[Thomas Leong]

Depending on how accurate a sync you need between all the players (i.e. frame-sync or not absolutely necessary?), and whether the videos loop since some controllers+players lose sync over a loop, there are various solutions of differing costs –

Software-based (Mac or Windows) –
1. Freeware: Multiscreener from https://www.zachpoff.com
2. Shareware: Syncmaker Pro
3. Dataton Watchout (USB key for each PC required: 1 Master + 10 Display PCs = 11 licences); demo Master is free but cannot output to Slave displays
4. AvStumpfl’s Wings Platinum Multidisplay version (USB key for each PC required: 1 Master/Slave + 9 Slaves = 10 licences, or using dual-output from each PC’s graphics card, then 1 Master/Slave + 5 Slaves = 10+ outputs = 6 licences); demo Master is free but not capable of multi-display configuration in demo mode
5. Renewed Vision products – I’m not familiar, so some one else can chip in here. Works on similar principle to Dataton and AvStumpfl, i.e. Master controlling multiple Slave nodes in a network

Hardware-based –
1. multiple Pioneer DVD players controlled by PolyDVD software
2. Alcorn McBrides’ binloop players
3. Rokulabs’ Brightsign compact card-based players in a network – one of the more affordable solutions not requiring a PC/Mac
4. others?

Happy researching!

[Thomas Leong]

I use the std cheapo stuff, but this one looks good. Pro! Not so easily disposable though.

One thing to be aware of is “how far apart are your projectors, relative to each other?” The snake would have to split from either the left/right projector or from the centre projector.

[Thomas Leong]

Dene,

The Maplin units look good. Cheaper than my Taiwan-made ATEN by about half! Good find.

Thomas

[Thomas Leong]

I’ve used 100m HD-15 to HD-15 for b&w Stage Teleprompters, and did not notice any degradation such ghosting or loss of signal. So 50-60m should be fine in my view.

But VGA Extenders are far lighter. Besides with the right tools in the bag, one can make up an RJ-45 quickly when required, versus HD-15. And if you are too tired after the gig, you can dump the CAT-5 cables without a second thought. Lately I’ve been using the ATEN VGA Extender VE-150 which is supposed to handle up to 150m. I’ve only taken it up to 100m though. They are about one of the cheapest on the market, bought at less then US$200 a set. Only thing is you need a power source at both ends. At the Local (source) end, the unit has a HD-15 monitor out which is convenient.

[Thomas Leong]

Works as advertised!

Initially had some programming problems getting the correct RS-232 command string out of the Genovation 681 Controlpad. Thought it was my Wings Platinum software, but it was me all along. After a simple email for help from Mike at Genovation and following his basic analysis of what I intended to achieve, the RS-232 signal was fine and Wings accepted the signal as valid and executed the commands.

Example:
Basically, I had a hex command string such as –
0xFF 0x03 0x05 0xFE
to program into a Controlpad key, where the ‘0x’ signifies hexcode, much like ‘h’ after a hexcode.
Apparently, I had to drop it/leave it out and just type in the hex code –
FF[Enter]03[Enter]05[Enter]FE[Enter]
without the spaces to get the string right.
The Genovation Controlpad assumes the ‘0x’ is present, and so does my application Wings Platinum. But the Help files and examples in Wings do not say so!

Seems so basic, but I suppose it is one thing to put onto paper/help files, and another to explain in idiot-proof detail (such as “ignore the spaces”). That took 10 hours of my time to ‘get it right’.

But all’s well, so now I can program 30 timelines (each representing a scene change) into Wings Platinum, and call each up on cue with a key/trigger, and have 5 keys left for housekeeping such as ‘Black-out all 3 screens’, ‘Black-out Centre only’, ‘Black-out L+R only’, ‘Over-ride Black-out’.

Looking at the Genovation 681 Controlpad, it seems a very simple plastic device for US$159 (with shipping costs almost as much, therefore a bit expensive!). But I suppose to get a device to output user programmable RS-232 with a key-press, one has to pay extra. I previously bought a factory-programmed RS-232 motion sensor for 60Euros, so being user programmable I hope this device gets me more theatre projects without purchasing again. And that would make it worth the price.

[Thomas Leong]

Have a look at Muvee

[Thomas Leong]

Datavideo has a small range of video switchers that may suit, eg. –
https://www.datavideo.info/en/product_categories.php?catID=2

[Thomas Leong]

duh! There is a Matrox Forum here at the Cow –
https://forums.creativecow.net/matroxvideosystems

[Thomas Leong]

From what I’ve googled for and read, there are two Matrox MPEG-2 I-frame codecs – one for HD and one for SD. The SD version is software-based whereas the HD version was (perhaps still is) tied to Matrox’s hardware.
You may be able to find a compatible SD version from one of the links here. AFAIK, the Fourcc code for the Matrox is MMES.

Another route is for you to confirm with Matrox (perhaps via their forums, or direct query) the type of codec (HD or SD) that the equipment you are producing for requires before you put your money down.

[Thomas Leong]

Glad to hear you’ve got your problem solved. I did not respond initially though I had a possible solution ‘cos I’m on Windows and using a multi-video display , multi-audio channel software from Austria with the M-Audio 410.

One caution with the M-Audio units: you must use the supplied Firewire cable. Short, but the generic stuff from the shops don’t seem to work except for the supplied cable. If you need a longer cable, best to ask/buy from M-Audio themselves to ensure it works.

All the best to your project,
Thomas Leong