Videonics MXPro User manual

MXPro
User Guide

STATEMENT OF WARRANTY
Videonics, Inc. warrants this product against defects in
materials or workmanship as follows:
For a period of TWO years from the date of purchase, Vide-
onics Inc. will repair or replace the unit, at our option, with-
out charge for parts or labor. After the period of TWO years
you must pay all parts and labor charges.
The limited warranty is extended only to the original pur-
chaser and is valid only to consumers in the United States
and Canada. It does not cover damage or failure caused by
or attributable to Acts of God, abuse, misuse, improper or
abnormal usage, faulty installation, improper maintenance,
lightning, or other incidences of excessive voltage, or any
repairs or tampering by other than a Videonics-authorized
repair facility. It does not cover replacement of batteries or
other consumable parts, transportation costs, or damage in
transit. This warranty will become void if the serial number
or model number identification has been wholly or partially
removed or erased. Repair or replacement under the terms of
this warranty do not extend the terms of this warranty. This
warranty can not be modified by any agent of Videonics,
Inc. unless in writing and signed by an officer of Videonics,
Inc.
Should this product prove defective in workmanship or
material, the consumer's sole remedies shall be such repair
or replacement as provided by the terms of this warranty.
Under no circumstances shall Videonics, Inc. be liable for
any loss or damage, direct, consequential, or incidental, aris-
ing out of the use of or inability to use this product. Some
states do not allow limitations on how long an implied war-
ranty lasts or the exclusions or limitations of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclu-
sions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific
legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.
To obtain warranty service, call or write Videonics HelpLine
for a Return Authorization (RA) number. Please mark the RA
number clearly on the outside of the package. Include a
copy of your sales receipt, a brief description of the symp-
toms, your name, address, phone number and any special
shipping instructions. Then deliver or ship the product,
postage or shipping costs prepaid, to a Videonics-authorized
repair facility. For the name of the nearest repair facility,
Contact Videonics, Inc. HelpLine. See “Contacting Videon-
ics” on page 8 for instructions.
DISCLAIMER
Television screens are simulated and subject to change with-
out notice. This device is not to be used for the unautho-
rized copying of copyrighted material.
TRADEMARKS
MX-Pro, the Videonics logo, Thumbs Up, MX-1, and Vide-
onics Video TitleMaker are trademarks or registered trade-
marks of Videonics, Inc. Hi8 is a trademark of Sony
Corporation. VHS is a registered trademark of JVC. Other
product and brand names might be trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby
acknowledged.
FCC Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reason-
able protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, might cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in
which case the user must correct the interference at his/her
own expense.

Declaration of Conformity
Parminder Gillon
Test Engineer
I, the undersinged, hereby declare that
the equipment specified above
conforms to the above
directive(s) and standard(s).
(Signature)
(Full Name)
(Position)
Application of Council Directive(s) 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC
Standards to which conformity is declared EN60950, EN55022 Class A, EN50082-1
Place Campbell, California, USA
Date March 25, 1998
Manufacturer's Name Videonics
Manufacturer's Address 1370 Dell Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008, USA
Importer's Name Videonics GmbH
Importer's Address Industriestrasse 2
90765 Furth/Bay, Germany
Type of Equipment Video Mixer
Name of Equipment MXPro
Model No. MX-3000 PAL
Serial No.
Year of Manufacture 1998

