This chapter tells you how to configure the SGI workstation and the DMediaPro DM5 board for graphics-to-video-out operation. It also shows you how to identify and resolve possible problems. The examples are generic and are not based on installations at any SGI customer site.
![]() | Note: The Video BreakOut Box (VBOB) housing your DMediaPro DM5 board must be properly connected and powered up before you initiate the graphics-to-video-out commands. |
To send graphics to the video output in the DMediaPro DM5 board, you use the dmconf command together with a set of arguments to the command. Be sure to review the dmconf(1G) and setmon(1G) man pages for details on using graphics-to-video-out.
Open an IRIX shell on your workstation and become root (super user).
Enter the dmconf command with appropriate arguments specifying the filename, VPro format, and DM5 format. For example:
/usr/gfx/dmconf -destination active \
-vpro format=1920x1154_30f \
-dm5 format=1080I_5994
This example configures the system with the VPro graphics board exporting a 1920x1154 format, framelocked at 30 Hz. The DM5 is outputting a high-definition 1080-line interlaced video format at 59.94 Hz.
If you power-cycle the VBOB during video output, you must use the dmconf command to restart video output through the DM5.
If all cables are connected properly, and all devices powered up, entering the command gfxinfo on the workstation's command line produces the following message:
DM5 connected to port 0
Where port 0 on the Dual Channel Display graphics board interface is connected as shown in this guide.
If the video device connected to your DMediaPro DM5 is not displaying anything, check the following:
Is the VBOB powered on?
Are all of the required cables connected and terminations attached as required?
Is the video device plugged in and powered on?
Your video output device shows color bars if any of the DMediaPro DM5 cables are not connected correctly.
Make sure the VBOB is powered on before you start the workstation-to-DM5 interface. If it was not, you must reset the graphics interface on your workstation by entering stopgfx and then restarting the system using the startgfx command.
If the video output quality appears substandard, do the following:
Eliminate local electromagnetic interference such as from motors, fluorescent lights, and so on.
Check the cable lengths. Always use approved SGI 2-meter DVI cables.
Confirm that your video output device is capable of supporting the format standards you are outputting from the VBOB.
Confirm that the appropriate external genlock cables and terminators are installed.