MagicBox VIP User manual

V
VI IP P
V
Vi id de eo o I In nf fo or rm ma at ti io on n P Pl la ay ye er r
by
MagicBox
User Manual v1.65
Copyright © 2005MagicBox, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
®

T
Ta ab bl le e o of f C Co on nt te en nt ts s
Introduction...................................................................................................................1
Hardware........................................................................................................... 1
Software ............................................................................................................. 2
About This Manual........................................................................................... 2
Customer Support ............................................................................................ 3
Bugs .................................................................................................................... 3
Copyright and Use............................................................................................ 4
Credits ................................................................................................................ 5
Warranty ............................................................................................................ 6
Software License ............................................................................................... 7
FCC Statement................................................................................................... 8
Important Safety Instructions.......................................................................... 9
HardwareSetup.........................................................................................................11
Box Contents.................................................................................................... 11
Find a Suitable Location................................................................................. 12
Connections ..................................................................................................... 12
Select a Television Standard.......................................................................... 13
Connect a Monitor .......................................................................................... 13
Connect the Ethernet Adapter VIP “Express” Models Only ....................... 14
Connect the Power.......................................................................................... 15
Test the Demo Disk......................................................................................... 15
Configure the VIP Unit .................................................................................. 16
Set the Date............................................................................................... 16
Set the Time .............................................................................................. 17
Exit the Setup Screen............................................................................... 18

VIPUnitReference...................................................................................................19
Player Unit Capabilities .................................................................................19
Floppy Disk Playback.............................................................................. 19
Serial Transfer...........................................................................................19
Modem Transfer....................................................................................... 20
Ethernet Networking............................................................................... 20
Important Considerations.............................................................................. 21
Using the Remote Control.............................................................................. 23
Remote Control Buttons................................................................................. 23
Power - ................................................................................................... 23
Play - ...................................................................................................... 23
Arrows - ..................................................................................... 24
Select - .................................................................................................... 24
Menu - .................................................................................................... 24
Opt 1, Opt 2, Tag, Esc - ............................................................. 24
Starting the Unit .............................................................................................. 24
The Main Menu Screen................................................................................... 25
Load Pictures From VIP Disk................................................................. 25
Enter Setup Screen ................................................................................... 26
Loading a Project............................................................................................. 26
The Gallery Screen .......................................................................................... 27
The Setup Menu .............................................................................................. 28
Preferences................................................................................................ 28
Time / Date............................................................................................... 30
Setting the Date ........................................................................................ 30
Setting the Time........................................................................................31
Version....................................................................................................... 31
Reset........................................................................................................... 32
Upgrade..................................................................................................... 32
Password................................................................................................... 32
Network Setup ......................................................................................... 32
Select a Network Adapter Type...................................................... 33
Set the Network Address.................................................................34
Set the Subnet Mask.......................................................................... 34
Set the Gateway................................................................................. 35
The “Domain” Menu........................................................................ 35
Verifying the Network Setup ................................................................. 35
Updating the Unit’s Software........................................................................ 36

VIPComposerInstallation..................................................................................39
Requirements................................................................................................... 39
Starting Setup… .............................................................................................. 39
Using Setup...................................................................................................... 40
Typical....................................................................................................... 42
Compact .................................................................................................... 42
Custom ...................................................................................................... 42
VIPComposerConfiguration.............................................................................45
Launching VIP Composer ............................................................................. 45
The Setup Menu.............................................................................................. 46
The “Preferences” Tab............................................................................. 46
The “Sites” Tab......................................................................................... 46
“Floppy” Sites ................................................................................... 48
“Serial” Sites...................................................................................... 48
“Modem” Sites.................................................................................. 49
“Network” Sites................................................................................ 49
Completing Site Setup............................................................................. 50
VIPComposerTutorial...........................................................................................51
Launching VIP Composer ............................................................................. 51
The Tutorial Disk ............................................................................................ 52
Opening the Tutorial Project ......................................................................... 53
The Project Editor ........................................................................................... 55
Selecting a Page............................................................................................... 55
The Page Editor............................................................................................... 57
The Tool Palette and Tool Bar................................................................ 57
The Safe Text Area Guides ..................................................................... 58
Changing the Background............................................................................. 59
Changing the Text........................................................................................... 63
Page Properties................................................................................................ 68
General ...................................................................................................... 69
Description ........................................................................................ 69
Dwell Time ........................................................................................ 70
Transition Style ................................................................................. 70
Transition Speed............................................................................... 70
Output Quality.................................................................................. 71
Time Domain............................................................................................ 72
Starting Date / Ending Date ........................................................... 72
Starting Time / Ending Time.......................................................... 73

