foc.us MX-4 User manual

MX-4
User Guide

DISCLAIMER
Television screens are simulated and subject to change without
notice. This device is not to be used for the unauthorized copying of
copyrighted material.
TRADEMARKS
MX-4, the FOCUS Enhancements logo, and MX-4 DV are trade-
marks or registered trademarks of FOCUS Enhancements Hi8 and
i.LINK are trademarks of Sony Corporation. FireWire is a regis-
tered trademark of Apple Computer. VHS is a registered trademark
of JVC. Other product and brand names might be trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby
acknowledged.
FOCUS Enhancements MX-4 User Guide, © 2004. No part of this
book may be reproduced in hard copy, electronically, or by any
other means without the expressed, written permission of FOCUS
Enhancements
FCC Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commer-
cial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction manual, might cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user
must correct the interference at his/her own expense.
MANL-0957-02

CONTENTS
DISCLAIMER • 2
TRADEMARKS • 2
FCC Statement • 2
1INTRODUCTION
Major Features • 2
Common Uses for MX-4 • 4
MX-4 Package Contents • 5
About this User Guide • 6
2QUICK START
Quick Start Steps • 10
Setting Up • 10
The Preview Screen • 11
Running the Demo • 12
Cutting Between Sources • 13
Borders and Solid Color Backgrounds • 13
Setting up a Transition • 13
Running Transitions • 14
Using CUT Transitions • 14
Choosing Transitions • 15
Using Transition Categories • 15
Other Features • 15
3INSTALLING THE MX-4
Sources and Output • 18
Preview and Program Monitors • 18
Preview Monitor • 19
Program Monitor • 19
Number of Monitors • 19
Understanding MX-4 Connectors • 20
Power Connector • 22
Cables and Adapters • 22
Installation Examples • 24
Correlating Input Sources to MX-4 Jacks • 24
Using Headphones • 25
VCR Selector Switches • 25
General Notes • 25
Post Production Configuration • 26
Live Broadcast Configuration • 28
Using a Microphone with MX-4 • 30
4BASIC OPERATIONS
Starting and Stopping the MX-4 • 32
Understanding the Keyboard • 32
Using the Preview Screen • 35
Changing the Display Configuration • 35
Input Source Previews • 36
Active Source Highlights • 36
Color Selector • 37
Transitions Menu • 37
Selected Transition • 37
Using CURRENT and NEXT Sources • 38
Selecting Sources • 39
Using the Video/Audio Selector • 39
Swapping Sources • 40
Simple Cuts • 40
Swapping Between Two Sources • 40
Working with Colors • 41
Identifying Colors • 42
Using Color Backgrounds • 42
Changing Colors and Styles • 42
Creating Custom Colors • 43
Using Borders • 43
Changing Border Styles • 44
5TRANSITIONS
Basic Transition Concepts • 48
Transition Categories and Menus • 50
Basic Transitions Category • 51
Edges Transitions Category • 51
Misc. Transitions Category • 51
Shapes Transitions Category • 51
User Transitions Category • 51
Changing User Transitions Menu • 52
Selecting Transition Sources • 53
Setting the CURRENT Source • 53
Setting the NEXT Source • 53
Selecting Transitions • 54
Using the Transitions Menu • 54
Using Transition Numbers • 55
Adjusting Transitions • 56
Changing Transition Speed • 56
Changing Transition Direction • 56
Running Transitions • 58
Running Transitions Automatically • 58
Running Transitions Manually • 58
6INPUT EFFECTS
Input Effects Menu • 60
Special Key Combinations • 61
Using Input Effects • 62
B&W • 63
B&W Neg • 63
Posterize • 63
Flip Horizontal • 63
Mosaic • 64
Color Correct • 64
Color Neg • 64
Video Adjustment • 65
Chromakey • 65
Flip Vertical • 65
Strobe • 65
7FUNCTIONS
Demo • 68
Running a Locked Demo • 68
Display • 69
Setup • 71
Force Field Freeze • 72
GPI Out Mode • 72
Comb Filter • 72
Dual Monitor Mode • 72
7.5 IRE Pedestal • 72
FTP • 73
Route • 73
Configuring the MX-4 • 73
Changing the Routing • 73

