The Videonics MX-1 video mixer is powerful and useful, yet inexpensive video and audio mixer. The manual's 80+ pages describe many features but few operators take time to read through them all. Although I've used this mixer for years, I just recently found some functions of the mixer did that I was not aware of. These may be of use to others for conferences.
  • Color Bars - very useful in adjusting the color on your monitors and TVs: Press COMPOSE, then press SHIFT and COLOR at the same time. The color bars will be displayed onthe PREVIEW monitor. To display them on the output, press PLAY. Press PLAY again to switch back to the current source. (Setting up a monitor)
  • More Preview Output Options: The Preview Output normally displays 4 video sources at the top 1/4 of the screen and wipe and effects patterns on the bottom. Another useful function of the Preview Output is to display the next video source full-screen so more accurate focus and composition adjustments can be made. To do this: press DISPLAY. The output of the preview will now be selected from the bottom 'next source selector buttons (ABCD)'. Another press of the DISPLAY button changes the output to be the same as the PROGRAM output. A third press of the DISPLAY button will return the output to the normal prewiew wipe and pattern screen.
  • Fully adjustable Picture-in-Picture (PIP): Both the size and position of the smaller picture can be controlled: hold SHIFT as you press ZOOM/P-IN-P. The arrow keys change the location of the rectangle while SHIFT ARROW-UP and SHIFT ARROW-DOWN changes the size of the rectangle. Use PLAY to perform a cut, use the Take T-Handle to perform a dissolve.
  • Hymn Text Overlay: Create with PowerPoint. Copy and paste hymn text from the church on-line library website. Use a black background slide and a couple of lines of white text at the bottom. The standard Arial font will yield good detail on the character edges. A professional looking see-through screen can be added by creating a 5% black fill box with no Line Color behind the text. This will also make the text more readable against bright camera backgrounds. The hymn text overlay is created with the Chroma-Key feature of the mixer: Make sure the Take T-Handle is either fully up or down. Select the main camera the top Take Bar (ABCD) and the PowerPoint video source with the bottom Next Source selector button (ABCD). Press COMPOSE, CHROMA KEY, OK (but allow a split second between button presses). Use the Take T-Handle to insert the hymn text over the main camera. Move the Take T-Handle only partially if you wish to screen the video through the 5% black box or move the Take T-Handle all the way to create a black background behind the text for better readablility over a bright video source. Remember to not change video sources during a chroma key or the PowerPoint overlay will be disabled. Chroma Key can also useful to superimpose a speaker's name and calling.

***The fine print

Unless otherwise stated, the items I sell are USED. I try to disclose any details that may be of interest so you will know what to expect. If for some reason your item is not as described when you get it, and it is not described as being sold "as-is", just contact me first, ship it back and I will refund the purchase price. Shipping charges are not refundable for any reason. If you have any questions about this item, please email me prior to bidding. Nothing I sell is warranted by me. I do not guarantee that this item will work at any given time in the future. I DO guarantee that when it gets to you it will be working as described above. As-is items: Assume that any items described as being sold "as-is" have not been tested and come with no guarantee of functionality. As-is items can't be returned for any reason.