PRG MBOX EXTREME User manual

SOFTWARE VERSION 3.5
WWW.PRG.COM
MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER
USER MANUAL

AutoPar®, Bad Boy®, PRG Series 400®, Mbox Extreme®, OHM™, V476™, V676™, Virtuoso®, Virtuoso® DX, Virtuoso® DX2,
and VL6C+™ 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 Extreme® Media Server User Manual
Version as of: November 16, 2011
PRG part number: 02.9800.0001.35
Production Resource Group
Dallas Office
8617 Ambassador Row, Suite 120
Dallas, Texas 75247
www.prg.com
Mbox Extreme® Media Server User Manual
©2006-2011 Production Resource Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL I
FOREWORD
Safety Notice
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
8) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or
the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
9) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus.
10) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
11) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
12) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
13) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in
any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
CAUTION: These servicing instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of
electric shock do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating instructions unless you
are qualified to do so.

II MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
Revision History
This manual has been revised as follows:
Version Release Date Notes
02.9800.0001 September 27, 2006 Initial release.
02.9800.0001.22 October 23, 2007 Updated to include v2.2 changes.
Incorporated QuickStart Guide.
02.9800.0001.30 April 20, 2011 Updated for to include v3.0 changes.
Updated to include Dual I/O Module.
02.9800.0001.32 February 15, 2010 Updated to include v3.1.1 and v3.2 changes. Re-organized and updated the DMX512 Mapping Charts at the
end of the manual.
02.9800.0001.33 October 28, 2010 Updated to include v3.3 changes.
02.9800.0001.34 April 22, 2011 Updated to include v3.4 changes.
Updated instructions for the new Remote II application.
02.9800.0001.35 November 16, 2011 Updated to include v3.5 changes.
Re-organized manual and expanded various sections.

MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL III
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
About This Manual........................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Important Note About Consoles!.................................................................................................................................................. 1
Additional Documentation ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
Customer Service ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Chapter 1. Overview
General Overview
Features........................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Concepts of Operation ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Components
Mbox Extreme Case Assembly .................................................................................................................................................... 6
Dual I/O Module ........................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Auxiliary Input Panel ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Mac Computer............................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Fixture Descriptions
Mbox Extreme Environment Concept ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Fixture and Layer Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Fixture, Layer and Parameter Details ......................................................................................................................................... 15
Ambient Light and Spot Lights 1 - 4 ................................................................................................................................... 15
Camera ............................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Shutter Control.................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Keystone Control................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Layers: Texture + Object..................................................................................................................................................... 16
Operating Modes
Mbox Extreme v3.x Modes......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Single Output Mode ............................................................................................................................................................ 17
Dual Independent Mode...................................................................................................................................................... 17
Panoramic Wide Mode........................................................................................................................................................ 18
Panoramic Dual Mode......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Chapter 2. Installation and Power-Up
Sample Configuration Diagrams
Overview..................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
DMX512 Input Configuration: Single Media Server with DMX512 Devices ............................................................................... 20
Art-Net Input Configuration: Network Switch and Multiple Media Servers................................................................................ 21
Output Configuration: Single Media Server with Plasma Display and LCD Projector................................................................ 22
Setup
Basic Setup and Connections.................................................................................................................................................... 23
Connecting the Stage Output..................................................................................................................................................... 24
Networking Multiple Mbox Servers ............................................................................................................................................ 24
Getting Started
Power-Up Overview.................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Power-Up Procedure.................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Mbox Daemon ............................................................................................................................................................................ 26
Patching Fixtures
DMX Requirements .................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Layer Guidelines......................................................................................................................................................................... 27
DMX Mapping............................................................................................................................................................................. 28
Playing Back Video - Quick Start ............................................................................................................................................... 31