Day of Week ...................................................................................... 73
Full Example...................................................................................... 73
Project Properties ............................................................................................ 74
Author / Company / Notes................................................................... 75
Version / Created By............................................................................... 75
Default Dwell............................................................................................75
Reordering Pages ............................................................................................ 78
Saving Your Work...........................................................................................80
More Time Domain Examples....................................................................... 80
Publishing to a VIP Unit................................................................................. 83
Creating Your Own Project............................................................................ 86
Linked Pages.................................................................................................... 89
More About Publishing.................................................................................. 91
Publishing to a Single Site....................................................................... 91
Publishing to Multiple Sites.................................................................... 92
Project Selection ....................................................................................... 93
Publishing Progress ................................................................................. 93
Floppy................................................................................................. 94
Serial ................................................................................................... 95
Modem ............................................................................................... 95
Network ............................................................................................. 96
Status Report............................................................................................. 96
Frequently Asked Questions…………………………………………………..106

VIP User Manual 1
I
In nt tr ro od du uc ct ti io on n
The VIP (Video Information Player) system allows you to create slides on
your PC with graphics and text which can then be played back on a
video monitor using the VIP unit.
A variety of applications can be served by a VIP, including advertising,
announcements, schedules, point of sale displays, and more. Use the
VIP wherever you have one or more monitors that need to display
messages in the form of still images.
Hardware
The VIP unit is a dedicated video slide player in a small set-top style
package. It features high quality output, low power consumption, few
moving parts, quiet operation, and an easy to use interface with an
infrared remote control. VIP playback units come in four versions:
Model Name Capacity (Approx.) Ethernet Bundled PC Software
VIP1 VIP Base 30 Images via Disk No VIP Composer
50 Images via Serial
50 Images via Modem * (See Note)
VIP2 VIP Express 30 Images via Disk Yes VIP Composer Express
50 Images via Serial
50 Images via Modem
50 Images via Network
VIP3 VIP Plus 30 Images via Disk No VIP Composer Express
150 Images via Serial
150 Images via Modem
VIP4 VIP Plus Express 30 Images via Disk Yes VIP Composer Express
150 Images via Serial
150 Images via Modem
150 Images via Network
* To use a VIP1’s modem capabilities, an upgrade to VIP Composer Express is required.

2 VIP User Manual
Software
Each VIP unit comes with a version of MagicBox’s “VIP Composer
Professional” software. This software can be installed onto a Windows
(95, 98, NT, 2000, or XP) computer allowing you to place text messages
over graphical backgrounds.
The backgrounds can come from many sources, including other
Windows applications, your own scanned photos or digital camera
images, the MagicBox background library, and more. You can copy and
paste text directly into “VIP Composer” from other programs such as
Microsoft Word, Corel Word Perfect, Netscape, etc.
AboutThisManual
This manual is organized as a reference. Every menu and feature of the
VIP hardware is described in the order it appears on the program menus.
A tutorial section is also provided to familiarize new users with the basic
functions of the hardware and getting started with VIP Composer.
You should skim through this manual once before setting up your unit
or installing your software in order to get an overview of how the VIP
works. Then, read through each chapter, especially the tutorial,
following the examples given. If you need quick reference to particular
features, you will find each feature listed in the table of contents.
Throughout the manual, tips and important items will be highlighted in
the following manner:

Text in this style of box represents a helpful tip or
important concept in using the VIP system.
⌧
Text in this style of box describes very important
information to prevent loss of data or damage to your
system.

