Chapter 3. Connecting the DMediaPro Board to VBOB

This chapter shows you how to connect the DMediaPro Board to VBOB for all High Definition video, Standard Definition video, and Genlock input/output (I/O). The DMediaPro/VBOB configuration allows you to transmit and receive uncompressed High Definition video and Standard Definition video without using two separate connections.


Note: For detailed information on VBOB, see the SGI Video Breakout Box Owner's Guide.

The following topics are covered:

Getting Started

Before you connect any cables, follow these steps:

  1. Power down the SGI host system.

  2. Be sure the VBOB power switch at the back of the chassis is in the Off (o) position.

  3. Connect one end of the VBOB power cord to the VBOB power plug and the other end of the cord to your AC power source.

Connecting the DMediaPro Board to VBOB

To connect the DMediaPro Board to VBOB, follow these steps:

  1. Connect one end of the LVDS A cable (black cable with white connector on each end) to the DMediaPro Board's LVDS A connector. Connect the other end of this cable to the VBOB LVDS A connector, as shown in Figure 3-1.

  2. Connect one end of the LVDS B cable (black cable with black connector on each end) to the DMediaPro Board's LVDS B connector. Connect the other end of this cable to the VBOB LVDS B connector.


    Note: The length of the LVDS cables may affect/restrict hardware positions.


    Figure 3-1. Connecting the DMediaPro Board to VBOB

    Connecting the DMediaPro Board to VBOB

Setting Up VBOB for High Definition/Standard Definition I/O

After you complete the connections in Figure 3-1, you can connect the required cables from the VBOB HD In/Out or SD In/Out connector(s) to the desired High Definition or Standard Definition video device(s). If you are genlocking the serial digital output to an external source, connect an analog sync source to the VBOB HD Genlock In or SD Genlock In connector (see Figure 3-2).

If you are not using High Definition or Standard Definition Genlock loop-throughs, attach a 75 ohm terminator to the appropriate connectors.

Figure 3-2. Connecting the I/O Cables to VBOB

Connecting the 
I/O Cables to VBOB

After you connect the required cables, follow these steps:

  1. Turn the VBOB power switch to the On (-) position.

  2. Boot the SGI host system.

Precautions on SGI Onyx/Origin Systems

  • To ensure proper airflow and hardware cooling, ensure that the cables do not hang freely from the VBOB or any bricks/modules. Instead, route the cables through the cable management hardware on the sides of the rack.

  • To ensure proper airflow and hardware cooling, the system doors must be closed during normal operation.