two fields monitor at the same time??

[jdesmedt]

Hi all,

I'm having a bit of a problem.

I have two Teletest monitors, each with BNC's in which only accept analog signal, so no SDI. So I can use one at a time by using the AV out of the camera and plugging the other end of the cable (the one which comes with the camera) into the BNC (by using an adaptor RCA to BNC).

I now need to use both monitors AND I can't mirror from one to the other (one will be used wireless via radio link)

So the question is:

Can I play two monitors from the single AV out (by using some sort of splitter)?

Or

Can I play one via the av out and the other via the RGB which will need to have on the other end an RCA?....

Tricky question that not many people have been able to help me out with so far (obviously, or else I wouldn't be posting this)

Any help very welcome cause I'm pulling my hair out!!

Cheers,
Jo

[MitchLewis]

You can split the video signal with an adaptor (or Y cable) but the brightness of the video on both monitors will drop. This is what a "video distribution amplifier" is for. It splits the signal and amplifies it back up to the original level. But I've never seen a portable one. Maybe do a Google search?

Using the RGB output (if it works) would probably your easiest option.

[MitchLewis]

Here's one:
http://www.markertek.com/Product.asp?cat=ROUTERS&subcat=&prodclass=VIDEODA&baseitem=PDA2&search=0&off=0&showreturn=0&utm_source=gbase&utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=sf

[jdesmedt]

Thanks Mitch,

When you say "Using the RGB output (if it works) would probably your easiest option. " do you mean I could find an adaptor that will allow me to plug the three RGB components out of the camera into a RCA to plug it into the SDI (analog) in of the monitor?

[MitchLewis]

No, I just figured that you had a monitor with component (RGB) inputs. No?

[jdesmedt]

No... Only analog SDI in...

[MitchLewis]

Hmmm.....I couldn't find a portable version, but here's something that converts from component to SDI:

http://www.markertek.com/SearchProduct.asp?item=AJA%2DD10AD&off=8&sort=prod&skuonly=0&search=component+to+SDI+converter&pagesize=20

You may want to go try splitting the composite signal and try that first though. You could use something like this: (much cheaper, but it will drop your signal strength 3db)

http://www.markertek.com/SearchProduct.asp?item=ETS%2DPA820&off=10&sort=prod&skuonly=0&search=BNC+splitter&pagesize=20

[jdesmedt]

Thanks Mitch! I'll go with the splitter, hopefully 3db drop won't be too annoying

[MitchLewis]

This would be an even cheaper way to do the same thing:

http://www.filmtools.com/bnctadapterfff.html

[jdesmedt]

so what's the difference between that and the $50 one?

[MitchLewis]

My "guess" is that they would accomplish the same thing.

If I were in your shoes, I'd head down to Radio Shack, buy the cheap BNC T connector and try that. If that doesn't work to your satisfaction (I think it will), call Markertek and ask them about the fancier BNC splitter they sell. Ask them why it's so much more expensive than a simple BNC T. I'd be curious to hear what their answer is. Or you could track down the manufacture of the BNC splitter they sell and ask them directly.

Good luck! :)

[jdesmedt]

good idea. I did have a look at the differences and the cheap "T" is 50 Ohm Impedance whereas the expensive one is 75 Ohm, which seems to be what the monitors use, not sure if that makes a difference....

[MitchLewis]

Ahhhh! Good catch. I "think" that means you'll have more of a signal drop using the 50 Ohm T than the 75 Ohm. But I'm not an engineer so I couldn't tell you how much of an actual difference you'll see. Give the cheap one a try and see if it works. I'm guessing it will be fine. :)

[DadinWestchester]

Since T connectors do not have resistance there is no signal drop due to resistance. Just a 1/2 db connector loss. No termination resistors. 75 Ohms would be for video, 50 for RF. The resistance spec is for general system use not the resistance of the connector.

Ok, my first post, I think. 40 years broadcast engineering....

[jdesmedt]

Thanks Mitch; it works and you saved me some money.

[MitchLewis]

Great! Glad to hear it.