CONTENTS
Example: Changing the Routing • 75
Routing Audio Through Color or Background Channels • 75
Sub-Route Menus • 76
Learn • 77
Compose • 78
PIPs • 78
Audio Mix • 78
Freeze • 78
Field and Frame Freezes • 78
Major Freeze Functions • 79
Freeze Examples • 79
8PIPS
Single PIP • 82
Background Tile • 82
Foreground Tile • 82
Using Other Effects with Single PIPs • 84
Multi-PIP • 85
Using Freeze Effect with Multi-PIPs • 86
9COMPOSE
Basic Composition Steps • 88
Backgrounds • 88
Foreground Tiles • 89
Creating Color Tiles and Lines • 89
Creating Moving Video Tiles • 89
Creating Still Image Tiles • 89
Manipulating Tiles • 89
Positioning Tiles • 89
Sizing Tiles • 90
Composition Rules • 90
Creating a Composed Image • 91
Playing the Composition • 92
Exiting from Compose Mode • 92
10 CHROMAKEY
Preparing the Background Footage • 94
Preparing the Keyed Footage • 95
Preparing the Chromakey Footage • 95
Performing the Chroma key • 97
Fine-Tuning Key Colors • 97
Ending Chroma Key • 97
11 LEARN MODE
Learned Environments • 100
Learned Scripts • 101
Using Learn Mode • 102
Other Useful Information • 103
Aborting a Playback Session • 103
12 WORKING WITH AUDIO
Audio Devices You Can Use • 106
Ways You Can Control Audio • 106
Controlling Audio Transitions • 106
VIDEO/AUDIO Selector • 106
Selecting Audio Sources • 107
Ways to Use Audio • 107
Audio Accompanies Video • 107
Continuous Audio • 108
Using the Audio Mixer • 109
Audio Mixer Controls • 110
Using Background Audio • 110
Using Headphones • 111
Advanced Audio Steps • 111
Using the Analog Audio Adjustments Function • 111
Selecting Manual Levels • 112
Selecting Audio Delay • 112
13 ADVANCED OPERATIONS
Using Titles • 114
Using Color Bars • 114
Performing Roll Edits • 115
Cutting Between Scenes • 115
A/A Roll Edits • 115
A/B Roll Edits • 116
Transitions TO and FROM Solid Colors • 116
Transitions to Modified Sources • 117
Operating in Live Environments • 117
Security Monitoring • 117
Using a GPI Device • 118
Instructions for Building a GPI Trigger • 119
Using a GPI Trigger Device • 120
Resetting the MX-4 Factory Defaults • 120
Connecting with Ethernet • 121
IP Setup for a Computer or Laptop • 122
Transferring Files TO or FROM the MX-4 • 128
Updating System Software • 129
Information About FTP Clients • 130
ATRANSITIONS LIST 133
Basic Transitions • 134
Edge Transitions • 142
Misc. Transitions • 143
Shape Transitions • 144
Default User Transitions • 149
BTIME BASE CORRECTOR 151
Dual TBC Mode • 151
Vertical Interval Data • 151
TBC Technical Information • 152
CVIDEO QUALITY 153
Preview Image Quality • 153
Video Scaling Artifacts • 154
Freeze Quality • 154
Video Processing Artifacts • 154
DTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 155
EHELP FOR MXPRO USERS 157
MX-4 Defaults to S-Video on All 4-Channels • 157
Transitions Organized Differently • 157
Glossary
Index

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to MX-4, and thank you for buying FOCUS Enhancements products.
This chapter contains:
• Brief descriptions of major MX-4 features
• Typical uses for the MX-4
• How to contact FOCUS Enhancements
• An inventory of package contents
• Description of the contents of this User Guide
Please take a few moments to read the material so you can take full advantage of all MX-4
benefits.

