PRG MBOX 2016 User manual

MBOX®2016 DUAL OUTPUT
MEDIA SERVER
HARDWARE MANUAL (rev. A)
2016 DUAL OUTPUT
HARDWARE
WWW.PRG.COM

AutoPar®, Bad Boy®, Best Boy®, Followspot Controller™, Mbox®, Mini Node™, Nocturne®, Series 400®, ReNEW®, Super Node™, UV Bullet™,
V476®, V676®, Virtuoso®, and White Light Bullet™, are trademarks of Production Resource Group, LLC, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Mac®, QuickTime® and FireWire® are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
All other brand names which may be mentioned in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
This manual is for informational use only and is subject to change without notice. Please check www.prg.com for the latest version. PRG assumes no
responsibility or liability for any claims resulting from errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual.
Mbox® 2016 Dual Output Hardware Manual
Version as of: September 20, 2017 rev A
PRG part number: 02.9800.0006.40
Production Resource Group
Dallas Ofce
8617 Ambassador Row, Suite 120
Dallas, Texas 75247
www.prg.com
Mbox® 2016 Dual Output Hardware Manual
©2017 Production Resource Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

iii
MBOX® 2016 DUAL OUTPUT HARDWARE MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1. Hardware
Hardware Components
Mbox 2016 Dual Output Case Assembly ..................................................................................................................... 4
Dual I/O Module ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
Sonnet xMac Pro .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Mac Pro Computer ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB/Audio Interface ............................................................................................................... 10
Hardware Setup
Basic Setup and Connections .................................................................................................................................... 11
Connecting the Stage Output .................................................................................................................................... 12
Networking Multiple Mbox Servers ............................................................................................................................ 12
Power-Up Procedure .................................................................................................................................................. 12
Chapter 2. Dual I/O Module
Operation Overview
Function ...................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Connected Display Devices and EDID
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Switching Between Standard EDID or Capturing EDID ............................................................................................. 17
Possible Issues with EDID and the I/O Module .......................................................................................................... 19
Frequency Selection .................................................................................................................................................. 21
SDI Output
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Conguration .............................................................................................................................................................. 21
Genlock (Generator Lock)
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Genlock and the Dual I/O Module .............................................................................................................................. 23
DMX and Ethernet
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................... 25
DMX ............................................................................................................................................................................ 25
Ethernet ...................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Chapter 3. Capture card
Operation Overview
Function ...................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Input ........................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Output ........................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Chapter 4. USB/Audio Interface
Operation Overview
Function ...................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Input ........................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Output ........................................................................................................................................................................ 33

iv MBOX® 2016 DUAL OUTPUT HARDWARE MANUAL
Appendix A. Maintenance
Routine Maintenance
Cleaning or Replacing the Air Filter ............................................................................................................................ 36
Removing the Computer ............................................................................................................................................ 37
Removing the PCIe Card Cage .................................................................................................................................. 38
PCIe cards
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Replacing PCIe Cards ................................................................................................................................................ 39
Additional Peripherals
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Appendix B. Intra-rack Connections
Intra-rack Connections
Diagrams .................................................................................................................................................................... 42

v
MBOX® 2016 DUAL OUTPUT HARDWARE MANUAL
REVISION HISTORY
This manual has been revised as follows:
Version Release Date Notes
revA September 20, 2017 Initial Release

