PRG Mbox User manual

SOFTWARE VERSION 3.7
WWW.PRG.COM
MBOX®MEDIA SERVER
USER MANUAL

AutoPar®, Bad Boy®, Best Boy 4000®, PRG Series 400®, MBOX®, MBOX Extreme®, OHM™, Super Node™, 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® Media Server User Manual
Version as of: January 6, 2014
PRG part number: 02.9800.0001.37
Production Resource Group
Dallas Office
8617 Ambassador Row, Suite 120
Dallas, Texas 75247
www.prg.com
Mbox® Media Server User Manual
©2013-2014 Production Resource Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

MBOX®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL III
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
About This Manual........................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Important Note About Consoles!.................................................................................................................................................. 1
Additional Documentation ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
Training Videos ............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Customer Service ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Chapter 1. Overview
General Overview
Important Terminology.................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Features........................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Concepts of Operation ................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Components
Mbox Extreme Case Assembly .................................................................................................................................................... 7
Dual I/O Module ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Auxiliary Input Panel ................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Mac Computer............................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Fixture Descriptions
Mbox Environment Concept....................................................................................................................................................... 13
Fixture and Layer Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Fixture, Layer and Parameter Details ......................................................................................................................................... 16
Ambient Light and Spot Lights 1 - 4 ................................................................................................................................... 16
Camera ............................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Shutter Control.................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Keystone Control................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Layers: Texture + Object..................................................................................................................................................... 17
Operating Modes
Mbox Designer v3.7 Modes ....................................................................................................................................................... 18
Single Output Mode ............................................................................................................................................................ 18
Dual Independent Mode...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Panoramic Wide Mode........................................................................................................................................................ 19
Panoramic Dual Mode......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Chapter 2. Installation and Power-Up
Sample Configuration Diagrams
Overview..................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
DMX512 Input Configuration: Single Media Server with DMX512 Devices ............................................................................... 22
Art-Net Input Configuration: Network Switch and Multiple Media Servers................................................................................ 23
Output Configuration: Single Media Server with Plasma Display and LCD Projector................................................................ 24
Setup
Basic Setup and Connections.................................................................................................................................................... 25
Connecting the Stage Output..................................................................................................................................................... 26
Networking Multiple Mbox Extreme Servers.............................................................................................................................. 26
Getting Started
Power-Up Overview.................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Power-Up Procedure.................................................................................................................................................................. 28
Mbox Daemon ............................................................................................................................................................................ 28
Patching Fixtures
Patching Overview...................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Layer Guidelines......................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Parameter Mapping.................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Playing Back Video - Quick Start ............................................................................................................................................... 33

IV MBOX®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
Chapter 3. Operation
Media Content
File Type Specifications .............................................................................................................................................................. 36
Recommended Practices ........................................................................................................................................................... 36
Media Content Management ...................................................................................................................................................... 37
Folder and File Numbering ......................................................................................................................................................... 38
Additional Media Content Organization Guidelines.................................................................................................................... 39
Adding Media Content................................................................................................................................................................ 40
Grouped Content........................................................................................................................................................................ 41
Description .......................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Usage .................................................................................................................................................................................. 41
Configuration/Setup ............................................................................................................................................................ 42
Creating and Viewing Content Thumbnails ................................................................................................................................ 43
Console Interface........................................................................................................................................................................ 43
Viewing Thumbnails in a Browser............................................................................................................................................... 44
Application Window
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 45
Setup .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Setup: Control ..................................................................................................................................................................... 47
Setup: Window Mode.......................................................................................................................................................... 47
Setup: Fullscreen Mode ...................................................................................................................................................... 48
Setup: Rendering................................................................................................................................................................. 50
Setup: License..................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Setup: Texture Size ............................................................................................................................................................. 50
Setup: Screen Selection (Screen Arrangement) .................................................................................................................. 50
Setup: Network.................................................................................................................................................................... 51
Setup: Video Inputs ............................................................................................................................................................. 51
Setup: I/O Module ............................................................................................................................................................... 52
Setup: Options .................................................................................................................................................................... 52
Setup: Media Log (Media Errors)......................................................................................................................................... 53
Heads Up Displays (HUDs)
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 54
Using the HUDs .......................................................................................................................................................................... 55
Dual I/O Module
Operation Overview .................................................................................................................................................................... 56
Connected Display Devices and EDID ....................................................................................................................................... 57
Overview.............................................................................................................................................................................. 57
Switching Between Modes.................................................................................................................................................. 58
Switching Between Standard EDID or Capturing EDID ...................................................................................................... 59
SDI Output (SD - Standard Definition & HD - High Definition).................................................................................................... 61
Genlock (Generator Lock)........................................................................................................................................................... 62
Enhancing Mbox Performance
Recommended Practices ........................................................................................................................................................... 64
Chapter 4. Advanced Features
3D Objects and Digital Gobos
About 3D Models and Digital Gobos (Objects)........................................................................................................................... 66
Lighting................................................................................................................................................................................ 66
Vertex Array Files (Compiling) ............................................................................................................................................. 66
Preloading 3D Objects ........................................................................................................................................................ 67
Normalization....................................................................................................................................................................... 67
DHA and VARI*LITE Digital Gobos ............................................................................................................................................. 68
Creating Custom Digital Gobos.................................................................................................................................................. 69
Overview.............................................................................................................................................................................. 69
Scale-To-Fit vs. Arbitrary Fit................................................................................................................................................ 69
Creating a Digital Gobo with Adobe Illustrator CS5............................................................................................................ 69
Animated Digital Gobos.............................................................................................................................................................. 74
EuroFlag (002/000) .............................................................................................................................................................. 74

