Layer-to-layer synchronization – PRG Mbox Designer Manual 3.9 User Manual
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MBOX
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MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
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Layer-To-Layer Synchronization
Mbox offers the ability to synchronize playback of a designated master layer on one server to a layer on another
server. A layer on one server can sync to the same numbered layer on another server, or one of 16 sync streams can
be selected for both sync mastering and slaving.
Layer-To-Layer sync typically requires that most or all of the layer playback settings between two synced layers would
be identical with exception of the playmode, which would designate master or slave:
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140 > 149 - Layer to Layer Slave
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150 > 159 - Layer to Layer Master - FWD Loop
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160 > 169 - Layer to Layer Master - FWD Once
In practice, it is possible to modify the in and out points of the layers, and to change the movie. This can lead to odd
results, however, if the lengths of the resulting clips are not the same. Also, other settings on the server (Tile modes,
edge-blending, etc.) can be modified. If you initiate a crossfade (at the same time) with both layers, the outgoing and
incoming images will stay in sync.
To select which stream is used by a server while using Layer-To-Layer sync, adjust the Sync Stream channel
appropriately on both Master and Slave as follows:
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0 - Layer to Layer by layer number: If Layer 1 on a server is set to one of the Master playmodes and Stream 0,
then if Layer 1 on any other server (but not the same server) is set to the Slave playmode and Stream 0, the slave
will sync to the master layer.
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1 - Stream 1: Any layer can be set to Master and Stream 1 - 16, and any layer on any server set to Slave and the
same Stream # will sync to that master layer.
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2 - Stream 2
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3 - Stream 3, and so on up to...
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16 - Stream 16
The Timecode Offset channel of the slave layer can be used to fine tune the sync by up to 127 frames in a forward or
backward direction.
For a complete channel map, refer to
Specifying the Network Port for Layer-To-Layer Sync
When using Layer-To-Layer sync, each Mbox server must be told which Ethernet port
to use for synchronization. The Network section of the Mbox Setup tab can be used to
select one of three Sync ports: Local, Ethernet 1, or Ethernet 2. Only the currently
connected ports will be shown in the pop-up menu, so it may not have three choices in
all cases.
To prevent the sync signal from transmitting from a particular server, select "Local."
Otherwise, select which of the Ethernet ports to use for the sync signal. In typical setups, the port should be the same
on every machine, whether the server is sending or receiving sync. Ethernet ports used for Layer-To-Layer sync on all
Mbox servers must be configured using compatible network setups.
Also refer to