PRG Mbox Mini Manual 3.9 - Manual (Page 13)

MBOX ® MINI USER MANUAL 5
Concepts of Operation
Basic Function
The basic function of Mbox 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 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 seen on stage. This eliminates the need to
modify media clips in advance, which can take considerable time. Mbox is like a combination of After Effects,
Photoshop, Maya, and Final Cut Pro which can be used in real-time to project custom imagery.
Control
The Mbox Mini software can be controlled by either a lighting console or a Mac computer running OS X 10.6.7 or
greater and Mbox Director software. In either case, the console or computer can be used to configure and control all
aspects of 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.
+ Mbox Director - Mbox Director is a software application that allows control of Mbox Mini from either another OS
X machine or optionally from the same computer running Mbox Mini depending on the required performance of
the Mbox Mini software.
This manual assumes that a lighting console is being used to control Mbox. For instructions on using Mbox Director,
refer to the separate Mbox Director User Manual (02.9800.0002.xx).
Primary Components
A typical Mbox system is made up of several different components that work together to achieve the final result. The
following simplified diagram illustrates how the components work together:
Figure 1-1: Simplified Component Diagram
Mbox Mini is a software product that requires a suitable Mac computer to achieve desired performance levels.
The following items should be considered:
+ Video Card
+ Hard Drive Configuration (RAID, SSD)
+ Number of Processor Cores and Processor Speed
+ Capture Cards
CONSOLE
MAC COMPUTER
FINAL MEDIA OUTPUT
(stored media)
(to projector, LED wall, plasma screen, etc.)
Audio, MIDI, SMPTE, SDI video, etc.