®
Notes

Contents
1
Introduction
Major Features •
2
Common Uses for MXPro •
3
MXPro Package Contents •
4
About this User Guide •
5
Contacting Videonics • 8
2
Quick Start
Quick Start Steps •
10
Setting Up
• 10
The Preview Screen
• 11
Running the Demo
• 12
Cutting Between Sources
• 13
Borders and Solid Color Backgrounds
• 13
Setting up a Transition
• 14
Running Transitions
• 14
Using CUT Transitions • 15
Choosing Transitions
• 15
Using Transition Categories
• 16
Other Features
• 16
3 Installing MXPro
Sources and Output •
18
Preview and Program Monitors •
19
Preview Monitor
• 19
Program Monitor
• 19
Number of Monitors
• 19
Understanding MXPro Connectors •
20
Power Connector • 22
Cables and Adapters •
23
Installation Examples •
24
Correlating Input Sources to MXPro Jacks
• 25
Using Headphones
• 25
VCR Selector Switches
• 25
General Notes
• 25
Live Broadcast Configuration
• 26
Post Production Configuration
• 28
Using a Microphone with MXPro •
30
4
Basic Operations
Starting and Stopping MXPro •
32
Understanding the Keyboard •
32
Using the Preview Screen •
35
Changing the Display Configuration
• 35
Input Source Previews • 36
Active Source Highlights
• 36
Color Selector
• 37
Transitions Menu
• 37
Selected Transition
• 37
Using CURRENT and NEXT Sources •
38
Selecting Sources •
39
Using the Video/Audio Selector •
40
Swapping Sources •
41
Simple Cuts
• 41
Swapping Between Two Sources • 41
Working with Colors •
42
Identifying Colors
• 42
Using Color Backgrounds
• 43
Changing Colors and Styles
• 43
Creating Custom Colors
• 44
Using Borders •
45
Changing Border Styles
• 46
5
Transitions
Basic Transition Concepts •
50
Transition Categories and Menus •
52
Basic Transitions Category • 53
Edges Transitions Category
• 53
Trailing Transitions Category
• 53
Shapes Transitions Category
• 53
User Transitions Category
• 53
Changing User Transitions Menu •
54
Selecting Sources to Use During Transitions •
55
Setting the CURRENT Source
• 55
Setting the NEXT Source
• 55
Selecting Transitions •
56
Using the Transitions Menu
• 56
Using Transition Numbers • 57
Adjusting Transitions •
58
Changing Transition Speed
• 58
Changing Transition Direction
• 59
Running Transitions •
61
Running Transitions Automatically
• 61
Running Transitions Manually
• 61

Videonics MXPro User Guide Contents
ii
6
Input Effects
Input Effects Menu •
64
Special Key Combinations
• 65
Using Input Effects •
66
B&W •
67
B&W Neg •
67
Posterize •
67
Flip Horizontal • 67
Mosaic • 68
Color Correct • 68
Color Neg • 69
Chroma Key • 69
Flip Vertical • 69
Strobe • 69
7Functions
Demo • 72
Running a Locked Demo • 72
Display • 73
Setup • 75
Force Field Freeze • 76
GPI Out Mode • 76
Comb Filter • 76
Black Level • 76
Route • 77
Configuring MXPro • 77
Re-directing Input Signals • 80
Routing Audio through Color Channel • 81
Navigating the Route Menu • 81
Learn • 82
Compose • 82
PIPs • 82
Audio Mix • 82
Freeze • 83
Field and Frame Freezes • 83
Major Freeze Functions • 83
Freeze Examples • 84
Freeze and Transitions • 86
8PIPs
Single PIP • 88
Background Tile • 88
Foreground Tile • 88
Using Other Effects with Single PIPs • 90
Multi-PIP • 91
Using Freeze Effect with Multi-PIPs • 92
9Compose
Basic Composition Steps • 94
Backgrounds • 94
Foreground Tiles • 95
Creating Color Tiles and Lines • 95
Creating Moving Video Tiles • 95
Creating Still Image Tiles • 95
Manipulating Tiles • 96
Positioning Tiles • 96
Sizing Tiles • 96
Composition Rules • 97
Creating a Composed Image • 98
Playing the Composition • 99
Exiting from Compose Mode • 100
10 Chroma Key
Preparing the Background Footage • 102
Preparing the Keyed Footage • 103
Preparing the Chroma Key Footage • 103
Performing the Chroma Key • 105
Fine-Tuning Key Colors • 105
Ending Chroma Key • 105
11 Learn Mode
Learned Environments • 108
Learned Scripts • 109
Using Learn Mode • 111
Other Useful Information • 112
Aborting a Playback Session • 112
12 Working with Audio
Audio Devices You Can Use • 114
Ways You Can Control Audio • 114
Controlling Audio Transitions • 114
VIDEO/AUDIO Selector • 114
Selecting Audio Sources • 115
Ways to Use Audio • 116
Audio Accompanies Video • 116
Continuous Audio • 117
Using the Audio Mixer • 118
Audio Mixer Controls • 119
Using Background Audio • 119
Using Headphones • 120
Advanced Audio Setups • 120