IV MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
Chapter 3. Operation
Media Content
File Type Specifications .............................................................................................................................................................. 34
Recommended Practices ........................................................................................................................................................... 34
Media Content Management ...................................................................................................................................................... 35
Folder and File Numbering ......................................................................................................................................................... 36
Additional Media Content Organization Guidelines.................................................................................................................... 37
Adding Media Content................................................................................................................................................................ 38
Creating and Viewing Content Thumbnails ................................................................................................................................ 39
Console Interface Example......................................................................................................................................................... 39
Application Window
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Setup .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Setup: DMX Profile .............................................................................................................................................................. 42
Setup: Window Mode.......................................................................................................................................................... 42
Setup: Fullscreen Mode ...................................................................................................................................................... 43
Setup: Update Rate............................................................................................................................................................. 44
Setup: License..................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Setup: Texture Size ............................................................................................................................................................. 45
Setup: Screen Selection (Screen Arrangement).................................................................................................................. 45
Setup: Network.................................................................................................................................................................... 45
Setup: Video Inputs ............................................................................................................................................................. 45
Setup: I/O Module ............................................................................................................................................................... 46
Setup: Options .................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Setup: Log (Media Errors).................................................................................................................................................... 47
Heads Up Displays (HUDs)
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Using the HUDs .......................................................................................................................................................................... 49
Dual I/O Module
Operation Overview .................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Connected Display Devices and EDID ....................................................................................................................................... 51
Overview.............................................................................................................................................................................. 51
Using Standard EDID Sets .................................................................................................................................................. 52
EDID Capture (Custom Setting)........................................................................................................................................... 53
SDI Output (SD - Standard Definition & HD - High Definition).................................................................................................... 54
Genlock (Generator Lock)........................................................................................................................................................... 56
Enhancing Mbox Extreme Performance
Disabling Mac Sharing Features................................................................................................................................................. 58
Chapter 4. Advanced Features
3D Objects and Digital Gobos
About 3D Models and Digital Gobos (Objects)........................................................................................................................... 60
Lighting................................................................................................................................................................................ 60
Vertex Array Files (Compiling) ............................................................................................................................................. 60
Preloading 3D Objects ........................................................................................................................................................ 61
Normalization....................................................................................................................................................................... 61
DHA and VARI*LITE Digital Gobos ............................................................................................................................................. 62
Creating Custom Digital Gobos.................................................................................................................................................. 63
Overview.............................................................................................................................................................................. 63
Scale-To-Fit vs. Arbitrary Fit................................................................................................................................................ 63
Creating a Digital Gobo with Adobe Illustrator CS5............................................................................................................ 63
Animated Digital Gobos.............................................................................................................................................................. 68
EuroFlag (002/000) .............................................................................................................................................................. 68
TV Screen v1.4 (002/001) .................................................................................................................................................... 69
Snow v1.2 (002/002)............................................................................................................................................................ 69
Tunnel v1.1 (002/003) .......................................................................................................................................................... 71
Flag v1.0 (002/004) .............................................................................................................................................................. 71
Ring Stripe (002/005)........................................................................................................................................................... 72

MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL V
Stripe Ring (002/006)........................................................................................................................................................... 72
Fisheye (002/007) ................................................................................................................................................................ 72
CylinderScreen (002/008).................................................................................................................................................... 73
MultiScreen Gobo (002/009) ............................................................................................................................................... 73
Animated Textures
Using Animated Textures (Animations)....................................................................................................................................... 74
Layer Copy
Using Layer Copy ....................................................................................................................................................................... 75
Drawmodes
Using Drawmodes ...................................................................................................................................................................... 76
Drawmode 16 - Orthographic View............................................................................................................................................ 77
The Stencil.................................................................................................................................................................................. 78
Layer Blending Modes................................................................................................................................................................ 80
Special Effects
Decay.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 81
Fog ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 82
Text Files
Support for Text Files ................................................................................................................................................................. 83
Audio
Audio Output Features ............................................................................................................................................................... 84
Overview.............................................................................................................................................................................. 84
External Audio Tracks (Associated AIFF Files).................................................................................................................... 85
Embedded Audio Tracks (in QuickTime Movies) ................................................................................................................ 85
Synchronization
Timecode Synchronization (Timecode Sync Playmode) ............................................................................................................ 86
Layer-To-Layer Synchronization................................................................................................................................................. 91
Kiosk Playmodes........................................................................................................................................................................ 92
Playout Playmodes..................................................................................................................................................................... 92
Alignment Rectangles
Using Alignment Rectangles ...................................................................................................................................................... 93
Effects and Transitions
Effects and Transitions with Additional Input Files ..................................................................................................................... 95
Adding Custom Effects or Transitions ........................................................................................................................................ 96
MultiScreen Gobos
Overview..................................................................................................................................................................................... 99
Chapter 5. Pixel Mapping
Basic Pixel-Mapping
Overview................................................................................................................................................................................... 102
Setup ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 103
Advanced Pixel-Mapping
Creating Custom Fixtures......................................................................................................................................................... 107
Sampling Areas ........................................................................................................................................................................ 108
Chapter 6. Video Input
Overview
Video Input ............................................................................................................................................................................... 112
QuickTime Streaming with Video Capture Card ............................................................................................................... 112
USB/FireWire Input ........................................................................................................................................................... 113
Configuration
Setting Video Input for Video Capture Card ............................................................................................................................. 114
Configuring Video Input within Mbox Extreme......................................................................................................................... 116
Deinterlacing............................................................................................................................................................................. 118
Interlaced (i) vs. Progressive (p) Content/Input (Deinterlacing) ......................................................................................... 118
How to Deinterlace Content and/or Input ......................................................................................................................... 118

