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Choosing a Data path

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2017 06:55
by Digitrevx
So I have something coming up at the beginning of April.
Involves 4 projectors. 2 projectors are in the center and being stitched to a longer cinematic aspect ratio.
The machine I'm bringing has single desktop 1080 gtx. 1 dvi, 3 dp, 1 hdmi on the back. Since it will only run 4 displays I'm over my limit once I consider the operator monitor.

I've bought a lota gear lately so kind of sucks being hit with the idea of buying a data path I don't have already.
So I see two versions. The X4. I notice it has software and a scaler. Is that actually super necessary if Arena can do that? https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... oller.html

Then I notice this amplifier DL8. It doesn't look like it has a scaler so am I missing something super important here that I need to spend $500 more? https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... 1_x_8.html

Edit: Hmm looks like there is some scaler in the DL8 but the spec's say the software does not include compatibility with windows 10... I read old topics saying the DL8 can run stand alone. So I'm super scratching my head why the X4 is twice the price.

Re: Choosing a Data path

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2017 09:00
by drazkers
I was under the impression the dl8 was just a 4k repteater. You can't chop up the signal for different outputs, that's what the X4 does. The dl8 just sends the same signal to all its 8 outputs. Then the X4 takes certain regions for different outputs. Hence the price difference.

You want a fx4 or if your hard up a X4.

Re: Choosing a Data path

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2017 09:13
by Zoltán
the dl8 can run standalone if you only need to display the same up to 4k content on 8 monitors.

If you want to have different signals at the end you need the X4s too.
dl8 makes 8 coupies of the signal then you connect 8pc x4-s and you end up with 8x4 HD outputs, with different signals.

if you are only one output short, consider getting a matrox dual/triple head.

Re: Choosing a Data path

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2017 17:08
by Digitrevx
ravensc wrote:the dl8 can run standalone if you only need to display the same up to 4k content on 8 monitors.

If you want to have different signals at the end you need the X4s too.
dl8 makes 8 coupies of the signal then you connect 8pc x4-s and you end up with 8x4 HD outputs, with different signals.

if you are only one output short, consider getting a matrox dual/triple head.
Thx I know if I used the matrox dual it's pretty much a no brainer. But if I grabbed a triple head would you recommend configuring it for the 2 stitched projectors and run the 2 other projectors off the DP's off the cards outputs?

Or do you think a matrox tripple used for the other 2 (I'll call them wing projectors) and run the other 2 stitched projectors off the cards DP ports.


I'm just not sure how configurable the matrox tripple is if you decide you need only 2 displays.

This is a bit like the set up. Image

Re: Choosing a Data path

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2017 18:31
by Zoltán
You can program 4 resolution set edids to the triple head at once.
I work mainly with 1024x768 projectors, 1,2or 3 at a time.
I leave the matrox at 3x1024x768 even if I only need 2 projectors.
You don't need to have all outputs connected.

Re: Choosing a Data path

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2017 18:46
by Digitrevx
Ok great! Now it's just a matter of matrox dvi or DP or break the bank with a datapath x4..

Re: Choosing a Data path

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2017 19:25
by Oaktown
Digitrevx wrote:Thx I know if I used the matrox dual it's pretty much a no brainer. But if I grabbed a triple head would you recommend configuring it for the 2 stitched projectors and run the 2 other projectors off the DP's off the cards outputs?
You can use the triple head as a dual head.
Digitrevx wrote:But if I grabbed a triple head would you recommend configuring it for the 2 stitched projectors and run the 2 other projectors off the DP's off the cards outputs?
Yes. Run your two small displays on the Matrox and the other two on the GPU DP outputs.