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Intensity Pro for Interlacing/Client Monitoring vs MXO2 Mini?
I’m in the market for an entry-level video card, primarily to output to a HDTV [LCD or Plasma] for client viewing and to check for potential interlacing/field problems [with the same HDTV]. I’m working with FCS2, on an 8-Core MacPro, running Leopard.
The main formats we work with are PAL DV25/50, ProRes and the occasional XDCAM and DVCProHD. We deal mainly with corporates or mid-range TVC work – which entails some color grading and delivery on mainly SD DVDs. All of which have been viewed fairly ably on our Dell 2409’s.
I’m looking at the Intensity Pro for this purpose… but I’m new to this video card business and hope someone can help clarify some questions for me:
1) With reference to https://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/blackmagic_intensity_pro_douglas.html – if the format I’m editing in doesn’t fall under any of the available settings [eg. 1080p25 or 720p 50 XDCAM], would I still be able to monitor – whether in HD or downconverted? Capturing is less of an issue since they will probably come in via tapeless media.
2) With the same reference, what about monitoring for ProRes [non-HQ]? I use ProRes fairly often and if the Intensity Pro doesn’t work for monitoring it – it’s a deal breaker.
3a) OR am I better served by the Decklink SDI? [which supports more formats BUT does not have an HDMI I/O – unless I get a $495 MiniConverter]
3b) If the Intensity Pro doesn’t suit my purpose – the Matrox MXO2 Mini sounds like a better choice over a Declink SDI + Converter] – what dya think?
To be honest, I’m actually more inclined towards the MXO2 Mini at the moment…
Kai
FCP Editor / Producer with Intuitive Films
https://kai-fcp-editor.blogspot.com
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Now ‘LIVE’! Check Out The Intuitive Films Blog @ https://intuitive-films.blogspot.com
At Intuitive Films, We Create: TV Commercials, Documentaries, Corporate Videos and Feature Films
Visit us @ https://www.intuitivefilms.com
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MacBook Pro 2.4GHz | 4GB RAM | FCP 5.1.4 | Mac OS X 10.5.78-Core Intel Mac Pro 2.26GHz | 8GB RAM | FCP 6.0.2 | Mac OS X 10.5.6 | 3.0TB CalDigit VR | 2 x 24″ Dell S2409W
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3 Replies
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I only have experience with the Matrox MXO2 and I have to say this unit rocks. From what you look to do (HDMI monitoring) the MXO2 MINI is the only unit that will do the job right. Just like the MXO2 the MXO2 MINI has a calibration tool that allows you to turn your inexpensive HDMI monitor to a broadcast monitor… No other unit does this.. certainly not the intensity pro.
By the way if you need to deliver H.264 clips with Compressor, don’t get the MINI without the MAX chip built in. For a little more money you will get blazing fast H.264 file creation .. the MAX chip is steroids for Compressor…
I hope this helps.An Artist At Heart.
Life is made of moments… -
Thanks for sharing, Mario.
We just grabbed a MXO2 Mini today [no Max, since we’re doing fairly okay with our H.264 conversions on our 8-Core MacPro using clusters]. Gonna set it up tomorrow and get it ready in time for a client sit-in on Monday. Exciting stuff!
Kai
FCP Editor / Producer with Intuitive Films
https://kai-fcp-editor.blogspot.com
—
Now ‘LIVE’! Check Out The Intuitive Films Blog @ https://intuitive-films.blogspot.com
At Intuitive Films, We Create: TV Commercials, Documentaries, Corporate Videos and Feature Films
Visit us @ https://www.intuitivefilms.com
—
MacBook Pro 2.4GHz | 4GB RAM | FCP 5.1.4 | Mac OS X 10.5.78-Core Intel Mac Pro 2.26GHz | 8GB RAM | FCP 6.0.2 | Mac OS X 10.5.6 | 3.0TB CalDigit VR | 2 x 24″ Dell S2409W
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the MAX h264 accelerator is a lot faster & simpler then clusters. I’ve always found OS X compressor / clusters to be flaky and require TLC. sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. having a mac accelertor right on the machine is fast & simple without the maintenance, power, heat, noise, configuration jiggling that clusters take. a single MAX is option is like 1/5th the price of a bare bones mac tower, never mind everything required to support that mac box. if you are doing h264 on a daily basis like I am, its a real no brainer to get a MAX option or compress HD card and make you rlife a lot simpler… or you can do it the hard & more expensive way 🙁
Steve Oakley
DP • Editor • VFX Artist
http://www.practicali.com
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