MX-4 USER GUIDE CHAPTER 1
2
MAJOR FEATURES
MX-4 contains features found on most video mixers. In addition, it contains the special features
described in this section.
Superb Video Quality — To ensure the highest video quality, the MX-4 uses 10-bit (4:2:2) video
technology for Y/C applications, and 8-bit 4:2:2 for composite applications.
Four Input Synchronized Switcher — MX-4 provides four input channels that mix analog
sources. This makes MX-4 useful in live production settings where up to four cameras or other
sources might be in use. MX-4 synchronizes the inputs, so picture disruptions do not occur when
switching between sources.
Picture-in-Picture (PIPs) — PIP allows mul-
tiple pictures to share the screen in various
configurations. For example, one source might
take the entire background while another
image appears inside a separate, smaller win-
dow, both sharing the screen at the same time.
You can use up to 4 images in a PIP configura-
tion.
Effects Generator — Use a variety of effects to enhance a source or transition between sources.
Select from over 700 effects, including natural shapes (diamonds, three leaf clover, and so forth),
fancy edges, and borders. You can also build your own custom menu for quick access to those
effects you use most often. Take advantage of FOCUS Enhancements downloadable subscription
site which provides additional new transitions and natural shapes to better serve your production
needs.
Time Base Corrector (TBC) — MX-4 automatically corrects the output’s time base. MX-4 stabi-
lizes the output signal even when the input sources are not stable.
Chromakey — Keying replaces
parts of one picture with another,
based on their color. Here the solid
background behind Kong is replaced
by the picture of the bridge. The
chromakey version shows Kong con-
templating the bridge.
Frame Synchronizer and Digital Video Mixer — Mix any two input sources together using a
variety of transitions — wipes, dissolves, flips, and so forth. With the frame synchronizer you can
mix independent video signals.
Compose — MX-4 provides a video painting
system you can use to combine video stills,
color shapes, and moving video on one screen.
You can create a screen that contains a video
still of a football coach (with a surrounding
red border), combined with a moving video of
the players in action on the field.
Audio Mixer — MX-4 provides sophisticated audio control. You can change the sound along with
the video, or play a constant sound while the video plays. Audio can come from a video source or
from external audio devices.

INTRODUCTION MAJOR F EATURES 3
Connectivity — MX-4 provides multiple video/audio outputs, including two Y/C Program out-
puts, two composite Program outputs, one composite Preview output, two sets of stereo audio out-
puts, and a Headphone output.
Joystick — The joystick gives you fine control over color adjustments and positioning of PIP (pic-
ture-in-picture), compose, and the chromakey cursor.
Color Correction — Apply true RGB color correction to any or all input sources. Color correction
parameters can be set separately for each channel.
Input Effects — Apply special effects such as flips, mosaics, and others to the signals coming in
from any input source. You now have the ability to adjust the brightness, contrast, color saturation
and hue on your input sources and thumbnails.
Still Frame Jpeg Images — For the ultimate in creative expression, let the MX-4 allow you to
trigger a stand-alone jpeg clip for background, input, or foreground use in your live video produc-
tion. You can import and store up to 100 jpeg images (50 background and 50 foreground) using the
Ethernet connection on the back of your unit.
Ethernet — You can network your MX-4 to a Mac or PC using an Ethernet (10Base-T) connector.
You can import backgrounds, bugs and still frame jpegs to or from your unit.
Gradients — You can access eight gradients using the graphics menu.

