TripleHeadtogo now officially support 4 mac

[emilianomorgia]

http://www.matrox.com/graphics/media/common/gxm/mac/setups.gif

http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/gxm/support/mac/home.php

[samsc]

i dont know what 'officially' means.
it always worked.

[SourceChild]

Maybe it means I can whine to Apple about it then.

[samsc]

dont think apple will be very interested

[emilianomorgia]

i dont know what 'officially' means.
it always worked.

Well it worked for you ... now others 10.000 people know that work with mac .

there is a little app too for monitor settings , but it is nothing special .


http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/corpo/support/drivers/driverInfo.php?id=174

[samsc]

Well it worked for you ... now others 10.000 people know that work with mac .

there is a little app too for monitor settings , but it is nothing special .


http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/corpo/support/drivers/driverInfo.php?id=174

oh no! not more dodgy software that breaks stuff! and isnt kept up to date!

you dont need to install anything to make this work.

[samsc]

Well it worked for you ... now others 10.000 people know that work with mac .

there is a little app too for monitor settings , but it is nothing special .

[/url]

which computer were you using - when you said it didnt recognise at startup?

[emilianomorgia]

oh no! not more dodgy software that breaks stuff! and isnt kept up to date!

you dont need to install anything to make this work.

Sure ! the software they give it does not do anything .

It's just possible to set the THTG from mail screen , instead of using apple pref . Anyway useless .

but it's out there ! http://www.sinapsi.us/forum/images/upo/emoticon-0125-sweating.gif

[emilianomorgia]

which computer were you using - when you said it didnt recognise at startup?

It was a Mac Pro 2GHz , NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT .

I've used TWO THTG on it . one for output .

every output was set as 2400x600 ( 3x800x600 )

but output two sometimes just start as 800x600 .

To make it work , I have to wait for startup , then unplug the DVI of the second output and re plug it to make it work as 2400x600 ( 3x800x600 ) .

it happen randomly . I'm sure 100% about the connections .

E

[SourceChild]

Hey Richard,
Have you thought about updating the Blend regions to allow for vertical edge blending. How about also writing Submix presets that allow a user to use 2 TH2G heads to do a 3x2 projector array and run HD on a blend that was true 1080p.

[samsc]

It was a Mac Pro 2GHz , NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT .

I've used TWO THTG on it . one for output .

every output was set as 2400x600 ( 3x800x600 )

but output two sometimes just start as 800x600 .

To make it work , I have to wait for startup , then unplug the DVI of the second output and re plug it to make it work as 2400x600 ( 3x800x600 ) .

it happen randomly . I'm sure 100% about the connections .

E

thanks.
how often did you see this?

[samsc]

Hey Richard,
Have you thought about updating the Blend regions to allow for vertical edge blending. How about also writing Submix presets that allow a user to use 2 TH2G heads to do a 3x2 projector array and run HD on a blend that was true 1080p.
what do you mean vertical edge blending?

[emilianomorgia]

thanks.
how often did you see this?

very often it drive me crazy . ( 9 on 10 )

I had two THTG so I've try to see if was problem of the device . even If the THTD was swapped problem persist .

Ah I was using Mac Osx 10.4.8 lasted QT lasted every thing .

E

[SourceChild]

Yeah Richard,
Vertical Edge Blending.
I was thinking a 2 x 3 Projector array that was edge blended.
The idea would be 6 SD projectors to get and HD image at the larger edge blended size

[roberto_novelli]

This is official from MATROX WEB SITE.
You can have 3840x1024 (3 screen 1280x1024) with 1 output active and
1 THTG (triplehead2go) only.
with 2 output active you can have maximum
double for 2400x600 (6 screen 800 x 600)
Using offset and blending you can attach 6 submixes how you want.
I already install Matrox original driver and work correctly.
I checked with and without matrox driver,no error detected
using MAC PRO 4 x 2.66 Ghz xeon cpu's with Ati Radeon X1900-512Mb
Tested on 5 different MAC PRO 4 x 2.66 Ghz cpu's with Ati Radeon X1900-512Mb using V4_m95UB_HD.


From MATROX Web Site.

Mac system compatibility

Support for Mac OS X v10.4 is limited to a specific list of Mac desktop and notebook models. Please refer to the list below to view the available compatibility on both the TripleHead2Go and DualHead2Go based on Mac system model.