VI MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
Chapter 7. Content Creation and Utilities
Creating Custom Content
Creating Movies and Audio Files .............................................................................................................................................. 120
File Extension .................................................................................................................................................................... 120
Codec ................................................................................................................................................................................ 120
Compression (Bit Rate)...................................................................................................................................................... 121
Frame Rate ........................................................................................................................................................................ 121
Resolution.......................................................................................................................................................................... 121
Audio ................................................................................................................................................................................. 121
Discrete Audio Support for Multichannel Audio ....................................................................................................................... 122
Alpha Channel in Movies – the Animation and ProRes 4444 Codecs...................................................................................... 122
Applications for Content Creation ............................................................................................................................................ 123
Media Utility Applications
Mbox Extreme Media Lock....................................................................................................................................................... 124
Mbox Extreme File Converter................................................................................................................................................... 126
About File Conversion ....................................................................................................................................................... 126
File Conversion Settings.................................................................................................................................................... 126
Pre-Multiplying Alpha ........................................................................................................................................................ 127
File Conversion Procedure ................................................................................................................................................ 127
Mbox Extreme plist Editor ........................................................................................................................................................ 128
Using MbE plist Editor....................................................................................................................................................... 129
Restoring Mbox Extreme Default Settings ........................................................................................................................ 129
Appendix A. Mbox Remote II Application
Mbox Remote II Operation
About Mbox Remote II.............................................................................................................................................................. 132
Mbox Daemon .......................................................................................................................................................................... 132
General Operation .................................................................................................................................................................... 133
Description of Indicators........................................................................................................................................................... 136
Monitor HUD............................................................................................................................................................................. 136
Setting Mbox Extreme Server Preferences Remotely .............................................................................................................. 137
Setup of Alignment Rectangles Using Remote II .............................................................................................................. 137
Server Control Commands ....................................................................................................................................................... 138
Timecode Window.................................................................................................................................................................... 139
Note About Thumbnails............................................................................................................................................................ 139
Appendix B. Maintenance
Routine Maintenance
Cleaning or Replacing the Air Filter .......................................................................................................................................... 142
Removing the Computer........................................................................................................................................................... 143
Appendix C. DMX512 Mapping
DMX512 Mapping Charts
Mbox Extreme Control Channel Breakdown ............................................................................................................................ 146

MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL 1
INTRODUCTION
About This Manual
This manual provides necessary information regarding product safety, installation, and operation for the following
PRG equipment:
+ Mbox Extreme® Media Server
This manual applies to Mbox Extreme software version 3.5.
Familiarizing yourself with this information will help you get the most out of your PRG product.
WARNING: It is important to read ALL accompanying safety and installation instructions to avoid damage to
the product and potential injury to yourself or others.
Important Note About Consoles!
The Mbox Extreme Media Server is designed to work with moving-light consoles. Consequently, most of its features
are not compatible with conventional consoles. Mbox Extreme v3.x works with the following moving-light consoles:
PRG V676™, V476™ and Virtuoso® consoles, MA Lighting grandMA consoles, High End Systems Hog® 3 or iPC
consoles (running Hog 3 software only), the ChamSys MagicQ console, and the Martin Maxxyz™ console. Mbox
Extreme v3.x is not compatible with High End Systems Hog® 2 or iPC consoles running Hog 2 software. Neither PRG
nor High End Systems will support the use of Mbox Extreme v3.x on any console running Hog 2 software.
In general, if you are using Mbox Extreme with any console other than Vx76, Virtuoso or grandMA, it is a good idea to
contact PRG for more information.
Additional Documentation
For more information, refer to the following manuals:
+ V676™/V476™ Control Console User Manual (02.9814.0001.xx)
+ Virtuoso® Series Control Console User Manual (02.9651.0001.xx)
+ PRG Lighting Systems Networking Guide (02.3004.1000.0)
+ Mbox Extreme Field Service Manual (02.9800.0010)
+ Mbox Director User Manual (02.9800.0002.xx)
For more information regarding DMX512 systems, refer to the DMX512/1990 & AMX 192 Standards publication
available from United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc. (USITT).
USITT
6443 Ridings Road
Syracuse, NY 13206-1111 USA
1-800-93USITT (phone)
www.usitt.org
For more information regarding Art-Net protocol, refer to the specification for Art-Net II Ethernet Communication
Standard available from Artistic Licence Ltd.
Artistic Licence (UK) Ltd (Registered Office)
24 Forward Drive, Christchurch Avenue,
Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 8NT, United Kingdom
[phone] (phone)
[phone] (fax)
www.artisticlicence.com

2MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
Customer Service
For technical assistance, contact the PRG International Service Center or contact your nearest PRG office. Contact
information for all PRG office locations can be found on our website at: www.prg.com/about-us/locations/
PRG Dallas (International Service)
8617 Ambassador Row, Suite 120
Dallas, Texas 75247 USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Service Fax: [phone]
Service Email: [e-mail]
For additional resources and documentation, please visit our website at: www.prg.com

1.
OVERVIEW
This chapter provides an overview of Mbox Extreme features, components, and operations.
+GENERAL OVERVIEW
+COMPONENTS
+FIXTURE DESCRIPTIONS
+OPERATING MODES

4MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Features
The Mbox Extreme Media Server allows advanced video playback and effects to be integrated into an automated
lighting system. Powerful real time rendering, built-in effects, and interactive 3D objects provide tools for combining
pre-recorded movies and still images to create visual imagery, which can be displayed by any projector, LED wall,
plasma screen or low-res LED lighting fixture.
The Mbox Extreme server can be programmed and operated directly from any Art-Net or DMX512-based moving light
console, allowing ease of coordination between movie/image effects and lighting cues. Intricate Mbox Extreme
sequences can be generated instantly on site without the need for offline video processing, rendering or editing. The
Mbox Extreme stock library includes a wide variety of movie clips, still images and 3D objects. Custom media files
may also be added.
The Mbox Extreme software runs on a rack-mounted Apple® Mac® computer controlled by DMX512 or Art-Net. All
movies, still images and 3D objects are stored directly on the Mbox Extreme hard drive, allowing instant access to any
file. The Mbox Extreme is a single server rack unit equipped with two video outputs that can be used to drive a variety
of video display devices. The included dual I/O module provides VGA, DVI, SDI (SD/HD) stage outputs for video, along
with DVI preview capability.
Note: The provided Mac Pro computer requires the Snow Leopard® X 10.6.7 operating system.
Feature List
+ Single-server rack with integrated UPS, I/O module, and Auxiliary Input panel.
+ Dual video output per server with multiple operating modes: Single Output, Dual Independent, Panoramic Wide,
and Panoramic Dual.
+ Digital Dual I/O Module with built-in DMX-to-Art-Net conversion and Ethernet switch. VGA (RGBHV), DVI, and SDI
(SD/HD) stage outputs, DVI preview output.
+ Accepts live video input SDI (HD/SD), composite and FireWire® (DV).
+ 1080p HD Video playback.
+ Movable camera viewpoint.
+ Ambient and directional light sources.
+ Up to twelve interactive, scalable layers that can be configured as backgrounds or 3D geometric objects.
+ Digital gobos that can be used as backgrounds, masks, or for advanced layer blending effects.
+ Image tiling and edge-blending for multiple-server configurations.
+ Pixel mapping.
+ Mapping of textures (movies or still images) to 3D objects and digital gobos.
+ Real-time crossfades and transitions between movies, images, and objects on the same layer.
+ Effects including blur, pixelate, LED wall, twirl, color, exposure and alpha adjustment can be applied individually or
in combination.
+ Advanced video playback with direction, speed, and in-point/out-point control.
+ User-configurable aspect ratio and output resolution control.
+ Control by DMX512 or Art-Net.
+ Stores up to 65,535 movies and still images.
+ Stores up to 65,535 3D objects.

MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL 5
Concepts of Operation
Basic Function
The basic function of the Mbox Extreme Media Server is to control dynamic media - such as movie clips, still images
and 3D objects - during a stage show or other performance. The resulting visual imagery is output to a display device
such as a projector, LED wall, plasma screen or low-res LED lighting fixture. Built-in features allow the media to be
manipulated "on the fly" so that changes can be made during the actual performance and immediately projected. This
eliminates the need to modify media clips in advance, which can take considerable time to be re-rendered. The Mbox
Extreme server is like a combination of After Effects, Photoshop, Maya, and Studio Cut Pro which can be used in real-
time to project custom imagery.
Control
An Mbox Extreme Media Server can be controlled by either a lighting console or a personal computer running Mbox
Director software. In either case, the console or computer can be used to configure and control all aspects of the
Mbox Extreme media content and playback parameters.
+ Console - Since a lighting console would typically be used in a stage production, this method is a convenient and
logical way to consolidate all stage control elements into a single device. Control protocol options include
DMX512 and Art-Net which can be input from the console to the Mbox Extreme’s Dual I/O module.
+ Mbox Director - Mbox Director is a software application that allows control of an Mbox Extreme Media Server
from a personal computer or from the Mbox Extreme server’s computer itself.
This manual assumes that a lighting console is being used to control the Mbox Extreme Media Server. For instructions
on using Mbox Director, refer to the separate Mbox Director User Manual (02.9800.0002.xx).
Primary Components
The Mbox Extreme Media Server is made up of several different components that work together to achieve the final
result. The three primary components are the Mac computer, Dual I/O module and Auxiliary panel. The media is stored
on the Mac hard drive, while the Dual I/O module provides the interface between the Mac computer and the
projection devices. The Auxiliary panel provides input/output connectors for signals other than video and DMX512/
Art-Net.
The following simplified diagram illustrates how the components work together:
Figure 1-1: Simplified Component Diagram
CONSOLE
MAC COMPUTER DUAL I/O MODULE
FINAL MEDIA OUTPUT
MBOX EXTREME MEDIA SERVER
(stored media) (interface)
(to projector, LED wall, plasma screen, etc.)
AUXILIARY PANEL
(other signals) Audio, MIDI, SMPTE, SDI video, etc.

6MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
COMPONENTS
Mbox Extreme Case Assembly
The following illustrations show the main case components for the Mbox Extreme v3 hardware:
Figure 1-2: Mbox Extreme v3 Single Rack Unit
* Refer to "Dual I/O Module" on page 7.
** Refer to "Auxiliary Input Panel" on page 9.
*** Refer to "Mac Computer" on page 10.
SITE WIRING
FAULT
OUT PUT: 120V 5 0/60 Hz
SENSIBILITY
INPUT
RESET
PUSHTO
PROTECTOR
OVERLOAD
USBPORT
2
out
optical
audio
LEFT RIGHT SMPTE IN MIDI IN MI DI OUT SDI IN R-YIN B-YIN
1
in
2 1
(COMPOSITE)
YIN
BALANCED AUDIO OUT
ETHE RNET
EDID C A PTURE
BA
PREVIEW1 SDI 1
OUTPU T1
PREVIEW DIM EDID C A PTURE
AB
Rx
VGA2 DVI2 PREVIEW2 SDI 2
ST AGEBLACKOUT
VGA 1
STAGEBLACKOUT PREVIEWDIM
OUTPU T2
DVI1
RDMTx INPUT 1GENLOCK 2 INPUT 2 PORT1 PORT2 BA
ETHERNET
Dual I/O Module
US B
OUTIN DMX Rx
RDMRx
GENLOCK 1 DMX
TM
IN OUT
US B
COMP U TER
Tx
LINK
MO D EL 20 -980 4 -010 0
POW E R
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
Mac Computer ***
(under faceplate cover)
UPS Power Unit Dual I/O Module *
Headphone, FireWire,
and USB Connections
Mac
Computer ***
Auxiliary Input Panel **
UPS Power Unit
FRONT VIEW REAR VIEW
Ethernet, Audio, USB,
and FireWire Connections
Graphics, Genlock,
and Capture Cards

MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL 7
Dual I/O Module
The function of the Dual I/O module is to provide video conversion, final dimming of the video signal, and to send
EDID information to the Mac computer. The module also handles DMX512 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."
Note: This is intended to be an overview of the Dual I/O module components. For more information regarding module
operation, refer to "Dual I/O Module" on page 50.
Front Panel Components
Figure 1-3: Mbox Extreme Dual I/O Module (Front View)
Stage Outputs - The module provides three (3) stage outputs: VGA, DVI, and SDI. The intensity level of these stage
outputs can be mastered by the Camera fixture. The stage output may also be suppressed in the case of a system
crash.
Stage Blackout - When this switch is set to "Yes," the stage outputs will be blacked out. When active, the middle
switch causes the preview outputs to dim in parallel with the stage outputs. The right-hand switch controls the EDID
capture functions of the I/O module.
Preview Outputs - The module provides two (2) preview outputs: DVI and 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 Camera fixture).
Preview Dim - When this switch is set to "Yes," the preview will mimic the stage output.
EDID Capture - This switch is used to read and capture data from any EDID (Extended Display Identification Data)
compliant device.
Genlock In/Out - The Genlock ports are used with the Generator Lock function, which syncs all Mbox Extreme
servers in the system so they will begin drawing frames at the same time. Genlock Input and Output connectors are
provided on both output sections, however, only the top pair of Genlock connectors are active. (Note that the Genlock
Out is not a pass-thru. This output should only be used if the Mbox Extreme server is the master for syncing (rather
than using it as a daisy-chain port).
PREVIEW 2
A
PREVIEW 1
A
STAGE BLACKOUT PREVIEW DIM
TM
SDI 2
B
GENLOCK 2
IN OUT
ACTIVE
SDI 1
B
PREVIEW DIM
DVI 2
OUTPUT 2
DVI 1
OUTPUT 1
GENLOCK 1
USB
IN OUT
RDM Rx
RDM Tx
DMX Rx
INPUT 1
DMX
Dual I/O Module
PORT 2
PORT 1
INPUT 2
ETHERNET
COMPUTER
AB
LINK
Rx
Tx
POWER
ACTIVE USB
MODEL 20-9804-0100
EDID CAPTURE
EDID CAPTURE
VGA 2
STAGE BLACKOUT
VGA 1
Stage
Blackout
Switch
Preview
Dim
Switch EDID Capture
Switch
LED Indicates
Active Server
LED
Indicates
USB
RGBHV (VGA)
Output to Stage
DVI
Output to
Stage Preview
(Monitor)
Output
SDI (SD/HD)
Stage Output
Genlock
Input/Output * DMX512
Inputs Ethernet (Art-Net) Ports
SDI (SD/HD)
Preview Output
* Only the top set of Genlock connectors (GENLOCK 1) are connected to the Mac computer.
Server
Output 1
Server
Output 2

8MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
DMX Input Ports - The DMX512 XLR ports are used to receive DMX512 data from an external console or other
controller. The left DMX512 port is automatically configured as Art-Net universe 0, while the right DMX512 port is
configured as Art-Net universe 1. (DMX512 cables can only carry one universe of data at a time, and in some cases
Mbox requires two universes.) The DMX512 starting address can be set on the Mbox Extreme Setup window, but
should typically be set to 0.
Ethernet Ports - In general, the two Ethernet ports on the front panel should only be used with Art-Net input from a
control console. If the Mbox Extreme server is receiving DMX512 data, then Ethernet should not be connected to
either of these ports. Since Art-Net has the ability to transmit data for more than one universe at a time, the Ethernet
ports (In & Thru) can be used to daisy-chain multiple Mbox Extreme servers together.
Rear Panel Components
Figure 1-4: Mbox Extreme Dual I/O Module (Rear View)
+ Ethernet - These ports allow Art-Net signals to pass from the I/O module to the Mac computer.
+ USB - These ports allow for control of the I/O module by the Mac computer.
+ DVI Input - These ports receive DVI signals from the Mac computer.
+ Video Sync - These ports allow Genlock signals to pass from the I/O module to the Mac. (Only one of these two
connectors will be connected at a time.)
USB 1 DVI IN 1 VIDEO SYNC 1
100 -240 VAC
1A MAX
50 / 60 Hz
AC IN
ETHERNET A
USB 2 DVI IN 2 VIDEO SYNC 2
ETHERNET B
Ethernet (Art-Net)
USB Ports (1 & 2)
Video Sync
DVI Inputs
A/C Input Connector
Ports (A & B) Ports (1 & 2)
(1 & 2)

MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL 9
Auxiliary Input Panel
The Auxiliary Input panel provides input/output connectors for signals other than video and DMX/Art-Net.
+ Ethernet - This port is used when networking multiple Mbox Extreme servers together.
+ Audio Out - The XLR audio outputs are balanced. The mini plug audio output is unbalanced.
+ SMPTE In - The SMPTE input will accept balanced or unbalanced signals.
+ MIDI In/Out - The MIDI input currently accepts MIDI timecode.
+ SDI Video Inputs - These ports will accept SDI (SD/HD), component, or composite video signals as indicated in
the illustrations below. Note that the v3.5 hardware will only accept SDI (SD/HD).
Figure 1-5: Mbox Extreme Auxiliary Input Panel
BALANCED AUDIO OUT
RIGHT MIDI IN
(COMPOSITE)
Y IN
SDI IN R-YIN B-YIN
ETHERNET LEFT MIDI OUT SMPTE IN
Balanced XLR Audio Out
(Left and Right) MIDI
In MIDI
Out Y Input
(composite)
Ethernet
Port
SMPTE
SDI (SD/HD)
Input R-Y Input
B-Y Input
Unbalanced Mini Plug Audio Out
(3.5mm Mini Jack)
In
Auxiliary Panel Detail (v3.4)
SDI 1
2 3 4
1
MIDI OUTMIDI IN
SMPTE INRIGHTLEFTETHERNET
BALANCED AUDIO OUT
UNBALANCED
AUDIO OUT
Balanced XLR Audio Out
(Left and Right) MIDI
In MIDI
Out
Ethernet
Port
SMPTE
In
Auxiliary Panel Detail (v3.5)
SDI (SD/HD) Inputs
Unbalanced Mini Plug Audio Out
(3.5mm Mini Jack)