MX-4 USER GUIDE CHAPTER 1
4
COMMON USES FOR MX-4
Multiple-Source Video Production — In a video production setup, you can connect one or more
video sources (VCRs, camcorders, video disc players, cameras, title generators, computer graphics
systems, and so forth) to MX-4’s four input channels. The Program output can then be sent to a
VCR or directly to a monitor.
You can determine what is sent to the output. While the original inputs play, you can switch
between any of the MX-4’s channels. Use dissolves or other transitions to go from one channel
to another. Add special effects to any channel, and use advanced features such as compose and
chromakey to enhance the production.
Single-Source Use — MX-4 supports A/A roll, a method for creating interesting transitions with a
single source. Its digital effects (such as picture freeze, posterization, and mosaic) give added life
to productions. You can use MX-4 with a titler to mix and superimpose titles. Time base correction
improves the picture (especially when making multiple-generation copies) by removing the jitter
common to most VCRs.
Live Video — In live production setups, MX-4 processes events as they occur. Good coverage
requires seeing the events from different vantage points—which means you need multiple input
sources. MX-4 gives you the ability to connect up to four sources simultaneously. For example, at
a sporting event, camera one might focus on the playing field, camera two on the team benches,
camera three on the announcer, and camera four on the scoreboard. Using MX-4 you can easily
switch between the sources whenever necessary.
NOTE
MX-4 is not an edit controller — that is, it does not control VCRs, camcorders, and similar devices.
You can control the sources manually, or use external edit controllers such as those manufactured
by FOCUS Enhancements.

INTRODUCTION MX-4 PACKAGE CONTENTS 5
MX-4 PACKAGE CONTENTS
The MX-4 package contains the items shown below. Check your package against the illustration.
POWER ADAPTER AND CORD
USER GUIDE
Product registration card
and other information
MX-4 Unit
If your package doesn’t
contain all of the items
shown here, contact the
dealer where you purchased
the MX-4 for the necessary
replacements.

MX-4 USER GUIDE CHAPTER 1
6
ABOUT THIS USER GUIDE
This User Guide contains the chapters, appendixes, and other sections shown in the following
table.
Table 1: User Guide Contents
CHAPTER DESCRIPTION
Chapter 1
Introduction
Basic overview of MX-4 features, description of pack-
age contents, description of manual.
Chapter 2
Quick Start
Brief steps to setting up MX-4 with your equipment.
Provided for people quite familiar with connecting
video equipment.
Chapter 3
Installing MX-4
Instructions for setting up MX-4 to work with your
video equipment.
Chapter 4
Basic Operations
Explains most common procedures and functions used
with MX-4.
Chapter 5
Transitions
Complete description of and instructions for using
MX-4 transitions. Also see Appendix A, Transitions
List.
Chapter 6
Input Effects
How to use various effects with video input material.
Chapter 7
Functions
Descriptions of and instructions for using MX-4’s
built-in functions.
Chapter 8
PIPs
Instructions for using the picture-in-picture functions.
Chapter 9
Compose
How to create composed images consisting of rectan-
gles, lines, still images, and/or moving images.
Chapter 10
Chromakey
Instructions for creating chromakey images where spe-
cific colors (such as a blue screen) can be keyed out
and replaced with a video sequence or other image.
Chapter 11
Learn Mode
How to use MX-4’s Learn Mode for “recording” your
mixing steps then playing them back.
Chapter 12
Working with Audio
How to use audio sources (tapes, CDs, and so forth)
with MX-4.
Chapter 13
Advanced Operations
Descriptions of operations used infrequently, but still
of substantial use for mixing video programs.
Appendix A
Transitions List
Complete list of transitions available with MX-4,
along with their assigned code numbers and descrip-
tions.
Appendix B
Time Base Corrector
Explains the time-base corrector feature built into
MX-4.
Appendix C
Video Quality
Discusses issues concerning the level of quality in vid-
eos — that is, what to expect and what you can do to
improve quality.

