Autocue QBox User Guide - Manual (Page 17)

QBox Installation & Operation Guide
Issue #: 090924 ©2003-2009 Autocue Group Ltd 9 www.autocue-qtv.com
S
ECTION
3:
QBox Hardware
QBox is the latest generation of prompting hardware from Autocue.
The design of QBox allows the inbuilt prompting intelligence to be
distributed away from any control computer allowing more scalable
prompting solutions.
Benefits of QBox.
• Reliability
Rarely revert to hard copy again. QBox stores a copy of the current rundown or script.
This copy remains even if the QBox is disconnected or powered down. If the control
computer crashes, or a connection is lost, the QBox continues to scroll the script at the
same speed.
With a local hand control a presenter (or operator, with a preview screen) can control
the script until the control computer reboots at which point the control of the scrolling
script is automatically returned to the computer.
In the event of a total power failure, QBox takes less than 30 seconds to reboot and
return to the same point in the script at which the power failed.
• Versatility
QBox can be co-located with a prompter display unit and a local control device. Alterna-
tively, Ethernet connections allow images from one QBox to be sent to many prompting
monitors over greater distances than a composite video connection. An Internet
connection allows a QBox to be controlled from almost anywhere in the world.
QBox can also act as a back-up in case the control computer is disabled.
• Affordability
No need for back-up computer and fewer delays to production.
Fewer resources needed enabling crew sizes to be reduced.
• Quality
Professional output maintained throughout.
3.1: QBox components
A QBox installation or deployment comprises a range of equipment and connections depending
on the situation in which it is to be used.
3.1.1: Supplied equipment
When you purchase a QBox from Autocue, the following items will be supplied:
• A standard QBox unit
• A 12-volt power supply unit with a 4-pin XLR connector
• Any scroll control devices that you have ordered
• An Ethernet cable and a crossover adaptor plug.
N OTE : If the QBox is to be connected to an existing installation you will not receive
a USB dongle.