Apple Cinema 23" and monitor switcher? at DVinfo.net

Ronald Wilk · February 11th, 2007, 01:59 PM

Hi:
I am operating a Mac G5 dual 2.7 ghz with an Apple Cinema 23 and an Ati Radion graphics card that is used for Photoshop, Poser 7 and currently, FCP 5.1.2. In addition, I have installed a Kona LH for SDI capture. Due to room constraints, I would like to avoid adding a second monitor for the Kona output and wonder if the following is possible and or workable:
1. AJA HDP HD-SDI/SDI to DVI-D converter to convert the LH's SDI output to DVI and connecting that to a monitor switch box.
2. KVH or similar monitor switch box that will allow the connection of two DVI devices (Mac G5 and Kona LH via the above converter) to the single monitor with actuation via a mechanical switch thereby allowing the use of Kona LH for capture to and output from FCP and the Mac's internal graphics card for software such as Photoshop?

Thank you in advance,
Ron

Phil Bloom · February 13th, 2007, 03:58 AM

If you can at all have a jig around using a second monitor with the Kona will improve your edit suite no end. I have a 30 inch Apple as my main monitor and the 23" apple connected to my Kona Lh card using a blackmagic HD link box. Expensive but so good. Seeing full resolution real time output is one of the main plusses with the kona card. you can do what you suggest but i don't think it is a good idea.
Phil

Ronald Wilk · February 13th, 2007, 08:45 AM

Hi:

Thank you for your thoughts. My only reason for considering the switching concept was to conserve a degree of desktop real estate. After factoring in the expense, however, it seems hardly reasonable and I will most likely follow your suggestion. Although I love the Apple Cinema 23, the Kona DVI conversion device is rather costly and with that in mind, I am entertaining the possibilty of purchasing the Panasonic BTLH1700W, with its SDI, component inputs and then some. Do you have any experience with this monitor or have you heard any positive or negative comments?

Ron

February 11th, 2007, 01:59 PM	#1
Ronald Wilk Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Boca Raton, Florida Posts: 116	Apple Cinema 23" and monitor switcher? Hi: I am operating a Mac G5 dual 2.7 ghz with an Apple Cinema 23 and an Ati Radion graphics card that is used for Photoshop, Poser 7 and currently, FCP 5.1.2. In addition, I have installed a Kona LH for SDI capture. Due to room constraints, I would like to avoid adding a second monitor for the Kona output and wonder if the following is possible and or workable: 1. AJA HDP HD-SDI/SDI to DVI-D converter to convert the LH's SDI output to DVI and connecting that to a monitor switch box. 2. KVH or similar monitor switch box that will allow the connection of two DVI devices (Mac G5 and Kona LH via the above converter) to the single monitor with actuation via a mechanical switch thereby allowing the use of Kona LH for capture to and output from FCP and the Mac's internal graphics card for software such as Photoshop? Thank you in advance, Ron

February 13th, 2007, 03:58 AM	#2
Phil Bloom Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London UK Posts: 1,939	If you can at all have a jig around using a second monitor with the Kona will improve your edit suite no end. I have a 30 inch Apple as my main monitor and the 23" apple connected to my Kona Lh card using a blackmagic HD link box. Expensive but so good. Seeing full resolution real time output is one of the main plusses with the kona card. you can do what you suggest but i don't think it is a good idea. Phil __________________ Philip Bloom Cinematographer, Director, Filmmaker www.philipbloom.net

February 13th, 2007, 08:45 AM	#3
Ronald Wilk Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Boca Raton, Florida Posts: 116	LH and Monitor Hi: Thank you for your thoughts. My only reason for considering the switching concept was to conserve a degree of desktop real estate. After factoring in the expense, however, it seems hardly reasonable and I will most likely follow your suggestion. Although I love the Apple Cinema 23, the Kona DVI conversion device is rather costly and with that in mind, I am entertaining the possibilty of purchasing the Panasonic BTLH1700W, with its SDI, component inputs and then some. Do you have any experience with this monitor or have you heard any positive or negative comments? Ron