Contents Videonics MXPro User Guide iii
13 Advanced Operations
Using Titles • 122
Using Color Bars • 122
Performing Roll Edits • 123
Cutting Between Scenes • 123
A/A Roll Edits • 123
A/B Roll Edits • 124
Transitions TO and FROM Solid Colors • 125
Transitions to Modified Sources • 125
Operating in Live Environments • 126
Security Monitoring • 126
Using a GPI Device • 126
Instructions for Building a GPI Trigger • 127
Using a GPI Trigger Device • 128
Calibrating the T-BAR • 128
Resetting MXPro Factory Defaults • 129
APPENDIXES & BACK MATTER
ATransitions List
Basic Transitions • 132
Edge Transitions • 137
Trailing Transitions • 138
Shape Transitions • 139
Default User Transitions • 143
BTime Base Corrector
Dual TBC Mode • 145
Vertical Interval Data • 146
TBC Technical Information • 146
CVideo Quality
Preview Image Quality • 147
Video Scaling Artifacts • 148
Freeze Quality • 148
Upside-Down Video • 148
Video Processing Artifacts • 149
DTechnical Specifications
EInformation for MX-1 Users
Glossary
Index

Videonics MXPro User Guide Contents
iv
LIST of TABLES
Table 1 User Guide Contents • 5
Table 2 Videonics Contacts • 8
Table 3 Default Colors and Numbers • 42
Table 4 Border Styles (Defaults) • 45
Table 5 Keys for Changing Border Attributes • 47
Table 6 MX-1 Compatibility Hot Keys • 53
Table 7 Input Effects Mode Key Combinations • 65
Table 8 Main Mode Input Effects Key Combinations • 65
Table 9 Setup Menu Navigation Keys • 75
Table 10 Manipulating PIPs Tiles • 89
Table 11 Manipulating PIPs Mask • 90
Table 12 Multi-PIP Screen Configurations • 91
Table 13 Selecting Mixer Channels • 119
Table 14 Adjusting Audio Levels • 119
Table 15 Descriptions of Basic Transitions • 133
Table 16 Edge Transitions • 137
Table 17 Trailing Transitions • 138
Table 18 Shape Transitions • 139
Table 19 MXPro Technical Specifications • 151

1
Introduction
W elcome to MXPro , and thank you for buying Videonics products.
This chapter contains:
• Brief descriptions of major MXPro features
• Typical uses for the MXPro
• How to contact Videonics
• An inventory of package contents
• Description of the contents of this User Guide
Please take a few moments to read the material so you can take full advantage of all
MXPro benefits.

