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HDV, DVCPro HD and the Matrox MXO
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Initial test here:
https://lfhd.blogspot.com/2007/02/matrox-mxo-part-1.html
Read the comments too.
Awaiting access to an Apple Cinema Display so that I can test it with the monitor the box is configured for. Or the firmware update they are working on that addresses the Dell. I was told I’d get better results if I used the Eye One 2 to calibrate the monitor, but I cannot justify spending $200 just to test out a box I won’t use (I have a Kona card).
More when I get the ACD.
Shane
Littlefrog Post
http://www.lfhd.net -
I have a mackie mixer. How is the audio output of this box? I have a MacbookPro. What would be the best setup for audio to the mixer.
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wow yeah thats really pushing hdv there.
good job! 🙂
I know lots of people who use dvcpro-hd everyday, but I just can’t get over the fact that its not full native resolution. My eyes always see the compromise, so its not an option in my opinion, unless my client demands it.
If I were in your situation I would do full resolution uncompressed 10-bit.
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If I were in his situation I’d use DVCPRO HD. 10-bit uncompressed is overkill, and the drive requirements huge.
Shane
Littlefrog Post
http://www.lfhd.net -
What about getting the Kona LH? That should take a load off the processor when editing HDV, right? But how much faster is that?
At any rate the Kona can do everything that the MXO does, plus the in-options- is this correct?
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[Imagine Video] “What about getting the Kona LH? That should take a load off the processor when editing HDV, right? But how much faster is that?”
Not really. Capture cards don’t add much in terms of real time. They might make a few of the effects real time, but they don’t do anything in terms of speeding up render times. Nor do they speed up HDV conform times.
[Imagine Video] “At any rate the Kona can do everything that the MXO does, plus the in-options- is this correct?”
Yes. But the MXO is $1000, while the Kona LH is $1800. Plus, the MXO connects to an Apple Cinema Display and gets you broadcast colors. The Kona will only connect to monitors that have component or SDI inputs. The Kona cards are better, IMHO, but for people looking for an inexpensive option, I always point out the MXO. Especially if all they have is a laptop. And when dealing with HDV and DVCPRO HD, you don’t need a capture card, as they are captured via firewire, you just need an option to view and output that footage…which makes the MXO an attractive option.
But if you have the cash, and want to do things ABSOLUTELY properly, then get a Kona.
Shane
Littlefrog Post
http://www.lfhd.net -
Just out of curiosity- in what respect do you find the Kona better?
I believe the Kona LH is $1600, which makes it somewhat more competitive, but, as you said, I’d also need a different monitor for it won’t hook up to my Dell 2407. That pretty much locks the door for me…
Wolf
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[Shane Ross] “10-bit uncompressed is overkill, and the drive requirements huge”
overkill is my middle name shane! 😉
I’m very used to the changing demands of my clients, that I have to be so they are never let down.
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[Imagine Video] “Just out of curiosity- in what respect do you find the Kona better?”
The ability to capture for one. MXO is output only. If I wanted to capture DVCPRO HD via HD SDI, I could. Or I could capture Uncompressed HD, capture downconverted SD, what have you. The MXO can output to DVI, Component, composite and HD SDI. I guess it has that leg up, having the DVI option. But the audio outs are unbalanced RCA only…no XLR. The Kona has AES/EBU output for more channels of audio…although they both have embedded SDI audio. The Konas have built in RS-422 control, you’d need the keyspan for the MXO.
But..the MXO does output exactly the same signal to my HD CRT monitor that I get with the Kona.
Shane
Littlefrog Post
http://www.lfhd.net -
Thanks, Shane. Let us know when you complete your testing of the MXO!
best regards,
Wolf
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