MBOX®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL V
TV Screen v1.4 (002/001) .................................................................................................................................................... 75
Snow v1.2 (002/002) ........................................................................................................................................................... 76
Tunnel v1.1 (002/003).......................................................................................................................................................... 77
Flag v1.0 (002/004).............................................................................................................................................................. 77
Ring Stripe (002/005)........................................................................................................................................................... 78
Stripe Ring (002/006)........................................................................................................................................................... 78
Fisheye (002/007) ................................................................................................................................................................ 78
CylinderScreen (002/008).................................................................................................................................................... 79
MultiScreen Gobo (002/009) ............................................................................................................................................... 79
Fit To Screen (002/010)....................................................................................................................................................... 80
Animated Textures
Using Animated Textures (Animations)....................................................................................................................................... 81
Layer Copy
Using Layer Copy ....................................................................................................................................................................... 82
Drawmodes
Using Drawmodes ...................................................................................................................................................................... 83
Drawmode 16 - Orthographic View............................................................................................................................................ 84
The Stencil.................................................................................................................................................................................. 85
Layer Blending
Layer Blending Modes................................................................................................................................................................ 88
Special Effects
Decay.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 89
Fog ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 90
Text Files
Support for Text Files ................................................................................................................................................................. 91
Audio
Audio Output Features ............................................................................................................................................................... 92
Overview.............................................................................................................................................................................. 92
External Audio Tracks (Associated AIFF Files).................................................................................................................... 93
Embedded Audio Tracks (in QuickTime Movies) ................................................................................................................ 93
Synchronization
Timecode Synchronization (Timecode Sync Playmode) ............................................................................................................ 94
Layer-To-Layer Synchronization ................................................................................................................................................. 98
Kiosk Playmodes........................................................................................................................................................................ 99
Playout Playmodes..................................................................................................................................................................... 99
Alignment Rectangles
Using Alignment Rectangles .................................................................................................................................................... 100
Effects and Transitions
Effects and Transitions with Additional Input Files ................................................................................................................... 102
Adding Custom Effects or Transitions ...................................................................................................................................... 103
Projection Mapping
Overview................................................................................................................................................................................... 106
Chapter 5. Pixel-Mapping
Basic Pixel-Mapping
Overview................................................................................................................................................................................... 108
Setup ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 109
Advanced Pixel-Mapping
Creating Custom Fixtures......................................................................................................................................................... 115
Sampling Areas ........................................................................................................................................................................ 116

VI MBOX®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
Chapter 6. Pixel Remapping
About Pixel Remapping
Overview ................................................................................................................................................................................... 120
Pixel Remapping Tutorial
Overview ................................................................................................................................................................................... 121
Projected Mapping ................................................................................................................................................................... 122
Discrete Mapping...................................................................................................................................................................... 135
Advanced Control
Triangle Strips and Triangle Fans (3D Vertex Array Screen Objects) ........................................................................................ 136
Glossary
Screen Object Control Types (Units, Typical Scale Value) ........................................................................................................ 138
Chapter 7. Video Input
Overview
Video Input................................................................................................................................................................................ 142
QuickTime Streaming with Video Capture Card ............................................................................................................... 142
USB/FireWire Input............................................................................................................................................................ 143
Configuration
Setting Video Input for Video Capture Card ............................................................................................................................. 144
Configuring Video Input within Mbox ....................................................................................................................................... 146
Chapter 8. Content Creation and Utilities
Creating Custom Content
Creating Movies and Audio Files .............................................................................................................................................. 150
File Extension .................................................................................................................................................................... 150
Codec ................................................................................................................................................................................ 150
Compression (Bit Rate)...................................................................................................................................................... 151
Frame Rate ........................................................................................................................................................................ 151
Resolution.......................................................................................................................................................................... 151
Audio ................................................................................................................................................................................. 151
Discrete Audio Support for Multichannel Audio ....................................................................................................................... 152
Alpha Channel in Movies – the Animation and ProRes 4444 Codecs...................................................................................... 153
Applications for Content Creation ............................................................................................................................................ 153
Media Utility Applications
Mbox Media Lock..................................................................................................................................................................... 154
Mbox File Converter ................................................................................................................................................................. 156
About File Conversion ....................................................................................................................................................... 156
File Conversion Settings.................................................................................................................................................... 156
Pre-Multiplying Alpha ........................................................................................................................................................ 157
File Conversion Procedure ................................................................................................................................................ 157
Appendix A. Mbox Remote Application
General Operation
About Mbox Remote ................................................................................................................................................................ 160
Mbox Daemon .......................................................................................................................................................................... 160
Starting Mbox Remote.............................................................................................................................................................. 161
Adding Servers .................................................................................................................................................................. 161
Setting Mbox Remote Preferences ................................................................................................................................... 163
Server Status ............................................................................................................................................................................ 164
Setup ................................................................................................................................................................................. 164
Indicators........................................................................................................................................................................... 166