1
MBOX® 2016 DUAL OUTPUT HARDWARE MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
About This Guide
This user manual provides necessary information regarding the operation of the Mbox 2016 Dual Output hardware.
This guide is provided to explain the features in the hardware in detail. This manual is written to cover the use of
latest Mbox rental hardware. Mbox software operation is covered in a separate manual.
Important Note About Control
The Mbox 2016 Dual Output hardware is designed to work with either the Mbox Director software or moving-light
consoles. There is a new version of the Mbox Director software (v4) required to control the Mbox v4 software. Mbox
v4 will work with any moving-light console that can have a compatible prole, including: PRG V676®, V476®, and
V276 consoles, MA Lighting grandMA1 and 2 consoles, High End Systems Hog® 4 series consoles, Jands Vista,
Compulite Vector, ETC EOS and Ion consoles, and Martin M-Series consoles.
Additional Documentation
For more information about DMX512 and sACN protocols, refer to the following documents available from the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) at www.ansi.org:
+ ANSI E1.11 - 2008 (R2013): Entertainment Technology - USITT DMX512-A, Asynchronous Serial Digital Data
Transmission Standard for Controlling Lighting Equipment and Accessories
+ ANSI E1.31 - 2009: Entertainment Technology - Lightweight streaming protocol for transport of DMX512 using
ACN
The above documents are also available in electronic format free for PLASA members at www.plasa.org
For more information about Art-Net, refer to the following document available from Artistic Licence Engineering at
www.artisticlicence.com:
+ Specication for the Art-Net Ethernet Protocol
Customer Service
For technical assistance, contact the nearest PRG ofce. Contact information for all PRG ofces can be found on
our website at: www.prg.com
For Mbox support, please contact: [e-mail]
For additional resources and documentation, please visit our website at: www.prg.com

2MBOX® 2016 DUAL OUTPUT HARDWARE MANUAL
Notes

1.
HARDWARE
This chapter provides an overview of the Mbox 2016 Dual Output hardware and its setup
+HARDWARE COMPONENTS
+HARDWARE SETUP
1.

4MBOX® 2016 DUAL OUTPUT HARDWARE MANUAL
HARDWARE COMPONENTS
Mbox 2016 Dual Output Case Assembly
The following illustrations show the main case components for the Mbox 2016 Dual Output hardware:
1 - Refer to “Dual I/O Module” on page 5.
2 - Refer to “Sonnet xMac Pro” on page 7.
3 - Refer to “Mac Pro Computer” on page 9.
4 - Refer to “Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB/Audio Interface” on page 10.
R IG H TLE FT
BAL AN C E D
AUDI O OUT
LINE INST LINE INST OFF ON
DIRECT
MONITOR
48V
GAIN
010
GAIN
010
MONITOR
010
1 2
scarlett 2i2
2 3 41
V ID E O I NP U T
S T A G E B L A C K OUT
PR E V IE W 1
TM
DMX E T HE R N E T
INP U T 2
INP U T 1
RDM Tx
RDM Rx
DMX R x
PO R T 1 PO R T 2
PO W E R
B
A
Tx
Rx
CO MP UTE R
LINK
E DID CA P T U R E
OUT P UT 1
S DI 1
AB
GE N L O C K 1
OUT
IN
PR E V IE W DIM AC T I V E US B
DVI 1
VG A 1
E DID CA P T U R ES T A G E B L A C K OUT PR E V IE W DIM AC T I V E US B
S DI 2 GE NL O C K 2
DVI 2 P R E VIE W 2
VG A 2
ABIN OUT
OUT P UT 2
Dual I/O Module
HDMI
E NE T A EN E T B
DV I 1 DV I 2
100-240V. 50-60Hz
1
2
3
234 1
LE F TR IG H T
LIN E O UT P UT S
USB
LE F TR IG H T
FAULT
SITE WIRING
SENSIBILITY OUTPUT: 120V 50/60 Hz
INPUT
RESET
PUSH TO
PROTECTOR
OVERLOAD
USB PORT
UPS Power Unit Dual I/O Module1
Mac Pro
Computer3
UPS Power Unit
Ethernet, RAID, and
Capture Cards
Mac Pro
Computer3
Sonnet xMac Pro2
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
USB/Audio Interface4
Ethernet, USB, and
DVI Connections
FRONT VIEW REAR VIEW

