Question about running monitors in series.

Jim Brennan

Jim Brennan

VHS Member Old Skool
I have noticed that when I run a second monitor in series out of my camera that the signal to the first monitor suffers (can't tell if the second monitor loses signal as well, since I can't do a direct comparison.) I am guessing this just has to do with the strength of the signal.

Is there a way around this? I like the idea of running a small HD monitor out of the camera for the operator, but still having a production monitor for the director further away. How do the big boys do it?
 
I can only give a general suggestion for what it's worth since I don't know the specifics of your situation.

But, generally, running series on anything is a bad idea, generally.
Depends on the buffering between stages.

Usually, and this is a general electronics tech approach, is to run your taps in parallel.

Basically, like a video splitter, where you have, say a single input, and several buffered outputs. Each of those outputs would receive a tiny amount of amplification in the process also.

Generally that's how you would take a single source and output it to multiple receivers.

Know that I mean? In other audio and video areas they are sometimes called amplified spiltters. Not knowing your specific situation I can't suggest a specific solution but maybe that will be something to look for.

It's all just signals that need to be buffered and amplified a bit, and then having the correct connectors. I'm sure there's something out there that is specific to your needs.

If not, let me know and I'll build the damn thing myself for you.
It's been a few years, but hey, peice of cake man. :beer:

//Now, if I could just learn to type...
 
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Yeah, that all makes sense. I'm just trying to think in terms of simplicity. I don't want to run the camera feed to a splitter, then run two lines back (one for the on-cam monitor, and one for the bigger monitor), unless I have to. Does anyone make an in-line, battery powered amplifier?

It just seems odd that a monitor would have the hardware to run a signal in and out without having the ability to do it with enough quality to be as useful as if it were a single monitor.

Thanks Gord.
 
One more cable wouldn't be a big deal would it?

But I agree on the point that if you can run in series then those other outputs should be buffered also. That's what I don't get. Maybe they are just passively joined, which would be surprising.

I feel for you. I wish I could help.

Good luck.
 
It's not like it's a tragedy though. Hooking up the second monitor definitely dims the image in the first monitor, but if I set all my settings before hand, the operator will still be able to see focus and framing.

I just want EVERYTHING! :grin:
 
What are you feeding these monitors? Composite video? Is the last monitor in the chain terminated? Oftentimes the signal variances that occur when looping the through multiple monitors is due to improper termination. It's possible that the signal is being double terminated. I'm unfamiliar with the Ikan 8000 or the JVC DTV 20.
 
Component, right from the HVX. The inputs/outputs on both monitors are BNC.

Are you saying that there is a way to "terminate" the signal at the last monitor, and that will improve the quality? How would I do that?

JVC DTV-20

Ikan
 
How does terminating or not doing so to a signal feed affect the other chains? Unless it's a transmitting interference issue?

I know on cable they have little screw on caps with a 50 ohm load or whatever to act as a dummy load. I can't see that making a hill of beans myself, that it would affect the other feeds. I can't see it.

I'm curious though. :)
 
In short, it's impedance matching. Like making sure you have 8ohm speakers on your stereo system to ensure a proper load. If the signal isn't terminated it reflects back down the line amplifying the signal. If the signal is double terminated attenuation occurs.

I run my Ikan v8000 right out of my HVX and then a JVC DTV 20 out of that.
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I looked at the link for the IKAN and the tech specs don't list outputs. So I'm not really understanding the signal flow. At any rate I would investigate issues with termination. Does the JVC monitor have a termination switch on the back panel? Does the IKAN auto terminate? Put a 75ohm terminator on the loop thru output of the JVC and see if it affects the signal.

I wish I could be more helpful. It's difficult to diagnose engineering problems via the internet. It would be a easier with the gear in front of me.
 
I'm not splitting. The signal goes out of the camera, into the Ikan and then from the Ikan to the JVC.

Erik: Ever sell your Panny 17"? I went with the JVC for the size.

Milksac: Thanks for the explanation. I'll give it a try.
 
You may consider running your line out into a very simple distribution amplifier and then out to your two monitors.
 
Jim Brennan said:
I'm not splitting. The signal goes out of the camera, into the Ikan and then from the Ikan to the JVC.

Erik: Ever sell your Panny 17"? I went with the JVC for the size.

Milksac: Thanks for the explanation. I'll give it a try.
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We've been using both the 80 and 1700 on a development project, so they're still around - for the moment. Both are simply fantastic.
 
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