Can I feed a Matrox MXO2 from the SDI out of the Broadcast

[lencap]

I'm trying to determine if I can take the SDI output from the SD Tricaster Broadcast and feed that into a Matrox MXO2 which will allow me to convert SD to HD in real time, as well as allowing me to take the Matrox output and record in a HD format live.

The objective would be to future proof my Tricaster investment by allowing me to use SD equipment to achieve HD output.

I'm not too concerned about HD live web streaming, but I'd like to know if that could be done as well using the output from the Matrox MXO2.

Thanks in advance for the replies.

[Paul Lara]

It should work just fine - BROADCAST fully conforms to the SMTPE 259M standard for SD SDI.

[lencap]

Paul, thank you for the reply. By using the MXO2 will I be able to uprez to a HD format, as I hoped?

If I purchase a Tricaster without SDI output, will I still be able to connect to the Matrox and uprez to a HD format?

[SBowie]

Do you already own the Matrox peripheral, lencap?

[lencap]

No, I don't own the Matrox, or a Tricaster. I am a volunteer assisting a group of non-profits with their video projects. I use FCP Studio 2, a MacBook Pro (original Intel duo with 256MB video RAM, 2 GB system RAM, and a 2.16 Ghz processor).

I shoot mostly solo using XL2, XH-A1 and a Panasonic GV-180. I'm running into issues with 4X3 verus 16X9 formats, and some non profits looking for HD formats. Since I own my own equipment, and I'm not charging anyone for my time or equipment, I'm trying to do the best I can on a limited budget.

I want to get the Tricaster DUO, since I'm also a student and can get the student discount, but I'm told by my local dealer that the DUO won't allow me to output to a video projector, which one of the non-profits requires when shooting live.

I also edit in FCP and create H.264 files for broadcast on local public access TV for one of the non-profits. It is a SD 4X3 broadcast format, but requires conversion and takes lots of time.

That's why I'm looking at the Matrox MXO2 - I'm trying to find a way to fit all of the requirements I have into a low cost solution, allowing me to deliver DVD, iPod video, etc. in one package.

The Broadcast is a fine machine, but I was hoping to find a lower cost solution since I don't have the funds to buy that and the other things I need.


Sorry to run on, but I thought the extra information would be useful.

Thanks again

[SBowie]

Understood, thanks. All good - I just thought it might be interesting to see what turns up as far mixed SD/HD capabilities at NAB .... maybe you'll wind up with some other alternatives to consider.

[kltv]

You should be able to get it into the Matrox. The Matrox box has analog composite, Y/C and component inputs in addition to the SDI inputs. They advertise a real-time cross convert on the outputs, but I don't see it on the inputs. If the source material is SD anyway you are probably just taking up more space without gaining a lot though... It might be worth an e-mail to Matrox support to confirm the upconvert on the input.

If it works like the Aja KONA and IO products I've used, then you'd be fine. Those cross-convert both directions. Since you are using a laptop, you'd be looking at the IOHD (http://aja.com/html/products_Io_IoHD.html) which would connect to your MacBook Pro via FireWire800. Those run about $3000. The KONA cards for the MacPro towers are around $1500.

You might also keep an eye on what NewTek brings to the table next week at NAB. I wouldn't be surprised to see some HD hardware.

Kris