What is a breakout box? at DVinfo.net

Bryan Aycock · August 23rd, 2006, 07:20 PM

Okay, I know this question might sound stupid, but I am told that a breakout box is kind of like a router...patches audio/video signals to multiple sources. So what exactly does it do? You see, my job at a local television channel, we have 9 workstations, and not a singal breakout box. Each workstation has a production monitor and a tape deck. What would I need a breakout box for, and what does it do?

Boyd Ostroff · August 23rd, 2006, 07:28 PM

Well it usually isn't like a router because it's just a box with a bunch of connectors on it, not something which actively processes things. The term generally refers to a box with connectors for various things (audio, video) with a cable which runs back to an interface card in your computer. It provides a way to plug things in without dealing with the limited amount of space and tight quarters behind your computer.

Boyd Ostroff · August 23rd, 2006, 07:37 PM

Here's an example. A cable would link this to the interface card in your Mac:

http://www.aja.com/html_pop/k3_bp.html

Bryan Aycock · August 23rd, 2006, 07:52 PM

Can I get by without it if I'm working in a strictly DV environment? When would a breakout box be a requirement?

K. Forman · August 23rd, 2006, 08:11 PM

You can get by without it, but unless you have audio and firewire in the front of your PC, it will be an annoyance. All it does, is basicly put all of your necessary connections where you can easily rech them. I suppose it depends on how much you like reaching around to plug stuff in.

Glenn Chan · August 23rd, 2006, 10:19 PM

Maybe you want something like a patch bay? (or jackfield)

They basically let you change connections around / patch things by putting cables into the front of the patch bay. A patch cable connects point A to point B. They are wired up in the back when you install it / set it up.

You can also set it up so things are normalled... point A will go to point B, except when you have a patch cable in it. point A's signal won't go to point B and will go to point C instead. So there's that logic to it.

If you had numerous decks a patch bay would be useful (so you don't have to constantly reconnect your gear for dubs and things like that). It doesn't sound like you're in that situation... but I'm just guessing.

August 23rd, 2006, 07:20 PM	#1
Bryan Aycock Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hammond, LA Posts: 84	What is a breakout box? Okay, I know this question might sound stupid, but I am told that a breakout box is kind of like a router...patches audio/video signals to multiple sources. So what exactly does it do? You see, my job at a local television channel, we have 9 workstations, and not a singal breakout box. Each workstation has a production monitor and a tape deck. What would I need a breakout box for, and what does it do?

August 23rd, 2006, 07:52 PM	#4
Bryan Aycock Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hammond, LA Posts: 84	So I can get by without it? Can I get by without it if I'm working in a strictly DV environment? When would a breakout box be a requirement?

August 23rd, 2006, 08:11 PM	#5
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	You can get by without it, but unless you have audio and firewire in the front of your PC, it will be an annoyance. All it does, is basicly put all of your necessary connections where you can easily rech them. I suppose it depends on how much you like reaching around to plug stuff in. __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

August 23rd, 2006, 07:28 PM	#2
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	Well it usually isn't like a router because it's just a box with a bunch of connectors on it, not something which actively processes things. The term generally refers to a box with connectors for various things (audio, video) with a cable which runs back to an interface card in your computer. It provides a way to plug things in without dealing with the limited amount of space and tight quarters behind your computer.

August 23rd, 2006, 07:37 PM	#3
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	Here's an example. A cable would link this to the interface card in your Mac: http://www.aja.com/html_pop/k3_bp.html

August 23rd, 2006, 10:19 PM	#6
Glenn Chan Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 4,750	Maybe you want something like a patch bay? (or jackfield) They basically let you change connections around / patch things by putting cables into the front of the patch bay. A patch cable connects point A to point B. They are wired up in the back when you install it / set it up. You can also set it up so things are normalled... point A will go to point B, except when you have a patch cable in it. point A's signal won't go to point B and will go to point C instead. So there's that logic to it. If you had numerous decks a patch bay would be useful (so you don't have to constantly reconnect your gear for dubs and things like that). It doesn't sound like you're in that situation... but I'm just guessing.