5
MBOX® 2016 DUAL OUTPUT HARDWARE MANUAL
Dual I/O Module
Function
The function of the Dual I/O module is to provide video conversion, nal dimming of the video signal, and to send EDID
information to the Mac computer. The module also handles DMX512, sACN, and Art-Net input for the computer.
The module functions as a “dual” unit since it provides two independent output sections. These sections are noted in
the drawing below as “Server Output 1” and “Server Output 2.” While the two sections use identical hardware, because
they are independent, they must be congured separately.
Note: This section is intended to be an overview of the Dual I/O module components. For more information regarding
module operation, refer to “Chapter 2: Dual I/O Module”.
Front Panel Components
+Stage Outputs - The module provides three (3) stage outputs: VGA, DVI, and HD-SDI. The intensity level of these
stage outputs can be mastered by the Mbox software’s Global Master Intensity parameter. The stage outputs are
automatically blacked out when the Mbox application is not running or is in window mode.
+Stage Blackout Switch - When this switch is set to “Yes,” the stage outputs will be blacked out.
+Preview Dim Switch - When this switch is set to “Yes,” the preview outputs will have the same dimming state as the
stage outputs.
+EDID Spoof/Capture Switch - The right-hand switch controls the EDID spoof/capture functions of the I/O module.
This switch is used when switching between the built-in EDID sets and when capturing EDID from any EDID
(Extended Display Identication Data) compliant device.
+Preview Outputs - The module provides two (2) preview outputs: DVI and HD-SDI. The preview outputs are for local
monitors and are not affected by the hardware dimmer in the Dual I/O module (controlled by the intensity channel on
the Master xture).
+EDID Capture - Genlock In/Out - The Genlock connectors are used with the Generator Lock function, which can
be used to sync the graphics card in the computer to a reference signal. Genlock Input and Output connectors are
provided on both output sections. Normally, only the top pair of genlock connectors are active.
Note: The Genlock Out connector is not a passthrough. The output should only be used if an Mbox server is the source
for the reference signal. Do not use the Genlock Out connector to daisy-chain genlock between servers!
O UT P U T 2
T M
B
A
Tx
R x
L INK
E T HE R NE T
IN P UT 2 P O R T 1 P O R T 2
P O W E R
C O MP U T E R
Dual I/O Module
DMX
IN P UT 1
R D M Tx
R DM R x
DMX R x
ABOUT IN
US B
ABIN O UT
P R E V IE W 1
O UT P U T 1
S DI 1 G E N L OC K 1
DV I 1
V G A 1
E D ID C A P T UR E
S T AG E B L A C K OU T P R E VIE W DIM A C T I V E
S DI 2 G E N L OC K 2
DV I 2 P R E V IE W 2
V G A 2
S T AG E B L A CK OU T E D ID C A P T UR E P R E VIE W DIM A C T I V E U S B
DVI
Stage
Output
Ethernet (Art-Net/
sACN) Connectors
Server Output 2
VGA
Stage
Output
DVI
Preview
Output
Server Output 1
HD-SDI
Preview
Output
HD-SDI
Stage
Output
Genlock
Input/Output*
DMX Inputs
Preview
Dim Switch
Stage
Blackout
Switch
EDID
Capture
Switch
Active LED
Indicator
USB LED
Indicator