2
Chapter 1 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide
M
AJOR
F
EATURES
MXPro contains features found on most video mixers. In addition, it contains the spe-
cial features described in this section.
Superb Video Quality — To ensure highest video quality, MXPro uses 10-bit (4:2:2)
video technology for Y/C applications, and 8-bit 4:2:2 for Composite applications.
Four Input Synchronized Switcher — MXPro provides four input channels. This makes
MXPro useful in live production settings where up to four cameras or other sources
might be in use. MXPro synchronizes the inputs, so picture disruptions do not occur
when switching between sources. Each channel has a composite video input, a Y/C
video input, and a set of stereo audio inputs.
Pictures-in-Pictures (PIPs) — PIP allows multiple pictures to share the screen in various
configurations. For example, one source might take the entire background while
another image appears inside a separate, smaller window, both sharing the screen at
the same time. You can use up to 16 images in a PIP configuration.
Effects Generator — Use a variety of effects to enhance a source or transition between
sources. Select from over 500 effects, including natural shapes (diamonds, stars, and so
forth), fancy edges, and borders. And, you can build your own custom menu for quick
access to those effects you use most often.
Time Base Corrector (TBC) — MXPro automatically corrects the output’s time base.
MXPro stabilizes the output signal even when the input sources are not stable.
Chroma Key — Keying replaces
parts of one picture with another,
based on their color. Here the solid
background behind Kong keys out
and subsequently gets replaced
with the picture of the bridge. The
chroma key version shows Kong
contemplating the bridge.
Frame Synchronizer and Digital Video Mixer — Mix any two input sources together
using a variety of transitions — wipes, dissolves, flips, and so forth. With the frame
synchronizer you can mix independent video signals.
Compose — MXPro provides a video painting system you can use to combine video
stills, color shapes, and moving video on one screen. You can create a screen that con-
tains a video still of a football coach (with a surrounding red border), combined with a
moving video of the players in action on the field.
Audio Mixer — MXPro provides basic audio control. You can change the sound along
with the video, or play a constant sound while the video plays. Audio can come from a
video source or from external audio devices.
Connectivity — MXPro provides multiple video/audio outputs, including two Y/C Pro-
gram outputs, two composite Program outputs, one composite Preview output, one set
of stereo audio outputs, and a Headphone output.
Joystick — The joystick gives you fine control over color adjustments and positioning of
PIP (picture-in-picture), compose, and the chroma key cursor.
Color Correction — Apply true RGB color correction to any or all input sources. Color
correction parameters can be set separately for each channel.
Input Effects — Apply special effects such as flips, mosaics, and others to the signals
coming in from any input source.

3
Introduction Common Uses for MXPro
C
OMMON
U
SES FOR
MXP
RO
Multiple-Source Video Production — In a video production setup, you can connect one
or more video sources (VCR’s, camcorders, video disc players, cameras, title generators,
computer graphics systems, and so forth) to MXPro’s four input channels. The Program
output can then be sent to a VTR or directly to a monitor.
You determine what is sent to the output. While the original inputs play, you can
switch between any of MXPro’s channels. You can use dissolves or other transitions
to go from one channel to another. You can add special effects to any channel, and
use advanced features such as compose and chroma key to enhance the production.
Single-Source Use — MXPro supports A/A roll, a method for creating interesting transi-
tions with a single source. Its digital effects (such as picture freeze, posterization, and
zooms) give added life to productions. You can use MXPro with a titler to mix and
superimpose titles. Time Base Correction improves the picture (especially when making
multiple-generation copies) by removing the jitter common to most VCR’s.
Live Video — In live production setups, MXPro processes events as they occur. Good
coverage requires seeing the events from different vantage points—which means you
need multiple input sources. MXPro gives you the ability to connect up to four sources
simultaneously. For example, at a sporting event, camera one might focus on the play-
ing field, camera two on the team benches, camera three on the announcer, and cam-
era four on the scoreboard. Using MXPro you can easily switch between the sources
whenever necessary.
Note
MXPro is not an edit controller — that is, it does not control VCR’s, camcorders, and
similar devices. You can control the sources manually, or use external edit controllers
such as those manufactured by Videonics.

4
Chapter 1 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide
MXP
RO
P
ACKAGE
C
ONTENTS
The MXPro package contains the items shown below. Check your package against the
illustration. If anything is missing, contact the dealer where you purchased MXPro for
the necessary replacements.
Power Adapter and Cord User Guide
MXPro Unit

5
Introduction About this User Guide
A
BOUT THIS
U
SER
G
UIDE
This User Guide contains the chapters, appendixes, and other sections shown in the
following table.
Table 1: User Guide Contents
Chapter Description
Chapter 1
Introduction
Basic overview of MXPro features,
description of package contents,
description of manual, and so forth.
Chapter 2
Quick Start
Brief steps to setting up MXPro with your
equipment. Provided for people quite
familiar with connecting video
equipment.
Chapter 3
Installing MXPro
Instructions for setting up MXPro to work
with your video equipment.
Chapter 4
Basic Operations
Explains most common procedures and
functions used with MXPro.
Chapter 5
Transitions
Complete description of and instructions
for using MXPro transitions. Also see
Appendix A, Transitions List.
Chapter 6
Input Effects
How to use various effects with video
input material.
Chapter 7
Functions
Descriptions of and instructions for using
MXPro’s built-in functions.
Chapter 8
PIPs
Instructions for using the Picture-in-
Picture functions.
Chapter 9
Compose
How to create composed images
consisting of rectangles, lines, still images,
and/or moving images.
Chapter 10
Chroma Key
Instructions for creating chroma key
images where specific colors (such as a
blue screen) can be keyed out and
replaced with a video sequence or other
image.
Chapter 11
Learn Mode
How to use MXPro’s Learn Mode for
“recording” your mixing steps then
playing them back.
Chapter 12
Working with Audio
How to use audio sources (tapes, CD’s,
and so forth) with MXPro.
Chapter 13
Advanced Operations
Descriptions of operations used
infrequently, but still of substantial use for
mixing video programs.

