PRG Mbox Designer User Manual v3.6.1 User Manual
Page 65
MBOX
®
MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL
57
SDI Output (SD - Standard Definition & HD - High Definition)
IMPORTANT!
This requires connection to a Dual I/O Module.
If you are using MBOX Designer without the Dual I/O
Module, you will not be able to output SDI.
The MBOX Designer software supports SD/HD-SDI output directly from the Dual I/O module without need for a scan
converter. SDI can be sent from both outputs of the I/O module simultaneously. A standard DVI monitor may need to
be connected to the Preview output(s) of the I/O module so that the Mac desktop can be viewed when MBOX
Designer is not running in Fullscreen mode.
In order to output SDI, the Mac Graphics card must be set to display output resolutions and frequencies that some
DVI monitors may not support. The EDID spoofing built into the Dual I/O module allows the unit to output the special
resolutions and frequencies.
In order to output SDI, MBOX Designer simply needs to be configured to use the appropriate Fullscreen mode setting
and the Dual I/O module will automatically output SDI at that resolution and frequency setting (refer to
on page 53 for further info on frequency settings).
When SDI has been enabled, normal VGA or DVI monitors connected to the Dual I/O module may not be able to
display a picture. DVI monitors provide the most compatibility, but compatibility is not guaranteed. However, the two
SDI connectors (A & B) on the face of the module do act as Preview and Stage SDI outputs. SDI A will be the Stage
output, and SDI B will be the Preview output. In this way, an SDI monitor can be used with the SDI preview output.
Note:
Most SD-SDI monitors cannot display an HD-SDI signal, but HD-SDI monitors can display SD-SDI signals.
When entering the Fullscreen mode with MBOX Designer set to output an SDI-compatible resolution, the SDI
indicator LED to the left of SDI connector A will illuminate. SDI will be output if one of the pre-determined SDI settings
is selected or if the Custom mode is configured with a resolution and frequency that matches one of the possible SDI
formats.
When using SDI output, it may not be possible to run the Mac desktop at the same resolution and frequency as the
selected (SDI) Fullscreen mode. If also using Genlock, this means that genlock sync will be lost when switching
between Fullscreen and Window modes or when quitting the MBOX Designer software (see
on page 45 for more information). In this case, plan accordingly to enter Fullscreen mode with enough time to allow
the genlock to sync.
The following SDI resolutions are supported:
+
SD - NTSC 480i (720 x 480) @ 60Hz (non-square pixels)
+
SD - PAL 576i (720 x 576) @ 50Hz (non-square pixels)
+
HD - 720p (1280 x 720) @ 59.94/60Hz
+
HD - 1080i (1920 x 1080) @ 50/59.94/60Hz
+
HD - 1080p (1920 x 1080) @ 23.98/24/25/29.97/30Hz
Note:
Many standard resolution/frequency combinations can be selected in the Fullscreen mode section of the Setup
tab. To use a resolution and/or frequency that is different from the standard choices, select "Custom" on the pop-up
menu and manually enter the resolution and frequency in the fields below the pop-up. Refer to