I no longer have a video camera that allows me to patch my timeline video through to a separate production monitor during editing. Since I've been out of the loop for a spell, can anyone suggest the proper hardware (besides a new video camera with an S-VIDEO out) which allows me to connect my JVC monitor to my computer? I use PPro 2 if that makes a difference.

Do you have a Mac?

If yes; You can buy a DVI -> S-Video/Composite cable and set everything up with FCP and OSX.

For pc's there are sort a like cables, wich allow you to hook the monitor up to the second dvi port.

Matrox cards are specialised in it. Take a look at there website (http://www.matrox.com/video/home.cfm)

Succes!

So then, we're talking buying a while new video card with three ports out?

2 is enough, unless you want to monitors to edit on and one for your preview.

I've got an iMac 24" , 24" is enough for me to edit on. I use the secondary DVI port to sent video to the broadcast monitor.

Juluan:

I have a PC and love my dual monitor interface so I would like to have a third monitor. Matrox is the way to go? Even if I'm not ready for HD yet?

Do some research and look for the GPU that fits your needs. Your local pc store can order it (9 out of 10 times). Ask some advice for alternatives at the pc store. But if you buy a Matrox it will be a good choice. But again, do some research at their website.

Gr J

Hi Hugh! If you want to use an external firewire device like your camcorder then the ADS Pyro is a pretty economical solution. It will give you composite, s-video and component outputs for around $80 last time I checked: http://www.adstech.com/products/API-557-EFS/intro/api557_intro.asp?pid=API-557-EFS

But will it work with Non-Adobe software? (Like Sony Vegas)

If your camera works over firewire with a monitor then the Pyro box will also work; it transcodes DV25 to analog video. However it won't work with HDV video because (AFAIK) no NLE supports monitoring HDV over firewire. But then your standard definition monitor probably wouldn't work with HD either...

I tried one of these on my Mac with Final Cut Pro and it worked fine. One nice feature is that it also provides component output which will give you a nice image on monitors which support it.

I want to avoid using a camera patch through because I don't want my good camera always sitting atop the table. I purchased a cheapie mini-dv camera as a capture deck and leave that sitting there next to my comp, but it doesn't have S-Video out or I'd use that.

It's kind of a shame since I have a nice NVIDIA card in my system now.