid incoming TimeCode etc.) the VCube and VTR cue up where they were at the beginning of the process.
Page 61: Record Settings Tab
Transport Tool on page 56 Note: During this process, VCube needs to be in chase mode. To bypass possible drop outs in the Reference TimeCode source, Soft Chase Mode can be selected in Formats & Sync. In this case the Video Card MUST be referenced to an external reference signal.
Page 62 Note: These settings apply to Auto Edit mode. See above. Preroll Field shows the current VCR Preroll. Click in the field and type to change the value. Postroll Field shows the current VCR Postroll. Click in the field and type to change the value. Offset Field shows the current Offset between the incoming and recorded Timecode.
Page 63 Down Sampling Field shows the current color sub-sampling scheme. 4.2.2 is the default. Up Conversion Mode Field shows current conversion mode. Options will vary with the Pixel Aspect Mode set- ting. E.g. Anamorphic, Letterbox, Pillarbox or None Pixel Aspect Ratio Field shows the current Pixel Aspect Ratio and the format associated with this.
Page 64 When recording more than 2 channels in an AVI2 or QuickTime file, each channel is treated as a separate mono channel. I.e. if you have 4 channels in VCube, they will appear as 4 mono channels in an AVI file. The Windows Media Player from Microsoft and the QuickTime player from Apple will playback a 4 channel audio file into a stereo mix of the 4 mono channels.
Page 65: Editing
Editing Scope Editing in VCube is not intended to replace an NLE. It is basic and intended to facilitate the editing required when using Video for playback and presentation. Editing in the Timeline The Timeline is the place in VCube where Audio and Video Clips can be edited, faded up and down and otherwise arranged into an audio visual Composition.
Page 66: Nudge
Note: A Group including a Video clip is constrained to a one-frame grid. Nudge [Ctrl + UP or DOWN] Moves the Selected Clip(s) Up or Down a Layer. If the destination Layer already has a Clip the Clip moved is laid over the existing Clip for the duration of the moved Clip. If transpar- ency is set appropriately both will be visible.
Page 67: Trim
Trim To trim the In or Out points of a Clip, just use the six handles on the selected element. Trim handles On the left: The bottom handle controls the In point for the selected element. The center one just moves the fade in without shifting the Clip content.
Page 68: Edit Context Menu
Edit Context Menu Right-Clicking on the Selection displays a contextual menu with editing functions: Edit context menu [Ctrl + X] Cut & Ripple [Ctrl + Shift + X] Copy [Ctrl + C] Paste [Ctrl + V] (only available if the Clipboard isn't empty) Paste &...
Page 69 Select All Clips [Ctrl + A] UnSelect All Clips [ESCAPE] Build Waveforms of Selected Clips Forces waveform generation for selected Clips whe disables in Settings. Editing : Editing in the Timeline Page 69...
Page 70: Motion Rectangles (Pip)
Motion Rectangles (PiP) Motion Rectangles enable a Layer’s position and size to be altered. The Motion Rectangles interface is only visible on the computer screen. The Video Output only displays the results. This feature can be useful when different versions of the same video or film project need to be compared. When used in combination with the Import Composition function, 2 versions of the same video or film project can be compared on a single screen without rendering.
Page 71 Motion Source Editing 2. [Alt + Click and Drag] a red handle or handles to crop the image if required. 3. Press Enter to accept the Source Rectangle changes and close the pane. 4. [Shift + Click and Drag] a red corner handle to reduce the Destination Rectangle to the size desired. 5.
Page 72 [Alt + Click and Drag] Both Source and Destination Rectangles can be cropped by using [Alt + Click and Drag] on resize handles. This permits the useful part of the source Layer to be chosen while pre- serving the geometry and the field order if the selected window is not moved. Resize [Click and Drag] the external handles to adjust rectangle size.
Page 73: Watermark And Text
Watermark and Text Watermark, Copyright and Text Clips can be added to a Composition. These functions are useful for security and other purposes. Watermark Overview The Watermark function enables a still image and or Copyright Text to be added to the current Composition. Sim- ply load a still image file (with alpha channel supported) and or enter and position the Copyright Text.
Page 74 The field shows the color selected currently. Click in the field to pop-up a color picker. Please see: Color Picker on page 17 Note: Watermark, when activated, is present on all video outputs (both computer screen and video card). No VCube feature, including Mask can hide it. Watermark and Text : Watermark Page 74...
Page 75: Text Clip
Text Clip There are two types of Text Clip The only differences between the two is the text pre-entered and the Font size etc. To create a Text Clip or a Sticky Clip: Edit > Auto Create > New Text Clip, [Shift + T] Creates a new 5 second Text Clip in the Layer selected currently. Edit >...
Page 76 Italic Bold Italic Underline Strike out Trimming Field shows current selection. Determines how excess text which will not fit in the Text Box will be dealt with. Please see: Trimming Setting on page 77 Alignment Field shows current justification. Click to drop-down list of alternatives: Left Center Right...
Page 77: Trimming Setting
[UP], [DOWN] [LEFT] and [RIGHT] keys can also be used to move the rectangle. [Ctrl + UP], [Ctrl + DOWN], [Ctrl + LEFT] and [Ctrl + RIGHT] keys resize the rectangle. In this mode the Top Left handle is the fixed reference point. [Shift + UP], [Shift + DOWN], [Shift + LEFT] and [Shift + RIGHT] keys resize the rectangle.
Page 78: Generated Clips
Generated Clips Countdown Clips, Wipe Clips, Video Test Pattern Clips, and Audio Tone Clips can be generated by the VCube application from Edit > Auto Create : or the Tool Bar. Pyramix ADR capabilities can create Wipe and Countdown clips automatically in the VCube Timeline. This feature either works internally in a PyraCube machine or uses the network connection between separate Pyramix and VCube machines to send the corresponding information.
Page 79 Once created in the Timeline, Double-click on the Clip to access its settings in Clip Info: Clip Info - Countdown Settings Clips The fields in this section are the same as for standard Video or Audio Clips. However Clip Name appears on the Countdown overlay just below the Count number : Clip Name Field shows the current Clip Name.
Page 80: Wipe Clip
Countdown Clip duration cannot be edited directly in the Timeline using the Clip handles. Use Clip Settings to change Countdown Clip duration. Wipe Clip Wipe clips can be generated automatically by VCube. Edit > Auto Create : New Wipe Clip or In the Toolbar...
Page 81: Video Test Pattern Clip
Note: Some Clip Properties are not supported by Wipe Clips. Countdown clips are unaffected by the Layer Source/Destination rectangle settings. Video Test Pattern Clip Video Test Pattern clips can be generated automatically by VCube. Edit > Auto Create : New Video Test Pattern or In the Toolbar...
Page 82: Audio Tone Clip
Field shows the Test Pattern selected currently. Click to access the list of patterns avail- able. Audio Tone clip Audio Tone Clips can be generated automatically by VCube. Edit > Auto Create : or In the Toolbar Once created in the Timeline, Double-click on the Clip to access its settings in Clip Info:...
Page 83: Conversion And Rendering
Conversion and Rendering Note: When VCube executes Conversion or Rendering processes, the current Composition frame rate is used. Note: All the VCube Export, Conversion and functions are available in the File Menu. E.g. File > Export > Wrap. Export Composition VCube Compositions can be exported as .xml files.
Page 84 The Convert Media Files dialog has three tabbed pages. The first of these is : Main Convert Media Files dialog Main tab page Output Output Path xxxxxx ... Shows current path for output file(s). Click on... to open a browser to change the path.
Page 85 Convert Media Files dialog Video tab page As with other VCube settings dialogs, clicking on a field with a down arrow pops up a list of choices available. Note: Further settings specific to the chosen output may be available via the Advanced Set- tings button at the bottom of each Tab.
Page 86 Note: When QuickTime is selected together with the MJPEG codec, progressive scan must also be selected in the Frame Layout field to ensure compatibility with the QuickTime player. Frame Rate Fixed by Composition Frame Rate - not adjustable here Compression Enables the user to select which codec will be used to generate the new Media File(s).
