SDI video distribution vs RGBHV

[kmclights]

OK, lots of stuff to think about. Thanks. However, nobody has answered the question about the usefulness of SDI/HD-SDI with Catalyst. Is it possible and/ or desirable to output SDI from Catalyst in a theatre environment? Is the quality better/worse than DVI via RGBHV and Triple Head-2-Go?

Also, can HD-SDI be transmitted over the same cable as SDI? From what Richard says above, it sounds like HD-SDI will require a different cable and won't transmit nearly as far.

Sounds like fibre is my best option. Any drawbacks to permanently installed fibre that I should know about? Is the cost of the DVI to fibre codecs significantly more expensive than RGBHV DAs?

Just heard back that they are now proposing a RGBHV network and also pulling some fibre to a few key points, similar to what is happening with the Sound install. I'm just wondering if we need RGBHV at all now. Esp considering the manual patch bay will be RGBHV. Why not just make a fibre patch bay and be done with it? Or, if we can afford it, a digital fibre switching matrix.

Thanks again,

[tharding]

OK, lots of stuff to think about. Thanks. However, nobody has answered the question about the usefulness of SDI/HD-SDI with Catalyst. Is it possible and/ or desirable to output SDI from Catalyst in a theatre environment? Is the quality better/worse than DVI via RGBHV and Triple Head-2-Go?

This can be very subjective. It depends whether you are projecting or using something else. What is the final resolution at the destination? What is it you want to display?

If you are playing back Standard definition clips then SDI will look great but if you want detailed graphics, logos or photos you might be dissapointed with the result compared to the computer screen.

HD SDI on the other hand will give you great resolution but will need a display capable of receiving the signal to reap the benefits.

You also need various boxes (none of them cheap) to convert the signal from the Graphics Card for either SDI or HD SDI

There are so many variables that it is hard to give the definitive answer. You have to look at the whole system and work out what will suffice the highest percentage of the time.

Cheers

Toby