Matrox MXO: Monitoring, output, and scan conversion device for the Mac

By Ken Stone

When Apple introduced High Definition abilities to Final Cut Pro, it also created a bit of a conundrum for users. 'How do you view your HD video output at full broadcast quality?' This is a critical issue because it is necessary to monitor your HD video at full broadcast quality in order to do frame accurate color correcting, keying and effects work. There seemed to be only one option, the use of a dedicated capture card, which output to a very expensive professional HD CRT monitor, but the price was very high and out of the reach of a good number of FCP users. A less expensive solution was needed.

The Matrox MXO box works in two modes. In Presentation mode, it is a scan converter. In Mastering Mode, the video signal is sent down DVI to the MXO, where it is sent out as a broadcast quality signal to a monitor. Mastering Mode offers various output options. The MXO provides frame-accurate, broadcast-quality HD/SD output, with Genlock, to a 23" Apple Cinema Display or other monitor. While the output from the Matrox MXO box may not achieve the 100% quality of a capture card and Pro HD CRT monitor, it can get very close, good enough for many and at a an affordable price. It will work with any Mac that has DVI and USB2, running either Tiger or Leopard. It is portable and 'hot swappable'. The MXO box can be used in lieu of a capture card, but it is an output device only and has no input (capture) abilities.

Conclusion
The Matrox MXO box is amazing and it truly works as advertised. It's easy to set up, handles all formats and pushes a Broadcast signal out to your ACD or other types of monitors. When the monitor is properly calibrated, you will see true Broadcast output, accurate enough for color timing, keying work and viewing of effects. read more...