Page 87 2 Fields (Interleaved - Lower First) 2 Fields (Interleaved - Upper First) 2 Fields (Separate - Lower First) 2 Fields (separate - Upper First) Single Field Word length Currently limited to 8 bits fix Bit Format Down Sampling Shows the color sub-sampling scheme. Please see: Color Sampling on page 234 Pixel Aspect Ratio May be filled in automatically by the choice of Compression codec or choose from the list below: Square Pixels 1.0...
Page 88 Audio Convert Media Files dialog Audio tab page File Format The drop-down list offers a choice of formats from the following depending on the container chosen. determines the type of the generated Media File for audio. If both video and audio are of the same type, they are merged inside a single Media File : None AVI (*avi)
Page 89 When recording more than 2 channels in an AVI2 or QuickTime file, each channel is treated as a separate mono channel. I.e. if you have 4 channels in VCube, they will appear as 4 mono channels in an AVI2 file. The Windows Media Player from Microsoft and the QuickTime player from Apple will playback a 4 audio channel file into a stereo mix of the 4 mono channels.
Page 90: Render Composition
Render Composition File > Export > Render Composition Render Composition enables the entire Composition or a Range or Region of it to be rendered as a single Media File. The render can be to be in any of a number of file formats including .cube AVI, MPEG2 or QuickTime. Selecting Render Composition opens the Render Composition dialog which has three tabbed pages, Main, Video and Audio.
Page 91: Convert Still Images
Composition Range When selected the range selected in the Composition currently will be rendered. Region When enabled, render will be from Region In to Region Out (Set by placing a Mark In and Mark Out and choosing Selection > Range to Region) Overlay Burn-in Timecode Mask...
Page 92: Wrap Audio
98 MXFix If the optional Merging Technologies MXFix batch processor is present then Wrapping and any or all of the above options (where present) can be applied to an entire folder or folders of suitable files. Please see: MXFix™ (Batch Export, Re-Wrapping) on page 101.
Page 93: Wrap Audio Dialog
Note: Note that the audio card connection layout in Wrap Audio is associated with the Routing of 8 First Channels drop-down menu in the Audio Engine tab. The options available in this drop-down vary in relation to the type of audio hardware present in your VCube system (AJA, Mykerinos, ASIO)
Page 94 more tracks are present in the source then the extra tracks will be omitted. If there are less tracks present in the source then extra tracks of silence will be added. Audio Word Length Sets Output Word Length to 16 bits. Sets Output Word Length to 24 bits.
Page 95: Audio Processing
Audio Processing The Audio Processing Tab enables you to manage optional VCube audio processing features: • LevelMagic, by Jünger Audio • Final Check Meter by Merging Technologies • Dolby E SurCode Decoder Wrap Audio dialog - Audio Processing Tab page Note: For full details please see Level Magic™, from Jünger Audio on page 98...
Page 96 EBU R128 When selected the resultant files will be in accordance with EBU R128 ITU.1770 (ATSC) When selected the resulting files will processed in accordance with ITU.1170 (ATSC) toler- ances loudness standard and you may still modify the Max Peak value but not the Target Loudness.
Page 97 Stereo A pair of discrete stereo channels. 5.1 Surround 6 discrete channels in L, R, C, Ls, Rs, LFE order. Dolby E A pair of Dolby E encoded channels, corresponding to 8 discrete channels (usually 2 stereo and 6 surround) When this option is selected the source channel is and will remain a Dolby E stream.
Page 98: Level Magic™, From Jünger Audio
Level Magic™, from Jünger Audio Level Magic™ is the first software implementation of the well-known hardware product manufactured by Jünger Audio. Level Magic™ combines a limiter and a leveller to correct your files on-the-fly in one pass* so they are ready to broadcast.
Page 99 The settings available here offer fine-grained control over the Level Magic process. Level Magic EBU R128 ITU.1770 (ATSC) Surround Link Mode Determines which channels are linked for surround processing. The drop-down list offers the choice of ALL, LIVE, MOVIE or QUAD. Use ALL for loudness control. (LFE is omitted from the linkage in each case.) All the rest of the variables can be set independently for Surround and Stereo Input Gain...
Page 100: Final Check Meter
Final Check Meter Final Check is a tool developed by Merging Technologies for monitoring audio levels. In its VCube implementa- tion, it focuses mainly on the loudness measurements defined by the EBU R-128 recommendation. The output of Final Check Meter is an XML report file in the same directory as the wrapped file. This file will include measurements of integrated, momentary and short-term loudness values, as well as the loudness range and the maximum true peak.
Page 101: Mxfix™ (Batch Export, Re-Wrapping)
MXFix is a paid for option, which requires the MXFix key to be activated in MTSecurity. File Formats Supported The first version of MXFix (as of version 3.2 of VCube) allows for audio and video wrapping of MXF files as well as compatible QuickTime® MOV files and compatible AVI files.
Page 102: Mxfix Quick Procedure
Processed files will be placed in a new sub-folder DONE on the path selected, or will be deleted if Delete Original after reset is active. When the MXFix process is running in “single-shot”mode. I.e. Continuous Watch is NOT selected then all VCube functions other than Cancel and Cancel All are locked out until the process is complete. Cancel Cancels processing of the current file and continues with the next.
Page 103: Mxfix Folders Dialog
When running, the process is stopped with Cancel All. The intended usage of this mode is to keep VCube running and watching a folder or folders where you will place files to be processed whenever required. VCube will look at the selected folders regularly to see if any new file to be Wrapped has been added.
Page 104: Mxfix Wrapper Dialog
Note: This button allows files remaining in an output Folder to be overwritten without prompt- ing. This may be desirable if a process or series of processes was launched with improper param- eters and you do not wish to clean up the output folders manually before launching a new MXFix pass with the proper parameters.
Page 105 Audio Engine tab. The options available in this drop-down vary in relation to the type of audio hardware present in your VCube system (AJA, Mykerinos, ASIO). Using the Use Tracknumber option means there is no need to worry about this setting.
Page 106 MXFix Wrapper Audio Processing Tab MXFix Wrapper dialog - Main Tab LevelMagic® Loudness correction (by Jünger Audio) Click on the label to toggle the process on/off. The green LED indicates process on. Target Loudness Choose the required loudness value from the drop-dopwn list. Max Peak Choose the required maximum peak level value from the drop-down list.
Page 107 Standard Standard processing is deemed by Jünger Audio as a suitable all-around dynamic preset setting for correction of most basic audiovisual programs ready for broad- cast with a relatively restrained dynamic range that need to meet loudness compli- ance standards. Light (Movie) Light (Movie) processing is intended to be suitable for cinema content with a higher overall dynamic range than typical television or radio content where...
Page 108: Running Mxfix
MXFix displays Batch mode in red lettering across the VCube Preview screen while it is active and any files to be processed appear momentarily one after the other in the VCube timeline as they are being scanned, corrected and wrapped in their respective containers. A progress bar is superimposed over the Preview Window showing the progress of each file in real-time.
Page 109: Mxfix Web Monitor
Scope The Web Monitor is available from the moment VCube is running in MXFix mode [Alt + M]. It is accessed through any Web Browser such as Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, Chrome or a mobile device's Web browser. You simply need to be logged onto the same network domain as that of VCube running MXFix.
Page 110 Web Monitor Web Page The Web Monitor appears as in the screenshot below: MXFix Web Monitor web page One group of status boxes per Input/Output Folder pair are displayed. Queue Box Queue Box The Queue box displays the basic properties of the tasks to be performed and the current priority level of each Input folder.
Page 111 Input Folder Box Input Folder Box The Input Folder boxes show the files awaiting processing currently in each Input Folder. Processing Box When MFXFix processing is activated the Processing Box shows the details of the file being processed currently. The bar next to the Processing: label shows progress. Output Folder Box When a file has been processed the Web Monitor displays the file details and its status in the Output Folder box and MXFix moves on to the next task.
Page 112: Frame Rate Management