6
Chapter 1 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide
Conventions The User Guide employs the conventions described in this section.
Tips, Notes, Cautions, and Warnings use the following formats.
Tip
A tip provides useful information for doing various tasks and procedures.
Note
Notes contain information to supplement the other information contained throughout
the guide.
CAUTION
Cautions warn that if you continue with what you are doing there is a danger of losing
information.
WARNING!
Warnings mean stop what you are doing because there is danger of losing
information and, possibly, damaging your equipment.
Appendix A
Transitions List
Complete list of transitions available with
MXPro, along with their assigned code
numbers and descriptions.
Appendix B
Time Base Corrector
Explains the time-base corrector feature
built into MXPro.
Appendix C
Video Quality
Discusses issues concerning the level of
quality in videos — that is, what to expect
and what you can do to improve quality.
Appendix D
Technical Specifications
MXPro product specifications.
Appendix E
MXPro | MX-1 Differences
Summarizes operational differences
between MXPro and Videonics MX-1
Video Mixer.
Glossary Definitions of terms frequently used in
conjunction with MXPro and video
mixing procedures.
Index Standard index to topics in this manual.
Table 1: User Guide Contents (Continued)
Chapter Description

7
Introduction About this User Guide
MXPro Buttons When referencing the various buttons (or, keys) and other controls on the MXPro key-
board, they appear in uppercase, boldface characters. For example, the keyboard con-
tains the PLAY button and T-BAR .
In some cases you use two buttons together to perform a function. This is normally
done using the shift button in combination with some other button. A plus (+) symbol
indicates this. For example, you might be asked to enter SHIFT+PIPS . This means press
and hold down the SHIFT button, press the PIPs button, then release both.
Sources, Channels, and
Outputs
The terms Source , Channel , and Output appear extensively throughout this guide. It’s
important to understand the differences between them.
A Source is a physical device, such as a VCR, that provides a video and/or audio sig-
nal.
A Channel is an internal MXPro component. The video and/or audio signal originat-
ing from a source travels along one of the channels.
An Output displays or records a mixed signal (such as the video on one channel, a
transition, and the video on another channel) on an output device. The output device
might be a recording VCR or a live broadcast signal.
SHIFT PIPs

8Chapter 1 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide
CONTACTING VIDEONICS
Videonics provides technical and general support for all of its products. The following
table provides information for contacting us with your suggestions, questions, and
problems.
Table 2: Videonics Contacts
Department Contact Information
Corporate Headquarters 1370 Dell Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008
Main Phone Number [phone]
Main Fax Number [phone]
Product Information [phone]
Information via E-Mail [email protected]
Technical Support [phone]
Support via E-Mail [email protected]
Compuserve GO VIDEONICS
Compuserve ID 72662,3115
Internet World Wide Web http://www.videonics.com
International Offices Contact Videonics for your local distributor

2
Quick Start
This chapter contains brief instructions for setting up MXPro with basic equipment.
The instructions do not go into detail. If you feel comfortable connecting video and
audio equipment, you can probably get started quickly using these instructions.
If you are upgrading from the Videonics MX-1, see Appendix E, Information for MX-1
Users , for helpful information in setting up your MXPro.
Skim the instructions in this chapter. If you have any questions about any of the steps,
turn to Chapter 3, Installing MXPro , and follow the detailed instructions for setting up
your equipment.

