GadgetMan
OK,
So I convince the owner of the club/bar I DJ in to let me have a go at video. He has screens all round the walls and to hook up would be the nuts. PLus noone else in my area does video...
Now I've had a closer look at his system I have found that the video matrix switcher he has, the Inter-M VAMS-0808 only has composite in...
Everyone I've spoken to so far says that while I can use a VGA extender balun to get the signal in my native 1280x800 to the rack where the switcher is, I'm going to lose too much quality converting it to composite.
Has anybody else here had this kind of experience?
Cheers,
Roy
So I convince the owner of the club/bar I DJ in to let me have a go at video. He has screens all round the walls and to hook up would be the nuts. PLus noone else in my area does video...
Now I've had a closer look at his system I have found that the video matrix switcher he has, the Inter-M VAMS-0808 only has composite in...
Everyone I've spoken to so far says that while I can use a VGA extender balun to get the signal in my native 1280x800 to the rack where the switcher is, I'm going to lose too much quality converting it to composite.
Has anybody else here had this kind of experience?
Cheers,
Roy
geposted Fri 13 Nov 09 @ 9:10 am
SBDJ
Composite is by far the most common connection format used in bars/clubs in the UK IMHO. Does your laptop not have an S-Video output?
geposted Fri 13 Nov 09 @ 9:37 am
GadgetMan
SB,
yes it does - at the moment - I am seeing less S-Vdeo out and more HDMI out. However all still have VGA. I only mention that because of potential upgarde issues in the future if I ask the owner to install something that later becomes reduncent if I upgrade!!!
I've found a nice VGA over CAT5 balun that does 1600x1200 over 300m (clicky) and a VGA to composite converter (clicky) from the same place.
Should I worry too much about what the end result will look like?
Shuld I reduce the resolution on my extended desktop to 800x600 to help?
Cheers,
Roy
yes it does - at the moment - I am seeing less S-Vdeo out and more HDMI out. However all still have VGA. I only mention that because of potential upgarde issues in the future if I ask the owner to install something that later becomes reduncent if I upgrade!!!
I've found a nice VGA over CAT5 balun that does 1600x1200 over 300m (clicky) and a VGA to composite converter (clicky) from the same place.
Should I worry too much about what the end result will look like?
Shuld I reduce the resolution on my extended desktop to 800x600 to help?
Cheers,
Roy
geposted Fri 13 Nov 09 @ 9:47 am
Dazmax
Hi Gadjet
I think the max on composite is the same a standard def TV (in the UK 625 lines). So I dont think the quality of signal you send needs to be any higher than that. Your picture will be no worse than anything else they display in the club. It might actualy take some of the load off your laptop!
Just some thoughts.
Daz
I think the max on composite is the same a standard def TV (in the UK 625 lines). So I dont think the quality of signal you send needs to be any higher than that. Your picture will be no worse than anything else they display in the club. It might actualy take some of the load off your laptop!
Just some thoughts.
Daz
geposted Fri 13 Nov 09 @ 2:02 pm
SUPERGREG
I use a TV View Gold Scan Converter from Focus Enhancements for my video conversions. It takes the VGA signal and converts it down to composite line signal that looks just fine. I agree that the most common is gonna be composite and the scan converter has worked wonderfully at several gigs.
geposted Fri 13 Nov 09 @ 3:10 pm
hippydog
technically you will not "lose" any quality..
unless you have HD videos, the composite or s-video connection is equal to standard DVD resolution.. (which is usually what most videos are formatted as)
unless you have HD videos, the composite or s-video connection is equal to standard DVD resolution.. (which is usually what most videos are formatted as)
geposted Fri 13 Nov 09 @ 5:38 pm
DJ Marcel_1
Pick up one of These:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=244967&CatId=466
And hook you S-Video Cable out from your video card - to thhat reducer and then run the composite to the video switcher.
Problem solved. You can be in and set up in 10 mins and there's nothing for the club owner to buy or re-configure
All for Under 10.00 CAD
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=244967&CatId=466
And hook you S-Video Cable out from your video card - to thhat reducer and then run the composite to the video switcher.
Problem solved. You can be in and set up in 10 mins and there's nothing for the club owner to buy or re-configure
All for Under 10.00 CAD
geposted Fri 13 Nov 09 @ 7:35 pm
DGee
I recently installed a composite to SVHS adapter on a Panasonic Blu-ray/VHS combo deck feeding (32) 46" LCD NEC monitors. The Blu-ray is feeding a Crestron Quick Media system connected to all the monitors using Crescat (ethernet) cable in a room for 186 students. It works just fine and the picture is wonderful. That adapter saved us as the Blu-ray does not have SVHS out and we designed the system for SVHS inputs. So IMHO, those adapters no maater which way you are going work just fine.