Frame Rate Management The VCube application can manage different frame rates for Media Files, Composition, and TimeCode. For Conver- sion or Rendering Processes, VCube uses the current Composition frame rate. Media File Frame Rate Differs From Composition Frame Rate If the Media File's frame rate is lower than the Composition frame rate, some frames will be duplicated.
Page 113: Control Settings Page
Control Settings Page The Control Settings Page gives access to the main settings for the VCube working environment. User Interface > Toggle Show/Hide Settings [F2] Brings up a Pane to the right of Preview with all the Control Settings Tabs down the left-hand side. Preview is resized to suit and the size of the Pane can be adjusted by hov- ering over the left and bottom splitters (borders).
Page 114: File Tab
Tabs in the Preview Pane File Tab The File Tab Page has two Tabs which enable Media Files and VCube Compositions to be managed. [F6] opens the page as a floating Tab Window. VCube Compositions and Media Files can also be dropped directly onto an existing Timeline track from a Win- dows folder opened in a Windows file Browser.
Page 115: Vcube Compositions
Panel shows all Folders and Composition files in the current Path. Opens a new Composition with the current settings. [Ctrl + N] If a Composition is already open then a warning dialog appears: VCube Composition Save warning dialog Control Settings Page : File Tab Page 115...
Page 116: Media File Browser
Cancel Aborts the new Composition and returns to the current one Saves the current Composition and opens the new one. Closes the current Composition without saving it and opens the new one. Load Opens a pre-existing Composition. [Ctrl + L] Save saves the current Composition using the current Composition name.
Page 117: Video Clip
Video Clip Video Clip Info Clips In this section every information field is editable by either Double-clicking in it and typing or selecting from the drop-down where there is a down arrow at the end of the field. Control Settings Page : View Tab Page 117...
Page 118 Clip Name Shows the name used in the Timeline. Double-click in field to type an alternative Source In is the original TimeCode in point for the Clip in the current Composition. Double-click in field to modify. Length is the Clip's duration in the current Composition. Double-click in field to modify. Fade In is the length of the Clip's fade in for the current Composition.
Page 119 Note: All options for Clips listed above are shown as a small icon inside the Clip in the Timeline when at anything other than the default value. Clip options icons Media File browser Media Name Could be different from the Media File name. (In an OMF Composition) Media File Shows the path to the Media File.
Page 120: Audio Clip
Audio Clip Audio Clip Info Clips Clip Name Shows the name used in the Timeline. Source In Is the original TimeCode in point for the Clip in the current Composition. Double-click in the field to modify. Length Is the Clip's duration in the current Composition. Double-click in field to modify. Fade In Is the length of the Clip's fade in for the current Composition.
Page 121 Audio Word Length Is the original Media File Bit Depth Original Timecode The Timecode stamped into the Media File when it was created. Length Is the total duration of the Media File Control Settings Page : View Tab Page 121...
Page 122: Re-Link Media
The Re-link Media button will appear if one or more Media Files are missing or offline (Zebra Clips in the Time- line). Clicking on the button opens the VCube: Searching for Media File... dialog : VCube: Searching for Media File... dialog...
Page 123: Shortcut
Different sets of Shortcuts can be saved, Imported and Exported. Note: Please see: Default Shortcuts on page 224 for the full list of Default Shortcuts. Keyboard Shortcuts settings VCube Default Drop-down Shows the name of the Shortcut file loaded currently. Enables new Shortcut Settings to be defined.
Page 124: Workspace
Workspace Workspaces Workspaces are a convenient means of storing alternative desktop layouts. The main User Modes, Simple and Advanced are built in examples of Workspaces. Note: The current set of Workspaces is stored with the Project and will be reloaded with it unless excluded by a Load Selective.
Page 125: User Workspaces
Click on the Lo... buttons to Load the respective Workspace. Or use [Shift + Key Number] Delete All Workspaces Deletes all the Workspaces loaded currently. Reset VCube User Interface Resets the entire VCube User Interface to the factory defaults. Default Workspaces UIMode: Simple Click the button to change the UIMode to Simple UIMode: Advanced...
Page 126: Simple Mode Options
Simple Mode Options Workspace - Simple Mode settings Hide Nothing The drop-down list gives the choice of: Hide Nothing Hide All Hide All But Views Hide All But Settings Otherwise any of the individual Tabs listed below can be hidden in Simple Mode when the buttons are checked. Clicking on one of the Folders will also activate hide for all the panels in that folder.
Page 127: Edit
Hide Display - Manual Resize Tab Hide Language Tab Note: In Full Screen and Floating modes, all VCube functions can also be accessed from a con- text menu with a Right-Click on the Preview area. In Simple Mode only those functions not hid- den will be available.
Page 128: Clips
Clips The Clips Tab deals with manipulating and editing Clips. Edit - Clips Tab page Group Selection Groups the Selected Clips Ungroup Selection Ungroups all Clips in the current Selection when Grouped Cuts all selected Clips Cut & Ripple Cuts all selected Clips and Ripples (Moves all subsequent Clips to the left in the Timeline (earlier) by the amount corresponding to the duration of the Clip(s) removed.
Page 129: Layers
Layers The Layers Tab manages and manipulates Layers in Tracks. Edit - Layers Tab page New Layer Creates a new Layer on the selected track. [Ctrl +Shift + N] Move Up Selected Moves the selected item up a Layer. [Ctrl + UP] Note that moving a Layer to another Track deletes the Track if it has no remaining Layers.
Page 130: Tracks
overwrite existing Video or Audio then create new Tracks, Layers and Channels to accommodate the Import and select these, one by one, to import the required material. Layers Import Properties When checked the Layer Properties will be imported Clips When checked the Clips on the selected Layer will be imported From Layer Click on the Layer you wish to import.
Page 131: Settings
[P] A VCube Preset gathers all current Settings together in a global preset. Note: The specific codec settings are not included in Presets except for the VCube MJPEG (stan- dard) codec. Otherwise only the codec type is included and specific Settings must be made for the Project in hand.
Page 132: Creating Global Presets
Preview Overlay Reload Reload Last Composition at Startup When checked, VCube will reload the last Composition loaded when the application is started. Creating Global Presets 1. Enable the video I/O [Shift + Alt + P] plug-in according the video card present in the machine.
Page 133: Format & Sync
Format & Sync One of the most important Tabs in the Settings Tab Page, Format & Sync options set the fundamental Composition and Synchronization parameters. Format & Sync Tab page Settings : Settings Page Page 133...
Page 134: Audio Ref Status
Mykerinos card. Audio Ref The field shows the Audio Sync Reference Source selected Currently. Use the drop-down list to choose the source. The choices available will depend on the VCube version and the hardware available for example: Internal (Mykerinos clock)
Page 135: Synchronization - Timecode (Incoming And Outgoing)
Current COM Port. Click to drop-down a list of available COM Ports. Var / Shuttle with Speed 0 When checked VCube issues a Var / Shuttle 0 Speed command when stopped. Pause When checked VCube issues a Pause command when stopped. Audio data is retained in buffers.
Page 136 Incoming VITC Information only Line 1 When checked VCube looks at the video line specified in the field. Click to select values from 10 to 39 Line 2 When checked VCube looks at the video line specified in the field. Click to select values...
Page 137 Enable When checked VCube generates VITC Line 1 When checked VCube inserts VITC into the video line specified in the field. Click to select values from 10 to 39 Line 2 When checked VCube inserts VITC into the video line specified in the field. Click to select values from 10 to 39 Note: Lines 10 and 11 are often used for VITC.
Page 138: Video I/O
VCube Players do not include a dedicated video card. The video is monitored via the graphics card on VGA or DVI outputs. VCube Recorders include a Video card. The video can be monitored in the same way as a Player and also from the video card dedicated output(s).
Page 139: Overlay
Overlay Overlay Tab page Timecode Enable When checked a TimeCode counter is inserted into the overlay and Video output. External Timecode When checked the TimeCode Counter displays the incoming TimeCode. This feature is useful with a 24fps Composition synchronized to an external 25 fps TimeCode. A . dot precedes the TC counter when the source is external.
