One Image/Vid on more than one screen

[TupeloTechie]

How do you split an image or video from a source such as a dvd or computer to fit more than one screen or projector? I am wanting to know this because I am wanting to use two projectors to display one image, and also switch between dual and single. I do not want to use the dual monitor option on windows.

also, just for fun is it possible to split an image between many different sources? It would be cool to have a bunch of old televisions stacked side by side and on top of each other, like a wall, all different, but still combining to create one image.

[avkid]

This type of device is good for the old TV situation.
All you need is one RF modulator for the source, and a bunch of cables for the tv's.
http://worldofcables.com/store/viewI...idProduct=4887

[mbenonis]

RF is definitely one way to do it, but you may see artifacts in the signal. You can also get baseband video splitters which will split a composite signal as many as four ways and amplify it to compensate for the split. You probably shouldn't pay more than $30 for one of these.

BTW, be sure to use quality cable for your video - RG6 50Ω coax or better, especially for runs over 10 ft or so. The best and cheapest way to do this is to buy a reel of coax cable and terminate it yourself with either F or RCA connectors (using an adaptor in the former case). I've used Tri-State Electronic in the past, but there are plenty of other vendors as well with competitive prices.

[SHARYNF]

Your title and your posting seem to imply two very different solutions

IF you want to take a single source and have it duplicated on multiple monitors ie the SAME image on each display they you need as indicated in the above posts a distribution amp, I would suggest NOT using RF but look at composite or Svideo. BTW |RG6 for video is 75 ohm NOT 50 ohm (for coax ethernet)

IF on the other hand what you want is the flexibility to split an image across a number of display devices you are looking at a very different solution, typically referred to as VIDEO WALL (you can do a google search and see all the options)
http://www.m-media.com/videowall/index.php

Typically these are for a SINGLE source, multiple display

IF you want to have multiple sources across different options on multiple displays then you are looking at a very high end system/server like you see at concerts these systems are in the 25grand and up

The cheapest way for a simple solution is infact back to the multi output graphics card in the pc Matrox for instance, then you can set up split spanning or multiple windows, creating a huge desktop and assigning it to the various outputs of the card, typically working with a dual output dvi card
http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/gx...go_digital.php

so you have triple head to go, beyond this you can also use a video dj type system http://www.arkaos.net/


Sharyn

[Footer]

Originally Posted by TupeloTechieKid

How do you split an image or video from a source such as a dvd or computer to fit more than one screen or projector? I am wanting to know this because I am wanting to use two projectors to display one image, and also switch between dual and single. I do not want to use the dual monitor option on windows.
also, just for fun is it possible to split an image between many different sources? It would be cool to have a bunch of old televisions stacked side by side and on top of each other, like a wall, all different, but still combining to create one image.

I think what he is wanting to do is to take 1 picture and take multiple projectors to produce one image. This is an extremely common thing to do, but it can get very expensive very very fast. Watchout system does this, but it can cost around 10-15 grand for a full system, not including the projectors. The triple head to go is my #1 pick if you need three images. With nvidia cards you can get a 2 projector span very easy. The catalyst system and DL2's do this seamlessly including gradient changes with perfect overlays. Arkaos also does it extremely well. As far at the taking 24 tv's and making one big one, yes that gear does exist, but I have no clue where to get it. I remember best buys all having them years back.

Digital Projection

edit... well I know where to get it. always keep in mind with video, this stuff isn't cheap.

[Thomas]

Everyone stop smoking crack.

You'll need a few scaler/switchers, and depending on which type maybe some VDAs (being VGA splitters) as well.

First, you can get away with doing two different screens with one top-line scaler easily- but you lose the preview option then. Take one projector's feed from the program output and the other's from the preview. We did an awesome function on Tuesday with a Kramer VP727 where we had two 9x12 screens next to each other behind the stage and did panoramic backdrops for titles. Obviously, we needed two laptops running two powerpoint slide shows independently.

Otherwise, and the more hardcore approach, is to run two scaler/switchers into each other- so one's output goes to a projector and to the other scaler, so you can do single images distributed, or two different images. The more different images you have more more scaler/switchers you'll need. Depending on which scaler/switcher you're using, you may need to split before feeding projector and the other scaler/switcher.
I'll post a block diagram if anyone needs?

If you just want one image get a VDA with however many outputs you need and away you go. I've got a 3-way, 4 way and 8 way. Fun fun fun.

If course, you'll need mountains of VGA. Don't be tempted with composite options. Just say no. And don't think of Y-splits, it's practically impossible to make VGA cable as it is.

AV is fun stuff. Especially when you get into VJing. Just bought Motion Dive Toyko Console Edition, with MDP-1. Awesome!

[SHARYNF]

the stacked scalers can do a basic effect like this but it will be either static or very difficult to alter it on the fly without the audience seeing your moving and selecting, so for a fixed setup typically with two displays it is possible and workable, but for instance why go this route with the graphics cards with dual outputs can accomplish the same thing.

Sharyn

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Originally Posted by SHARYNF

the stacked scalers can do a basic effect like this but it will be either static or very difficult to alter it on the fly without the audience seeing your moving and selecting, so for a fixed setup typically with two displays it is possible and workable, but for instance why go this route with the graphics cards with dual outputs can accomplish the same thing.
Sharyn

Fully agree. There is software out there to do this MUCH easier then anything else. Also, scalers are not at all cheap.

[TupeloTechie]

ok, if I was to use the 2 graphics card idea is there any way to run it so that I can use a third monitor to control what goes on the 2 monitors so that it wont appear to be a computer, might there be some type of software?

[Footer]

Originally Posted by TupeloTechieKid

ok, if I was to use the 2 graphics card idea is there any way to run it so that I can use a third monitor to control what goes on the 2 monitors so that it wont appear to be a computer, might there be some type of software?

Look for a product called mediashout, it does a preview screen. You will need one card of an NVIDIA flavor for the output to the two projectors and another card for the output to the control monitor. What will your content be? Mediashout works great for still and decent for video.