INTRODUCTION ABOUT THIS USER GUIDE 7
Conventions The User Guide employs the conventions described in this section.
Tips, Notes, Cautions, and Warnings use the following formats.
TIP
A tip provides useful information for doing various tasks and procedures.
NOTE
Notes contain information to supplement the other information contained throughout the guide.
CAUTION
Cautions warn that if you continue with what you are doing there is a danger of losing information.
WARNING
Warnings mean stop what you are doing because there is danger of losing information and,
possibly, damaging your equipment.
MX-4 Buttons When referencing the various buttons (keys) and other controls on the MX-4 keyboard, they
appear in uppercase, boldface characters. For example, the keyboard contains the PLAY button and
T-BAR.
In some cases you use two buttons together to perform a function. This is normally done using the
shift button in combination with some other button. A plus (+) symbol indicates this. For example,
you might be asked to enter SHIFT+PIPS to start MultiPIP mode. This means press and hold down
the SHIFT button, press the PIPS button, then release both.
Sources, Channels,
and Outputs
The terms Source, Channel, and Output appear extensively throughout this guide. It’s important to
understand the differences between them.
A Source is a physical device, such as a VCR, that provides a video and/or audio signal.
A Channel is an internal MX-4 video signal path. The video and/or audio signal originating from a
source travels along one of the channels.
Appendix D
Technical Specifications
MX-4 product specifications.
Appendix E
Help for MXPro Users
Summarizes operational differences between MX-4
and FOCUS Enhancements’s Video Mixers.
Glossary Definitions of terms frequently used in conjunction
with MX-4 and video mixing procedures.
Index Standard index to topics in this manual.
Table 1: User Guide Contents (continued)
CHAPTER DESCRIPTION
SHIFT
PIPs

MX-4 USER GUIDE CHAPTER 1
8
An Output displays or records a mixed signal (such as the video on one channel, a transition, and
the video on another channel) on an output device. The output device might be a recording VCR or
a live broadcast signal.

CHAPTER 2
QUICK START
This chapter contains brief instructions for setting up MX-4 with basic equipment. The
instructions do not go into detail. If you feel comfortable connecting video and audio equip-
ment, you can probably get started quickly using these instructions.
If you are upgrading from the Videonics MXPro, refer to Appendix APPENDIX E, Help for
MXPro Users, for helpful information in setting up your MX-4.
Skim the instructions in this chapter. If you have any questions about any of the steps, turn to
Chapter 3, Installing the MX-4, and follow the detailed instructions for setting up your
equipment.

MX-4 USER GUIDE CHAPTER 2
10
QUICK START STEPS
Setting Up
•Connect a COMPOSITE-type monitor to MX-4’s PREVIEW OUT jack.
•Connect an Input Source (such as a VCR or camcorder) to the MX-4’s S-Video IN 1 jack.
•Connect a second Input Source to the MX-4’s S-Video IN 2 jack.
The MX-4 is set up, by default, to expect S-Video (Y/C) devices to be connected to the IN 1,
IN 2, IN 3, and IN 4 input jacks. If you connect Composite devices to any of your jacks, you
must tell the MX-4 this fact. Refer to “Route” beginning on page 73 after completing the fol-
lowing steps.
•Connect an output device to the OUT jacks on the MX-4 rear panel. This is the device
where you record the program.
Remember, a VCR’s VIDEO IN and AUDIO IN jacks connect to the OUT jacks on the MX-4
rear panel. This is the device from which you record the program.
•Connect a television or monitor to the recording VCR according to their instructions.
Having this monitor available lets you see exactly what is being recorded (or, output).
NOTE
These instructions assume there is a two-monitor setup. If you are using only one monitor, connect
it to PREVIEW OUT.
Preview Monitor
Output Device
Output Monitor
PREVIEW OUT
Input Source Input Source
IN 1 IN 2 OUT 1

QUICK START THE PREVIEW SCREEN 11
•Connect the MX-4 power supply to the power supply jack on the rear panel.
•Connect the MX-4’s power cord to a suitable outlet.
•Turn on all devices (the MX-4 power switch is located on the right end of the unit) and let
the tapes roll.
For more detailed information about setting up your equipment, refer to Chapter 3, Installing the
MX-4.
The Preview Screen
NOTE
In the user interface, the MX-4 provides a small preview with the sources you have connected. The
images are scaled down in size, therefore, don’t play as smoothly as they would in a single-source
video monitor image. This does not affect the quality of the video going to the output — it is always
highest quality. In addition you will be able to view beforehand your source images before running
your transitions. Take advantage of the ability to adjust the Brightness, Color Saturation, Contrast
and Hue while viewing it on your preview screens. Refer to the video adjustment menu section in
Chapter 4 for these adjustments.
The PREVIEW screen contains the elements you need to run transitions:
CURRENT Source — The signal currently playing on your Output monitor. The MX-4 high-
lights the CURRENT source in yellow (just above the preview images).
NEXT Source — The signal that will play on the Output monitor after the transition runs. The
MX-4 highlights the NEXT source in green.
Transitions Menu — Rows and columns of icons representing some of the transitions avail-
able. The MX-4 highlights the currently selected transition in blue. The icons also show the
speed and direction for the selected transition.
Near the upper-right corner of the Preview screen is the color channel. The swatch uses numbers to
indicate the current background color, border color, and border style.
For more detailed information about controlling the content of the Preview screen, see “Using the
Preview Screen” beginning on page 35.
CURRENT Source
NEXT Source
Transitions Menu
Previews
You should see a Preview
screen similar to this on
your Preview monitor.

