Matrox MXO2 ! Now with Output and INPUT!!!

I've been using a HDMI>DVI adaptor in my projector for years now and i think they are compatible. So i guess you could still use a ACD with a MXO2 using one of those. I don't have a proper MXO (i was going to buy it last week), I think it has some LUTs for ACD etc. So I don't know if you could still use those with the adaptor.

This is what i found at Wikipedia.

HDMI is backward-compatible with the single-link Digital Visual Interface carrying digital video (DVI-D or DVI-I, but not DVI-A) used on modern computer monitors and graphics cards. This means that a DVI-D source can drive an HDMI monitor, or vice versa, by means of a suitable adapter or cable, but the audio and remote control features of HDMI will not be available. Additionally, without support for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) on the display, the signal source may prevent the end user from viewing or recording certain restricted content.
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OK. What i really need now is some kind of official confirmation hehehe.
 
It should work (at least in getting the image to the ACD). However, the MXO2 may not include the LUTs for the ACDs.
 
I got the following answer at the official MXO forum at Matrox.

With regards to your questions, Matrox will offer the Blue only and calibration tools with the MXO2, just like what we had on the MXO. Using an HDMI TV makes a lot of sense for monitoring since this device is designed to receive YUV information. With an ACD monitor, the MXO needs LUTs because the ACD is an RGB device. However, the MXO2 will not need LUTs to drive an HDMI monitor. It will provide blue only calibration, and this will ensure proper color adjustment and therefore turns your HDMI TV into a broadcast monitor.

Another thing which is worth mentioning is this PDF file which highlights the defeasances between the MXO2 and the MXO.

Thanks for your patience and please let us know if you have any aditinal questions.
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So i guess that's good official news.

:)
 
NICE...now why didn't I ask that when I was there? I know you asked me to. Guess I didn't remember too as I was SWAMPED with people asking about the MXO...

thanks for this. Mind if I quote that for that post on the blog?
 
Hmm, I'm a little sceptical about this. I mean consumer TELEVISIONS are now suddenly turned into professional monitors?

Ok, if the colors can be calibrated with bars and all, don't those TVs still have some technology to improve the picture quality, actually making the picture look nicer and better for consumers? Televisions are not meant for critical viewing, they're for pleasure.

How can I trust what I see if I'm using a basic HDMI television, when there might be some circuits or anti-aliasing filters to smoothen the picture? As I understand it, it's like with old CRT televisions, you "can" use them for monitoring, but really how truly professional and accurate that is, is an other question...

If there is no difference between say Apple's Cinema display and basic HDMI television in the true pixel-to-pixel performance, then maybe there is no problem.

Don't get me wrong, I like this new MXO box just looking at the specs, just makes me question. Sounds like monitoring with this was meant for field use.
 
Shane Ross said:
NICE...now why didn't I ask that when I was there? I know you asked me to. Guess I didn't remember too as I was SWAMPED with people asking about the MXO...

thanks for this. Mind if I quote that for that post on the blog?
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Wow shane. Not at all. I would be flattered.

Now i just need to now if they have an upgrade policy if i buy the mxo now... i need it.

:)
 
proffit said:
How can I trust what I see if I'm using a basic HDMI television, when there might be some circuits or anti-aliasing filters to smoothen the picture? As I understand it, it's like with old CRT televisions, you "can" use them for monitoring, but really how truly professional and accurate that is, is an other question...
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Hmmm, i guess now the task for us is to find the simplest, or less feature rich panel on the market. Every sticker "me does it too technology" looses one point in the game.

:)
 
The MXO 2 can connect to a laptop, Decklink cannot, TOWER only. The MXO 2 can be powered by a battery, making is a great field monitoring solution. They had it hooked up to an Anton Bauer at the booth...the Decklink cannot. The MXO 2 has built in TRI-SYNC reference (they claim...remains to be seen), the Decklink does not. The MXO 2 has software to use to send color bars to a monitor, and blue only, and controls to balance the video signal properly...not sure about Decklink on this one. The MXO 2 can upconvert SD to 720p and 1080i...the decklink can only go to 1080i.