Page 140 Right - Top Left - Center Center - Center Right - Center Left - Bottom Center - Bottom Right Bottom X Offset Shows current horizontal TC Counter position offset value in pixels. Click to type an alter- native value. Y Offset Shows current horizontal TC Counter position offset value in pixels.
Page 141: Preview
Preview Preview shows settings that affect the way the Composition is displayed. Preview Tab page Engine Deinterleave When checked, interleaved Fields will be integrated into single Progressive Frames. Use this option if the source is interlaced and Output is Progressive. Note: Automatic video resize may produce wave-like artefacts when an interlaced Media File has to be stretched to match the output format.
Page 142 Page Flipping When checked can cancel split artefacts in slow progressive mode. Depending on the model of graphic card, this function may or may not need to be enabled to allow correct refresh of the Preview area. If split artefacts are evident try the opposite setting. Size Width Information only - Set in User Interface E.g.
Page 143 Note: Preview size can also be changed by clicking and dragging the splitter under the preview pane and at the splitter between the Preview pane and the Settings pane (when visible). Preview Size Adjust Double-clicking when the Cursor is in double-headed arrow mode resets the positions to the default value corre- sponding to the current format.
Page 144: Composition
Composition The Composition Tab includes information about Synchronization, Formats and Overlays used in the current Proj- ect. Composition Tab page General Lock Editing Prevents unwanted modifications to the Composition. This includes each and every set- ting except the locators. The Lock/unlock Editing button itself is locked when the Compo- sition is Protected.
Page 145 WARNING: There is no way to unprotect a Composition if the password is lost. The XML file is encrypted. Contact us for Composition salvage: http://www.merging.com Media Path Link Media Path to Composition Path When checked a Media Files folder is created in the Folder selected when Saving or Sav- ing As the current composition.
Page 146: Countdown & Wipe
Countdown & Wipe Auto Countdown to Mark In When active the countdown clock with be shown before the In marker of a range. This feature uses hidden Clips not visible in the Timeline. Auto Wipe Between Marks When active a wipe will be superimposed on the picture range between the In and Out markers.
Page 147: Buffer & Cache
A setting of 5 is good starting point. Multi Thread Seeking When checked enables VCube to run several simultaneous threads in order to reduce overall disk access time. Local Read Cache Enable &...
Page 148: User Interface
When checked the VCube window is always on the top of all open windows on screen. Topmost Only When Floating When checked the VCube window will only be on top of all other windows when it is in floating mode. ([F4] toggles Floating mode.)
Page 149: Encryption
Japanese Russian Encryption Locking, Encryption and Decryption of Media Files can be performed in real time by VCube. This process is based on MTAK technology. (Merging Technologies Active Key). Active Key does two things: 1. Protects non-encrypted Media Files from un-authorized use. This enables Media Files created by VCube or Pyramix to be locked out from Playback or Processing in a VCube or Pyramix Timeline by using a metadata flag in the files themselves.
Page 150: Media Settings
Media Settings The Media Settings Tab manages Media Paths, InterChange Import options for AAF etc and the manner in which QuickTime and Mp3 files are handled by VCube. Media Settings Tab page Settings : Settings Page Page 150...
Page 151: Timeline
Import Audio When checked, embedded audio (if it exists) will be imported. Render Audio if Compressed Use Avid DNxHD codec included with QuickTime instead of VCube proprietary. When checked, supports 10 bit DNxHD files. Locally (by the Original) When checked new uncompressed Audio Files will be created in the same folder as the originals.
Page 152: Feet Ruler Options Dialog
Generate WaveForms for audio clips placed into the timeline Checked by default. If waveforms are not required uncheck. Auto Scale Audio Wave Form When checked, the Waveform (not the audio) of Audio Clips is normalized. Feet Ruler Options Dialog Feet ruler options dialog Accessed via Settings >...
Page 153: Video Engine
The VCube Video Engine Tab enables tuning to suit the circumstances Video Engine Tab page When a interlaced video format must be resized, VCube offers different algorithms to process the picture depend- ing on the CPU capabilities or the visual quality requirements.
Page 154: Audio Engine
Audio Engine The VCube Audio Engine Tab Sets Audio Outputs Quick Routing, enables the ASIO driver (where applicable) and gives access to the ASIO Control Panel for the driver selected. Audio Engine Settings is also where settings for the optional SurCode for Dolby E decoding and SurCode for Dolby E encoding are made.
Page 155 Note: The SurCode for Dolby E Decoder is NOT installed with VCube. It comes as a separate installer. Dolby E Input Select the odd and even pair of Audio channels which contain the Dolby E encoded audio. (From 1 & 2 to 23 & 24) Out channels Re-ordering Choose the order in which the decoded channels are to be output.
Page 156: Isis Controller
Isis Controller The ISIS remote control from Merging Technologies is supported by VCube. VCube SE does not support this fea- ture. Please refer to the Isis User Manual for full operational and Isis specific settings details. Isis Controller Tab page...
Page 157: Tool Bar
Tool picker is present the Icon displayed in the Toolbar is the last tool selected. VCube Toolbar Tools and Toolpickers File Toolpicker Open Composition [Ctrl + O] Opens the VCube Compositions Browser Media File Browser [Ctrl + Shift + O] Opens the Media File Browser Tool Bar : Tools and Toolpickers Page 157...
Page 158: Show Settings Tabs Toolpicker
Show Settings Tabs Toolpicker Toggle Transport Tool Opens the Transport Control Panel Quick SD Settings [Alt + F5] Opens the Quick SD Settings Tab Quick HD Settings [Alt + F6] Opens the Quick HD Settings Tab Show Preset Tab Opens the Preset Tab Show Format &...
Page 159 [Alt + K] Opens the Encryption Tab Show Media Settings Tab Opens the Media Settings Tab Show VCube Preferred Search Directories Opens the VCube Preferred Search Directories Toggle Transport Tool Toggles the Transport Control Panel Open/Close Show Record Page [F12]...
Page 160: View Toolpicker
View Toolpicker Toggle Show/Hide Settings [F2] Toggles the Control Settings pane Show/Hide Toggle Fullscreen Preview [F3] Toggles VCube between the User Interface and Full Screen Preview Toggle Floating Window [F4] Toggles VCube between the UI and Preview Float- ing floating at half size (default)
Page 161: Editing Tools
Zoom In [Alt + 3] Zooms In to Timeline with each press Zoom Out [Alt + 4] Zooms Out of Timeline with each press Editing Tools Undo Edit [Ctrl + Z] Undo the previous Edit Redo Edit [Ctrl + Shift +Z] Redo the last edit undone Split Selection [Ctrl + T]...
Page 162 New Track Toolpicker New Video Track [Ctrl + Shift + T] Inserts a New Video Track New Audio Track [Ctrl + Alt + T] Inserts a New Audio Track New Clip Toolpicker New Text Clip [Shift + T] Creates a 5 seconds Text holder Clip in the Timeline at the current TimeCode in the selected Track.
Page 163: Nudge Tools
Nudge Tools Move Layer Up [Up] Move Selected Layer Up [Ctrl + Up] Move Selection Up [Shift+Ctrl+Up] nudge track [Down] Move Selected Layer Down [Ctrl + Down] Move Selection Down [Shift+Ctrl+Down] nudge track Nudge Playhead Left [Left] [Ctrl + Left] Nudge Selection Left [Shift+Ctrl+Left] Nudge Overlap Left...
Page 164: Lock And Group Toolpicker
Goto Previous Edit [Shift + Tab] Lock and Group Toolpicker Lock Selection [Ctrl + K] Locks Selected Clip(s) Unlock Selection [Ctrl+Shift+K] Unlocks Selected Clip(s) Group Selection [Ctrl + G] Groups Selected Clips Ungroup Selection [Ctrl + U] Ungroup Selected Clips Ungroup All [Ctrl+Alt+U] Ungroup all Groups in Composition...
Page 165: Applications
24fps Composition Chasing other Timecodes VCube is able to play a 24 frames per second Composition, chasing a 25, 29.97 or 30 frames per second TimeCode. VCube doesn't interpolate frames. It only uses its own ultra precise internal clock to manage the Composition playback.
Page 166: Using The Graphic Card S-Video Output
1. This feature can also be used to generate a regular SD PAL or NTSC video output from an HD 24p Composi- tion. 2. The minimum display requirement for the VCube user interface is 1024 x 768 pixels. The 720 x 576 or 720 x 480 pixels displayed by a video monitor is insufficient for both monitoring and software control.
Page 167: Remote Control