MX-4 USER GUIDE CHAPTER 2
12
Using the Route
Function
The Route function ensures that the MX-4 understands where your input devices are connected on
the rear panel. If you connect S-Video (Y/C) devices to the IN1, IN2, IN3, and/or IN4 jacks, re-
routing is not necessary. Go on to the next section, “Running the Demo”.
• After starting the MX-4 with all devices connected and turned on, press ROUTE to display the
Route screen.
•Press the LEFT ARROW or the RIGHT ARROW to select the appropriate input S
(S-Video) or V (Composite).
•To route other inputs to different channels, press NEXT/X, where X represents the chan-
nel to which you want to route. Then repeat the preceding step.
•Press ROUTE again to exit from the Route screen.
Running the Demo
The demo gives you a quick look at some of the MX-4’s important features and assortment of tran-
sitions.
•Press the SHIFT+DEMO/DISPLAY buttons at the same time.
You should see the two sources alternating, with a variety of transition effects in between.
•Press any key to stop the demo at any time.

QUICK START CUTTING BETWEEN SOURCES 13
Cutting Between Sources
•Press CUT/A.
The light below the A button comes on and the Output monitor displays the signal from what-
ever device is plugged into the inputs labeled IN 1. The yellow highlight above preview image
A tells you it is the currently active input.
•Press CUT/B.
The light below the B button begins flashing (indicating B is both the CURRENT and NEXT
source) and the Output monitor displays the signal from whatever device is plugged into the
inputs labeled IN 2. The yellow highlight above preview image B tells you it is the currently
active input.
•If you have anything plugged into IN 3 or IN 4, press CUT/Cand CUT/D, respectively, to
display their signals.
Borders and Solid Color Backgrounds
•Press CUT/BACKGROUND.
The MX-4 highlights the speaker, headphone, or color block above the channel indicator, but
does not show the channel letter. The Output monitor shows a solid color screen.
•To change the color, press BG COLOR.
Each time you press the button the color changes in the background color sample and at the
Output. Continue pressing the button until you see a color you like.
•You can also define a border color and style to use at the edge of most transitions and
PIPs. Press BORDER COLOR and the color around the background color sample shows
you the new choice. Press BORDER STYLE to select from different styles for the border.
Setting up a Transition
To set up a transition you need to select the sources you want to use and the transition you want to
use when switching between them. Here’s how to transition from source A to source B using a hor-
izontal wipe.
•Press CUT/Ato set A as the CURRENT source. The MX-4 shows a steadily glowing light
below the CUT button you press.
•Press NEXT/Bto set B as the NEXT source (the one you want to see after the transition
finishes running). The LED light above the button you press flashes to indicate it is the
NEXT source.
•Use the ARROW keys to highlight the Wipe transition in the Transitions Menu, as shown
in the following example.
When you press a CUT button, the
small light below the button glows
steadily to indicate it is the CURRENT
source.
When you press a NEXT button, the
small light above the button blinks to
indicate it is the NEXT source.