6MBOX® 2016 DUAL OUTPUT HARDWARE MANUAL
+DMX Input - The DMX512 XLR connectors are used to receive DMX512 data from an external console or other
controller. Electronics in the I/O Module automatically convert DMX input on these connectors to Art-Net that is then
broadcast via the Ethernet connectors on the I/O Module. The left-hand DMX512 input will be converted to Art-Net
universe 0, while the right-hand DMX512 input will be converted to Art-Net universe 1.
Note: DMX512 cables only carry one universe of data, and the minimum number of universes that the Mbox v4 Designer
software requires is two. When using more than twelve layers or more than four Output Masters, the software requires
three or more universes for control. In such cases, Art-Net or sACN should be used for control, rather than DMX.
+Ethernet - The I/O Module has a built in 10/100 Ethernet switch that places all four of its Ethernet connections onto
the same physical network. Due to the speed of this switch, the two Ethernet connectors on the front panel should
normally be used only for sACN or Art-Net input from a control console. The two Ethernet connectors can be used
to daisy-chain Art-Net or sACN signal to more than one Mbox server. With one connector acting as the “in” and the
other acting as the “through.”
Note: If the I/O Module is receiving DMX512 data, then Ethernet cables would not normally be connected between
either of the Ethernet connectors on the front of the I/O Module and another Mbox server.
Rear Panel Components
+AC Input - The I/O Module uses a Neutrik PowerCON connector for power.
+Ethernet - These connectors allow Art-Net/sACN data to pass from either of the Ethernet connectors on the front
of the I/O Module to the Mac Pro computer. Normally, only The “Ethernet A” connector will have an Ethernet cable
connected to it.
+USB - These connectors allow for control of the I/O Module by the Mac Pro computer. Both connectors must have
a USB cable connected to them.
+DVI Input - These connectors receive DVI signals from the Mac Pro computer. Both connectors must have a DVI
cable connected to them.
+Video Sync - These connectors allow video sync signals to pass from the I/O Module to the Genlock Controller on
the rear of the Sonnet xMac unit. Normally, only the top connector will have a sync cable connected to it.
1A MA X
10 0 -24 0 V A C
50 / 60 H z
A C I N
E T HE R NE T A E T HE R NE T B
DV I I N 1
DV I I N 2
US B 1
US B 2
V ID E O S Y N C 1
V ID E O S Y N C 2
USB
Connectors
(1 & 2)
AC Input Connector DVI Inputs
(1 & 2)
Video Sync
Connectors
(1 & 2)
Ethernet (Art-Net/sACN)
Connectors (A & B)

7
MBOX® 2016 DUAL OUTPUT HARDWARE MANUAL
Sonnet xMac Pro
Function
The Mbox 2016 Dual Output hardware includes a Sonnet xMac Pro unit. This unit’s primary function is to hold the Mac
Pro computer and three PCIe cards. The xMac Pro provides a Thunderbolt to PCIe bridge between the Mac Pro and the
PCIe cards. The xMac Pro unit also houses the four video input connectors.
Front Panel Components
+Power Switch - This switch is used to power up the Mac Pro computer, which in turn powers up the PCIe card cage.
+Power Indicator - This blue LED illuminates to indicate that the PCIe card cage has powered up. This is also a good
indication that the Mac Pro computer is turned on.
+Mac Pro Computer - The bottom of the Mac Pro computer extends through the front of the xMac’s front panel. This
allows for air to be drawn through the computer for cooling purposes.
+Filter Panel - Foam behind the front panel acts as a lter for the air that cools the PCIe cards. The entire front panel
can be removed to access the lter for cleaning purposes.
+Video Inputs - These four connectors allow HD-SDI video to input into the Blackmagic Decklink Quad capture card
in the xMac unit’s PCIe card cage.
+USB - This connector provides front panel access to the Mac Pro’s USB, so as to allow the connection of a keyboard
or other USB peripherals.
WARNING! Do not block the front of the Mbox rack! This will prevent proper airow through the Mac Pro computer and
Sonnet xMac unit.
2 3 41
V ID E O INP UT
Power Button
USB
Connector
Power
Indicator
Mac Pro
Computer
Filter Panel
Video Inputs

