HD in Studio Monitoring

[Take1Media]

What is the most affordable method of real-time HD monitoring from eight core Mac in studio. Please give suggestions on output card and HD monitor. Minimum monitor size 14". Was looking at the Decklink Intensity? Thanks for any advice.

 

[GaryNattrass]

I am using the blackmagic decklink extreme HD and it works very well, I have the HD/SD-SDI for output to machines with the analogue too and the HDMI hooked up to a 23 inch LG HD TV.

Pictures look fab even though it is only 720p so will be upgrading to a 27" 1080p soon.

The latest card does 3D too so is a bargain:http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/decklinkhdextreme/

 

[mountainmedia]

I'm using the Matrox MXO2Mini (without the Max capability) and it works great. It takes the video from the Mac (mine is also an 8-core) and outputs HDMI. For a monitor, I got a 23" Samsung 1080p LCD panel at Costco (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc..._Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=) - works great!

The entire package was around $800 and - while the LCD panel might not be the "perfect" solution for true color accuracy, etc. - it works great for my purposes and impresses my clients.

One note on the MXO2Mini. If you go that route - and if you have the budget - get the version with the Max encoding board. While it doubles the cost, it can cut H.264 encoding time in half! I'm going to add the board to my system afterwards and it will cost me quite a bit extra to do so than if I'd purchased the MXO2Mini with it already installed.

 

[Take1Media]

i currently have a panasonic 42" 720 plasma on the wall in my studio - will this be sufficient with the intensity card that just has HDMI outs? i dont need analog at this time.

 

[GaryNattrass]

i currently have a panasonic 42" 720 plasma on the wall in my studio - will this be sufficient with the intensity card that just has HDMI outs? i dont need analog at this time.

Yes that will be fine bit it may be worth having the HD/SD-SDI ins and outs for future export of HD to mastering machines etc.

 

[Take1Media]

Got the Intensity Pro and it works very nice. Finally able to see beautiful finished HD product! Thanks for the advice

 

[GaryNattrass]

You are welcome and it is nice to see the full HD pics in all their glory, I am very impressed with my card and it also works very well with my pro tools set-up.