Notebook Model DualHead2Go
Maximum resolution TripleHead2Go
Maximum resolution
MacBook 2048x768 (2x 1024x768)1 Not supported
MacBook Pro 2560x1024 (2x 1280x1024) 3840x1024 (3x 1280x1024)2
2400x600 (3x 800x600)3
1 An Apple™ Mini-DVI to VGA adapter is required to connect to the VGA input of the Graphics eXpansion Module
2 The notebook LCD must be closed to achieve this maximum resolution
3 Notebook LCD is active


Desktop Model DualHead2Go
Maximum resolution TripleHead2Go
Maximum resolution
Mac Pro 2560x1024 (2x 1280x1024) 3840x1024 (3x 1280x1024)1
Mac Pro G5 2560x1024 (2x 1280x1024) 3840x1024 (3x 1280x1024)1
Mac mini 2048x768 (2x 1024x768) Not supported
iMac (17") 2048x768(2x 1024x768)2 Not supported
iMac (20") 2560x1024(2x 1280x1024)2 3840x1024 (3x 1280x1024)
iMac (24") 2560x1024(2x1280x1024)2 3840x1024 (3x 1280x1024)
1 With ATI Radeon X1900, the 3840x1024 (3x1280x1024) resolution is available when TripleHead2Go is the only device connected to the graphics card. If another display is connected to one of the outputs of the graphics card in addition to the TripleHead2Go, the maximum resolution supported by TripleHead2Go will drop to 2400x600 (3x800x600).
2 An Apple™ Mini-DVI to VGA adapter is required to connect to the VGA input of the Graphics eXpansion Module.



Roberto Novelli HighEnd System dealer for Italy.

[samsc]

This is official from MATROX WEB SITE.
You can have 3840x1024 (3 screen 1280x1024) with 1 output active and
1 THTG (triplehead2go) only.
with 2 output active you can have maximum
double for 2400x600 (6 screen 800 x 600)
Using offset and blending you can attach 6 submixes how you want.
I already install Matrox original driver and work correctly.
I checked with and without matrox driver,no error detected
using MAC PRO 4 x 2.66 Ghz xeon cpu's with Ati Radeon X1900-512Mb
Tested on 5 different MAC PRO 4 x 2.66 Ghz cpu's with Ati Radeon X1900-512Mb using V4_m95UB_HD.


1. there isnt any driver required - whether this works depends on the output resolutions that the graphics card supports. the matrox software isnt a 'driver'.

2. the people with problems tried using this with much older computers - dual 2.0Ghz or 2.7Ghz G5 - and it kindof does work - just - but it depends on the graphics card. and the computers arent really up to doing this.

3. the information on matrox site - talks about 'supported' in computer speak - this is equivalent to what has been 'tested' to either work or not. not whether it might actually work.

4. support for specific resolutions on specific computers - is NOT accurate - as these computers can have different graphics cards - which may or may not support these resolutions - or may or may not support these resolutions depending on which OS version is installed. for the Mac Pro - there are 3 graphics cards available.

[emilianomorgia]

[QUOTE=roberto_novelli]This is official from MATROX WEB SITE.
You can have 3840x1024 (3 screen 1280x1024) with 1 output active and
1 THTG (triplehead2go) only.
with 2 output active you can have maximum
double for 2400x600 (6 screen 800 x 600)[/QUOTE=roberto_novelli]

Sure , that as been done by Richard since long time ago .

I've just report that now matrox officially support the THTG in their web site .

As Richard say it depends on the graphic card you've got in your system .

Acutally TWO output support full 3x1280x1024 on a NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT 256MB (DVI single-link/DVI dual-link) Mac pro standard 2.0 gig .


Dual head ( and triple ) work also on old g4 macmini with really low res .
Personally I've tried on a MacBook pro and a Mac Pro 2.0 gig , the first is equiped with a 128 mega ram video , and it does not work that good if LCD main monitor is on , to make it work it have to be off or at very low res .

the senconds did work really good with six output ( impressive ) See picture . ( two layers run two movies 2048x2048 photo jpeg 100% very very smoth )

BTW as Richard say it's not about the computer you are using , it's all about graphic card .

the matrox App it's onyl a placebo ... it's just useful for setting the second monitor from the main one , nothing else .

E

[Improve]

We've done a show early december with a 6 screen wide panorama on two THTG and a MAC PRO.

System: MAC PRO dual 2,66 GHZ processor, raptor content drive, Nvidia 7300 graphics card, Decklink HD extreme input card, two THTG

Content was created for this job with after effects and illustrator. And some stock content was used.

We could ran up to 2 movies simultane before any hickups were noticed. We also provided live video input for PIP camera picture. We also ran audio from the MAC since some movies had audio on them... Additional DL-1's were in place for video effekt all around.
Thanks to the keystone per output we could work around the poles of the building as you can see on the pictures.

Programming was done on a HOG1000 desk.

[SourceChild]

We've done a show early december with a 6 screen wide panorama on two THTG and a MAC PRO...
...Content was created for this job with after effects and illustrator. And some stock content was used...