8MBOX® 2016 DUAL OUTPUT HARDWARE MANUAL
Rear Panel Components
+AC Power Input - There are three IEC input connectors on the rear of the xMac unit. The left-hand connector
receives power from the UPS. The center connector (on the Power Relay) also receives power from the UPS. The
right-hand connector receives switched power from the Power Relay.
+Power Relay - This item provides switch AC power to the PCIe card cage and is controlled by a FireWire connection
to the Mac Pro computer.
+Genlock Controller - This item receives the video sync signal from the I/O Module and converts it into the signal
used to sync the graphics card in the Mac Pro. The Genlock Controller has two cable connections: the visible LEMO
connector receives signal from the IO Module, and the 3.5mm TR connector on the opposite side of the unit sends
signal to the computer.
+USB - These three connectors provide USB signal to the I/O Module (two USB cables) and also to the Focusrite
USB/Audio Interface (one cable). The audio interface can be disconnected if audio output/SMPTE input is not being
used, and other USB peripherals may be connected (e.g. storage devices).
+DVI Output - These connectors provide DVI signals to the IO Module. Normally, both connectors will have a DVI
cable connected to them.
+Ethernet - These connectors provide gigabit Ethernet interfaces from the Mac Pro. Normally, only the connector
labeled “Enet A” will have a cable connected to it. This cable connects to the “Ethernet A” connector on the rear of
the IO Module.
+HDMI - This connector is not used and should not have anything plugged into it.
+Auxiliary Ethernet - This NIC (Network Interface Card) provides two additional gigabit Ethernet interfaces from the
Mac Pro by way of the Thunderbolt to PCIe bridge.
+eSATA - Normally these connectors are not used. They can be used to connect external storage devices.
+Video Input - The four video cables from the xMac unit’s front panel connect to the input connectors on the capture
card.
+Thunderbolt - These connectors provide for Thunderbolt connection between the Mac Pro computer and the PCIe
card cage. There must be a Thunderbolt cable connecting the Mac Pro to the card cage, connected to one of these
connectors. The other connector can be used as a pass-through to connect other Thunderbolt peripherals to the
computer.
HDMI
E NE T A E NE T B
DV I 1 DV I 2
100-240V. 50-60Hz
1
2
3
234 1
USBPower
(Computer)
Power
Relay
Genlock
Controller
Power
(PCIe card
cage)
Ethernet DVI
Output Auxiliary
Ethernet
eS ATAVideo Input
Thunderbolt
Power
(Power Relay)
HDMI

9
MBOX® 2016 DUAL OUTPUT HARDWARE MANUAL
Mac Pro Computer
The Mbox 2016 Dual Output Server hardware includes an Apple Mac Pro computer. The Mac Pro computer runs the
Mbox software and provides input and output of various control, video, and audio signals. The computer itself has
standard computer connections for signals such as Thunderbolt, USB, and Ethernet. These connectors have cables that
send/receive signals to/from the appropriate items elsewhere in the Mbox rack
+Hard Drive - The Mac Pro computer contains one 256GB solid-state hard drive which is used to boot the system. All
media les - including the standard media library and any custom les - are stored on a 2TB solid-state RAID housed
on a PCIe card in the PCIe card cage.
+Graphics Card - The Mac Pro computer contains a modied graphics card, which allows the computer’s video
output to be locked to genlock reference sync.
+Ethernet - Two Ethernet cables connect between the Mac Pro and the xMac unit’s rear panel.
+USB - The Mac Pro has four USB connections, three to the xMac unit’s rear panel, and one to the front panel.
+Thunderbolt - The Mac Pro has one Thunderbolt connection to the xMac unit’s rear panel.
+DVI - Two Thunderbolt to DVI adapter cables provide video to the DVI output connectors on the rear of the xMac
unit.
+FireWire - One Thunderbolt to FireWire adapter provides control signal to the Power Relay in the xMac unit.
+HDMI - The Mac Pro has one HDMI connection to the rear of the xMac unit.
+Video Sync - A custom cable assembly connects between the Mac Pro and the Genlock Controller in the xMac unit.
HDMI
B
A
1 2
3 4
T B #
1 3 5
2 4 6
Ethernet (2)
Thunderbolt connectors
1, 2, 5, & 6 are used for
DVI output, Thunderbolt,
and the Power Relay
USB (4)
HDMI
Mac Pro Connections
(located inside xMac unit)

