PRG Mbox - Page 117

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MBOX® USER MANUAL
Guidelines:
+ Since TC Reader retransmits the timecode data via Ethernet, a timecode source can be connected to any computer
and then retransmitted to any networked Mbox servers.
+ Timecode reception and transmission may be affected by other applications running on the computer. Quit all
unnecessary applications.
+ TC Reader attempts to automatically interpret the incoming timecode framerate and format. This will be displayed at
the top of the window - e.g. “30 NDF” for 30fps non-drop timecode.
+ While TC Reader is receiving timecode, a number in parentheses will be shown to the left of the Auto-Start
checkbox.
- This is the actual framerate of the incoming code. If the number in parentheses is colored red and does not
match the number shown at the top of the window, then TC Reader was not able to interpret the incoming
timecode correctly.
- The most common cause of incorrect timecode interpretation is 29.97fps non-drop timecode. If 29.97ndf
timecode is being received by TC Reader, the Mbox application must be set to compensate by enabling the
correct preference on the Preferences tab. (Refer to “TC Reader v3.x 29.97ndf” on page 53)
+ For receiving timecode for show purposes, the use of SMPTE directly into the Mbox application (as an audio
input) is strongly recommended over the use of TC Reader. The TC Reader application is provided primarily as a
convenience in situations where it is impossible or impractical to connect SMPTE directly to each Mbox server.
CAUTION! The TC Reader application is designed to perform best when receiving audio streams at a sampling rate of
44.1KHz. If a USB or FireWire audio interface is being used to receive timecode on the computer, open the Audio MIDI
Setup application on the computer and set the interface’s sampling rate to 44.1KHz. If 44.1KHz is not available, choose
the next lowest option.
Specifying the Network Interface for Sync
When receiving network timecode from either TC Reader, each Mbox server must be told which Ethernet interface
is being used for the timecode stream. The Network section of the Mbox application’s Preferences tab can be used
to select the interface for receiving timecode. Use the pop-up labeled “Sync” to select the interface. Only currently
connected interfaces will be shown in the pop-up menu.