10
Chapter 2 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide
Q
UICK
S
TART
S
TEPS
Setting Up
¨ Connect a COMPOSITE-type monitor to MXPro’s PREVIEW OUT jack.
¨ Connect an Input Source (such as a VCR or camcorder) to MXPro’s IN 1 jacks.
¨ Connect a second Input Source to MXPro’s IN 2 jacks.
MXPro is set up, by default, to expect S-Video (Y/C) devices to be connected to the IN
1, IN 2, IN 3, and IN 4 input jacks. If you connect Composite devices to any of the
jacks, you must tell MXPro this fact. See “Using the Route Function” below after
completing the following steps.
¨ Connect a VCR’s VIDEO IN and AUDIO IN jacks to the OUT jacks on the MXPro rear
panel. This is the device where you record the program.
¨ Connect a television or monitor to the recording VCR according to their instruc-
tions. Having this monitor available lets you see exactly what is being recorded (or,
output).
Note
These instructions assume a two-monitor setup. If you are using only one monitor, con-
nect it to PREVIEW OUT.
¨ Connect the MXPro power supply to the power supply jack on the rear panel.
¨ Connect the MXPro’s power cord to a suitable outlet.
¨ Turn on all devices (the MXPro power switch is located on the right end of the unit)
and let the tapes roll.
00:00
00:00 00:00
Preview Monitor
Input
Source
Input
Source
Output Device
Output Monitor
PREVIEW OUT
VIDEO IN
AUDIO IN
OUT Jacks
IN 1
IN 2

11
Quick Start The Preview Screen
The Preview Screen
¨ You should see the following (with some slight differences) on the Preview screen.
Note
MXPro displays small previews of the sources you have attached. The images are
scaled down both in size and frame rate and, therefore, don’t play as smoothly as they
would in a single-source video monitor image. This does not affect the quality of the
video going to the output — it is always highest quality.
The PREVIEW screen contains the elements you need to run transitions:
CURRENT Source — The signal currently playing on the Output monitor. MXPro
highlights the CURRENT source in Yellow (just above the preview images).
NEXT Source — The signal that will play on the Output monitor after the transition
runs. MXPro highlights the NEXT source in Green.
Transitions Menu — Rows and columns of icons representing some of the transitions
available. MXPro highlights the currently selected transition in Blue. The icons also
show the speed and direction for the selected transition.
¨ Near the upper-right corner of the Preview screen is the Color Channel. The swatch
shows samples of the current background color, border color, and border style. The
numbers represent the current selection of color codes and styles.
CURRENT Source
NEXT Source
Transitions Menu

12
Chapter 2 Videonics MX-Pro User Guide
Using the Route
Function
The Route functions ensures that MXPro understands where your input devices are
connected on the rear panel. If you connect S-Video (Y/C) devices to the IN 1, IN 2, IN3,
and/or IN 4 jacks, re-routing is not necessary. Go on to the next section, “Running the
Demo”. Otherwise:
¨ After starting MXPro with all devices connected and turned on, press ROUTE to dis-
play the Route screen.
¨ Press LEFT ARROW. Note that the S highlight (for S-Video, or Y/C) under IN 2
moves left to highlight the V (Composite Video) option.
¨ To route other inputs to different channels, press NEXT/X, where X is the channel
to which you want to route. Then repeat the preceding step.
¨ Press ROUTE again to exit from the Route screen.
Running the Demo
The Demo gives you a quick look at some of MXPro’s important features and assort-
ment of transitions.
¨ Press SHIFT+DEMO.
You should see the two sources alternating, with a variety of transition effects in
between.
¨ Press any key to stop the Demo whenever you want.
MUTE
Press NEXT/X where Xis the channel (A,
B, C, or D) TO WHICH you want to route
the signals. MXPro highlights the
channel you select.
This display
indicates the S-
Video (Y/C) and R/L
audio connections
from IN 2 are routed
to Channel B.
The following instructions explain
how to change the video routing for
channel B from the S-Video (Y/C)
connection on IN 2 to the Composite
connection on IN 2.