@av pro's what do i need to connect multiple (10+) screens ?

[Mr Pointy]

The first thing you need to do is define your sources & destinations. How many sources, & what format. How many screens, what size & what input format. The sensible thing to do is to convert everything to a single format - maybe HDMI if the majority of sources are PC or laptop. Why is SDI involved? Do you have broadcast sources?

Most AV places use domestic screens because 'professional' ones offer little or no practical advantage. You might have a slot you can plug an SDI input card into but it's an expensive option. The biggest issue with screens is the model going out of production so you can't get an exact replacement & that's true of professional screens as well. They're basically disposable items so it makes sense to use the cheapest.

[benz0]

Mr Pointy said:

The first thing you need to do is define your sources & destinations. How many sources, & what format. How many screens, what size & what input format. The sensible thing to do is to convert everything to a single format - maybe HDMI if the majority of sources are PC or laptop. Why is SDI involved? Do you have broadcast sources?

Most AV places use domestic screens because 'professional' ones offer little or no practical advantage. You might have a slot you can plug an SDI input card into but it's an expensive option. The biggest issue with screens is the model going out of production so you can't get an exact replacement & that's true of professional screens as well. They're basically disposable items so it makes sense to use the cheapest.

Many thanks. Re. sources and screens:

Sources:

1) Primarily multiple windows and Mac Laptops. Variety of resolutions and connectivity (HDMI, Displayport, VGA, DVI, Apple etc). Will usually be 1080p landscape extended desktop. Occasionally portrait will be needed instead.
2) (very occasionally a Lifesize video conferencing unit)


Screens:

1) 40 ish 24' LCD monitors split into either two or three groups. Normally in landscape but sometimes in portrait. Imagine each table having up to 3 monitors side by side displaying three separate feeds.
2) up to 8 x 40 - 70" LCD monitors freestanding. Split into groups as per the above - normally just used as background screens repeating what is on the desktop monitors (for instance sometimes we don't want to lay out small screens for everyone and use a few big screens instead). Normally in landscape but sometimes in portrait.

Re. SDI - I think this is used due to the number of screens and the transmission distance as it is quite big room (about 35m by 20m). There are no broadcast sources, just a large number of participants in a conference room type environment. Reliability is key.

Re. domestic / professional screens - I had not realised this - so thanks. I had thought there might be additional benefits to professional screens for issues like brightness, glare, ruggedness (will be trolley mounted). But I suppose cheap and disposable works too.

Edited by benz0 on Monday 23 July 11:10

Edited by benz0 on Monday 23 July 11:11

Edited by benz0 on Monday 23 July 11:11

[TheRainMaker]

benz0 said:

Mr Pointy said:

Most AV places use domestic screens because 'professional' ones offer little or no practical advantage. You might have a slot you can plug an SDI input card into but it's an expensive option. The biggest issue with screens is the model going out of production so you can't get an exact replacement & that's true of professional screens as well. They're basically disposable items so it makes sense to use the cheapest.

Re. domestic / professional screens - I had not realised this - so thanks. I had thought there might be additional benefits to professional screens for issues like brightness, glare, ruggedness (will be trolley mounted). But I suppose cheap and disposable works too.

There are actually a fair few reasons to use professional screens IMO.

They are designed to be used for much longer periods of time.
They will work with a much bigger range of resolutions (which you might think you won't need, but sometimes you will).
They are designed with robustness in mind.
They will have more input options.
Domestic screens won't be as bright as a general rule.
You will lose any warranty you have with a domestic screen as soon as you use it for commercial work. (not sure how they would find out though)

The only time the companies (including us) I know use domestic screens will be if someone wants a TV, other than that it's pro stuff.

[benz0]

TheRainMaker said:

There are actually a fair few reasons to use professional screens IMO.

They are designed to be used for much longer periods of time.
They will work with a much bigger range of resolutions (which you might think you won't need, but sometimes you will).
They are designed with robustness in mind.
They will have more input options.
Domestic screens won't be as bright as a general rule.
You will lose any warranty you have with a domestic screen as soon as you use it for commercial work. (not sure how they would find out though)

The only time the companies (including us) I know use domestic screens will be if someone wants a TV, other than that it's pro stuff.

Thank you. For the bigger screens, I was thinking about something like this:

http://www.theflightcasecompany.com/motorised-tv-l...

As we will need to move the big screens in and out of the room, up ramps etc. Seems to be perfect in terms of protecting the screen whilst moving it and when not in use (compared with a wheeled stand), and saving time when setting up and packing away.

Anyone have any experience of these types of products?

Edited by benz0 on Monday 23 July 12:01