10 MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
Mac Computer
The Mbox Extreme Media Server contains a Mac Pro computer which has been customized by PRG. The Mac
computer is used to operate the Mbox Extreme system and store the media. It also provides standard computer
connectors such as USB and FireWire® for the purpose of importing or exporting media data.
+ Hard Drives - The Mac computer contains four hard drives: one which is used to boot the system, and three
which are arranged in a striped raid array (treating them as a single drive). All media files - including the standard
media library and all custom files - are stored on the computer and recalled as needed during a show.
+ Cards - The Mac computer contains a modified Graphics card (which allows for Genlock), a Genlock card, and a
Blackmagic Decklink Video Capture card that can receive an SDI (SD/HD), component, or composite video signal,
and a Sonnet Ethernet card (v3.5 racks only - see details on next page).
Figure 1-6: Mbox Extreme Mac Computer
SITE WIRING
FAULT
OUT PUT: 120V 5 0/60 Hz
SENSIBILITY
INPUT
RESET
PUSHTO
PROTECTOR
OVERLOAD
USBPORT
2
out
optical
audio
LEFT RIGHT SMPTE IN MIDI IN MI DI OUT SDI IN R-YIN B-YIN
1
in
2 1
(COMPOSITE)
YIN
BALANCED AUDIO OUT
ETHE RNET
EDID C A PTURE
BA
PREVIEW1 SDI 1
OUTPU T1
PREVIEW DIM EDID C A PTURE
AB
Rx
VGA2 DVI2 PREVIEW2 SDI 2
ST AGEBLACKOUT
VGA 1
STAGEBLACKOUT PREVIEWDIM
OUTPU T2
DVI1
RDMTx INPUT 1GENLOCK 2 INPUT 2 PORT1 PORT2 BA
ETHERNET
Dual I/O Module
US B
OUTIN DMX Rx
RDMRx
GENLOCK 1 DMX
TM
IN OUT
US B
COMP U TER
Tx
LINK
MO D EL 20 -980 4 -010 0
POW E R
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
2
out
optical
audio
1
in
2 1
Graphics Card
FireWire
SPDIF Audio In/Out
Ethernet
Audio
USB Genlock Card
Video Capture Card
Mac Rear Detail (v3.4)
FRONT VIEW REAR VIEW
Mac Front Detail
Power
Button
Headphone Jack
USB FireWire
CD/DVD ROM (2)

MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL 11
The v3.5 Mbox Extreme rack contains upgraded and new components as shown below:
Figure 1-7: Mbox Extreme v3.5 Components
Note: Version 3.5 racks can be easily identified by the "v3.5" label on the top of the Mbox Extreme rack case.
21
audio
optical
in out
Graphics Card
Genlock Card
Video Capture Card (upgraded in v3.5)
Ethernet Card (v3.5 only)
FireWire
SPDIF
Ethernet
Audio
USB
Audio In/Out
Mac Rear Detail (v3.5)

12 MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
FIXTURE DESCRIPTIONS
Mbox Extreme Environment Concept
In order to get the most out the Mbox Extreme Media Server, it is important to understand the overall concept of the
Mbox Extreme environment, which is essentially a building platform for "virtual scenery." The final "look" of this virtual
scenery is comprised of multiple
layers . These layers can be made up of backgrounds, 3D objects, camera angles,
and lighting, all of which are controllable elements within the Mbox Extreme environment. Likewise, each of these
elements has a set of controllable parameters such as color, texture, size, and rotation. When all combined, it
provides an infinite number of possibilities for the virtual scenery.
At first, the interaction of these elements may seem complicated, but as they are broken down into individual
components, you will find that they are similar to automated lighting parameters which you may already be familiar
with. The only difference is that luminaire parameters coincide with physical hardware - e.g. a motor that controls an
iris - while the Mbox Extreme parameters coincide with software elements. For example, just as you would control a
luminaire’s beam color from a console encoder or keypad, you can control the color of an Mbox Extreme 3D object.
Once configured, the entire Mbox Extreme environment (i.e. the virtual scenery) can be output on any compatible
video device connected to the server.
The following illustration is a virtual representation of each element within the Mbox Extreme environment. (More
detailed descriptions of each element are provided on subsequent pages.)
Figure 1-8: Mbox Extreme 3D Environment
DIRECTIONAL
SPOT LIGHT SPOT LIGHT
DIRECTIONAL
SPOT LIGHT
DIRECTIONAL
3D OBJECT 1
3D OBJECT 2
3D OBJECT 3 3D OBJECT 6
3D OBJECT 5
ORBITY
SPOT LIGHT
DIRECTIONAL
ORBITX
AMBIENT
LIGHT
3D OBJECT 3D OBJECT
3D OBJECT
OBJECT
3D
3D OBJECT 4
CAMERA
Note:
This concept drawing shows six backgrounds
and six 3D objects. The system allows up to 12
active entities at one time. For example, 12
backgrounds; 6 backgrounds and 6 objects; 3
backgrounds and 9 objects; 1 background and 11
objects; etc.