10 MBOX® 2016 DUAL OUTPUT HARDWARE MANUAL
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB/Audio Interface
The Mbox 2016 Dual Output Server uses a USB/Audio interface for audio output (i.e. audio playback from the Mbox
software) and for SMPTE (LTC) timecode input. The audio interface connects to the Mac Pro computer via USB
and provides 3-pin XLR connectors on the front of the xMac unit for input and output. The various switches and
potentiometers on the audio interface has must be set correctly for it to work with the Mbox software.
Front Panel Components
+Inputs - Either Input 1 (Left) or Input 2 (Right) may be used for timecode input, but not both. Input can be balanced
or unbalanced.
+Outputs - One or both outputs can be used for Mono or Stereo audio output.
+Input Gain - Used to adjust audio input gain.
+Line/Inst - Selects between Instrument and Line level inputs.
+48v Phantom Power - Turns on phantom power - MUST be turned OFF.
+Direct Monitor - Allows input to be routed directly to the outputs.
+Monitor - Used to adjust audio output level.
+USB Indicator LED - Illuminates when the interface has a USB connection to the Mac Pro.
+Headphones - Not used in normal operation.
Note: Refer to “Chapter 4: USB/Audio Interface” for information on the correct default settings for the audio interface’s
switches and potentiometers.
Rear Panel Components
+Output - Two unbalanced 1/4” TR connectors provide audio output. A cable assembly provides for signal
connection to the audio output XLR’s on the front panel.
+USB - Used to connect USB between the audio interface and the rear of the xMac unit.
LINE INST LINE INST OFF ON
DIRECT
MONITOR
48V
GAIN
010
GAIN
010
MONITOR
010
1 2
scarlett 2i2
R IG H TL E F T
B AL A NC E D
AU DIO OUT
FRONT VIEW
TOP VIEW
L R
RED
BLACK
LEFT RIGHT
BLACK BOOT RED BOOT
L E F TR I G HT
L IN E O UT P U T S
USB
BACK VIEW
SECTION "A-A"
AA
Audio Output
1/4” (R & L)
USB
LINE INST LINE INST OFF ON
DIRECT
MONITOR
48V
GAIN
010
GAIN
010
MONITOR
010
1 2
scarlett 2i2
R IG H TL E F T
B AL AN C E D
AU DIO O UT
FRONT VIEW
TOP VIEW
L R
RED
BLACK
LEFT RIGHT
BLACK BOOT RED BOOT
LE F TR I G HT
L IN E O UT P U T S
USB
BACK VIEW
SECTION "A-A"
AA
Audio Input
XLR (1 & 2)
Audio Output
XLRs (L & R)
Input Gain Headphones
MonitorLine/Inst
48v
Direct
Monitor
USB
LED

11
MBOX® 2016 DUAL OUTPUT HARDWARE MANUAL
HARDWARE SETUP
Basic Setup and Connections
To interconnect the case components:
Step 1. Remove front and back covers from case.
Step 2. Remove keyboard and trackball from case.
Step 3. At rear of case, verify that DVI (2), USB (3), Ethernet (1), Video In (4), Thunderbolt (1), Video Sync (1), and IEC
power cables (3) are connected to the Sonnet xMac unit’s rear panel.
Step 4. At front of Dual I/O Module, connect local monitor data cables to DVI Preview connectors.
Step 5. Connect local monitor power cables to UPS or to local AC power service.
Step 6. Connect UPS power cable to local AC power service.
Step 7. Connect video output Stage connectors according to the following sections.
➊
Remove covers
➋
Remove keyboard and trackball
1
2
3
SDI 2SDI 3SDI 4 SDI 1
HDMI
EN E T A EN E T B
DVI 1 DVI 2
100-240V.50-60Hz
234 1
RESET
LE F TRIG HT
LINE OUT P U T S
USB
LEF T
RIG H T
VID E O S YNC 2
FAULT
SITEWIRING
SENSIBILITY OUTP 0V50/60 Hz
INPUT
PUSHTO
PROTECTOR
USBPORT
US B 2 DVI IN 2
VID E O S YNC 1
ET HE R N E T A
5 0 /60 H z
1A MA X
100 -240 V AC
A C IN
US B 1
ET HE R N E T B
DVI IN 1
➌
Verify rear connections
➍
Connect monitors and power

