TroikaTronix Forum: Isadora: Performance: Matrox Triple Head2Go with an iMac?


	MAIN INDEX	SEARCH POSTS	WHO'S ONLINE	LOG IN

Home: Isadora: Performance:
Matrox Triple Head2Go with an iMac?

william
User

Jul 3, 2007, 11:02 AM

Post #1 of 12 (3517 views)
Shortcut

Matrox Triple Head2Go with an iMac?	Can't Post

Has anyone setup a configuration using an iMac with the Matrox triple head2go? I have a client looking to go this route and I'm looking for anyone with any success or failure experience they can share.

I have a feeling the video card (NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT 256MB SDRAM) in the 24" is the only one which can comfortably handle outputting the 3000 wide pixel resolution, but I'm not certain about this.

Looking to setup a 6 projector output configuration with 1 video playing per 3 projectors (for ultra-wide screen) at the minimum cost with maximum stability. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance.

william
User

Jul 3, 2007, 11:13 AM

Post #2 of 12 (3516 views)
Shortcut

Re: [boys&murderers] Matrox Triple Head2Go with an iMac? [In reply to]	Can't Post

According to the Matrox website - http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/gxm/support/th2go/digital/compatibility.php

Only the mini's and the 17" iMacs do not support the TripleHead2Go. However, it seems as though the mini-dvi to vga to Marox precludes using the Matrox digital triplehead2go...

Anyway, just thought I'd post that page, as it is a useful reference. Again, any suggestions/experience is appreciated. Thanks.

nick
User

Jul 3, 2007, 11:19 AM

Post #3 of 12 (3514 views)
Shortcut

Re: [boys&murderers] Matrox Triple Head2Go with an iMac? [In reply to]	Can't Post

if its just the physical connector causing difficulties using the dvi version then this might help

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=1792F16B&nplm=M9321G/B
Cheers

Nick

william
User

Jul 3, 2007, 6:59 PM

Post #4 of 12 (3506 views)
Shortcut

Re: [nick] Matrox Triple Head2Go with an iMac? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Ah - nice tip, Nick. Thanks for that.

Otherwise - has anyone used an iMac in this configuration?

Claudia
Novice

Jul 5, 2007, 6:22 AM

Post #5 of 12 (3489 views)
Shortcut

Re: [boys&murderers] Matrox Triple Head2Go with an iMac? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've purchased a TH2go and can't get it to work on my Power Mac G5/ (OS 10.4.10, 2.5 G ram ) and an ATI Radeon 9600 pro card....(or my laptop)...so I haven't tried the mini yet. Does anyone know if this graphics card is the problem? (I also updated the driver for this card)

My computer senses an 800x600 VGA display when the TH2go is connected, but I can't get anything to show on the three (native XGA) projectors...not while mirroring or not, or playing from Izzy stage, etc.They just keep searching for a signal. (BTW, when not using the TH2go, I have no problem outputting to a single XGA projector via VGA cable) My main monitor is an older (plastic footed) Cinema Display with a resolution max of 1680 horz...but I've tried all diff resolutions on it and even tried without this display at all.

I still have a yellow light on the Matrox TH2go (should be green). I've been on line with Tech support from Matrox and so far have not been able to figure out the problem. I thought some of you might know since you have had experience with this device.

I see that many people are interested in a good multiple screen set up for Isadora. I can't wait to hear more info on this from those of you with experience.

Thanks.

Claudia

william
User

Jul 5, 2007, 9:32 AM

Post #6 of 12 (3486 views)
Shortcut

Re: [Claudia] Matrox Triple Head2Go with an iMac? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Wow, that's a little disheartening.

Based on what the Matrox website says - it's the ATI 1900 card which supports a limited resolution via the TripleHead2Go. It also states (in a footnote) that the TH2G must be the ONLY device connected to your graphics card to acheive full resolution with this video card.

