Best solution for viewing on my external monitor? at DVinfo.net

Bill Petropoulos · August 29th, 2009, 06:49 PM

I've finally upgraded my G5 with a new Mac Pro Octo-Core, using FCP7.
I'm doing much more HD now, whereas before I was doing mostly DV.
I have always used a Standard-Def SONY PVM-14L5 CRT for monitoring accurate colors.

I want to continue using this monitor for the foreseeable future.

The monitor can take a component HD signal in, so I'm trying to determine what my cheapest, easiest route would be to get that done.

Also,
In the future, I plan on adding a consumer HD display with HDMI for monitoring as well.

So, is the Matrox MXO2 Mini my best option?
Intensity Pro?
Something else?

Opinions and suggestions appreciated...

-Bill

Andy Mees · August 30th, 2009, 06:48 AM

Certainly the MXO2 Mini is a great option Bill, and it should fit your present and intended future needs very well, but please do bear in mind that Matrox have not quite yet released drivers for FCP7 (FCS3) ... I understand they are imminent, but the fat lady didn't sing yet. Also bear in mind that the drivers are not Snow Leopard ready either (FCS 3 support is coming first, SL support will come later ... no timeframe for when yet). Not sure of the status with Blackmagic Intensity drivers on this front, but if you're an early adopter then you'll probably want to take it into consideration.

Matrox put up a "Top 10 reasons why..." page on their website outlining why they think their MXO2 Mini is the superior product choice when compared to the BMD Intensity Pro, you can find it here:
Top 10 Reasons to Buy Matrox MXO2 Mini – Not Intensity Pro – Comparison

Hope it helps
Andy

Chuck Fadely · August 30th, 2009, 10:47 AM

I've got an Intensity Pro card in an octo Mac Pro and it works with both component and HDMI under FCP6 / OS X 10.5.x. It's a little flaky when you change from hd to sd or codecs but it will switch over if you refresh av devices and restart FCP.

Bill Petropoulos · August 30th, 2009, 09:26 PM

With the Intensity Pro, can you do HD Component Out, AND HDMI out simultaneously?

August 29th, 2009, 06:49 PM	#1
Bill Petropoulos Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Orange County, Calif. USA Posts: 70	Best solution for viewing on my external monitor? I've finally upgraded my G5 with a new Mac Pro Octo-Core, using FCP7. I'm doing much more HD now, whereas before I was doing mostly DV. I have always used a Standard-Def SONY PVM-14L5 CRT for monitoring accurate colors. I want to continue using this monitor for the foreseeable future. The monitor can take a component HD signal in, so I'm trying to determine what my cheapest, easiest route would be to get that done. Also, In the future, I plan on adding a consumer HD display with HDMI for monitoring as well. So, is the Matrox MXO2 Mini my best option? Intensity Pro? Something else? Opinions and suggestions appreciated... -Bill

August 30th, 2009, 06:48 AM	#2
Andy Mees Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Posts: 645	Certainly the MXO2 Mini is a great option Bill, and it should fit your present and intended future needs very well, but please do bear in mind that Matrox have not quite yet released drivers for FCP7 (FCS3) ... I understand they are imminent, but the fat lady didn't sing yet. Also bear in mind that the drivers are not Snow Leopard ready either (FCS 3 support is coming first, SL support will come later ... no timeframe for when yet). Not sure of the status with Blackmagic Intensity drivers on this front, but if you're an early adopter then you'll probably want to take it into consideration. Matrox put up a "Top 10 reasons why..." page on their website outlining why they think their MXO2 Mini is the superior product choice when compared to the BMD Intensity Pro, you can find it here: Top 10 Reasons to Buy Matrox MXO2 Mini – Not Intensity Pro – Comparison Hope it helps Andy

August 30th, 2009, 10:47 AM	#3
Chuck Fadely Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: United States Posts: 306	I've got an Intensity Pro card in an octo Mac Pro and it works with both component and HDMI under FCP6 / OS X 10.5.x. It's a little flaky when you change from hd to sd or codecs but it will switch over if you refresh av devices and restart FCP.

August 30th, 2009, 09:26 PM	#4
Bill Petropoulos Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Orange County, Calif. USA Posts: 70	With the Intensity Pro, can you do HD Component Out, AND HDMI out simultaneously?