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  #1  
Old 02-11-2021, 11:01 PM
CCash CCash is offline
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Default Using a computer monitor for video?

I'm setting up a home mix rig using a 2011 iMac (I know, but it was the top of the line and it's been incredible). I've been looking for a "real" video output solution. I found a Sonnet Echo Express SE 1 and I'm searching for a Kona LHi card.

But I get this sense that people are just running desktop video from a Pro Tools window (or maybe a lot more than are willing to admit). I have to say, after I set the proper offset it seems very consistent just feeding a TV with HDMI.

I'll still go with the proper solution, but curious what people are doing. Throwing plug-ins and other windows on the screen when you need to is certainly a nice bonus.
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Old 02-12-2021, 02:48 AM
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Wizzoboy Wizzoboy is offline
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Default Re: Using a computer monitor for video?

I don't know about the Imac, but in Windows I just stretch the desktop across 3 monitors and resize the video image.
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Old 02-12-2021, 02:10 PM
fresler fresler is offline
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Default Re: Using a computer monitor for video?

Same thing here.
I'm on a 2009 Mac Pro (upgraded to 2012).
Even if there's a Blackmagic Intensity 4k installed, I'm running a 3 monitor setup straight from the graphic card..... Bonus point, being able to use the third monitor as computer monitor whenever possible: edit window, mix window, plugins, Dolby Atmos Production Suite.... you get the picture.
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Old 02-12-2021, 04:45 PM
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reichman reichman is offline
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Default Re: Using a computer monitor for video?

Quote:
Originally Posted by CCash View Post
I'm setting up a home mix rig using a 2011 iMac (I know, but it was the top of the line and it's been incredible). I've been looking for a "real" video output solution. I found a Sonnet Echo Express SE 1 and I'm searching for a Kona LHi card.

But I get this sense that people are just running desktop video from a Pro Tools window (or maybe a lot more than are willing to admit). I have to say, after I set the proper offset it seems very consistent just feeding a TV with HDMI.

I'll still go with the proper solution, but curious what people are doing. Throwing plug-ins and other windows on the screen when you need to is certainly a nice bonus.
I've measured probably 6 or 7 TVs and maybe 10 computer monitors with a Syncheck. The computer monitor video (without a video interface) is always a little jittery and out of sync. And the colors are usually washed out and you can see a menubar. If you're working alone and you're not super-picky about lipsync, it's usually fine. Go for it. It's when you have clients in the room that really want to see the color and deal with detailed lipsync issues, that having an Avid, Blackmagic or AJA video interface pays off. The frame rate is dead-on, the color is good, your mouse can't accidentally move over the image... etc.

Maybe get a TV with multiple HDMI inputs and feed the computer AND a video interface so you can switch as needed. That's what I've been doing, especially recently with Source Live Pro.
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Old 02-13-2021, 12:59 PM
CCash CCash is offline
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Default Re: Using a computer monitor for video?

Thanks for the feedback, and for the pic Wizzoboy.

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Originally Posted by reichman View Post
Maybe get a TV with multiple HDMI inputs and feed the computer AND a video interface so you can switch as needed. That's what I've been doing, especially recently with Source Live Pro.
That’s exactly what I plan on doing. Having the option for the extended desktop is the best of both worlds.

Instead of asking my question specifically about computer monitors, I should’ve asked, “How many of you are using the Pro Tools video window instead of a dedicated video interface?”... regardless of sending it to a computer monitor OR a TV.

When you say sync is sloppy on a computer monitor, I assume the results were the same if the monitor was a TV? — you’re still using PT’s video window.

For working alone, the menu bar and the color is a drag but not a deal breaker. However, as a mixer, the sync has to be accurate.
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Old 02-13-2021, 01:22 PM
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reichman reichman is offline
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Default Re: Using a computer monitor for video?

Quote:
When you say sync is sloppy on a computer monitor, I assume the results were the same if the monitor was a TV? — you’re still using PT’s video window.
Yes, sync is sloppy whether or not it's a computer monitor or TV (sorry I wasn't clearer). Back when Avid made the new AVE in PT11, the PT video window got much better in terms of sync, but still not as good as dedicated video hardware.

In the video hardware world, there are two categories:

1. devices like T-Tap or some lower-end Blackmagic cards without genlock that give very good sync, much better than PT window.

2. devices like the high-end Kona cards that have genlock and will give you 100% frame-edge sync.

IME, the T-Tap has been so tight, that I don't feel like I need genlock, but on the big stages, genlock is commonplace.
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Old 02-13-2021, 01:51 PM
CCash CCash is offline
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Default Re: Using a computer monitor for video?

Thanks. I’m aware of the pro options, but the clarification is appreciated. It’s the semi-pro option I was wondering about, as it’s been a long time since I’ve tried to work that way. Your Syncheck results give the answer.

What range are we talking about - 1/4 frames or frames?
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Old 02-14-2021, 02:55 AM
Frank Kruse Frank Kruse is offline
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Default Re: Using a computer monitor for video?

Pro on the cheap (for 5,1 mac users)

Decklink SDI plus 30€ SDI to HDMI converter on the back of your TV. Has genlock, no fans on the card and works like a charm. These are great as they can be powered by the USB out of your TV or projector: https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/pro...icroconverters

Plus you don't need crazy thick expensive HDMI cables or an additional extender to bridge the 20m+ without signal problems. SDI cables can run 100m (I think) without any additional help.

F.
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Old 02-14-2021, 09:08 AM
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Default Re: Using a computer monitor for video?

Quote:
Originally Posted by CCash View Post
Thanks. I’m aware of the pro options, but the clarification is appreciated. It’s the semi-pro option I was wondering about, as it’s been a long time since I’ve tried to work that way. Your Syncheck results give the answer.

What range are we talking about - 1/4 frames or frames?
I would have to look at it again, but the Syncheck reports audio and video arrival time in milliseconds difference. The problem is not that one device is late, it's that it's inconsistent. With lousy video playback, you'll set an offset that seems right, but then you'll see video behind or ahead during a long playback of 4-5 minutes with inaccuracies in the +/- 50-150ms range. So during a two minute playback, the target is moving all over the place unpredictably. Then you stop and start again and it's somewhere else. With some devices, it takes 4-5 sec. to lock in, and then playback is perfect. And to make matters even more complex, every codec plays back on every system in different ways. H264s and ProRes have different results. 100ms may not seem like much, but dialog editors famously move clips by quarter frames to make them tight, and that's about 10ms!

Pro Tools Expert wrote a great article about this years ago. Worth searching there if you're curious.
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Old 02-14-2021, 12:38 PM
CCash CCash is offline
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Default Re: Using a computer monitor for video?

Great idea Frank, thanks.

Great info reichman. Unpredictable sync isn't an option.
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