Hardware and Accessories > Server Hardware

The Pandoras Box Server hardware can be purchased with or without additional software, such as Pandoras Box or Widget Designer. Pandoras Box is a software and hardware based solution for show control and real-time video processing. The playback performance depends on the content format, its resolution and frame rate. The Download-Center includes a performance sheet listing many examples.

The Server hardware is 19" wide and 4 rack units high and includes server grade components built for 24/7 use. There are three Server hardware models, called performance kits PK1 - PK3, which define the amount of hard drives (SSD), hard drive space and CPU speed. The number of physical outputs is defined through the graphics card. A maximum of four outputs can be used per card simultaneously.

A LCD interface allows for basic setup of the server such as network, output configuration or to select a test pattern without the need of setting up a network before.

For more information regarding the Pandoras Box product structure, please see the chapter "Product Overview" in the Pandoras Box manual. It also includes links to chapters that explain the different software solutions and possible hardware accessories. We offer specialized interfaces for SMPTE I/O, DMX, serial and sensor control.

Drivers

All drivers are preinstalled on the system. Also, software like the PB Menu is preinstalled. Please check the Download-Center for drivers, software updates and more documentation.

PB Menu

There is software pre-installed on Pandoras Box hardware called the PB Menu. It starts automatically when booting. It covers the Windows desktop and consists of a few buttons that give access to the most needed actions, e.g. starting the Pandoras Box Master or Client or opening the Windows Explorer.
The PB Menu includes another software called the Server Management Application. It allows to manage multiple hardware systems and connect via VNC to them.

Product Specifications

Operating system	Windows 10
Processor	XEON processor
SSD drives (for content)	PK1: 1 TB; PK2: 8 TB; PK3: 32 TB
RAID	RAID-0
Storage for operating system	480GB SSD
RAM	PK1: 24 GB; PK2: 48 GB; PK3: 48 GB
USB ports	8x USB ports (front: 2x USB 3.0, rear: 4x USB 3.0, 2x USB 3.1 (1x Type C)
LAN	1x 1GbE port + 1x 10GbE port + 1x IPMI port
Audio (onboard)	Optical S/PDIF output; 3x stereo playback output; 1x stereo playback input (Line-in) and 1x microphone input
Graphics card	Nvidia RTX A4000 or RTX A6000
Product size (WxHxD)	422mm x 177mm x 596mm - without handles (19" wide and 4U high); 482mm x 177mm x 636mm - with handles
Weight	approx. 30kg (depends on performance kit and optional cards)
Power	100-240V AC, 12-6A, 47-63Hz with an integrated 850W power supply unit
Operating temperature	10° to 35°C / 50° to 95°F
Relative humidity	10% to 90% noncondensing

Optional cards (total number defined by space and PCIe slots):

- video input boards: HDMI 2.0, Display Port 1.4, 12G-SDI, 3G-SDI, Terra / SDVoE

- 8ch ADAT or 256ch Dante audio card

- Sync card (for Framelock and Genlock)

- second graphics card

- 10GbE Ethernet card

For more information see the chapter "Input and Output Cards" in the main Pandoras Box manual.

Hardware

Front view, connections from left to right

Power switch	The power switch allows powering on and off the system. Press the power button after connecting the supplied power cord.
2x LED Status Lights	The upper blue LED indicates the power status. The lower orange LED indicates access to hard drives.
2x USB 3.0 port	Connect USB devices such as external hard drives, SSDs and flash drives to this port. The USB 3.0 port supports SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps.
LCD interface + Rotary push button	The display allows for basic setup of the server such as network, output configuration or to select a test pattern without the need of setting up a network before. Use the rotary push button to navigate through the menu.

Rear view, connections from left to right, top to bottom

Power input 100-240V / 850W	Use the provided power cord to connect the server to a suitably rated grounded AC receptacle. Then press the power switch on the front panel to turn on the system.
1x 1GbE LAN port	Connect a network router, hub or switch or another computer to this port. The eight-pin RJ-45 LAN port supports standard Ethernet cables for connections to local area networks (LAN) with speeds of 100/1000 Mbps.
2x USB 3.1 port (1x Type C)	Connect USB devices such as external hard drives, SSDs and flash drives to this port. Both USB 3.1 ports support SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps.
1x COM port	Connect a serial device to this port.
1x VGA port	Onboard VGA port only for service, no Pandoras Box output!
1x IPMI port	Dedicated IPMI LAN Port
2x USB 3.0 ports	Connect USB devices such as external hard drives, SSDs and flash drives to this port. The USB 3.0 ports support SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps.
1x 10GbE LAN port	Connect a network router, hub or switch or another computer to this port. The eight-pin RJ-45 LAN port supports standard Ethernet cables for connections to local area networks (LAN) with speeds of 100/1000/10000 Mbps.
2x USB 3.0 ports	Connect USB devices such as external hard drives, SSDs and flash drives to this port. The USB 3.0 ports support SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps.
3x Audio Out jack 2x Audio In jack	Connect amplified speakers or headphones to the stereo output jack (3.5mm) and receive the system's audio output signal. There are three output connections: orange: Center / LFE, black: Rear / Surround, lime: Line Out / Front Connect a Line signal to the light blue stereo input jack (3.5mm). Connect a microphone signal to the pink stereo input jack (3.5mm).
1x S/PDIF Out	Connect digital audio receivers and speakers to the optical S/PDIF output.
4x DisplayPort 1.4	Connect a digital display device to the Display port (max. resolution: 3840x2160 @120Hz or 5120x2880 @60Hz).