At the moment, I've used stand-alone Catalyst systems with DVI output and an analogue Triple Head-2-Go. The TH2G is located at the Catalyst end and then I've run either 30M VGA leads or use Magenta Research Cat5 boxes. At the moment the resolution for each Panasonic PTD5600 is only 1024X768, but I expect that to rise with time. The Panasonics appear to be able to adjust the RGB of the White Balance using DVI input.

I've spoken to some AV installers and all of them said that RGBHV is OK for exisiting installations, but if you want any kind of future with it, use Cat 5 or fibre. There is already 2 ports of Cat 5 being distributed for use with Lighting equipment and the DMX install is being wired in such a way that it can be converted to ACN or some other ethernet based protocol when an industry standard is clear. In addition, the Sound install is having a certain amount of Cat5 being put in to key locations. I think it is crazy to put even more Cat 5 in for show video. I have said that we should use STP for all Cat 5 installs, instead of UTP due to potential interference issues if we decide to use it for things other than ethernet.

It seems to me that the only thing against fibre is the cost. The codec boxes are more expensive, but it seems that as a technology it is more adaptable and less prone to interference. Plus, as the output for Catalyst is DVI, it seems logical to keep it that way all way to the projector. I take your point about the connectors and about delaying frames at each junction. I assume that a decent matrix would be better than a manual patch bay in regards to this? Not sure we will be able to afford a matrix, but it will help my case to know one way or the other. Does Cat 5 delay frames at each junction as well? Same question with the Cat 5 matrix versus manual patch bay? We are looking at something in the order of 64 outputs through the building and 8 or 16 inputs.

Was thinking of going to ISE next week over in Amsterdam. It looks as if there will be a multitude of people there with knowledgable opinions on this. Plus there are some seminars that discuss this very issue. Anyone else besides Nev going?