12 MBOX® 2016 DUAL OUTPUT HARDWARE MANUAL
Connecting the Stage Output
The Stage output should be connected to one or more of the outputs connectors on the front of Dual I/O Module. Which
connector will vary depending on the type of display device(s) being used. (Refer to “Dual I/O Module” on page 5.)
Guidelines:
+Adapters or converters may be required to convert these outputs to specic needs.
+All DVI connectors on the Dual I/O Module are DVI-D (digital only). There is no analog signal present on these
connectors, therefore, a DVI-to-VGA adapter will not work.
Networking Multiple Mbox Servers
The Sonnet xMac unit has two Ethernet connectors - labeled “Enet A” and “Enet B” - on its rear panel. These connect
to the Mac Pro computer’s two built-in Ethernet interfaces. Enet A has a cable that connects it to the rear of the I/O
Module. Because of the Ethernet switch in the I/O Module, the Enet A connection is part of a physical network with the
two Ethernet connectors on the front of the Dual I/O module. As noted previously, this network should be dedicated to
Art-Net or sACN reception and should NOT be used for any other purpose.
To network multiple Mbox servers together for the purpose of content distribution or remote monitoring, use either the
Enet B connector located on the rear of the xMac unit, or use one of the two auxiliary Ethernet connections on the NIC
in the PCIe card cage. The Mac Pro computer’s two built-in Ethernet interfaces have preset addressing for the Art-
Net/sACN control and general networking. Changing these settings may lead to a loss of functionality, though some
exceptions may apply in certain cases (e.g. pixel mapping, refer to the Mbox Remote User manual for more information).
The two auxiliary Ethernet interfaces can be congured on an as-needed basis for additional networking functionality
(scenic tracking, content management, etc.)
Power-Up Procedure
Use the following procedure to power up the Mbox 2016 Dual Output server.
Step 1. Ensure UPS is powered up.
Step 2. At the front of the xMac unit, press the power button and allow the computer to boot. The blue power
indicator LED should illuminate.
Step 3. Press the power button of any connected preview monitors.
Step 4. Allow the Mbox software to launch. The software should start automatically, but if it does not, click on the
Mbox Launcher icon in the dock. Alternately, locate the application in the Mbox folder and double-click on
it.
Step 5. Mbox is now ready for operation.
IMPORTANT! On Mbox 2016 Dual Output servers, the Mbox application is set to go into fullscreen mode immediately
when the application launches! Because of this, the monitors may display a black image if no control data is present or
if control data is not causing any content to be visible.

1.
DUAL I/O MODULE
This chapter provides additional information on the setup and use of the Dual I/O Module
+OPERATION OVERVIEW
+CONNECTED DISPLAY DEVICES AND EDID
+SDI OUTPUT
+GENLOCK
+DMX AND ETHERNET
2.

