How does Matrox MXO work?
When Matrox MXO is used with QuickTime-based applications that support the V-out component including Final Cut Pro, Color, Soundtrack Pro, Motion, and Adobe After Effects, it operates in “Mastering Mode”. Matrox MXO patent-pending technology uses the DVI port on your Mac computer in a unique way to provide frame-accurate audio/video output for insert editing and print-to-tape with guaranteed a/v sync. Normally when previewing video from a QuickTime application, the native YCbCr video (sometimes inaccurately called "YUV" video) is converted to the RGB color space for output over the DVI connection. The frame rate of the RGB video does not match the standard for broadcast video. For example, it may be 75 Hz rather than the 59.94 Hz standard for NTSC. The frame sequence, therefore, inevitably includes dropped and/or repeat frames. Matrox MXO, on the other hand, takes the YCbCr video from the QuickTime application and sends it directly out over the DVI connection with time-stamping information that allows the MXO box to reconstruct the frame sequence at the broadcast standard frame rate. It also sends eight digital audio tracks that are then embedded in the SDI signal in perfect sync with the video.
Mastering Mode video output resolutions
The following video output standards are supported:
| Editing | Output | Downscaled output |
|---|---|---|
| NTSC | NTSC | N/A |
| PAL | PAL | N/A |
| 720p at 23.98 fps | 720p at 59.94 fps | NTSC |
| 720p at 25 fps | 720p at 50 fps | PAL |
| 720p at 29.97 fps | 720p at 59.94 fps | NTSC |
| 720p at 50 fps | 720p at 50 fps | PAL |
| 720p at 59.94 fps | 720p at 59.94 fps | NTSC |
| 1080p at 23.98 fps | 1080PsF at 23.98 fps | N/A |
| 1080p at 23.98 fps (at 29.97 fps) | 1080PsF at 29.97 fps | NTSC |
| 1080p at 25 fps | 1080PsF at 25 fps | PAL |
| 1080p at 29.97 fps | 1080PsF at 29.97 fps | NTSC |
| 1080i at 25 fps | 1080i at 25 fps | PAL |
| 1080i at 29.97 fps | 1080i at 29.97 fps | NTSC |
Presentation Mode video resolutions
Recommended desktop display resolutions for optimal results:
- 640x480 for NTSC
- 800x600 for PAL
- 1920x1200 for 1080i
- 1280x800 for 720p
Supported video output resolutions:
- CCIR 601 NTSC 720x486 interlace at 29.97 frames/sec.
- CCIR 601 PAL 720x576 interlace at 25.00 frames/sec.
- HDTV 1920x1080 interlace at 29.97 frames/sec.
- HDTV 1920x1080 interlace at 25.00 frames/sec.
- HDTV 1280x720 progressive at 59.94 frames/sec.