MBOX®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL VII
Content Management
Overview................................................................................................................................................................................... 167
About Mbox Remote Content Management ..................................................................................................................... 167
Terminology....................................................................................................................................................................... 167
Network Gear .................................................................................................................................................................... 168
Managing Content.................................................................................................................................................................... 169
Configuring Network Bandwidth ....................................................................................................................................... 169
Configuring Server Master/Member Roles........................................................................................................................ 170
Selecting Content to Sync ................................................................................................................................................ 171
Synchronizing Content...................................................................................................................................................... 172
Organizing Content Files................................................................................................................................................... 173
Sync History ...................................................................................................................................................................... 174
Content Management Archive.................................................................................................................................................. 175
File Conflicts............................................................................................................................................................................. 176
Monitor and Manage Modes .................................................................................................................................................... 177
Setting Server Preferences
Setting Mbox Server Preferences Remotely ............................................................................................................................ 178
Server Control Commands....................................................................................................................................................... 179
Timecode Window.................................................................................................................................................................... 180
Projection Mapping
Overview................................................................................................................................................................................... 181
Getting Started ......................................................................................................................................................................... 181
Basic Mode .............................................................................................................................................................................. 184
Setup of Output and Keystone/Warp................................................................................................................................ 184
Multihead Setup ....................................................................................................................................................................... 188
Advanced Mode ....................................................................................................................................................................... 190
Advanced Projection Setup............................................................................................................................................... 190
Topography ....................................................................................................................................................................... 192
ModelInfo .......................................................................................................................................................................... 197
Vignette ............................................................................................................................................................................. 198
Model (Object) Creation Guidelines.......................................................................................................................................... 198
Appendix B. Maintenance
Routine Maintenance
Cleaning or Replacing the Air Filter .......................................................................................................................................... 202
Removing the Computer .......................................................................................................................................................... 203
Appendix C. Parameter Mapping
Parameter Mapping Charts ...................................................................................................................................................... 206

VIII MBOX®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
REVISION HISTORY
This manual has been revised as follows:
Version Release Date Notes
02.9800.0001.36 January 8, 2013 Initial release.
02.9800.0001.36 A May 22, 2013 Updated to software version 3.6.1
02.9800.0001.37 January 6, 2014 Updated to software version 3.7

MBOX®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL 1
INTRODUCTION
About This Manual
This manual provides necessary information regarding product safety, installation, and operation for the following
PRG product:
+ Mbox® Media Server
This manual applies to Mbox Designer software version 3.7.
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 Media Server is designed to work with moving-light consoles. Consequently, most of its features are not
compatible with conventional consoles. Mbox Designer v3.7 works with the following moving-light consoles: PRG
V676™, V476™ and Virtuoso® consoles, MA Lighting grandMA 1 and 2 consoles, High End Systems Hog® 3 or iPC
consoles (running Hog 3 software only), the ChamSys MagicQ console, and the Martin Maxxyz™ console. Mbox
Designer v3.7 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 Designer v3.7 on any console running Hog 2 software.
In general, if you are using Mbox 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:
+ Mbox® Director User Manual (02.9800.0002.xx)
+ Mbox® Studio User Manual (02.9800.0003.xx)
+ PRG Lighting Systems Networking Guide (02.3004.1000.0)
+ Vx76 Software User Manual (02.9814.0001.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®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
Training Videos
Mbox Media Server Training Videos are available on the PRG website. The following is a list of videos that apply to
Mbox Media Server:
+ Introduction: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-1/
+ Hardware Set Up- Front: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-2/
+ Hardware Set Up - Rear: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-3/
+ Patching: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-4/
+ CITP - Streaming Feedback & Thumbnails: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-6/
+ Daemon Application: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-7/
+ Media Server Concepts: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-10/
+ Play Modes: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-11/
+ Transitions: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-13/
+ Texture Effects: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-17/
+ 3D Functionality: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-18/
+ Shutters & Keystone: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-19/
+ Codes, Storage, and Media Types: http://www.prg.com/mbox-media-server-training-video-20/
+ Pixel Remapping (9 videos): http://www.prg.com/mbox-training-videos/
Direct links to the videos are also provided throughout this manual, where applicable.
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 Mbox support, please contact: [e-mail]
For additional resources and documentation, please visit our website at: www.prg.com