VCube is extremely versatile in its remote control options. Apart from the obvious synergy with Pyramix via Virtual Transport, VCube can chase TimeCode, be controlled by a Sony 9-pin (P2 protocol) master and accepts MIDI Machine Control commands via Virtual Transport.
Page 168: Vcube Chasing Pyramix Using Virtual Transport Via Network
When Synchronize Editing with Pyramix is active in the Composition Tab every Video Clip handle move in Pyra- mix will be visible in the VCube outputs. The frame displayed while moving handles is at the TC position of the handle moved in Pyramix. Network must be enabled in Virtual-Transport.
Page 169 7. In the Editing section Synchronize Virtual Transport with Editing Moves Note: For fuller information on using VCube, Pyramix and Virtual Transport together please refer to the Pyramix User Manual and the Virtual Transport User Manual. Remote Control : VCube Chasing Pyramix Using Virtual Transport Via Network...
Page 170: Remote Control Vcube With A Sony 9-Pin Controller
Port COM Settings COM1 Current COM Port. Click to drop-down a list of available COM Ports. Var / Shuttle with Speed 0 When checked VCube issues a Var / Shuttle 0 Speed command when stopped. Pause When checked VCube issues a Pause command when stopped. Audio data is retained in buffers.
Page 171: Synchronizing Vcube To A Sony 9-Pin Chase Synchronizer
Pyramix and VCube can now be synchronized over an ethernet LAN. VCube does not require any configuration. No special Settings are needed (e.g. no Port Name field) Just turn on Sony 9 Pin Remote Control. It only works with VCube as the “machine”...
Page 172: Vcube Controlled By Sony 9-Pin, Chasing An Ltc Source
Port COM Settings COM1 Current COM Port. Click to drop-down a list of available COM Ports. Var / Shuttle with Speed 0 When checked VCube issues a Var / Shuttle 0 Speed command when stopped. Pause When checked VCube issues a Pause command when stopped. Audio data is retained in buffers.
Page 173: Synchronize Vcube With An Ltc Source
Formats & Sync Tab - Synchronization section Chase TC Source Toggle Chase Checked Or set from the Transport Tool : Transport Tool - Internal Machine 2. In this configuration Video and Audio References are optional. Remote Control : Synchronize VCube with an LTC Source Page 173...
Page 174: Synchronize Vcube With A Vitc Source
Chase TC Source VITC Toggle Chase Checked Or set from the Transport Tool : Transport Tool - Internal Machine 2. In this configuration Video and Audio References are optional. Remote Control : Synchronize VCube with a VITC Source Page 174...
Page 175: Machine Control
Machine Control VCube Controlling & Chasing a Sony 9-pin VCube can remote control and chase another machine via Sony 9-pin (P2 protocol) commands. The following configuration can be used during capture: 1. In the Format & Sync Tab : Synchronization section configure as below: Formats &...
Page 176 Transport Control Panel Vcube Chases TimeCode from the target machine. Note: Ensure that the Reference Video Input on the synchronization panel of the VCube, and the Video Card Reference Input are referenced to the same genlock, black&burst, or video signal.
Page 177: Menus
Menus File Open Close Save Save As Capture Import> Media File Browser Composition (Create new) Composition (Add to Existing) Import Composition & Export Changes Import Layer ... Convert Still Images Export> Export Composition Convert Media Files Render Composition Wrap Audio MXFix Exit the Application Menus : File...
Page 178: Edit
Edit Undo Edit Redo Edit Cut & Ripple Copy Paste Paste & Ripple Paste to Previous Timecode Paste to Original Timecode Create New Timeline Object> New Video Track New Audio Track New Layer New Text Clip New “Sticky Memo” (Text Clip) New Countdown Clip Menus : Edit Page 178...
Page 179 New Wipe Clip New Audio Tone Clip New Video Test Pattern Nudge> Nudge Left Nudge Right Nudge Up Nudge Down Nudge Overwrite> Nudge Left Overwrite Nudge Right Overwrite Nudge Up Overwrite Nudge Down Overwrite Tracks> Nudge Up Track Nudge Down Track Send>...
Page 180: Selection
Selection Range to region Select Previous Layer Select Next Layer Select All Clips on Selected Layers Select All Clips Unselect All Clips Zoom Zoom In Zoom Out Fit Selection Zoom Zoom Undo Menus : Selection Page 180...
Page 181: Locator
Locator Set Mark In Set Mark Out Set In/Out Marks to Selection Goto In Goto Out Set New Locator Move Selected Locator to Cursor Goto Locator... Goto Previous Locator Goto next Locator Auto Create Locators> Auto Create Locators - All layers (Destructive) Auto Create Locators - Selected Layer (Destructive) Auto Create Locators - Selected Layer (Add) Menus : Locator...
Page 182: Goto
Goto Goto Composition Start Goto Composition End Goto In Goto Out Goto Locator... Goto Previous Locator Goto Next Locator Goto Next Edit Goto Previous Edit Goto Timecode Goto Foot Frame Cursor Step> Step Forward 1 Frame Step Forward 1 Second Step Forward 10 Seconds Step Forward 1 Minute Step Backward 1 Frame...
Page 183: Transport
Transport Toggle Transport Tool Toggle Chase Turns Chase On/Off. Rewind Forward Stop Toggle Play / Pause Toggle Play / Stop Toggle Play Reverse / Pause Toggle Play Reverse / Stop Pause Record Loop Overlay Activate Burn-in Timecode Toggle Burn-in Timcode External Toggle Mask On/Off Menus : Transport Page 183...
Page 184: Settings
Settings Quick SD Settings Quick HD Settings Show Record Settings Tab Show Record Log Tab Show Preset Tab Show Format & Sync Tab Show Mykerinos Settings Tab Show LTC/VITC Show Video I/O Tab Show Overlay Tab Show Preview Tab Show Composition Tab Show Footage Ruler Options Dialog Show Buffer &...
Page 185: User Interface
Steps through the Tabs available in individual Control Settings Pages File> Show VCube Files Opens the VCube Compositions Browser in a floating Tab Window Show Media File Browser Tab Opens the Media File Browser in a floating Tab Window Menus : User Interface...
Page 186 View> Show clip Info Tab Show Shortcut Tab Show Workspace Tab Edit> Show Edit Main Show Clip Edit Show Layer Edit Show Track Edit Settings> Show Preset Tab Show Format & Sync Tab Show Video I/O Tab Show Overlay Tab Show Preview Tab Show Composition Tab Show Buffer &...
Page 187: Help
Check For Updates goes online to check for more recent versions of the VCube Software. (If your VCube PC is connected to the Internet.) Credits...
Page 188: Output View
The Output Page is one of the three Tabs below the Toolbar. It can also be accessed by [Ctrl + F7] This Page is intended to help expert users to fine tune their VCube configuration to suit local circumstances. There are five Tabs:...
Page 189 CPU core for use by VCube under Windows to the right and on the left an average percentage of all cores com- bined. Output Page - System Tab System displays processor and memory activity. On Pyracube systems running MassCore expect to see one or more cores maxed out.
Page 190 VCube or use a smaller more efficient version of the HD video encoded in a different format or at a differ- ent bit rate.
Page 191: Buffer Tab
The Playback Info tab shows two graphical plots with Video Disk Read (ms) and Audio Disk Read (ms) timings and 11 individual diagnostic numeric value boxes. The principal indicators, which are relevant to VCube Essentials and therefore that will be explained here, are: 1.
Page 192 VCube playback engine. Just to be on the safe side it should even be considered that a safe ratio of Disk Read delay to a single frame of video should be about half that of the time of a single frame to allow for occasional media volume transfer bottlenecks.
Page 193: Read Drop Counter
VCube playback engine) during a single playback pass. If the raw media data arrives late to VCube because the disks are too slow, then VCube does not even have a chance to pro- cess them.
Page 194: Sync Status
Sync Status Output Page - Sync Status Shows all video, audio, synchronization and clock status’ . This panel also appears when clock, format or sync are inconsistent. The mismatched parameter flashes red until a valid setting is made whereupon it changes to green. Note: The devices displayed depend on what you have installed on the system.
Page 195 Sync Status with XENA LH and USB Sync Option Output Page - Sync Status If the USB Sync Reference Source is Video, one of the following statuses is possible : • Locked to the Video: • Locked to the Video but the framerate is incompatible with the video framerate: •...
Page 196 Audio Meters Output Page - Audio Meters Shows audio Playback levels. Output View : Output Page Diagnostic Tools Page 196...
Page 197: Troubleshooting
> Formats & Sync : Composition Video Format and set the correct Field Order. Matrox Parhelia Settings VCube hardware can include a Matrox Parhelia graphics card instead of the regular ATI. This option allows a perfect control of the de-interleave process for the video output especially useful when using a "Band Rythmo"...
