TroikaTronix Forum: Isadora: Hardware Platforms: IZZY and RGBHV matrix


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IZZY and RGBHV matrix

BrunoBruno
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Sep 11, 2007, 1:40 PM

Post #1 of 7 (1570 views)
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IZZY and RGBHV matrix	Can't Post

Hello ,
Just wanted to get some thoughts on a hardware setup I am preparring for an Upcoming show. I will be runnidn Izzy on a G5 and outputting 6 stages. 3 via one TH2GO and the rest via ATI 920 video cards (2). My plan was to route all of these channels through a 16x16 Extron Crosspoint RGBHV by using VGA to 5 cable adapters.
I am then outputting to 13 CRT monitors. I will then convert from the 5 cable BNC back to VGA, then run various lengths of VGA cable to the different monitors, the longest being 100'.

Does this sound like it should work? I have alot of experience with video setups and nothing throws out any major red flags, but I just want to run it by some other folks before we buy the RGBHV matrix, as you can imagine its kinda pricey!

Thanks,

Austin

william
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Sep 11, 2007, 2:56 PM

Post #2 of 7 (1569 views)
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Re: [BrunoBruno] IZZY and RGBHV matrix [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Austin -

Have you looked at the Extron 16x16 VGA Switcher?

This would save the conversion needs and it has the RS-232 for Izzy serial control.

Cheers,
Bill

william
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Sep 11, 2007, 2:58 PM

Post #3 of 7 (1568 views)
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Re: [BrunoBruno] IZZY and RGBHV matrix [In reply to]	Can't Post

But -- I'm doubtful of the Dual G5's ability to do what you want it to do. How many videos are you planning to run at the same time?

I've had 2 very rough experiences with older model Dual G5 towers. If it's in your budget for a computer upgrade or rental, get a quad or 8-core.

BrunoBruno
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Sep 11, 2007, 3:12 PM

Post #4 of 7 (1564 views)
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Re: [boys&murderers] IZZY and RGBHV matrix [In reply to]	Can't Post

I would go with the VGA matrix, but we want the ability to use the matrix with composite video for future projects if needed. THe model we are getting has RS-232 control, I am interested controlling through isadora, but never set that up before. Also we can get much better deal on the RGBHV matrix than the VGA!

I have been nervous about using the G5. Most of the content is actually text or static images, and I am aiming to never use video on more than one stage at a time, but I hate going into tech with restrictions. I am trying to get more of a budget to get a Intel machine. Do you think if we were able to upgrade to a dual 2.0 intel machine that would make a big enough difference or should we go up to the 2.66 machine?
Thanks,

william
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Sep 11, 2007, 3:26 PM

Post #5 of 7 (1561 views)
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Re: [BrunoBruno] IZZY and RGBHV matrix [In reply to]	Can't Post

I see your point about future expandability, but how much extra are you spending on all of the cables to do the converting?

Also, you could setup 2 of the 4x8 VGA Switchers since you dont really need 16 inputs.

This may come in handy if you have the tools lying around - how to build your own VGA to RGB cables.

As far as your G5 goes, it's a later model at 2.33 ghz it should have 3 PCI-X expansion ports, which means you can actually put a decent video card in there.

Take the Radeon 9200 cards and throw them out the window. I don't see why or how 64mb video cards found their way into your machine, but get rid of them at all costs. Your best bet is to install something beefer, but confirm with an Apple "Genius" that the slots on your machine are in fact PCI-X and that you can in fact fit 2 of the fatty ATI X1900 cards into it.

This will help quite a bit, if it is possible, but YES, a processor upgrade will be your best friend. There is a slight performance jump when you move to a Quad-Core PowerMac, but a massive jump when you move into the Quad or 8-core Intel machines. The price is a real kick in the balls, tho, too...

My 2 cents.

(This post was edited by boys&murderers on Sep 11, 2007, 3:27 PM)

william
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Sep 11, 2007, 3:29 PM

Post #6 of 7 (1557 views)
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Re: [boys&murderers] IZZY and RGBHV matrix [In reply to]	Can't Post

I meant to post this LINK for you, but the other one is useful too.

BrunoBruno
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Sep 11, 2007, 3:34 PM

Post #7 of 7 (1555 views)
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Re: [boys&murderers] IZZY and RGBHV matrix [In reply to]	Can't Post

We can get the RGBHV matrix fro $1000 cheaper! And given the funky politics of the production the cables are coming out of a different budget- so the money saved on cables won't comeback to m budget : (.

The 9200's were free, figured i should get rid of them. I am gonna try to get an intel machine, even if it is to lowest model it sounds like a good investment. Thanks for all your input.

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