Multiple Video Screens with MacMini

[gcooke]

Hi,

In reviewing this topic from the past, I understand that it is possible to derive multiple video projectors from a MacMini with a product like the Matrox TH2G.  Is it possible to identify the separate TH2G outputs as individual surfaces?  I understand that it is possible to get one large image and use edge blending, etc, but is it possible to assign two or three videos, running concurrently, to the different TH2G outputs?

Thanks!

-George Cooke

[Joshua Langman]

Yes. This is what "partial screens" in QLab 3 do.

[TgBrett]

I've been doing 3 separate sources for 4+ years with a MacBookPro and a TH2G using Q2.  We are in the process of switching to Q3 and will use the mini DP and TH2G as a back up.  I'm hoping it will be even better with Q3 , but don't know definitively yet.  We place the three separate sources of video on the 1/3 of the "triple wide single screen image" that the TH2G generates on the MacBook Pro and I'm sure the same for the MacMini.  Our only problem that we have experienced is compatibility issues of the TH2G with one of our Christie projectors, resulting in it leaving a thin black bar down one side of the screen for some reason.  The other 2 sources are fine.  But it works fine otherwise.

[gcooke]

Thanks, Joshua and TgB.  That's great info.

[Samuel Thériault]

Hi,

I confirm that is possible and even super easy with Qlab3. I work with MacMini and TH2G and 3 projectors. 

I just finish a project that use 7 different video surfaces on the 3 projectors and running 7 different video at the same time.

Enjoy.

Samuel

[TgBrett]

Hi Samuel,

This is TgBrett (Tom).  Hey, I would be very interested in knowing your exact set up with your MacMini and the TH2G.  Are you using just one MacMini with a TH2G, or mulitple MacMini's.  what models of projectors, etc.  I am switching from my MacBook Pro and a TH2G to a Mac Pro, but would be interested in how others are accomplishing their work flow with the TH2G.  Have you experienced any compatibility issues with the TH2G and any of your projectors?  We use pretty high end Christie projectors $30-40,000 each, in the theater we rent from.  We have had one issue of the one projector leaving a foot wide black bar down the right side of the screen, making it so we have to size that screen to mimic the black bar on the left side of the screen to appear like it is 4 x 3 on a 16:9 screen, not pretty but the compromise we have had to live with.  Just telling you this to see if you've had similar issues>

Thanks for you response,

Tom

[Samuel Thériault]

HI,

Yes I'm using just one MacMini with a TH2G.
The actual project use 2 Christie LX41 and one Mitsubishi EW331U-ST

I Also use the MacMini with 3 Mitsubishi EW331U-ST for another project.

For the black bar I have some issue similar on the last project but I fix it by using the software that came with the TH2G. First set the resolution in that software and then, restart the computer and open Qlab to start your project did the work for me.

TH2G software: Matrox powerdesk (http://www.matrox.com/graphics/media/image/products/gxm/powerdesk/TripleHead2Go_Digital/ModeManagementTripleHead2GoMacScreenshot.jpg)

I'm running my MacMini with a Hybrid disk in it and it's the i7 cpu version from 1 year ago.

I can run 3 HD video at the same time with that set-up

Good luck
Samuel

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Samuel Thériault

cell.: +1.514.758.4177

[Tom Brett]

Samuel,

Thanks for the update.  I will take a look at that.

Best Wishes,

Tom 

-Tom Brett-
Owner / Manager
The Brett Family Show
T...@BrettFamily.com
www.BrettFamily.com

417-336-4221

 

[Andy Dolph]

I'm interested in others thoughts about the apple Hybrid disk - they scare the crap out of me for show use, since you never know when the OS is going to decide to move something on or off of the SSD.  I'd rather have a dedicated SSD and a dedicated spinning drive and decide what to put on each myself, then I know that the way I tested it is how it will stay for the run, rather then OS X deciding to "help" and moving things just before (or worse - during) a performance.

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[TgBrett]

Samuel,

Another question.  What resolution are you able to and are running the TH2G, at?  On my MacBook Pro I'm only able to get 2400 x 480 to output and paly, and even at that I still have the one issue of the black bar i mentioned.  Just curious if you are getting a higher resolution  to playback on the Mac Mini.

Tom

[Samuel Thériault]

Hi Tom,

I Can run 3x 1280x1024. 

What version of the MacMini and Qlab are you using? You should not have any problems using full resolution.


Samuel

[Samuel Thériault]

HI Andy,

Of course If you can have just a SSD it's even better I think. I'm actually thinking of adding only a SSD in the MAcMini eventually. I don't experience any problems with the hybrid. The "move" of the files between the SSD and HDD is seamless. The OS manage pretty well all of that. I think frequent used files are stored on the SSD so if you run the show every day the files are on the SSD.

But you are right you are never sure when the are moved and "where" is you files.

Samuel

[pler...@msnv.org]

What video format do you use? I am trying to run 3 video cues at the same time right now and they are lagging about a second from each other.

[Samuel Thériault]

ProRes 422 will give you bigger video files but less usage of the processor because there is no decompression compare to h.264 or others format.

what are you using actually? What is the resolution of the files? Try to make your video files the same size of the screen resolution to avoid resizing by the machine.