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

4MBOX®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Important Terminology
When discussing the Mbox Media Server, it is important to understand the terminology which distinguishes the
hardware components from the software. These concepts are as follows:
+ "Mbox Designer" refers to the software.
+ "Mbox Extreme" or "Mbox Extreme server" refers to the rental hardware which runs the Mbox Designer software.
+ The term "Mbox" may refer generically to one or both.
+ Any discussion of hardware is limited to the provided rental hardware, but may be applicable in some cases to
user-supplied hardware for running the Mbox Designer software.
Features
Mbox Designer 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 Designer software 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
sequences can be generated instantly on site without the need for offline video processing, rendering or editing. The
stock library included with the rental Mbox server contains a wide variety of movie clips, still images and 3D objects.
Custom media files may be used with Mbox Designer.
The Mbox Designer software runs on an Apple® Mac® computer controlled by DMX512 or Art-Net. All movies, still
images and 3D objects are stored directly on the computer’s hard drive, allowing instant access to any file. The Mbox
Extreme server is a single 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 minimum OS requirement for Mbox Designer is the Snow Leopard® X 10.6.7 operating system.

MBOX®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL 5
Feature List
+ Single-server rack with integrated UPS, I/O module, and Auxiliary Input panel. *
+ 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. *
+ Dual video output per server with multiple operating modes: Single Output, Dual Independent, Panoramic Wide,
and Panoramic Dual.
+ 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.
* This feature only applies to the Mbox Extreme server (hardware). It does not apply to the Mbox Designer software.

6MBOX®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
Concepts of Operation
Basic Function
The basic function of the Mbox Designer software 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. Mbox
Designer 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
Mbox Designer 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 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 Dual I/O module.
+ Mbox Director - Mbox Director is a software application that allows control of an Mbox Media Server from a
personal computer or from the Mbox server’s computer itself.
This manual assumes that a lighting console is being used to control an Mbox Extreme Media Server. The same
concepts apply to any computer running the Mbox Designer software, although some aspects of the hardware may
be different. 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.

MBOX®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL 7
COMPONENTS
Note: This section deals with Mbox Extreme hardware and may not be pertinent to a computer-only installation.
Training Video: Mbox Media Server Training Video Chapter 1: Introduction
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 8.
** Refer to "Auxiliary Input Panel" on page 10.
*** Refer to "Mac Computer" on page 11.
SITE WIRING
FAULT
OUT PUT: 120V 5 0/60 Hz
SENSIBILITY
INPUT
RESET
PUSH TO
PROTECTOR
OVERLOAD
USBPORT
2
out
optical
audio
LEFT RIGHT SMPTE IN MIDI IN MI DI OUT SDI IN R-YIN B-Y IN
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 DVI 2 PREVIEW 2 SDI 2
ST AGEBLACKOUT
VGA 1
STAGEBLACKOUT PRE VIEWDIM
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
MODEL20-9804-010 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

8MBOX®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
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 56.
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

MBOX®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL 9
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
the Mbox Designer software requires two universes.)
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.)
Training Video: Mbox Media Server Training Video Chapter 2: Hardware Set Up – Front
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)

10 MBOX®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
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
Training Video: Mbox Media Server Training Video Chapter 3: Hardware Set Up – Rear
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)

MBOX®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL 11
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 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
PUSH TO
PROTECTOR
OVERLOAD
USBPORT
2
out
optical
audio
LEFT RIGHT SMPTE IN MIDI IN MI DI OUT SDI IN R-YIN B-Y IN
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 DVI 2 PREVIEW 2 SDI 2
ST AGEBLACKOUT
VGA 1
STAGEBLACKOUT PRE VIEWDIM
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
MODEL20-9804-010 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)
FRONT VIEW REAR VIEW
Mac Front Detail
Power
Button
Headphone Jack
USB FireWire
CD/DVD ROM (2)

12 MBOX®MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
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)