MXO .....................................................Shane

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Level 4

1,085 points

MXO .....................................................Shane

Shane
I now have a 23" Apple display along with a 3ghz Mac Pro (4-core) and I would like the ability to have broadcast quality monitoring with the MXO. I am a little confused about the connections and now the splitter you mention in another post. I have 2-19" Samsung wide screen computer monitors and a 26" AKAI LCD monitoring threw my Kona LHe component. When I get the MXO what options will I have as to monitors with just two DVI port from my 7300 GT video card? Also can I still use the Kona LHe SDI out simultaneously with the DVI MXO? I am also confused about the options for video cards available when configuring a new Mac Pro, and I see my video card slot has an expansion area within the slot area as if there could be more DVI ports on the optional video cards. There is a second blank knockout (more space between slot #1 and #2) to allow for what I believe is more DVI connections on board a higher end video card. Just a guess at this point, will I need another video card to use the MXO?

Thank You
Z1&V1user

Mac Pro 3ghz Dual Core (4 core), Mac OS X (10.4.9), 5mgs Ram, 2.5 TB Intrenal Raid, AJA LHe, BM Intensity, CD MI Connect, 23" Apple

Posted on Jun 17, 2007 8:11 PM

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Answer 1

Shane Ross

Level 8

43,110 points

Jun 17, 2007 8:50 PM in response to Z1User

When I get the MXO what options will I have as to monitors with just two DVI port from my 7300 GT video card?

No. Because when you VIEW>EXTERNAL PLAYBACK you have the choice between the Kona OR the MXO. Can't do both. I tried, as I have both. I too use the LH connected to my Dell via Component as a "reference" monitor.

You have to choose one card or the other. Can't route the signal thru both.

The Mac Pro has a DOUBLE WIDE graphics card slot to accomodate graphics cards with HUGE heat sinks.

The card you have will work with the MXO. As I said, you cannot output thru two capture cards at once. Even though they connect differently.

As for that splitter...I am looking for something like this, but the one I saw took a VGA signal and split it to 2 DVI ports. I don't need that....I need DVI to 2 DVI. If I get an adapter, I think there will be a severe quality hit...going digital to analog back to digital again.

Shane

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Answer 2

Z1User Author

Level 4

1,085 points

Jun 17, 2007 9:12 PM in response to Shane Ross

Ok
So do you have your Dell set or calibrated to a specific setting/profile (you can trust) for working without a true broadcast quality connection or do you swap to the MXO for color correction? How much difference is there between to Dell via Kona and the MXO, and is there a way to curb this MXO cost by proper display setup? Like many people out here I don't upgrade until a project allows for it and I just spent my last profits to get here.
Thanks again
Z1

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Answer 3

Shane Ross

Level 8

43,110 points

Jun 17, 2007 10:36 PM in response to Z1User

So do you have your Dell set or calibrated to a specific setting/profile (you can trust) for working without a true broadcast quality connection or do you swap to the MXO for color correction?

I don't use the Kona/Dell for any color critical viewing. Just for the BIG viewing area. Looks nice, but not for color critical work. I don't use the MXO for my home system...I use it when on the road. For home I have the Kona LH and Sony PVM-14L5 (HD CRT with HD SDI card) for my critical color correction. If I didn't have that, I'd switch to my MXO/Apple for color grading. I use the MXO when on location...which hasn't happened too often, but enough to justify its use.

How much difference is there between to Dell via Kona and the MXO

HUGE difference. Because you can properly calibrate the monitors with the MXO...blue only, Brightness, contrast, hue adn saturation. Don't have that with the Dell or ACD on their own. ACD only has brightness control, and the Dell has RGB balance...that's about it.

is there a way to curb this MXO cost by proper display setup?

Not sure what you mean by this. The MXO/ACD is the cheapest way you can monitor proper color. Or MXO/2407.

Shane

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