Not your average Video card Question.

Matt Grunau

Matt Grunau

Adobe Demigod
I have searched all over the hardware forum looking for a post that would answer my questions, and but have not found anything close to what I am looking for.

I am looking for a PCI video card that is a video out only. I don't mean one that is just a TV out, where you would get the entire desktop, but one that could be used with Vegas and After effects so only the preview window is output. I know I can use firewire, and I know there are many great cards out there that allow you to have and external preview device, but these cards are always in conjunction with capturing and other accessories I simply do not need. I already have perfectly good video cards in 2 great computers (both running dual monitors currently), with a 3rd system on the way (a nice 2.8 a friend is GIVING me, if you can believe it), also to be running dual monitors. And I really don't want to go out and spend thousands of dollars to replace the cards I have now, since they are relatively new and in fine shape.

I have the computers networked, and I frequently work on both systems at the same time (Lightwave rendering elements on one and me working in After Effects on the other. Or, Photoshoping on one while my sound guy is editing on the other. You get the picture.)

And therein lies the dilemma.

Although I know I can use firewire, the problem is that only one of the systems has a firewire output (and it is the slower system), but I use both for video and audio. If I am taking the time to transfer files from one system to the firewire system, my workflow is not really that much more efficient than having a single computer. And when the third arrives, the problem is effectively doubled.

That is why I was hoping someone had knowledge of a PCI card that can do Component and Svideo output (or at the least Svideo), but also be recognized by the software as a preview card and NOT just a simple TV out. Then all the systems could preview, and all I would need would be a switcher box between them and the Monitor to go back and forth.


Whew. Long post.


Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
I thought about that, but I dont have a deck yet, and I am going to use my DVX for filming only. Not as a deck (I MAY be able to get a good price on an GL1 for that) and when the DVX is not in use, it is in the case. I dont want it propped on a desk where it could be bumped and or fall off, and I dont want it on the floor where it could get acccidently kicked, knocked or spilled on. Also, with another firewire, I am constantly plugging in this computer or that one, or the other, as opposed to just a switcher box from Radio Shack or some such.

I may get another firewire just so I can capture with a different computer, but for previewing, I would prefer just good old line out.

If it can be done.
 
try matrox parhelia.. 3 monitors. or 2 monitors and one sd or HD out.. pending the card you get.. or one monitor and 2 sd or HD out. or 3 sd or HD outs. .. good stuffs.. couldnt live witout mine.
 
iamloser: The matrox parhelia looks like a great card, but it does not really apply. I was trying to avoid buying 2 or maybe 3 cards like that.


mikkowilson: I didn't know you could do that.

Thanks guys
 
I don’t think you can get Vegas to preview out through anything other than firewire.

So, you’d need a card which will interpret a firewire signal and convert it to a TV signal on the fly, and connect your TV to it.

I admit, I haven’t researched it. Does the Parhelia do that?

Otherwise, look at A/D converters.

(And to nip the question in the bud (from anyone reading, not necessarily Rapier), no, it's not an acceptable solution to use the TV as a second computer monitor and then put Vegas's preview window on it. It's not. Really, it's not.)
 
..well the parhelia gives you a full video preview out from any direct show application IE Photoshop, NLES, AE, DVD authoring apps. ect. but its really for just doing that.. you would use it to run dual monitors and the preview out at the same time.. and i now understand he doen not need another video card.. just one that does a video out. ..not sure.. never looked for one. sorry i couldnt be more help
 
RApier... if your using Vegas 6 you can buy the Blackmagic Decklink card.. its exactly what your looking for and can even prep you for HD when your ready for it. its functionality is built into vegas 6.
 
Jarred Land said:
RApier... if your using Vegas 6 you can buy the Blackmagic Decklink card.. its exactly what your looking for and can even prep you for HD when your ready for it. its functionality is built into vegas 6.
Click to expand...


ACK! My God man, are you trying to break my bank account! Fiend!

:grin:

Looks like a kick ass card, but I don't need to capture, just output, that's the problem. All these great cards, but all with capture and output. I just need the output.
 
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