I know you said you have an ATI 9600 series card, but I've had repeated issues with ATI cards conflicting with other devices and other cards regardless of the model. Try unplugging your computer monitor from your computer and only using the TH2G...?

Also, it's guaranteed not to work on the mini - as per the Matrox website.

The website also says it will not work with the MacBook laptops (the non-Pro white or black laptops).

I ask again... has anyone tried it with an iMac, though?

Claudia
Novice

Jul 5, 2007, 11:17 AM

Post #7 of 12 (3483 views)
Shortcut

Re: [boys&murderers] Matrox Triple Head2Go with an iMac? [In reply to]	Can't Post

well, I did try it without the monitor (cinema display) still no detection. Perhaps my projectors are too high res? although matrox says it can handle up to 3800 hoz right? Perhaps its a lemon? or I'm doing something wrong...

So you don't think the ATI cards are the best? I looked into getting a new MacPro and the option would be the ATI 1900 x or the Nividia GeForce 7300 GT. Perhaps two of those would give 4 good/ solid displays?

I'll be interested to see about the imac too. I have to outfit a class for Izzy in the near future and want this multiple monitor option.

Thanks...and good luck.
Claudia

william
User

Jul 5, 2007, 12:41 PM

Post #8 of 12 (3479 views)
Shortcut

Re: [Claudia] Matrox Triple Head2Go with an iMac? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I stick with nVidia cards. I know editors who swear by the ATI cards, but in performance I've only had and seen problems with ATI.

Also - note that the Matrox site says that it will NOT work with ATI 1900, so if you have plans to continue using the Matrox device, go with nVidia.

(This post was edited by boys&murderers on Jul 5, 2007, 12:42 PM)

hal
Novice

Jul 6, 2007, 2:52 PM

Post #9 of 12 (3463 views)
Shortcut

Re: [boys&murderers] Matrox Triple Head2Go with an iMac? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Regarding the orange light, this has happened to me and it's always the video cable.
In fact the DVI-VGA cable that came with the device never worked.
But other VGA cables that seem OK on a monitor have also failed in this way with my Triple head t go as well.

But it's always worked in the end when I switched cables.

hal
--
Hal Eagar - Media Effects Artist http://haleagar.com
Director - Digital Performance Institute http://digitalperformance.org
DPI-office 646 442 4435 | Hal-cell 917 257 8440

william
User

Jul 7, 2007, 9:22 AM

Post #10 of 12 (3446 views)
Shortcut

Re: [hal] Matrox Triple Head2Go with an iMac? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Wow, that's insane. Have you notified MATROX about this?

Thanks a million for the tip, Hal.

Claudia
Novice

Oct 5, 2007, 5:44 AM

Post #11 of 12 (2995 views)
Shortcut

Re: [boys&murderers] Matrox Triple Head2Go with an iMac? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Just want to report that I did get TH2go working. Had to reset the resolution on the main monitor to 600x800 first, then hook up and it saw the TH2g0...then I could choose 2400x600 for the "second" monitor of three screens. At least I think this is how it finally worked...its now been a while.

I haven't gotten it to work with the mini, which I realize it may be too much for. I think there was a post about downloading other resolutions, which might solve the problem...but I am currently taking another route, so I haven't tried it. It would certainly be nice to have more than one monitor with the mini. Especially when using it for a gallery installation, to have to correct user actors, etc while projected in a gallery is not always easy.

anyone with more experience with the mini?

Claudia

jhoepffner
User

Oct 8, 2007, 3:29 AM

Post #12 of 12 (2946 views)
Shortcut

Re: [Claudia] Matrox Triple Head2Go with an iMac? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I use DH2go on my mini (G4 version), it work well for some things. To choose the resolution, I first open it with VNC (server: VineVNC, client: chicken of the VNC), like that I am able to choose the good resolution without loosing the vision…. Now working perfectly.

With my graphic card, its only to use 2 VP with 1 image in perfect sync.

I never tried with TH2go, but I think the trick is working

Search for (options)