-DGee
-DGee
geposted Fri 13 Nov 09 @ 8:00 pm
djles.co.uk
GadgetMan wrote :
OK,
So I convince the owner of the club/bar I DJ in to let me have a go at video. He has screens all round the walls and to hook up would be the nuts. PLus noone else in my area does video...
Now I've had a closer look at his system I have found that the video matrix switcher he has, the Inter-M VAMS-0808 only has composite in...
Everyone I've spoken to so far says that while I can use a VGA extender balun to get the signal in my native 1280x800 to the rack where the switcher is, I'm going to lose too much quality converting it to composite.
Has anybody else here had this kind of experience?
Cheers,
Roy
So I convince the owner of the club/bar I DJ in to let me have a go at video. He has screens all round the walls and to hook up would be the nuts. PLus noone else in my area does video...
Now I've had a closer look at his system I have found that the video matrix switcher he has, the Inter-M VAMS-0808 only has composite in...
Everyone I've spoken to so far says that while I can use a VGA extender balun to get the signal in my native 1280x800 to the rack where the switcher is, I'm going to lose too much quality converting it to composite.
Has anybody else here had this kind of experience?
Cheers,
Roy
My weekly residency also has the INTER-M VAMS 0808. I ran an input wire from the back of the VAMS to the bench where my laptop setup sits. I bought a KWorld PC to TV Convertor from Maplin Electronics (£30), which gives VGA, S-Video & Composite Video from the convertor. It connects to my VGA output on the laptop. I use 1024x768 resolution, looks fine to me. ***Warning*** The PC to TV Convertor is only USB powered, I had my laptop overheating when it was connected direct. I now use a powered USB Hub to power it as well as my cooling plate. Then there is NO draw of power from the laptop. ;-)
I have DJed at several places that have screens, normally just showing Music TV Channels (always looks stupid to me with the DJ playing something different to what is onscreen), they have all had composite video. I bought a 2 metre composite video cable and a straight connector. Sometimes if the output matrix box is not convenient to get access to, then, usually the TV/Satelite receiver or DVD player is in the DJ Booth. I can then disconnect the output cable and connect to it with my straight connector. Easy peasy!!!
Cheers, you will have fun. :-)
Les
geposted Sat 14 Nov 09 @ 3:56 am
GadgetMan
Guys,
Thanks for all your input. Much appreciated. So I have nothing to worry about if I convert to composite - thats a good start.
Now, the best way to get the signal back to the matrix controller...
I was going to use a VGA/CAT5 balun to signal back to the contral rack and then a VGA to composite converter from there, however it appears I could drop the balun completely and just use the converter. Anyway, let me tell you a bit more about the setup and what I'm hoping to acheive:
1. The DJ booth is a good 50ft from the equipment rack. To get the signal to the rack the cable will be run in the false ceiling.
2. The signal will be from my extended desktop/VGA output on my laptop. I would really like to place a 19" monitor in the booth (there is plenty of space) so that I can the live output.
3. I may not be the only user, so I want to make it as idiot proof as possible!
So the options are:
1. As originally described above VGA/CAT5 balun to VGA/Composite converter in the rack - Head end of balun has VGA in/out to run local screen. Balun can also take audio.
2. VGA splitter our of laptop in to local screen and VGA/Composite converter and send feed direct to rack.
3. VGA/Composite converter direct to rack. Feed back from rack to local screen. This would mean I get to see all output, not just my own.
Now I'm thinking this through, I like the idea of option 3. Especially if we start showing sporting events or for New Year when Big Ben chimes, etc...
I'd also plan to use a mains powered VGA/Composite converter to ensure no drain on laptop.
Further comments always welcome.
Cheers,
Roy
Thanks for all your input. Much appreciated. So I have nothing to worry about if I convert to composite - thats a good start.
Now, the best way to get the signal back to the matrix controller...
I was going to use a VGA/CAT5 balun to signal back to the contral rack and then a VGA to composite converter from there, however it appears I could drop the balun completely and just use the converter. Anyway, let me tell you a bit more about the setup and what I'm hoping to acheive:
1. The DJ booth is a good 50ft from the equipment rack. To get the signal to the rack the cable will be run in the false ceiling.
