Quad Splitter for Video Switching at DVinfo.net

Pablo Montano · November 25th, 2009, 05:59 AM

Is anybody using a Quad Splitter with a video mixer? I use three cameras Sony Z7 to shoot some events (concerts, parties, corporate meetings, etc). To mix the video I use an Edirol V-8 video mixer. Taking 5 monitors every time is hectic. Could I use a Quad Splitter? (something like the ones used for CCTv) I would like to have the three Sony Z7 on one screen. How big should the monitor be? Would it work fine? Please, share your experience.
Thank you.

Philip Howells · November 26th, 2009, 04:03 AM

Pablo, forgive me for wondering but is this is serious question? Your original message said you were using a Panasonic M30 mixer, now in the edited version it's an Edirol V-8.

Anyway, my response is that I see no reason why the video outs of each machine shouldn't be handled by a quad splitter but that you'd be better advised to check the input specs of the splitter card. Use the biggest monitor you can afford and which the splitter will handle - CCTV splitters aren't very high quality but might be good enough for monitoring.

All this assumes you have to do a live mix - if not I'd use a multicam editing package to edit the three cameras - using HDV material of which the Z7s are capable rather than basic composite or Y/C outputs of the mixer.

Pablo Montano · November 26th, 2009, 07:54 AM

Phillip,
thank you for your input. Yes, this is a serious question. I will be using both, Panasonic and Edirol.

Yes, my question regards to live performances. When not doing live we shoot HD and edit it later. Some clients want live and that's when I need to take all the equipment.

We plan to purchase 3 more cameras (Sony Z5). We'll have two crews, in two different cities.

I want to use the Quad Splitter to monitor Camera 1, 2 and 3. I will use a second monitor to see the out video (the mixed one).

I was observing a monitor at an office and that made me think that maybe I could use something like that for video production.

Thanks for your help.

Philip Howells · November 26th, 2009, 08:03 PM

If you're working live I'd opt for a bank of three or four 6-9inch monitors. These days you can pick up CRT versions quite inexpensively on Ebay or one of the specialist TV auction houses. At least if one goes down you have alternatives. If you have the budget the newer banks use LCD screens.

November 25th, 2009, 05:59 AM	#1
Pablo Montano New Boot Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Warsaw, Poland Posts: 18	Quad Splitter for Video Switching Is anybody using a Quad Splitter with a video mixer? I use three cameras Sony Z7 to shoot some events (concerts, parties, corporate meetings, etc). To mix the video I use an Edirol V-8 video mixer. Taking 5 monitors every time is hectic. Could I use a Quad Splitter? (something like the ones used for CCTv) I would like to have the three Sony Z7 on one screen. How big should the monitor be? Would it work fine? Please, share your experience. Thank you. Last edited by Pablo Montano; November 25th, 2009 at 04:02 PM. Reason: Add more information

November 26th, 2009, 07:54 AM	#3
Pablo Montano New Boot Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Warsaw, Poland Posts: 18	Quad Splitter for Video Switching Phillip, thank you for your input. Yes, this is a serious question. I will be using both, Panasonic and Edirol. Yes, my question regards to live performances. When not doing live we shoot HD and edit it later. Some clients want live and that's when I need to take all the equipment. We plan to purchase 3 more cameras (Sony Z5). We'll have two crews, in two different cities. I want to use the Quad Splitter to monitor Camera 1, 2 and 3. I will use a second monitor to see the out video (the mixed one). I was observing a monitor at an office and that made me think that maybe I could use something like that for video production. Thanks for your help.

November 26th, 2009, 04:03 AM	#2
Philip Howells Trustee Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 1,212	Pablo, forgive me for wondering but is this is serious question? Your original message said you were using a Panasonic M30 mixer, now in the edited version it's an Edirol V-8. Anyway, my response is that I see no reason why the video outs of each machine shouldn't be handled by a quad splitter but that you'd be better advised to check the input specs of the splitter card. Use the biggest monitor you can afford and which the splitter will handle - CCTV splitters aren't very high quality but might be good enough for monitoring. All this assumes you have to do a live mix - if not I'd use a multicam editing package to edit the three cameras - using HDV material of which the Z7s are capable rather than basic composite or Y/C outputs of the mixer.

November 26th, 2009, 08:03 PM	#4
Philip Howells Trustee Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 1,212	If you're working live I'd opt for a bank of three or four 6-9inch monitors. These days you can pick up CRT versions quite inexpensively on Ebay or one of the specialist TV auction houses. At least if one goes down you have alternatives. If you have the budget the newer banks use LCD screens.