14 MBOX® 2016 DUAL OUTPUT HARDWARE MANUAL
OPERATION OVERVIEW
Function
Note: For an overview of Dual I/O Module components, refer back to “Dual I/O Module” on page 5.
The Dual I/O Module handles video conversion and dimming of the video outputs, while also providing genlock and
EDID management to the Mac Pro computer. The module also handles DMX512 conversion to Art-Net and Art-Net/
sACN transmission to the computer.
The I/O Module allows the video signal to be easily recongured to work with many display devices without the need
for an external scan converter. The module receives two DVI outputs from the computer and uses these two signals
to provide two separate output sections with DVI and HD-SDI preview, and DVI, VGA, and HD-SDI stage outputs. The
two output sections are functionally identical, but are independent so that each can be congured for its own output
requirements.
During operation, the I/O Module can dim the stage outputs to full black so that “inappropriate” content - such as the
Mac desktop or Mbox Designer application windows - will not be displayed on the stage outputs (e.g., when in window
mode).
Notes:
+The I/O Module’s format conversion is purely a change from one signal type to another. During video conversion
there is no change to resolution, scaling, or position. The I/O Module will always output the same resolution and
frequency that the computer is outputting; provided that resolution and frequency are compatible with the output
signal type (see below).
+The module can blackout or partially dim the video output signals to levels below full brightness. This can be done
from the control console (or Mbox Director), from the Mac computer, or by using the Stage Blackout and/or Preview
Dim switches on the front of the I/O Module.
+The I/O Module’s DVI inputs are single-link, meaning that the maximum resolution of the I/O Module’s inputs and
outputs is 1920 x 1200.
+The DVI outputs on the I/O Module are DVI-D (digital) only and do not have any analog signal.
+There are only a few possible resolution and frequency combinations that are compatible with conversion to HD-SDI,
so depending on the computer’s output resolution/frequency the module may not be able to output a signal.
+The I/O Module’s HD-SDI outputs are 1.5G. Only the following formats are supported for output:
- SMPTE 259M: NTSC 480i @ 59.94Hz, PAL 576i @ 50Hz
- SMPTE 292M: 720p @ 59.94/60Hz, 1080i @ 50/59.94/60Hz, 1080p @ 24/25/29.97/30Hz
Note: The I/O Module’s HD-SDI does not support output of 720p @ 50Hz.
O UT P U T 2
T M
B
A
Tx
R x
L INK
E T HE R NE T
IN P UT 2 P O R T 1 P O R T 2
P O W E R
C O MP U T E R
Dual I/O Module
DMX
IN P UT 1
R D M Tx
R DM R x
DMX R x
ABOUT IN
US B
ABIN O UT
P R E V IE W 1
O UT P U T 1
S DI 1 G E N L OC K 1
DV I 1
V G A 1
E D ID C A P T UR E
S T AG E B L A C K OU T P R E VIE W DIM A C T I V E
S DI 2 G E N L OC K 2
DV I 2 P R E V IE W 2
V G A 2
S T AG E B L A CK OU T E D ID C A P T UR E P R E VIE W DIM A C T I V E U S B
Server Output 2
Server Output 1

15
MBOX® 2016 DUAL OUTPUT HARDWARE MANUAL
CONNECTED DISPLAY DEVICES AND EDID
Overview
Without special hardware or software, a computer can only output video resolutions and frequencies that are supported
by the connected display equipment. Display devices communicate their possible input formats via EDID (Extended
Display Identication Data). The EDID data provides information on preferred formats and available alternate formats.
In order to provide some of the specialized outputs - for example, the various SDI signals - from the Dual I/O Module,
the computer must be told that it can output specic frequencies or resolutions. For this reason, the I/O Module
incorporates EDID management for both video outputs of the Mac Pro computer. The I/O Module always tells the
computer what frequencies and resolutions are possible; EDID from connected devices is never passed through directly
to the computer unless “captured” by the I/O Module (as will be covered later in this chapter).
IMPORTANT! In order to output SDI, the I/O Module must be using one of its built-in EDID sets, and cannot be using
captured EDID.
The Mbox v4 software reads the current resolution and frequency of all connected displays, as this information is
provided by the OS. When Mbox v4 goes into Fullscreen mode it will only use the resolution and frequency that the
display is currently set to. Older versions of the Mbox application attempted to change the resolution and frequency of
outputs when entering Fullscreen mode. At times this could lead to confusing situations where the desired resolution or
frequency were not applied, or where the display device could not display a picture based on the received format.
To eliminate these issues, Mbox v4 will not change the display into another format when going into Fullscreen mode.
The resolution and frequency of a display must be pre-set in the System Preferences > Displays preference pane
before entering Fullscreen mode. When a display’s format is changed on the Displays pref pane, that new format will
update automatically in the display assignment menu for outputs in the Mbox application. (Refer to “Outputs Tab: Output
Conguration” on page 57 of the Mbox v4 User Manual)
When connecting the I/O Module’s video outputs to a display device, conrm that the display device’s desired resolution
and frequency appear and are selected in the Displays pref pane. If the desired resolution and frequency are not
available, an alternate EDID set must be selected or EDID data should be captured from the connected display device.
The EDID information for each of the computer’s outputs is shown in the Displays pref pane. Both outputs will show a
window similar to the illustration below. The header of each window will display the name of the EDID set (e.g. PRG-
MbE 60Hz) or the name of the captured EDID (e.g. Cinema HD Display as shown below).