You really can only compare this to the AJA I/O HD...and the big difference there is that the I/O HD has a built in ProRes encoder, so you can capture ProREs with a laptop. The I/O HD cannot do that...to a laptop. Uncompressed 8 bit yes, but ProRes encoding for the MXO 2 is handled by the computer and processors, and only a good MacPro can do that. But the MXO 2 does uncompressed HD and the I/O HD does not.

I all matters what you want and what your workflows are. Now there are tools for nearly every situation.
 
The Decklink does not have the calibration software. They require purchasing the additional HDLink (recently lowered to $445) which converts HD SDI to HDMI and DVI. However, it will not send SD signals through HDMI.
 
Shane, I'm looking for some unbaised advice re Matrox (MXO/2) vs. BlackMagic (Intensity Pro + HD Link), as well as doing color correction on an ACD vs. JVC HD Monitor vs. Plasma. I stopped by both booths during NAB and both companies have impressive products that seem to work well with FCS. I do a mix of music video, documentaries, local cable commercials, corporate video & web stuff. I'm about to upgrade my DV/SD G5 system to a MacPro HD set-up (stock ATI 2600 card) so I can use Color & Motion (3D) and I need a reasonably priced professional monitoring solution to playback HDV/DVCProHD/ProRes. I currently have 2 ACD's, a 20" Sony NTSC, a 50" Panasonic 720p Plasma & a Sony HDV VTR/Deck with component out. I am thinking about updating the Plasma to 1080p OR picking up a JVC DT-V24L1U (the non SDI model), which B&H have on sale for $2k. I checked out the JVC at NAB and was very impressed. They were using it with a BlackMagic box (HD Link?) and were playing out Blue-Ray DVD & I couldn't see any difference A/B it with the SDI model. It seems the Matrox MXO would be a better solution for me than the MXO2 as I can use my existing 23" ACD and still go out to a Plasma via component. The JVC has DVI & Component in, so it would work with that also. I'm surprised that the MXO2 doesn't do DVI out (HDMI only) but can I use a HDMI-DVI convertor and use it with the ACD? I could also go with a BlackMagic Intensity Pro and HD Link (orig. not "Pro") combo for about the same price and get both DVI & HDMI out. The Decklink Extreme looks good but I don't have any SDI gear & I'd still need to get the HD Link. I'd also lose a PCI slot. So, what do you think would be the best solution for me and is there any real difference between the Matrox & Blackmagic products in terms of picture quality or playback/compatabiltiy with FCP/Motion/ Color? Do I really need an 1080p Plasma or LCD (JVC) if I go with the MXO2? Could I get away with an Intensity Pro with an HDMI-DVI connector to ACD &/or JVC and component to Plasma &/or JVC?
 
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This new product sounds real good!
What about HDSDI? would we need a HDMI - HDSDI converter?(Black Magic HDlink?)
Can it do 10-bit uncompressed?
Will this device allow high quality monitoring on a MacBook Pro in realtime?

Thanks.
 
Oh... I just saw the blog - It conflicts what is said on this thread?

It says - uncompressed 10 HD (nice), HD-SDI (wow), but says no uncompressed capture with laptop :violin:

Also the blog says price is $1599?... still good!
 
EMC:

You can't use an HDLink with an Intensity card. The HDLink only has an HD/SD SDI input. The Intensity will only output HDMI (plus component on the Pro card).

If you bought that JVC monitor, all you would need is the Intensity Pro card and send the signal over Commponent. The purpose of the HDLink and MXO is so that you can calibrate displays that aren't typically calibrate-able (making up my own word). Granted, the MXO2 is a much more diverse product than the MXO/HDLink. But if all you are after is HD monitoring, the JVC+Intensity Pro might be a great option.
 
Nicky said:
My last question is wouldn't the BM card with a magma express card adapter($700) achieve the same results cos it can connect on a laptop?
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No because you can't software calibrate your display with the BM card. You would still need the BM card, HDLink, and that adapter.
 
Hmmm. I guess things are getting hotter. :) I asked if they were going to provide any indication on which TVs would be better etc

From Matrix official forum again:

Hi Eduardo, we will be providing more details on HDMI TV compatibility and support of HDMI to DVI adapters for you soon.

Best regards,
B.C.
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Let's just wait... tic tac tic
 
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