8 in / 8 out media server hardware advise

[1080-productions]

Hello!

Long time reader...first time writer!

I am building a projector mapping / edge blending media server. I would like to be able to take computer outputs directly into an input live, (about 6-8 of them) and have 6 to 8 outputs. The type don't matter because I can convert to what ever I need.

Trying to understand everything I read, am I safe to say:
1 - only one GPU works (well) with arena? Thinking a GTX 980TI
2 - what do I use as monitoring monitor outputs if there is only one GPU used.
3 - thinking a 6 core I7 3.5ghz, 96gig ram, dual M.2 drives and what ever GPU you all recommend? In peoples experience, is this enough horsepower. All inputs / clips will be 1920x1080 no 4K no 720.
4 - is a 3head2go a viable option?
5 - absolutely no lag / jitter / studder will be tolerated. System has to be perfect. Budget is open but not limitless to achieve perfect playback.
6 - control of resolume in a better way than on the interface. (OSC?) would love a way to make presets that set up inputs to outputs correctly.

I am new to all this so I am open to all viable input!

Thanks in advance!!

[Bonne]

Welcome as writer,
That's quite a bunch of questions to start with

1 - only one GPU works (well) with arena? Thinking a GTX 980TI

One GPU works best. We can't guarantee the functioning of Resolume when using two (different) GPU's

what do I use as monitoring monitor outputs if there is only one GPU used.

The GPU used for displaying the interface is the one Resolume will use for all the render tasks. You can use all other outputs for additional monitoring or output.

thinking a 6 core I7 3.5ghz, 96gig ram, dual M.2 drives and what ever GPU you all recommend? In peoples experience, is this enough

Pretty sure this, in combination with your desired GTX 980TI will have enough power for your plans. Since I haven't tried myself, I can't be 100% sure.
To get an idea how specific hardware performs using Resolume, have a look at the Resolume performance benchmark. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... 1522306833

is a 3head2go a viable option?

DataPath x4 is much more reliable. You might also be interested in a BlackMagic capture card like the DeckLink Quad 2

absolutely no lag / jitter / studder will be tolerated. System has to be perfect. Budget is open but not limitless to achieve perfect playback.

Be sure to start testing on time. It is important to know Resolume doesn't "frame sync" the output. There might be a slight (1/2 frame) difference between one and the other projector

control of resolume in a better way than on the interface. (OSC?) would love a way to make presets that set up inputs to outputs correctly.

You can control Resolume via OSC, MIDI, or DMX.
Inputs and outputs are saved separately, respectively in the composition and the advanced output.
By using layer to slice routing, you can select different inputs to route to your outputs in a live situation.
https://resolume.com/manual/en/r5/layertoslicerouting

I hope this answers them all!

[madido]

absolutely no lag / jitter / studder will be tolerated. System has to be perfect. Budget is open but not limitless to achieve perfect playback.
Be sure to start testing on time. It is important to know Resolume doesn't "frame sync" the output. There might be a slight (1/2 frame) difference between one and the other projector

Hello Bonne,
What you mean that there might be difference between projectors?
The outputs of a graphic card are not in sync?
If I use a datapath x4 (fed by one single PC output) the 4 outputs will not be in perfect sync one to each other?

Thank you

Stefano

[Oaktown]

What you mean that there might be difference between projectors?

depending on your setup, you may have a few milliseconds of difference between outputs if they come from different GPUs. However, Arena give you the ability to compensate for the delay. As a note, I've used Arena for years and never had any sync issues.

The outputs of a graphic card are not in sync?

The outputs of graphic card are typically in sync but that doesn't necessarily mean that the displays are in sync since you may be using different cables and distribution modes.

If I use a datapath x4 (fed by one single PC output) the 4 outputs will not be in perfect sync one to each other?

The 4 outputs from a Datapath X4 or fX4 are one single output split in 4 segments so yes they will inherently be in sync.

If you use more than one X4 or fX4 units you can sync the Datapath processors with one another using analog black-burst input on a dedicated BNC connector.

[1080-productions]

What if i use two of the same gpu? two 980 or two titan x?

[drazkers]

What if i use two of the same gpu? two 980 or two titan x?

People have had success but Resolume cannot guarentee stability. Also that only gives you 7 outputs + 1 monitor.
If you want 8 outputs and a monitor you need another card.

[Joris]

Resolume cannot guarentee stability.

In our experience, *stability* is not the problem with using multiple cards. The problems are *performance* (each additional card brings down the overall fps) and *compatibility* (some combinations of cards will flicker or not work at all).

You will find out very quickly if Resolume works with your cards or not, and how well it performs with them. Once you have a working setup that is performing well enough for you, stability is not the problem. If it runs okay, it's going to keep running. Using multiple cards is not all off a sudden going to cause a crash mid-show.

Forgive me for being a pedantic nitpicker

[1080-productions]

So if I were to use a 980ti for 4 outs, and a BMD decklink for more outputs will I get the FPS still needed. Or does it need to only have one GPU that will handle all the outputs needed.

The 980 is way more powerful than the decklink. How does resolume handle the less powerful card?

[Oaktown]

If you want 8 outputs and a monitor you need another card.

Yes, if you go the Nvidia GPU route, you would need 3 GPUs to get UI + 8 outputs but my recommendation to 1080-productions would be to get one GTX1080 and 2 Datapath Fx4 to get UI and 8 HD displays. It would only utilize 3 outputs on the GPU so you could possibly add 4 more HD displays by adding one Datapath Fx4.

No doubt that even though it's a bit pricey, the Datapath X4 or Fx4 approach will yield the best result in large multi-display setups. I use this type of set up on a regular basis for high visibility events with great success and it has always been 100% stable.

So if I were to use a 980ti for 4 outs, and a BMD decklink for more outputs will I get the FPS still needed. Or does it need to only have one GPU that will handle all the outputs needed.

The 980 is way more powerful than the decklink. How does resolume handle the less powerful card?

The BMD decklink is not a GPU but rather an 3G-SDI output card. Based on my testing, I have had great success with 2 SDI outputs but for some reason, I've been having a hard time getting more on the new Decklink Duo 2.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you want "sync" between all your displays, I would stay away from mixing GPU and capture card outputs.

[1080-productions]

Loving the help! Thanks!!

One last thing...

If I go with the 1080 GPU, and the X4, are each of the X4 individually assignable in resolume? So I will have 8 separate assignable outs in resolume if I go with 2 X4. And because there is another output on the 1080, I have more expansion room.

How do I now handle inputs, would like to be sdi.