Hey Improve,

I have a show I am doing in March and I was planning on doing the same configuration. Up to now, I have always used only a single TH2G on a Mac Pro but for this show, I will have two 1x6 blended screens and since I will already be using 2 Cats on other screens, I don't want a ton of extra.
I would prefer making this a 4 cat show instead of a 6 cat show. A few questions I would have for you are:
What was the size and aspect ratio for you content creation? I am guessing something like 2650x480 right? I arrive at this based off of 6 screens at 640x480 subtracting the 5 20% overlap zones. Is this right?
Or, perhaps you were at higher rez like 3200x600 (6 - 800x600 minus 20% overlaps zones).
I am planning on doing research on this and I will probably prototype the entire show in a warehouse before going out but since you've already successfully accomplished this, I wanted to start by getting your input.
One very specific question I would ask is how easy was it to manage the edge blend between the two TH2G devices? Did you have spanned content across the two or did you simply treat one as a left running 6 layers and the other as a right running 6 layers? I am preferring the first of the two scenarios but I am worried you are doing the split is that right?
Most of my shows I prototype and I tend to spend more time in R&D than in production so if you would like to collaborate on solutions that work, send me a message.

And Hey Emilano, the same goes for you too haha. And of course Richard, your input is always wonderful.

[emilianomorgia]

What was the size and aspect ratio for you content creation? I am guessing something like 2650x480 right?


NO! Careful ! you can't use content bigger the 2048x2048 that's the maxumim allow by OpenGl .
If you want you can create you own conten 4096 x X then split it in afterFX and play the first 2048 x X in a mix and the other 2048 x X in an other mix .
But remember max size per layer it's 2048 x 2048 .


I arrive at this based off of 6 screens at 640x480 subtracting the 5 20% overlap zones. Is this right?Or, perhaps you were at higher rez like 3200x600 (6 - 800x600 minus 20% overlaps zones).

I was not using blending so I don't know .

[SourceChild]

Okay I'm a dork who needs more sleep. dub! That whole 2048 thing LOL.:D
Thanks for showing me the err of my ways you big sexy man!
I'll go find my geek glasses now and try to rediem myself.

[emilianomorgia]

http://www.sinapsi.us/forum/images/upo/emoticon-0119-nerd.png

[Improve]

Hey Improve,

I have a show I am doing in March and I was planning on doing the same configuration. Up to now, I have always used only a single TH2G on a Mac Pro but for this show, I will have two 1x6 blended screens and since I will already be using 2 Cats on other screens, I don't want a ton of extra.
I would prefer making this a 4 cat show instead of a 6 cat show. A few questions I would have for you are:
What was the size and aspect ratio for you content creation? I am guessing something like 2650x480 right? I arrive at this based off of 6 screens at 640x480 subtracting the 5 20% overlap zones. Is this right?
Or, perhaps you were at higher rez like 3200x600 (6 - 800x600 minus 20% overlaps zones).
I am planning on doing research on this and I will probably prototype the entire show in a warehouse before going out but since you've already successfully accomplished this, I wanted to start by getting your input.
One very specific question I would ask is how easy was it to manage the edge blend between the two TH2G devices? Did you have spanned content across the two or did you simply treat one as a left running 6 layers and the other as a right running 6 layers? I am preferring the first of the two scenarios but I am worried you are doing the split is that right?
Most of my shows I prototype and I tend to spend more time in R&D than in production so if you would like to collaborate on solutions that work, send me a message.

And Hey Emilano, the same goes for you too haha. And of course Richard, your input is always wonderful.

Hey there....

Nice to hear that more people are trying to get the max out of their MAC PRO's....

We did the 1 x 6 panoramo with two THTG on a MAC PRO. With edge blending and offset settings (accordingly to the edge blending area (10% or 20%)) you have in fact on total screen of almost 6000 pixels wide x 768 pixel high. So each projector/screen will be drive by a submix, and we did send all layers to all submixes. So I had 12 layers wich can be used full screen.
As you know you cannot do content of more than 2048 pixels, so stills and moving images should be cut up in two or three... Or you can try to scale things up, sometimes this works.. But keep in mind your screen resolutions. Some after effekts movies were created in the aspect of the total screen, but rarely run full screen. If you really want fullscreen then you should cut it up into two or three parts wich are played synchronous from the server, but then you might end up with the trouble of playing multiple movies at full speed (25 fps)... I find it different on each show, it is very depending on what you want to show and always keeps asking yourself, how much movies you want to play simultane, and can you do more with stills.

The edge blend we used was 10%, but I find it very hard to get this right. The second show we did with 20% blending, and that is far more easier to get it right. It also makes a difference what projector you use. Cheaper ones are budget wise very fine, but to create overlaps I found it more easy with the better projectors (more expensive, yes!!)

Setting up in a warehouse to program and test it all is a good idea.. You can do a lot there you cannot on the show site.

Hope this helps you, you may give me a call if you like more info...