Page 198 If you plan to use the video output to feed an additional monitor, settings must be made as in the following screen shots. Matrox Video Playback Settings Matrox PureVideo/DVDMax Settings Depending of the BIOS version of the Matrox graphic card, Preserve source cropping may require disabling to ensure correct video output.
Page 199: Frozen Image On Matrox Parhelia Output
Frozen Image on Matrox Parhelia Output Problem: The Matrox Parhelia graphic card video output is frozen but the preview display is OK in VCube. Solution: Ensure that the settings of the graphic card are in accordance with this screen shot.
Page 200: Poor Hd Image Quality
Frame Shifting with Virtual Transport Problem: Your VCube is controlled by a Pyramix via the Virtual Transport protocol. The transport controls on the Pyramix are transmitted to the VCube. But you experiment with some shifting when you're using a jog command on the Pyra- mix and discover VCube is not frame accurate.
Page 201: Sony 9-Pin Not Controlling Vcube
Solution: Ensure that both the reference video input on the synchronization panel of the VCube, and the video card refer- ence input are referenced to the same genlock, black&burst, or video signal. This is the only way to ensure precise timing for the video signal.
Page 202: Video Playback Is Shifted
Problem: VCube displays the correct image at the correct TimeCode on the PC monitor preview. But the video output is not synchronized correctly. A shift of one or more frames appears to be present on the output of the video card.
Page 203: User Interface With Ati Graphic Card
Solution: If the Composition is set to 25 fps, then, the VCube video engine only produces 25 frames per second and the video card needs 29.97. This is the source of the dropped frames. The Composition frame rate must be set to 29.97 fps in order to feed the video card. This can be done even if 25 fps media files are used.
Page 204: Apple Compatibility 2Gb Limitation
Mac/PC compatibility option when burning a DVD on an Apple computer leads to an error -2048 on the PC Quick- Time player and an unmounted media file in VCube media browser. The DVD-ROM (UDF) option must be checked when burning a DVD on an Apple computer in order to override this 2 GB limitation.
Page 205: Appendices
AJA Video Cards and Plugins LH-i - SD-SDI/HD-SDI/HDMI/Analog Notes: • SDI embedded audio and the Merging Technologies' audio option cannot be used to capture audio simul- taneously. • VCube does not use the RS422 connector on the breakout cable currently.
Page 206 Video Formats Supported Video Formats 525i 29.97 625i 25 720p 23.98 (PC) 720p 24 (PC) 720p 25 (PC) 720p 29.97 (PC) 720p 30 (PC) 720p 50 720p 59.94 720p 60 1080i 25 1080i 29.97 1080i 30 1080PsF 23.98 1080PsF 24 1080PsF 25 (PC) 1080PsF 29.97 (PC) 1080PsF 30 (PC)
Page 207 LH-i Plug-in The LH-i and 2K/3G plug-ins are almost identical. LH-i is one of the possible AJA video capture hardware options inside your VCube station. It supports Analog Component / Composite, HDMI and SDI video for both SD and HD formats..
Page 208 Analog Input status Displays the format of analog video arriving at the analog input. Video Reference Source Displays the current Video Reference Source. The drop-down list offers a choice of all available sources If no external source is available this defaults to Free Run (internal). External (Genlock) or Analog Input (video input) are possible.
Page 209 Open Advanced Router Panel Click the button to open the Advanced Router Panel. AJA LH-i/2K Router Control Panel The screenshot shows the default playback routing for HD. • Click-and-Drag connects the different elements. • Right-click accesses the context drop-down list of settings for every element. •...
Page 210: 2K - Sd-Sdi/Hd-Sdi/ 2K/ Analog
2K - SD-SDI/HD-SDI/ 2K/ Analog Notes: • SDI embedded audio and the Merging Technologies' audio option cannot be used to capture audio simul- taneously. • VCube does not use the RS422 connector on the breakout cable currently. SD Formats Supported •...
Page 211 • 2048 x 1080p sf 24.00 Hz Notes: • SDI embedded audio and the Merging Technologies' audio option cannot be used to capture audio simul- taneously. • VCube does not use the RS422 connector on the breakout cable currently. Appendices : AJA Video Cards and Plugins...
Page 212 The LH-i and 2K/3G plug-ins are almost identical. 2K is one of the possible AJA video capture hardware options inside your VCube station. It supports Analog Component / Composite/ S-Video, SD-SDI and HD-SDI video for both SD and HD formats.
Page 213 SDI Input 1 status Displays the format of SDI video arriving at SDI Input 1 if any. Otherwise none is shown. Analog Input status Displays the format of analog video arriving at the analog input. Video Reference Source Displays the current Video Reference Source. The drop-down list offers a choice of all available sources If no external source is available this defaults to Free Run (internal).
Page 214 Open Xena Advanced Router Panel Click the button to open the Advanced Router Panel. AJA LH-i/2K Router Control Panel The screenshot shows the default playback routing for HD. • Click-and-Drag connects the different elements. • Right-click accesses the context drop-down list of settings for every element. •...
Page 215: Xena Lhe - Sd-Sdi/Hd-Sdi/Analog
Xena LHe - SD-SDI/HD-SDI/Analog • 1 Input + 2 Outputs • PAL and NTSC complying to SMPTE 259/292/296 • Genlock (BNC) • Component/Composite/S Video Input (3 x BNC) • Component/Composite/S Video Output (3 x BNC) • Balanced Audio In (2 x XLR) •...
Page 216 SD Video Formats Supported • PAL 4/3 D1 • PAL 4/3 DV • PAL 16/9 D1 • PAL 16/9 DV • NTSC 4/3 D1 • NTSC 4/3 DV • NTSC 16/9 D1 • NTSC 16/9 DV HD Video Formats Supported •...
Page 217 SDI embedded audio cannot be captured if the analog video input is selected for recording. • The video card analog Video Reference Input is not connected internally to the VCube video Reference input. Both must to be fed by the same video reference signal.
Page 218 Xena LH Plug-in Xena LH is one of the possible AJA video capture hardware options inside your VCube station. It supports Analog Component / Composite and SDI video for both SD and HD formats. AJA LH Plug-in Plug-in Enable When lit the plug-in/card selected in the drop-down list is active.
Page 219 AJA Video Engine Format The current internal AJA Engine format is shown. Alternatives are selected in the drop- down list. Input Video & Reference External (Reference) status Displays the video format of the incoming genlock signal if present. Otherwise none is shown SDI Input 1 status Displays the format of SDI video arriving at SDI Input 1 if any.
Page 220: Lse - Sd-Sdi/Analog
LSe - SD-SDI/Analog • 1 Input + 2 Outputs • PAL and NTSC complying to SMPTE 259M (SDI) • Genlock (BNC) • Component/Composite/S Video Input (3 x BNC) • Component/Composite/S Video Output (3 x BNC) • Balanced Audio In (2 x XLR) •...
Page 221 Xena LS Plug-in Xena LS is one of the AJA video capture hardware options inside your VCube station. It supports Analog Compo- nent / Composite and SDI video formats. Native resolution is 720 X 576 PAL D1 / 720 X 486 NTSC D1.
Page 222 Xena SD and Xena LS share the same LXXXena.dll plug-in. AJA Xena SD and Xena LS Plug-in Video Format switches the Xena SD card from NTSC to PAL. This format is also the output format for the Xena SD video Output. The target VTR must be capable of recording in this format. A warning message will be displayed on the Xena SD Output if the Composition format is different from the Xena SD.
Page 223: Vcube Hardware Sync Connections
The word clock connection has the same functionality as the one found on the (optional) Mykerinos TC breakout cable. This is a bi-directional socket, software controlled by VCube directly. It has been tested on cable runs of up to 50m in length.
Page 224: External Connections
This Bi-Phase option is also supported by VCube turnkey systems. Merging Technologies USB Sync board The card can be inserted in a PCI or PCIe slot. There are no electrical connections to the slot. An internal USB cable makes the connection to the motherboard.
Page 225 Easy Load Shift + L Load Selective Ctrl + Shift + L Show VCube Files Ctrl + O Close Ctrl + Shift + Q Delete Ext: + Shift + DELETE Save Ctrl + S Save As Ctrl + Shift + S...
Page 226 New Wipe Clip New Audio Tone Clip New Video Test Pattern Clip Nudge Nudge to Left Ext: Ctrl + LEFT Nudge to Right Ext: Ctrl + RIGHT Nudge Up Ext: Ctrl + UP Nudge Down Ext: Ctrl + DOWN Nudge Override Nudge to Left Override Ext: + Shift + LEFT Nudge to Right Override...
Page 227 Goto Composition End Alt + NUMPAD 0 Go to In NUMPAD 4 Go to Out NUMPAD 5 Go to Locator NUMPAD 6 Go to Previous Locator SUBTRACT Go to Next Locator Goto Next Edit Goto Previous Edit Shift + TAB GoToTC Ctrl + NUMPAD 6 Goto Foot...
Page 228 Ctrl + Shift + Alt + P Show Isis Settings Show Encryption Settings Alt + K Show Media Settings Show Timeline Settings Show VCube Preferred Search Directories Show All Settings Ctrl + F4 Toggle VCube version User-Interface Refresh Simple Mode...