2. The signal will be from my extended desktop/VGA output on my laptop. I would really like to place a 19" monitor in the booth (there is plenty of space) so that I can the live output.
3. I may not be the only user, so I want to make it as idiot proof as possible!
So the options are:
1. As originally described above VGA/CAT5 balun to VGA/Composite converter in the rack - Head end of balun has VGA in/out to run local screen. Balun can also take audio.
2. VGA splitter our of laptop in to local screen and VGA/Composite converter and send feed direct to rack.
3. VGA/Composite converter direct to rack. Feed back from rack to local screen. This would mean I get to see all output, not just my own.
Now I'm thinking this through, I like the idea of option 3. Especially if we start showing sporting events or for New Year when Big Ben chimes, etc...
I'd also plan to use a mains powered VGA/Composite converter to ensure no drain on laptop.
Further comments always welcome.
Cheers,
Roy
geposted Sat 14 Nov 09 @ 10:37 am
Dazmax
Hi Gadget
Option 3 is looking good but how about adding in a switch at the booth monitor end For a Preview/live facility.
Daz
Option 3 is looking good but how about adding in a switch at the booth monitor end For a Preview/live facility.
Daz
geposted Sat 14 Nov 09 @ 11:35 am
GadgetMan
Dazmax wrote :
Hi Gadget
Option 3 is looking good but how about adding in a switch at the booth monitor end For a Preview/live facility.
Daz
Option 3 is looking good but how about adding in a switch at the booth monitor end For a Preview/live facility.
Daz
Switch...?
geposted Sat 14 Nov 09 @ 1:43 pm
Dazmax
Ok
You could add a video selector switch to allow you to select wether your local/booth monitor shows the signal sent to the tv's from the clubs video system (ie you want to see Big Ben at Nyear) or the output from your system (laptop) before you send it live (on to all the club screens).
Three position selector. Example 1. Club, Takes the feedback line from the club distribution amp to your local monitor.
2. Preview, Shows the output from your PC on the local monitor only.
3. Live, Sends the signal from your pc to the club screens.
Daz
You could add a video selector switch to allow you to select wether your local/booth monitor shows the signal sent to the tv's from the clubs video system (ie you want to see Big Ben at Nyear) or the output from your system (laptop) before you send it live (on to all the club screens).
Three position selector. Example 1. Club, Takes the feedback line from the club distribution amp to your local monitor.
2. Preview, Shows the output from your PC on the local monitor only.
3. Live, Sends the signal from your pc to the club screens.
Daz
geposted Sat 14 Nov 09 @ 3:29 pm
GadgetMan
Dazmax wrote :
Ok
You could add a video selector switch to allow you to select wether your local/booth monitor shows the signal sent to the tv's from the clubs video system (ie you want to see Big Ben at Nyear) or the output from your system (laptop) before you send it live (on to all the club screens).
Three position selector. Example 1. Club, Takes the feedback line from the club distribution amp to your local monitor.
2. Preview, Shows the output from your PC on the local monitor only.
3. Live, Sends the signal from your pc to the club screens.
Daz
You could add a video selector switch to allow you to select wether your local/booth monitor shows the signal sent to the tv's from the clubs video system (ie you want to see Big Ben at Nyear) or the output from your system (laptop) before you send it live (on to all the club screens).
Three position selector. Example 1. Club, Takes the feedback line from the club distribution amp to your local monitor.
2. Preview, Shows the output from your PC on the local monitor only.
3. Live, Sends the signal from your pc to the club screens.
Daz
Kinda thought that's what you meant ;-)
I'm gonna keep it simple to start with (it's not my money I'm playing with) and depending on how things go may develop this further...
Cheers,
Roy
geposted Sat 14 Nov 09 @ 4:45 pm
Dazmax
No probs mate.
I can't help it, its just the Gadgetman in me that likes all the extra toys ;-)
good luck with your setup.
Daz
I can't help it, its just the Gadgetman in me that likes all the extra toys ;-)
good luck with your setup.
Daz
geposted Sat 14 Nov 09 @ 6:02 pm
GadgetMan
Dazmax wrote :
No probs mate.
I can't help it, its just the Gadgetman in me that likes all the extra toys ;-)
good luck with your setup.
Daz
I can't help it, its just the Gadgetman in me that likes all the extra toys ;-)
good luck with your setup.
Daz
Me too.... But as I said not my money... However I am interested in a new gadget the AAXA P2 projector as shown here on another thread. Again the GadgetMan in me is finding it hard to resist...
Roy
geposted Sun 15 Nov 09 @ 2:58 pm