PRG MBOX EXTREME User manual

SOFTWARE VERSION 3.4
WWW.PRG.COM
MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER
USER MANUAL

AutoPar®, Bad Boy®, PRG Series 400®, Mbox Extreme®, 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: April 22, 2011
PRG part number: 02.9800.0001.34
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.

MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL III
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
About This Manual........................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Additional Documentation ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
Customer Service ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Chapter 1. Overview
Description
Features........................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Controllable Elements .................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Components
Mbox Extreme Case Assembly .................................................................................................................................................... 6
Dual I/O Module ........................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Auxiliary Input Panel ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Theory of Operation
DMX512 Input Configuration: Single Media Server with DMX512 Devices ................................................................................. 9
Art-Net Input Configuration: Network Switch and Multiple Media Servers................................................................................ 10
Output Configuration: Single Media Server with Plasma Display and LCD Projector................................................................ 11
Fixture Descriptions
Mbox Extreme Environment Concept ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Ambient Light and Spot Lights 1 - 4 .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Camera ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Shutter Control ........................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Keystone Control........................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Texture + Object = Layer ............................................................................................................................................................ 14
Texture ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Object ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Chapter 2. Installation
Setup
Case Components...................................................................................................................................................................... 16
System Connections .................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Getting Started
Patching Fixtures........................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Layers ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
DMX Mapping............................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Powering Up............................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Instant Gratification .................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Chapter 3. Media Content
Content Specification
Image and Video Files ................................................................................................................................................................ 26
Recommended Practices ........................................................................................................................................................... 27
Content Management
Overview..................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Folder and File Numbering ......................................................................................................................................................... 28
Additional Media Organization Guidelines ................................................................................................................................. 29
Adding Content .......................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Video and Image Files ......................................................................................................................................................... 30
3D Objects .......................................................................................................................................................................... 30

IV MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
Chapter 4. Operation
Application Window
Starting the Mbox Extreme Application...................................................................................................................................... 32
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Setup .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Heads Up Displays (HUDs)
Using HUDs ................................................................................................................................................................................ 38
Dual I/O Module
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Connected Display Devices and EDID ....................................................................................................................................... 41
EDID Capture.............................................................................................................................................................................. 42
SDI Output (SD - Standard Definition & HD - High Definition).................................................................................................... 43
Genlock (Generator Lock)........................................................................................................................................................... 45
Chapter 5. Advanced Features
Objects and Digital Gobos
About 3D Models and Digital Gobos (Objects)........................................................................................................................... 48
Creating a Digital Gobo with Adobe Illustrator CS3 ................................................................................................................... 50
Animated Gobos......................................................................................................................................................................... 51
Animated Textures
About Animated Textures ........................................................................................................................................................... 56
Layer Copy
Using Layer Copy ....................................................................................................................................................................... 57
Drawmodes
Using Drawmodes ...................................................................................................................................................................... 58
Drawmode 16 - Orthographic View ............................................................................................................................................ 59
The Stencil .................................................................................................................................................................................. 60
Layer Blending Modes................................................................................................................................................................ 62
Decay
Decay Effect................................................................................................................................................................................ 63
Fog
Fog Effect ................................................................................................................................................................................... 64
Text Files
Support for Text Files.................................................................................................................................................................. 65
Audio Output
Audio Output Features................................................................................................................................................................ 66
Synchronization
Timecode Synchronization (Timecode Sync Playmode) ............................................................................................................ 68
Layer To Layer Synchronization.................................................................................................................................................. 70
Kiosk Playmodes ........................................................................................................................................................................ 71
Playout Playmodes ..................................................................................................................................................................... 71
Alignment Rectangles
Using Alignment Rectangles....................................................................................................................................................... 72
Thumbnails
Creating Thumbnail Images........................................................................................................................................................ 74
Effects and Transitions
Effects and Transitions with Additional Input Files ..................................................................................................................... 75
Adding Custom Effects or Transitions ........................................................................................................................................ 75
Chapter 6. Pixel Mapping
Concept
About Pixel-Mapping.................................................................................................................................................................. 80
Basic Setup
Basic Pixel-Mapping Setup ........................................................................................................................................................ 81

MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL V
Advanced Pixel-Mapping
Custom Fixture Creation............................................................................................................................................................. 84
Sampling Areas .......................................................................................................................................................................... 85
Chapter 7. Maintenance
Routine Maintenance
Cleaning or Replacing the Air Filter ............................................................................................................................................ 88
Removing the Computer ............................................................................................................................................................ 89
Appendix A. Content Creation and Utilities
Content Creation Guidelines
Creating Movies and Audio Files................................................................................................................................................ 92
Discrete Audio Support for Multichannel Audio ......................................................................................................................... 94
Alpha Channel in Movies – the Animation and ProRes 4444 Codecs........................................................................................ 94
Applications for Content Creation .............................................................................................................................................. 94
Media Utility Applications
Mbox Extreme Media Lock ........................................................................................................................................................ 95
Mbox Extreme File Converter..................................................................................................................................................... 96
Mbox Extreme plist Editor .......................................................................................................................................................... 97
Appendix B. Mbox Remote II Application
Mbox Remote II Operation
About Mbox Remote II ............................................................................................................................................................. 100
Mbox Daemon .......................................................................................................................................................................... 100
General Operation .................................................................................................................................................................... 101
Description of Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 104
Monitor HUD............................................................................................................................................................................. 104
Setting Mbox Extreme Server Preferences Remotely .............................................................................................................. 105
Setup of Alignment Rectangles Using Remote II .............................................................................................................. 105
Server Control Commands....................................................................................................................................................... 106
Timecode Window.................................................................................................................................................................... 107
Note About Thumbnails............................................................................................................................................................ 107
Appendix C. Video Input
Video Input Setup
Overview................................................................................................................................................................................... 110
QuickTime Streaming Capture Card ................................................................................................................................. 110
USB/FireWire Input ........................................................................................................................................................... 110
Setting Video Input for Decklink Card ...................................................................................................................................... 111
Configuring Video Input within Mbox Extreme......................................................................................................................... 112
Deinterlacing............................................................................................................................................................................. 114
Interlaced (i) vs. Progressive (p) Content/Input (Deinterlacing) ......................................................................................... 114
Guide to Deinterlacing....................................................................................................................................................... 115
Appendix D. DMX512 Mapping
DMX512 Mapping Charts
Mbox Extreme Control Channel Breakdown............................................................................................................................ 118

VI MBOX EXTREME®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
Notes

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 3.4.
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.
Additional Documentation
For more information on using the Mbox Extreme® Media Server with PRG consoles, refer to the following manuals:
+ V676® Control Console User Manual (02.9814.0001.xx)
+ Virtuoso® Series Control Console User Manual (02.9651.0001.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
Our comprehensive technical services department ensures you get the full benefit of being a PRG customer. Whether
your needs are simple or complex, our full-time staff of experienced professionals are on-hand to provide support. For
assistance, contact your nearest PRG office:
For additional resources and documentation, please visit our website at: www.prg.com
PRG Dallas (International Service)
8617 Ambassador Row, Suite 120
Dallas, Texas 75247
Ph: 214.630.1963
Fx: 214.630.5867
Service Fx: 214.638.2125
Service Email: [e-mail]
PRG Atlanta
1053 Willingham Dr.
Atlanta, Georgia 30344
Ph: 404.214.4800
Fx: 404.214.4801
PRG Chicago
90 Rawls Rd.
Des Plaines, Illinois 60018
Ph: 847.227.5171
Fx: 847.557.9033
PRG Las Vegas
6050 South Valley View Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89118
Ph: 702.942.4774
Fx: 702.942.4775
PRG Los Angeles
9111 Sunland Blvd.
Sun Valley, California 91352
Ph: 818.252.2600
Fx: 818.252.2620
PRG Nashville
8351 Eastgate Blvd.
Mount Juliet, Tennessee 37122
Ph: 615.834.3190
Fx: 615.834.3192
PRG New Jersey
915 Secaucus Rd.
Secaucus, New Jersey 07094
Ph: 201.758.4000
Fx: 201.758.4312
PRG Orlando
1902 Cypress Lake Dr.
Orlando, Florida 32837
Ph: 407.855.8060
Fx: 407.855.8059
PRG Canada
2480 Tedlo Street
Mississauga, Ontario L5A 3V3 Canada
Ph: 905.270.9050
Fx: 905.270.2590
PRG Asia
KI Building, 2nd Floor
6-4-2 Kiba, Koto-ku
Tokyo, 135-0042, Japan
Ph: 81 3 5665 3377
Fx: 81 3 5665 3517
PRG Europe
The Cofton Centre
Grovely Lane
Longbridge, Birmingham
B31 4PT, England
Ph: +44 (0) 845.470.6400
Fx: +44 (0) 845.470.6401
Essential Lighting
Unit E
Imber Court Trading Estate
Orchard Lane
East Molesey, Surrey
KT8 0BY, England
Ph: +44 (0) 208.335.6000
Fx: +44 (0) 208.398.7205