Page 229 Settings Show Settings Preset Show Format & Sync Settings Alt + P Show Video I/O Shift + Alt + P Show Overlay Settings Ctrl + P Show Preview Settings Ctrl + Alt + P Show Composition Settings Shift + P Show Disk Cache &...
Page 230 Generate WorkSpace 5 Ctrl + 5 Generate WorkSpace 6 Ctrl + 6 Generate WorkSpace 7 Ctrl + 7 Generate WorkSpace 8 Ctrl + 8 Generate WorkSpace 9 Ctrl + 9 Generate WorkSpace 10 Ctrl + 0 Help Show Help Credits... Appendices : Default Shortcuts Page 230...
Page 231: Hdtv Recorded Media
HDTV Recorded Media SDTV Recorded Media Appendices : HDTV Recorded Media Page 231...
Page 232: Video Formats And Bandwidth
Video Formats and Bandwidth Video formats are not just defined by the number of pixels on the screen. This section gives you some clues to understand the language video people use. As usual in electronic signals, the bandwidth is the value determining the amount of transmitted information per second.
Page 233: Sd Video Standards
Number of Pixels: The number of pixels is only a part of the equation leading to the bandwidth, storage and streaming requirements computation. But since it's a two dimensional value, we must use it as the starting point of the computations. SD Video Standards The world is divided in two zones.
Page 234: Hd Video Standards
HD Video Standards HD video systems exist in two main standards. The first one is 1280 pixels x 720 lines. It's also called 1K. The second one is 1980 pixels x 1080 lines. It's also called 2K. The frame rate may vary from 23.98 fps to 60 fps, leading to very different results in terms of the bandwidth used.
Page 235 4.4.4 means that every pixel is sampled for Chroma and Luma value. The two Chroma values are the result of: Luma minus Red value Luma minus Blue value The RGB and 4.4,4 color sampling systems lead to a high bandwidth requirement while preserving color defini- tion.
Page 236: Bit Depth
4.2.0 4.2.0 Is the color sampling mode used in DV PAL. It's also used for HD video broadcast. There are 6 values for 4 pix- els leading to 1.5 for computation purposes. 4.1.1 4.1.1 Is the color sampling mode used in DV NTSC. There are 6 values for 4 pixels leading to 1.5 for computation purposes.
Page 237 • 12 bit leads to 4096 possible values • More bits for pixel sampling is only used for special cases like film color calibration and other computing intensive processes. • Linear scale means that the input value is reflected with no change to the output •...
Page 238: Audio
• • VCube can convert a 30 fps Media to 29.97 fps : In the Timeline (29.97 fps) select the Clip(s) you need to change the frame rate properties of. Double-click on the selection to display the Clips Information page.
Page 239: Video Codecs Supported
Video Codecs Supported Note: For DV video in QuickTime files we recommend using standard sizes such as 720x576 for PAL in order to use the Windows DV codec which is better optimized than the QuickTime DV Appendices : Video Codecs Supported Page 239...
Page 240: Frame Rates Supported
The Windows DV codec does not support non-standard sizes. Note: VCube is supplied with DV and MJEPG codecs as standard. DVCPRO and MXF are options. Some codecs will require additional activation keys and or installation of third party plug-ins.
Page 241: Resolutions Supported
2048x1080p 23,98    2048x1080p 23,98    2048x1080p 23,98 Note: Opt = 2K Option Note: VCube supports any picture resolution from 160x120 pixels to the maximum resolution of the graphic card. Appendices : Video Codecs Supported Page 241...
Page 242 1080p 29,94    1080p 30  2048x1080p 23,98  2048x1080p 23,98  2048x1080p 23,98  2048x1080p 23,98 Note: VCube is now supplied with AJA LHi or AJA 2K cards depending on model. Appendices : Video Codecs Supported Page 242...
Page 243: Mjpeg Compression Ratios
MJPEG Compression Ratios MJPEG Quality Average Compression Ratio 10.5 10.9 11.3 13.5 15.5 18.4 Appendices : Video Codecs Supported Page 243...
Page 244: Files Supported
Direct Playback or Import for Numbered Still Image Sequences Record / Render / Extensions Convert .cube VCube native format .avi Audio Video Interleave AVI is defined by Microsoft. AVI is the most common PC AV format .gen AVID Nitris file format .omf...
Page 245: Avi 1, Avi 2 And Avi Ref
AVI ref (I.e. the AVI ref file and the referenced Media Files) are in the same folder. The path to the media must not to be the same as the original path on the recording machine. VCube is able to seek in a displaced AVI ref file.
Page 246 D10 — Is a professional video format using a I frame every picture. No GOP with a constant bitrate. XDCAM IMX — Is the Sony version of the D10. Embedded AC3 audio isn't supported by VCube for this format. XDCAM HD— Is the HD version of the XDCAM IMX. It uses GOP to fit into almost the same bitrate as SD. Embed- ded AC3 audio isn't supported by VCube for this format.
Page 247: Export
Export Choosing an MPEG format in the Convert Media Files : Video : File Format field makes the Advanced Settings button available. Clicking it opens the Advanced MPEG Settings dialog : Basic Settings The Basic Settings Tab enables standards compliant MPEG2 files to be produced using only a few settings: Format type: Choose an appropriate format from the list.
Page 248: Video Settings
Video Settings This Tab enables settings to be made for Frame rate, Aspect ratio and GOP (Group of Pictures) structure. You can also make various adjustments to the Bitrate: Frame rate: Shows current Frame Rate. Will be unavailable for change if inappropriate due to choice of Format Type in the Basic Settings Tab.
Page 249 So you get the sequence of fields: TB TBT BT BTB or grouped as frames: TB TB TB TB TB. The above would be consid- ered 2:3 pulldown as it is 2 fields, 3 fields, 2 fields etc. 3:2 is the reverse: frame 1: tff = 1, rff = 1 fields displayed: TBT frame 2: tff = 0, rff = 0 fields displayed: BT frame 3: tff = 0, rff = 1 fields displayed: BTB frame 4: tff = 1, rff = 0 fields displayed: TB.
Page 250: Advanced Video Settings
Note: The Average (kbps) and the Minimum (kbps) bitrate settings must be zero in order to acti- vate the Constant quantization option. Rate control mode: Shows the current Rate control mode. Click to choose between Mode 1 Standard mode (recommended) Mode 128 Experimental (will probably cause problems.
Page 251 Note: We strongly recommend that changes in this section are performed only by professional users. Profile ID: Five options available: High Profile, Main Profile (standard setting), Simple Profile, 4:2:2 Profile and Multiview Profile Level ID: Four options available: High Level, High 1440 Level, Main Level (standard setting), and Low Level.
Page 252 Noise Reduction is a specific noise filter. It reduces the noise in a frame (spatial reduction), but it doesn’t do it from frame to frame (temporal reduction). The value range is 0 ...31. It increases the video quality but also the encoding duration.
Page 253 (but a very large number of bits). If you set all numbers of the matrix to 255, you will obtain a very bad picture because it has been compressed to such a degree that it will lead to a significant loss of quality. When you activate the User quant matrices checkbox you can click the Edit button in order to adjust the param- eters for Matrix for Intra Block and Matrix for non-Intra Block.
Page 254 This option is only valid for MPEG-2. Video Format: This setting is just a flag in the bitstream to inform the decoder how the pictures were represented before encoding. If the sequence display header is not present, the decoder will assume "Unspecified video for- mat".
Page 255 sophisticated forward quantization is not enabled. This setting can be specified independently for each frame type (I, B and P). See ISO/IEC 13818-2. This option is only valid for MPEG-2. The General option offers two more parameters you can change: Sequence End Code: If set to 1 a sequence end code is written at the end of the video stream (it terminates the stream).
Page 256: Audio Settings
Audio Settings This Tab offers adjustments for audio export : The Audio Settings include the following options and parameters: Audio type: Shows the current Audio type. Click to change the type; None If you do not want to encode audio, select None here. MPEG-1 Layer 1 Not used commonly MPEG-1 Layer 2:...
Page 257 Joint Stereo: This option can convert the sound to mono in the lower frequency range (which can hardly be per- ceived by the human ear). This results in an enhancement of the stereo quality in the median and higher fre- quency ranges.
Page 258 Multiplexer Settings In this Tab you can control whether your exported MPEG files will be multiplexed (also referred to as “muxed”). Multiplexed output means that the video and audio are exported in a single file. This Tab also offers some more professional settings for muxing.