MX-4 USER GUIDE CHAPTER 2
14
Use the LEFT and RIGHT ARROWS to move the selection horizontally. Use the UP and DOWN
ARROWS to move the selection vertically: or, press 2then OK to select the transition by num-
ber.
The MX-4 transitions between the two sources using the horizontal wipe transition with the Output
screen showing the results.
Running Transitions
You can run transitions automatically or manually.
Automatic
Transitions
•Press PLAY.The MX-4 runs the transition at a pre-determined speed.
The MX-4 transitions between the two sources using the horizontal wipe transition with the
Output screen showing the results.
At the end of the wipe, B is on the OUTPUT monitor — it has become the CURRENT source. The
yellow highlight above the preview images has changed to reflect that. Furthermore, A is now the
NEXT source and the green highlight has been changed to A.
•To wipe back and forth between sources A and B, press PLAY repeatedly.
•To change the speed at which a transition runs, press the SPEED button. The Speed indi-
cator under the transition icon changes.
•Press the button again until the desired speed appears. 0 is the slowest speed, 9 is the fast-
est.
•Try this with various speeds: Change the speed and press PLAY.
Manual
Transitions
Use the TAKE BAR to run transitions and control their speed and direction.
•Set up the transition as you would normally. However, instead of pressing PLAY, simply move
the T-BAR.
The transition begins running as soon as you move the T-BAR. You can even move back and
forth by moving the T-BAR in different directions. Give it a try!
Using CUT Transitions
Most video productions use simple cuts a majority of the time. To cut between any two sources (for
example, you could cut from A to C to BACKGROUND to D), use the CUT buttons.
There’s a quick way to cut back and forth between two sources using just the PLAY button, instead
of having to alternate between two CUT buttons:
•Press 0 and then OK to select transition 0, a simple cut.
•Press PLAY again and again.
•A solid color screen can be used as if it were a separate source. Press the NEXT/BACKGROUND
button and run any transition, or press CUT/BACKGROUND.
Selected Transition
Speed

QUICK START CHOOSING T RANSITIONS 15
Choosing Transitions
The Preview screen contains the Transitions Menu. This menu contains icons and other informa-
tion for all MX-4 transitions. A blue highlight indicates the transition selected for the next transi-
tion.
•Select Transitions in the following ways:
ARROW keys – Simply use the arrow keys to highlight the desired transition.
NUMBER keys – The MX-4 assigns a unique number to every transition. The number appears
below the transition icon on the PREVIEW screen (in the following example, the checker-
board transition is number 29). You can use the number to select a transition. (When you
select/highlight a transition in the menu, the MX-4 shows the transition’s speed and direction.
At this point, the transition number is no longer visible.)
•Enter 106 using the number keys (press 1, then 0, then 6), then press OK to highlight the tran-
sition icon.
The MX-4 replaces the current Transitions Menu and shows the one that contains the transition
you selected.
•Press PLAY.
Using Transition Categories
The MX-4 categorizes transitions into five major groups — User, Basic, Edges, Shapes, and
Misc. You can access any category at any time by pressing one of the Transition Category buttons.
When you press one of the buttons, the content of the Transitions Menu (see “The Preview Screen”
on page 11) changes.
•Press the MISC.button. The Transitions Menu display a completely different set of transi-
tion icons.
•Use the ARROW keys to highlight a transition you’d like to see run.
•Press PLAY or use the T-BAR to run the transition.
The USER transition category is slightly different from the others. It originally contains a default
set of transitions, each of which also exists in the other categories. You can “tailor” the content of
the USER category to your specific needs and preferences. You’ll learn more about this in later
chapters.
Other Features
Refer to the rest of this User Guide to learn about the many additional MX-4 features, including:
•Using the DEMO/DISPLAY button to change the content of the Preview screen.
Transition Number 29

MX-4 USER GUIDE CHAPTER 2
16
• Freeze the picture, and compress it.
• Separately control the sound.
• Apply input effects, such as mosaic, paint (posterization), negative, and more.
• Use chromakey to combine parts of one picture with parts of another.
• Compose your own pictures, made up of several stills, color rectangles, and a moving picture.
• Rearrange the inputs so A, B, C, and D, and their audio channels come from different rear
panel jacks.
• Memorize a sequence of transitions and play them back.