PRG Mbox Designer User Manual v3.6.1 - Manual (Page 67)

MBOX ® MEDIA SERVER USER MANUAL 59
The MBOX Genlock feature uses
an additional connection between
the rear of the I/O module and the
Genlock card in the Mac
computer. This card is located
next to the Graphics card and has
two LED indicators - one red and
one green - which function as
follows:
+ If the card is receiving power
but no data, the red LED will
turn on.
+ When the card is receiving
data (i.e. when a genlock
input is connected to the I/O
module), the red LED will turn
off and the green LED will turn
on.
+ When a genlock input is first
connected to the I/O module, a green LED to the left of the Genlock In connector will flash rapidly. This is to
indicate that the module has recognized the presence of an incoming signal and is attempting to synchronize to it.
+ Once synchronization has occurred, the LED will stop flashing and stay illuminated. It may take up to two minutes
for the synchronization process to complete, so it is advisable to establish sync a few minutes before needed.
+ If the green LED flashes rapidly when genlock is connected, this indicates an input frequency that does not match
(too fast or too slow) the frequency that the Mac is outputting.
+ If the green LED flashes rapidly then turns off altogether, this is a likely indication that the input signal is not
standard composite sync. Check the type and quality of the signal.
To ensure that genlock input and output work successfully, make sure that the devices being synchronized are set to
refresh at identical rates. If MBOX Designer is set to output video with a refresh rate of 59.94Hz, then its output can
only be usefully connected to another device that is set to refresh at 59.94Hz. Similarly, if you intend to synchronize
MBOX video output to a video source refreshing at 50Hz, you must set MBOX Designer to output video with a refresh
rate of 50Hz. Please note that not all video refresh rates are available on all devices or are compatible with all devices.
You will need to find a rate that works with all of your equipment.
CAUTION! If you attempt to synchronize an MBOX’s video output to an external source with a conflicting refresh rate,
the two devices will never synchronize. The genlock LED on the front of the Dual I/O Module will continue to flash
forever. Additionally, it is strongly recommended that you configure the Mac desktop resolution to be the same as the
MBOX Fullscreen mode (see
"Setup: Fullscreen Mode" on page 45) as failing to do so will result in a loss of genlock
synchronization every time you quit MBOX Designer or switch from Fullscreen to Window mode.
Figure 3-5: Mac Computer Rear View (v3.5)
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opt
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in
out
Graphics Card
Genlock Card Video Capture Card
Ethernet Card