VIP User Manual 3
CustomerSupport
Should you have any questions about installing or using your MagicBox
VIP system, please call our technical support line at 541-752-5542, send a
fax to 541-752-5614, or write to:
MagicBox, Inc.
1600 SW Western, Suite 130
Corvallis, OR 97333
You can also send email to:
[email protected]
Your email inquiries will be answered within one business day, usually
the same day. Email is also the best way to communicate with us after
hours or on weekends. You may also visit our web site:
http://www.magicboxinc.com
Bugs
It is said that Murphy was an optimist only because he never had to use
a computer. Even the best-tested systems have unexpected problems.
We are dedicated to offering high-quality, bug-free products.
If you should encounter any unusual difficulties, please try to note the
circumstances under which the problem occurred. Try to duplicate the
results, if possible. These steps will help us to better isolate and solve the
problem. Please contact us right away when you find a bug – if we don’t
hear about it, we can’t fix it.

4 VIP User Manual
CopyrightandUse
This manual and the software described herein are copyrighted with all
rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, neither this manual nor the
software may be copied, in whole or in part, without the written
permission of MagicBox, Inc.
MagicBox®, VIP™, and VIP Composer™ are trademarks of MagicBox,
Inc. Other terms, including TrueType, InstallShield, Windows, JPEG,
etc., are trademarks of their respective manufacturers.
The software in the VIP player unit was jointly developed. Portions of
the software are copyrighted by Avicor, Inc., and other portions by
MagicBox, Inc.
The backgrounds and fonts present on the VIP CD-ROM are copyrighted
by their original distributors and are present under a special
arrangement with MagicBox, Inc. These images and fonts are provided
for use in commercial and educational video production, broadcast,
cablecast, and closed-circuit applications. The image files may not be
redistributed in other media, including print; nor may the original image
files be translated into other formats for other platforms. The fonts may
be used by a single user by any application which supports them.
These companies are the original copyright holders of the images and
fonts included on the VIP CD-ROM. Written permission from the
copyright holder is required for uses of images and fonts in media or
applications other than those mentioned above.
Dimension Technologies, Inc. 100 Sample Backgrounds
4612 NE 20th Avenue
Ocala, FL 34479

VIP User Manual 5
Credits
Executive Producer:
Tom Searcy
Project Director:
Bob Richardson
Production Manager:
Karl Frederick
VIP Composer Software:
Karl Ott
VIP Player Development:
Gavin Bradshaw
Brian Larsen
Bryan Silbermann
Special Thanks:
Garrett Andres
Scott Bowman
Anne Davies
Ramona Perry-Campbell

6 VIP User Manual
Warranty
The VIP player unit hardware is warranted against defects in parts and
labor for a period of one year from the date of purchase. This warranty
does not apply to damage caused by misuse or external forces such as
power fluctuations, extreme temperatures, exposure to excessive
moisture, or other acts of nature.
The CD-ROM and floppy disks are warranted to be free from media
defects for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover shipping and handling charges for
replacement components or merchandise.

