multi-view in a VGA monitor

[twalker17]

I am looking for a way to get rid of my CRT's and use a big screen VGA monitor to view my cameras feed and program. Something like the new HD panasonic 400 mixer with it's built in monitor wall in VGA. Besides the 20K EVertz MVP unit. Is there a cheaper way to do this? instead of buying compatible monitors in SDI without using a Security PVR that buffers and lags the live feeds?
Someone suggested using LFG 4 active silicon cards on a pc ?
wondering if any of you guys have some creative ideas.
I was hoping for the traditional 2 large windows for prev/prog then say 6 to 8 smaller windews for the imcoming feeds.

[Tim Ward]

What you're asking for can't be done using the VT software/hardware. Other than a multi-image processor like an Evertz system, or a similar quad-split/DVI system, I don't see you spending less than $10,000 for 8 sources (2 quad units) to do this. Maybe there's a cheap solution out there, but I doubt it. That's a lot of video processing.

Someone suggested using LFG 4 active silicon cards on a pc ?

Those cards don't do SDI; monochrome, composite, Y/C only.

Maybe you'd want to go with the Panasonic switcher instead. There are trade-offs we have to accept when working with inexpensive gear.

[SBowie]

Just as it may interest you (keeping budget in mind), the upcoming TriCaster XD300 has very flexible VGA/DVI output options. If you don't need to feed a projector with this connector, you can send all sorts of cool displays to an LCD panel - including a very cool view of all seven switcher sources plus Preview and Program. (If three camera inputs doesn't satisfy your current needs .... well, maybe hold that thought.)

[Tim Ward]

Just as it may interest you (keeping budget in mind), the upcoming TriCaster XD300 has very flexible VGA/DVI output options. If you don't need to feed a projector with this connector, you can send all sorts of cool displays to an LCD panel - including a very cool view of all seven switcher sources plus Preview and Program. (If three camera inputs doesn't satisfy your current needs .... well, maybe hold that thought.)

That's a very nice addition! I would wager that a six-input version is just a year or two around the corner. I'd personally like to see them add HD and multiview to the VT...

[SBowie]

That's a very nice addition!It's just one of many. There's stuff in there that knocks my socks off, even after months of playing with it! (And I'm tempted to take your bet ...) ;)

[PIZAZZ]

There are a couple options to consider for monitoring inputs that are much much less than the Evertz solution for 20k. These are not $500 solutions but they are great products for their price. If you compared a multiviewer product like those below to a similar number of inputs in Marshall monitors then the multiviewer comes out cheaper usually. You also save in space, power and it just looks better too.

For the World Series of Poker webcasts, we set them up an AviTech system of 12 inputs that can each take Composite or SD-SDI in NTSC or PAL. (there is a newer version that can take HD-SDI too)

The 12 inputs cost them roughly $7500. One of the displays looked like the attached picture...
http://cid-4b0670a019731840.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/.Public/BluffMediaMonitoringScreen.jpg

Miranda is another popular multiviewer and they recently dropped their price too for the 10 input version.

Miranda Kaleido-Alto-HD 10-Input Multi-Image Display Processor List Price $7995 -- Our Price $7150

http://www.miranda.com/html/custom/Kaleido-Alto-HD/images/typical_layout.jpg

[AndyW69]

TVOne make a cctv style quad unit, the refresh is real time, the images are a little soft but fine for preview

Andy