Disguise GX 2C
Disguise GX 2C: VFC outputs, live inputs and playback checks
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Model and role
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The Disguise GX 2C is a media server for designing, sequencing and playing back a show. It combines media playback, live capture and video outputs in a configured project. This guide covers the legacy GX 2C; GX 2, GX 3 and EX 2C have separate specifications.
Panel variants and connections
- Interface and show outputs
- 1 × DisplayPort 1.2 for the GUI, plus 2 × 4K outputs using VFC cards. Identify each installed VFC: connector, format, frame rate and bit depth depend on that card and system configuration. The GUI connector does not establish another equivalent show output.
- Live capture
- 8 × 3G inputs on HD-BNC, supporting Quad Link 3G for 2 × 4K inputs. Documented simultaneous limits: 2 × 2160p60 or 8 × 1080p60. Capture supports 10-bit YCbCr 4:2:2; match the actual supported format and link grouping.
- Network and sync
- 2 × 1GbE and 2 × 10GbE network ports; BNC Genlock. Label each network role and the sync path; a link indicator alone does not verify the session configuration.
- Power and mounting
- AC 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz; Neutrik powerCON True1; 517 W peak. 4U, 19-inch rack mounting. The hardware reference lists 64 GB RAM and 3.84 TB removable NVMe media storage; verify the actual unit.
What the system needs
Provide a GUI monitor, appropriate VFC and capture cables/adaptors, configured downstream displays/processors, media files and a saved project. Confirm the licensed software, OS and hardware combination against the compatibility matrix.
Define source resolutions/frame rates, output timing, genlock where needed, network roles and a separately tested fallback. Port counts and storage capacity alone do not validate playback performance or redundancy.
Prepare the system
- Record the GX 2C label, installed VFC references, Designer/OS versions and starting project. Keep an independent project copy before changes; do not upgrade a show project merely to diagnose it.
- Connect the GUI monitor to its documented port. Compare each VFC output and downstream input with the patch plan. Confirm output assignment and timing in the project before changing display settings.
- For capture, identify single-link HD versus quad-link 4K and follow the published input-group diagram. Match the source format and, for quad link, square-division or 2SI mode across the complete path.
- Rehearse a simple test pattern, then the heaviest intended section of the show with actual capture, effects and outputs enabled. Record problems and verify the fallback separately.
- In Feed, inspect the physical slot, VFC type and Status before changing the output. The connected machine identifies its card type; compare any mode or connection mismatch with the actual fitted card. Mirror, Quad and Quad 4k split modes apply only to the documented Quad-DVI/Quad-SDI cards.
- On October 22, 2026, the official matrix lists GX 2C as End of Support with Designer support up to r32.4.x. Check the incoming project build and server OS before rehearsal; preserve a separate copy and do not upgrade the only tested project.
Operating questions
The interface is visible but the show screen is black. What comes first?
Check the destination input, cable/adaptor and physical VFC connection against the patch plan. Confirm that the project assigns the expected content to that output and that the chosen timing is supported by the installed card and destination.
During a planned test, compare a simple known-good pattern and substitute one compatible cable if needed. A working GUI proves neither the VFC signal nor the downstream path. Do not reseat cards, open the chassis or reinstall the system as the first response.
Can I connect a single 12G-SDI source directly for 4K capture?
The documented GX 2C capture path uses Quad Link 3G-SDI, not a single 12G-SDI input. A 4K path therefore needs a compatible source/output arrangement or a verified conversion stage; a connector adaptor alone does not convert bandwidth or mapping.
Use the input-group diagram to check all links, source resolution/frame rate and square-division versus 2SI. Observe the limit of 2 × 2160p60 or 8 × 1080p60 simultaneously; do not add those maxima together.
A complex cue stutters. Does the published layer count guarantee it should play?
No. The performance tables describe a specific codec, resolution, frame rate and test setup; the published test uses an Actor with GUI disabled and a separate dedicated Director. It is not a promise for every project.
In a saved test copy, compare one media layer, then add the actual effects, live inputs and output load progressively. Note codec, media data rate and the exact cue where the issue appears. Preserve diagnostics for support; a generic OS reimage or firmware change is not an initial playback check.
Symptom and next check
| Symptom | Check | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| GUI works, show does not | VFC connection, assignment and timing | Test the real downstream path. |
| 4K source not captured | Quad-link grouping and source format | Verify conversion and all required links. |
| Complex cue stutters | Media/effects/capture under actual load | Rehearse a saved test copy progressively. |
Power, environment and installation
The hardware page specifies operation at 5–35 °C and 5–95% relative humidity, non-condensing. Keep rack cooling unobstructed and power appropriately grounded; follow the exact unit and rack installation requirements.
Disguise warns against opening or removing the case unless instructed by a certified Disguise Engineer. Isolate power before authorized service; do not swap internal parts as generic troubleshooting.
Use the documented shutdown procedure and preserve project/media backups. Software and OS compatibility depends on the legacy hardware; consult the matrix before any planned change. The guide does not assume the newest Designer release is appropriate.
Manufacturer documentation
- GX 2C — official overview and hardware warning
- GX 2C — hardware and I/O specifications
- GX 2C — live input formats and groups
- Disguise — VFC output specifications
- GX 2C — manufacturer playback test conditions
- Disguise — product/software compatibility matrix
- GX 2C — official front/rear diagrams
- VFC card overview
- Configure VFC card slots
Consulted October 22, 2026. Hardware pages are manufacturer documentation; exact VFC and software versions must match the unit. Performance checks here are proposed and have not been physically tested by GLMedia. Official diagrams are linked; no equipment image is reproduced.