VIP User Manual 7
SoftwareLicense
SOFTWARE PROGRAM LICENSE AGREEMENT
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
COPYRIGHT
This manual and software described herein are copyrighted with all rights reserved. Under the copyright laws,
neither this manual nor the software may be copied, in whole or in part, without the written permission of
MagicBox, Inc.
DISCLAIMER
The software is licensed and delivered on an "as is" basis. Except for the express warranty set forth below,
MagicBox, Inc. makes no other warranties, either expressed or implied, by statute or otherwise, regarding the
enclosed computer software product, its quality, its performance, its merchantability, or its fitness for any
particular purpose. The entire risk as to the results and performance of any program is assumed by you. Should
the program prove defective, you (and not MagicBox, Inc. or its dealers) assume the entire cost of all necessary
servicing, repair, or correction. Further, MagicBox, Inc. does not warrant, guarantee or make any representations
regarding the terms of corrections, accuracy, reliability, currentness, or otherwise; and you rely on the program
and results solely at your own risk.
LIMITED WARRANTY
MagicBox, Inc. warrants that the disks on which this software is recorded are free from defects in material and
workmanship, under normal use for 90 (ninety) days after the date of original purchase. If a defect occurs during
the 90-day period, you may return the disks to MagicBox, Inc. for a free replacement. The remedy for breach of this
warranty shall be limited to replacement and shall not encompass any other damages, including but not limited to
loss of profit, and special, incidental, or other similar claims.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
MagicBox Inc.'s liability is limited solely to the repair or replacement of the defective product, in its sole discretion,
and shall not in any event include damages for loss of use or loss of anticipated profits or benefits or other
incidental or consequential costs, expenses, or damages, including without limitation any data or information
which may be lost or rendered inaccurate, even if MagicBox, Inc. has been advised of the possibility of such
damages. Some states do not allow a limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
LICENSE RESTRICTIONS
The licensed software and all associated documentation, and all proprietary and intellectual property rights
therein, are and shall remain the exclusive property of MagicBox Inc. Licensee agrees not to (a) modify, adapt,
alter, translate, or create derivative works from the licensed software or associated documentation, except as
expressly permitted; (b) reverse engineer, de-compile, dissemble or un-assemble in any way the licensed software;
or (c) distribute or disclose to others the licensed software or associated documentation.
MISCELLANEOUS
This agreement represents the entire understanding regarding the programs and related documentation and
supersedes any prior purchase order, communications, or representations. MagicBox, Inc. products and services
are interoperable only with specific 3rd party products and services, the definition of which is reserved solely and
without limitation at MagicBox, Inc.’s discretion, and may be changed without notice at any time. Contact
MagicBox Inc. for a list of approved 3rd party vendor products, services and/or limitations. This agreement may
only be modified by an officer of MagicBox, Inc. If any provision of the agreement shall be deemed unlawful, void,
or for any reason unenforceable, it shall be deemed severable from, and shall in no way affect the validity and
enforceability of the remaining provisions of the agreement.
This license agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of Oregon.

8 VIP User Manual
FCCStatement
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC Statement)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed in
accordance with the instructions in this manual, harmful interference to radio communication may occur.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause interference to radio and television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the space between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from the one to which
the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional
suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission
helpful: “How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems”. This booklet is available from the U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 by ordering Stock No. 004-00000345-4.
WARNING:
A shielded-type power cord is required in order to meet the FCC emission limits and also to prevent interference to
the nearby radio and television reception. It is essential that only the supplied power cord be used. Use only
shielded cables to connect I/O devices to this equipment.
Canadian Doc Notice
For Class B Computing Devices
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out
in the Radio Interference Regulation of the Canadian Department of Communications. “Le présent appareil
numérique n’èmet pas de bruits radioélectroniques dépassant les limites applicable aux apparils numéeriques de las
class B prescrites dan le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministrère des Communications
du Canada.”

VIP User Manual 9
ImportantSafetyInstructions
⌧
The following instructions describe how to prevent
physical injury to yourself or others, as well as how to
prevent damage to the unit. Read these instructions
thoroughly before attempting to setup or install your unit.
1. Please read these instructions thoroughly.
2. Please keep this guide for future use.
3. Please disconnect the device from the main supply before cleaning.
Do not use any liquid or aerosol spray cleaners.
4. To avoid damage of the device, you should only use accessory parts
permitted by the manufacturer.
5. The device must be protected against moisture.
6. To setup the device, it must be put in a stable horizontal position.
Tipping it over or dropping it may cause injuries. Only use safe setup
locations and follow the setup instructions of the manufacturer.
7. The ventilation openings are used for air circulation which protect the
device against overheating. Do not block the ventilation openings.
8. To connect the device, follow the connected load values of the main
supply.
9. Due to electrical safety, the wall socket must be equipped with a non-
fused grounded conductor contact.
10. The power cable must be positioned in a way that nobody may trip
over it. There should be nothing resting on the cable.
11. All instructions and warning remarks on the device must be
followed.
12. If the device will not be used for a long time period, you should
disconnect it.
13. Any objects or liquids should never enter the device via its openings.
This could cause a fire or an electric shock.

10 VIPUserManual
14. Do not open the device unless instructed to do so by authorized
customer service personnel.
15. If the following conditions occur, the device must be disconnected
from the main power, and it must be checked by a qualified service
center:
A. Power cable or power plug are damaged.
B. Liquid has entered the device.
C. The device was exposed to moisture.
D. When the device does not operate according to the manual, or
you do not achieve any improvement with the aid of the manual.
E. The device has been dropped and/or the casing is damaged.
F. The device gives off excessive heat or a burning smell.
G. When the device shows obvious signs of a defect.
16. For repair, only original spare parts or parts in accordance with the
original specifications may be used. Use of unsuitable parts can cause
more damage and may void your warranty.
17. Please turn to the manufacturer for all questions concerning service
and repair.
18. The power outlet must be installed near the equipment and must be
easily accessible.