Page 259 The Mux Rate is the total bitrate, i.e. video bitrate plus audio bitrate plus muxing overhead bitrate. This option specifies the bitrate of the multiplexed program stream. Startup delays (ms): The Pack value specifies the starting TimeCode of the muxed stream (this can be different than the starting Time- Code of the video stream).
Page 260 A standard GOP (the default settings) are 15 (maybe 18) frames long and they look like this (in the order the frames are displayed): B B I B B P B B P B B P B B P, B B I B B P B B P B B P B B P, ... Here the first two B frames are dependent on both the I frame after them and the last P frame of the previous GOP.
Page 261: Media Storage Requirements
Targa 3000 RGB 2.46 147.6 221.4 There is no specific information for VCube in this table because it supports almost all SD and HD standards and codecs. (DVCPRO and IMX are available as options) Appendices : Media Storage Requirements Page 261...
Page 262: Installation Examples
The same network can be used for both Virtual-Transport chasing and video streaming. In this example, an extra Ethernet card for Pyramix and VCube was preferred because both racks were in the same machine room. Appendices : Installation Examples...
Page 263: Basic Vcube Operation
Basic VCube Operation This is a typical VCube set up: • The network is used to synchronize VCube and Pyramix DAW. It's also used to transfer HD or SD material on the VCube's local hard disk. • A SD VCR is connected to the video input allowing SD capture.
Page 264: Pro Tools & Vcube Operation
Pro Tools & VCube Operation Appendices : Pro Tools & VCube Operation Page 264...
Page 265: Pyramix, Vcube And Protools
VCube can import OMF Compositions and stream linked/referenced Media Files directly from a Unity server. There are two ways of accessing the Unity server: 1. Install a Fiber Channel Adapter in the VCube and connect to an available port on the server. The currently rec- ommended Fiber Channel Adapter is the ATTO FC 3300.
Page 266 Compositions (to the Unity), for the Media Files (also in Unity), and for the OMF database (this can be on the VCube local disk). Scanning OMF Media Files will then generate a local media data- base in the VCube for best performance.
Page 267: Fairlight Controlling A Vcube
LAME-SLAVE-DELAY = 2 *@SETENV ALT_JOG In VCube the port COM settings for the Sony 9-pin Remote Control must be set to Var / Shuttle / Jog with speed Then the VCube no longer interprets these commands. For correct behavior of VCube with the FFW and REW commands from the Fairlight station, on the MFX3 the Unlace parameter must be set to off and the Lace parameter must be set to 0 sec.
Page 268 You absolutely must disable all the generate TimeCode options in the Session Setup window as shown in the Peripheral - Machine Control screen shot. Appendices : Pro Tools and VCube Page 268...
Page 269 Enable 9-Pin Serial machine control. Select the correct Keyspan Port, Machine Type: Sony9-Pin mode, Node: If your VCube is configured correctly, Pro Tools should see it in the node list (as a generic2). Set Pro- Tools film or PAL or NTSC (depending on your project).
Page 270 Appendices : Pro Tools and VCube Page 270...
Page 271 In Settings > Format & Sync : Audio Ref Status check that Audio Ref is set to Video Input if you have connected the Video ref to VCube; otherwise it should be Internal. To verify if the Video reference is pres- ent and correct in the VCube, click on the Show Mykerinos Settings Tab button.
Page 272: Pro Tools Hd
The following screen shots show a representative setup for Pro Tools HD as used in Swiss TV. Since individual set-ups will inevitably differ some settings may need to be altered to suit your circumstances. If you encounter insoluble difficulties please contact your Merging Technologies Sales Partner. Appendices : Pro Tools and VCube...
Page 273 Appendices : Pro Tools and VCube Page 273...
Page 274 Appendices : Pro Tools and VCube Page 274...
Page 275: Sony 9-Pin Rs422 Wiring Chart
Sony 9-Pin RS422 Wiring Chart Appendices : Sony 9-Pin RS422 Wiring Chart Page 275...
Page 276 Appendices : Sony 9-Pin RS422 Wiring Chart Page 276...
Page 277 Appendices : Sony 9-Pin RS422 Wiring Chart Page 277...
Page 278 Appendices : Sony 9-Pin RS422 Wiring Chart Page 278...
Page 279: Glossary
Glossary 4.1.1 • Is the color sampling mode used in DV NTSC. 4.2.0 • Is the color sampling mode used in DV PAL. 4.2.2 • A commonly used term for a component digital video format. The details of the format are specified in the ITU-R BT.601-2 standard document.
Page 280 4.4.4 • Similar to 4:2:2 except that for every four luminance samples, the color channels are also sampled four times. • AES/EBU: Informal name for a digital audio standard established jointly by the AES and EBU organiza- tions. The sampling frequency for this standard varies depending on the format being used; the sampling frequency for D1 and D2 audio tracks is 48 kHz.
Page 281 • conforming: Transferring EDL (Edit Decision List) information gathered from an off-line edit to an on-line edit for final assembly. • D1: Sony's D1 format was the first major push towards fully digital videotape operations. D1 used a 19mm (3/4") tape loaded into cassettes as its media. Component video was encoded as YUV 4:2:2 with PCM audio tracks as well as TimeCode.
Page 282 MXF has full TimeCode and metadata support, and is intended as a platform-agnostic sta- ble standard for future professional video and audio applications. VCube supports currently OP-Atom (a very simple and highly constrained layout for simple MXF files) and OP-1a (the layout options for a mini- mal simple MXF file).
Page 283 • NTSC: signal The standard composite video signal adopted by the NTSC that has 525 interlaced lines at a frame rate of 29.97 frames per second. AKA Never Twice the Same Color due to the constantly changing color rendition in early analogue TV broadcasts. •...
Page 284 • quantization: The process of sampling an analog waveform to convert its voltage levels into digital data. • QuickTime: is a multimedia technology developed by Apple Computer, capable of handling various for- mats of digital video, sound, text, animation, music. A QuickTime file functions as a multimedia container file that contains one or more tracks, each of which store a particular type of data, such as audio, video, effects, or text (for subtitles, for example).
Page 285 • ruler: A graphic element of a video editing application that shows time or TimeCode along a horizontal axis. Similar to the ruler in word processing applications except calibrated in units of time. • safe action area: and safe title area: are the regions of the video image considered safe from cropping for either the action or on-screen titles, taking into account variations in adjustments for video monitors or television receivers.
Page 286 • Y, U, V: PAL luminance & color difference components. U and V are the names of the B-Y and R-Y color dif- ference signals (respectively) when they are modulated onto subcarrier. • YUY2: see 4:2:2. Appendices : Glossary Page 286...
Page 287: Index
Creating Global Presets Audio Track Header Crop Audio Tracks and Layers Current FPS AVI 1, AVI 2 and AVI ref Cursor Step Avid Unity and VCube Default Workspaces Batch Export, Re-Wrapping Deinterleave Bit Depth Display - Manual Resize Buffer & Cache Documentation Buffer &...
Page 288 Image Sequence Export Changes Layer Export Composition Still Image External TC incorrect Timestamp Installation Installation Examples Fairlight Controlling a VCube InterChange Import Feet Ruler Clip limit setting Feet Ruler Options Dialog Interchange Protocols Supported Field Order Introduction File Extensions Supported...
Page 289 Preview Drop Counter Media Storage Requirements Preview Size Memory Primary Monitor Select MJPEG Compression Ratios Pro Tools & VCube Motion Rectangles Pro Tools 6.4.1 Move Pro Tools 6.4.1, Mac OS 10.3 and a KeySpan Mp3 Import Settings Pro Tools and VCube...
Page 290 Simple Mode Options Sony P2 Protocol over IP split artefacts VCube Compositions Still Image File Formats VCube Controlled by Sony 9-pin, Chasing an LTC Source Still Image Import VCube Controlling & Chasing a Sony 9-pin Support VCube Hardware Sync Connections...
Page 291 VITC Reader Xena HS Xena LS 73, 145 Watermark Watermark and Text Widescreen Signaling Width Zoom Window size reduction Zoom All Windows Vista Zoom In Wipe Clip Zoom in the Timeline Workspace Zoom Menu Wrap Audio Zoom Out Audio Processing Tab Zoom Tools Main Tab 83, 90...

Merging VCube User Manual

Introduction

User Interface

Synchronization

Quick Settings

Projects Compositions

Media Management

Tracks and Layers

Transport and Navigation

Recording and Acquisition

Editing

Watermark and Text

Generated Clips

Conversion and Rendering

Mxfix™ (Batch Export, Re-Wrapping)

Control Settings Page

Settings

F

Tool Bar

Applications

Remote Control

Machine Control

Menus

Output View

Troubleshooting

Appendices AJA Video Cards and Plugins

S

Index

Quick Links

Need help?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Merging VCube

Summary of Contents for Merging VCube