Multibridge Extreme or Matrox MXO? at DVinfo.net

Kieran Fitzgerald · April 25th, 2007, 12:50 PM

Planning on up grading my system shortly. I am considering two pieces of hardware to monitor HD video - the Multibridge Extreme and the Matrox MXO. My question - Can the Multibridge Extreme be used to simultaineously monitor HD video from a Final Cut Pro timeline, on the fly, via DVI-D to a 23 inch Apple Cinema Display, and downconverted to an SD signal for a CRT SD post production monitor. If this is possible, is it a viable alternative to using a HD CRT monitor for broadcast colour correction. I know the MXO is capable of the above, but I would prefer to buy the Multibridge as it offers inputs as well as outputs. The computer will be a 2.66 Ghz mac pro. Thanks in advance, Kieran.

Shane Ross · April 25th, 2007, 03:36 PM

Well, the Multibridge Extreme does have DVI-D out. But whether or not you can send a correct image to an Apple display for color correction remains to be seen. The MXO is designed for this, even has built in PROC AMP to adjust bars. not sure if the Multibridge can adjust the gamma for this. I might go to the LAFCPUG meeting tonight, and Dan May of Decklink will be there. I'll see if I can ask him.

Kieran Fitzgerald · April 25th, 2007, 03:43 PM

That would be great, thanks.

Andy Mees · April 25th, 2007, 11:19 PM

an important consideration is whether you need input as well as output.
the MXO is a superb monitoring solution for output .. but is a strictly output only device.
the Multibridge may not advertise color accurate monitoring to an HD LCD, but does have the significant advantage in overall I/O functionality.

Shane Ross · April 26th, 2007, 02:39 AM

I didn't make it to the meeting, so I didn't get to ask.

Best to call their tech support and ask yourself.

Kieran Fitzgerald · April 26th, 2007, 10:53 AM

I contacted tech support and they confirmed what I was asking. However the MXO still looks like a better monitoring soloution as it is designed specifically fo this type of scenario. I am now planning to purchase both the MXO and a Multibridge Pro as this will give me what I need. This works out at only 80 euro more than purchasing a Multibridge Extreme.

April 25th, 2007, 12:50 PM	#1
Kieran Fitzgerald New Boot Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Republic of Ireland Posts: 13	Multibridge Extreme or Matrox MXO? Planning on up grading my system shortly. I am considering two pieces of hardware to monitor HD video - the Multibridge Extreme and the Matrox MXO. My question - Can the Multibridge Extreme be used to simultaineously monitor HD video from a Final Cut Pro timeline, on the fly, via DVI-D to a 23 inch Apple Cinema Display, and downconverted to an SD signal for a CRT SD post production monitor. If this is possible, is it a viable alternative to using a HD CRT monitor for broadcast colour correction. I know the MXO is capable of the above, but I would prefer to buy the Multibridge as it offers inputs as well as outputs. The computer will be a 2.66 Ghz mac pro. Thanks in advance, Kieran.

April 25th, 2007, 03:36 PM	#2
Shane Ross Major Player Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Los Angeles, USA Posts: 539	Well, the Multibridge Extreme does have DVI-D out. But whether or not you can send a correct image to an Apple display for color correction remains to be seen. The MXO is designed for this, even has built in PROC AMP to adjust bars. not sure if the Multibridge can adjust the gamma for this. I might go to the LAFCPUG meeting tonight, and Dan May of Decklink will be there. I'll see if I can ask him.

April 25th, 2007, 03:43 PM	#3
Kieran Fitzgerald New Boot Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Republic of Ireland Posts: 13	That would be great, thanks.

April 25th, 2007, 11:19 PM	#4
Andy Mees Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Posts: 645	an important consideration is whether you need input as well as output. the MXO is a superb monitoring solution for output .. but is a strictly output only device. the Multibridge may not advertise color accurate monitoring to an HD LCD, but does have the significant advantage in overall I/O functionality.

April 26th, 2007, 02:39 AM	#5
Shane Ross Major Player Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Los Angeles, USA Posts: 539	I didn't make it to the meeting, so I didn't get to ask. Best to call their tech support and ask yourself.

April 26th, 2007, 10:53 AM	#6
Kieran Fitzgerald New Boot Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Republic of Ireland Posts: 13	I contacted tech support and they confirmed what I was asking. However the MXO still looks like a better monitoring soloution as it is designed specifically fo this type of scenario. I am now planning to purchase both the MXO and a Multibridge Pro as this will give me what I need. This works out at only 80 euro more than purchasing a Multibridge Extreme.