Cases for Catalyst Systems

[Mr_P]

Looking at the systems and knowing some of the things you've shown, you'd be an interesting person to know. I might be inclined to talk with you more about things that have worked and what doesn't.

Feel free - i accept all invites to the US....

Richard knows me well and has further contact details from those show above

Simon

[RedLightning]

Here are my two Catalyst cases built by Engineered Case in Toronto Ontario Canada.
8-ru shock-mounted rack rail,
side compartment for cables etc
keyboard/console shelf
drawer
shock-mounted vertical Mac position
custom foam for 2 19" widescreen monitors
front/back lids
overall height just under 4'

-s

[Gian]

I know, Flying with our systems are hard.

It is huge,.. nut evreyhing comes already connected (Just plug at a outlet)...

Regards

[bright]

Thanks everybody for the great input. Keep it comming :-)

[Mr_P]

They look really well designed...
I like the rackspace

Do you have any pics of the rear and the bit under the drawer.

S

[emilianomorgia]

in my opinion Catalyst Rack don't need to be a workstation . Because Catalyst it's not a workstation .

Catalyst it's just a server you don't need to operate it during showtime and you don't need monitor feedback .

What I'll like to suggest you if are thinking to do some investment it's to buy a little Mac Book ( around 1000 euro ) Two monitors ( around 700 euro ) And if you are using 2 TH2G 6 monitor will cost more then 2 macbooks .

monitor are a waste of space and you don't need it to operate Catalyst .
Also by not using the monitor you save money for the video distributors .

Read this http://chaldee1.gotadsl.co.uk/~richa...ead.php?t=1117

Also think any monitor you are going to buy have a specific size , not the screen it self , talking about the monitor . If you build the flight case around the monitor it self , you will see that you spend money for nothing . Monitor a super consumer , in half year time you will be not able to found same monitor size in the market , and your flightcase will be useless to store your monitors .



Hope this help

[SourceChild]

in my opinion Catalyst Rack don't need to be a workstation

A small self contained rack (with TH2G) can sit on the des in my office or in a hotel room along with my Hog PC. However, you're point is legitimate.

if are thinking to do some investment it's to buy a little Mac Book

Got one, do use it. In fact, have considered a programmable DMX router so I can switch the macbook DMX fast to each Catalyst in the rig.

by not using the monitor you save money for the video distributors .

By not using monitors, I eliminate a failure point in the line by using distributors. Very good point.

Also think any monitor you are going to buy have a specific size...If you build the flight case around the monitor...in half year time you will be not able to found same monitor size

Marshall makes Rack Mount LCD monitors that will receive DVI and VGA. They have 2 screen and three screen models. The range from $2000 to $3000 USD each. In a year or two there will be different models but the rack footprint and profile will not change.

Yes these are freakin expensive but it would be a turnkey rack that is instantly available.

My philosophy is: If I can save a client can save a potential $10,000 per day expense because I have technology that can setup and program faster as well as program off site, then it means I have become more valuable and therefore can reap higher profitability.

[Mr_P]

in my opinion Catalyst Rack don't need to be a workstation . Because Catalyst it's not a workstation .

Catalyst it's just a server you don't need to operate it during showtime and you don't need monitor feedback .

What I'll like to suggest you if are thinking to do some investment it's to buy a little Mac Book ( around 1000 euro ) Two monitors ( around 700 euro ) And if you are using 2 TH2G 6 monitor will cost more then 2 macbooks .

monitor are a waste of space and you don't need it to operate Catalyst .
Also by not using the monitor you save money for the video distributors .

I disagree
Catalyst IS the centre of operation in a number of (not all) show setups. Not only is it the replay system, but the matrix switching, projector control etc.

You may not need to 'operate' catalyst during showtime - but you will need to set it up - in some cases, I've had config changes at each venue. therefore you need monitors! A decent DVI DA is £100-160

2 x macbooks may be cheaper - but performance is nothing compared to a well spec'd MacPro. From my personal experience of touring Laptops - i wouldn't suggest it - security, vunerability, increased setup time. Fine if you're a small operator - but go look at any big video rental company around the world - theres a reason they've all purchased mac-pros not laptops....

Read this http://chaldee1.gotadsl.co.uk/~richa...ead.php?t=1117

Also think any monitor you are going to buy have a specific size , not the screen it self , talking about the monitor . If you build the flight case around the monitor it self , you will see that you spend money for nothing . Monitor a super consumer , in half year time you will be not able to found same monitor size in the market , and your flightcase will be useless to store your monitors .

Ive actually used the same size flightcase for a number of different 17in monitors over the last few years - all i've had to do is change the foam inside slightly - which is fairly easy and costs nothing.


Once again - this discussion comes down to the requirement for your show. If you touring with no equipment (ie venue provided) then a laptop makes sense.

If you are touring with a full lighting rig, sound, and video screens or projection, then a well designed case and a mac-pro would seem more sensible.

Its not necessarily all about the mac - You still have to consider scan converters, artnet equipment, UPS, and peripheral equipment that you may use with catalyst and for the requirements of your show.

my catalyst rack and iPC actually fits in the back of my car...

[emilianomorgia]

No wait a minute MacBook it's only to do Screen Sharing not to run catalyst it self .

Once again - this discussion comes down to the requirement for your show. If you touring with no equipment (ie venue provided) then a laptop makes sense.

I agree 100% , I was suggesting to think to the purpose of the flight case not to the shape it self .

[Peter]

And what about this?

http://www.redco.com/shopexd.asp?id=876