VIP User Manual 11
H
Ha ar rd dw wa ar re e S Se et tu up p
BoxContents
Before you begin setup of your VIP unit, make sure that the following
components are included in the original packaging:
__ VIP Main System Unit
__ Remote Control
__ Power Cord
__ Ethernet Adapter (“Express” Models Only)
__ Ethernet Adapter Power Supply (“Express” Models Only)
__ Batteries for Remote Control (3x)
__ RCA to BNC Adapter Plug
__ RCA Video Cable
__ S-Video Cable
__ Software Installation CD
__ This User Manual
__ Demo Floppy Disk
__ Project Transfer Floppy Disks (2x)
__ Tutorial Floppy Disk
__ Warranty/Registration Card
Be sure to fill out and send in your registration card
right away. We must have your registration card on
file to be able to provide support (except for initial
setup support) and product updates.

12 VIPUserManual
FindaSuitableLocation
The VIP unit should be placed on a stable, flat, level surface. Ensure that
the unit is not in a place where it may be easily knocked over, have its
cords tripped over, or have liquids spilled into it. The VIP unit warranty
does not cover damage caused by accidents or misuse.
An optional rack-mounting kit is available for professional/industrial
installations. If you have this kit, follow the instructions included with
the kit before hooking up cables to your VIP unit.
Connections
Most of the VIP’s connections are found on the rear panel, shown below.
In addition, a serial port is located on the front of the unit, behind a flip-
up plastic cover.
If you intend to use the serial port, you must use a VIP Serial Cable from
MagicBox, Inc. Use of other cables which may seem to fit, such as
Macintosh serial cables or S-Video cables, could damage the VIP unit.
Such damage is not covered by warranty.
VIP Rear Panel Diagram
The connectors, from left to right, are “Printer”, “VGA”, “S-Video”,
“Video”, “Audio L&R”, and “Power”. The Printer port is used to
connect the Ethernet adapter on VIP Express models. The Audio ports
are for future expansion and are not currently used.
⌧
Ensure that the VIP unit’s power cord is unplugged
before adding or changing any other connections.
Connecting cables while the power is applied may cause
damage to your VIP unit. Such damage is not covered
by warranty.

VIP User Manual 13
SelectaTelevisionStandard
Different parts of the world use different television standards. The
standard used in most of North America is called “NTSC”. The standard
used in many European countries is called “PAL”.
On the back of the VIP unit is a switch labeled “NTSC / PAL” – ensure
that this switch is set to the standard used at your location.
ConnectaMonitor
The VIP unit supports several different types of display devices as
shown below:
The “VGA” port supports any PC-style RGB monitor. The “S-Video”
port supports professional video monitors with multi-pin inputs labeled
“S-Video”, “S-VHS”, or “Y/C”. The “Video” port outputs standard
composite video which may be connected to a video monitor or a
television with “A/V” or “Aux” inputs.

Only one output connector may be used at a time. The
VIP automatically detects which connector is hooked
up to a monitor when the VIP is first turned on. If you
have a blank screen, it might be because the monitor
was connected after the VIP was already on. Turn the
VIP power off and back on using the remote control to
correct the problem.

14 VIPUserManual
ConnecttheEthernetAdapter
VIP“Express”ModelsOnly
VIP Express models include an Ethernet networking adapter. There are
two varieties of Ethernet adapters, “Silicom” style and “Xircom” style.
Compare the adapter supplied with your unit with the photos below to
determine which type you have.
“Silicom” Ethernet Adapter and Power Supply
“Xircom” Ethernet Adapter and Power Supply
With the power cable disconnected from the VIP unit, connect the
adapter to the “Parallel” port on the rear of the VIP, tightening the
screws for a secure connection. Then, connect the Ethernet adapter’s
power supply and your network cable. (Contact your network
administrator to help you identify your network’s cable connection if
necessary.)
