Re: Re: RGB to video processor

["David Anumudu" <david.anumudu@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Keyvan

> I was going to use a pc as a video processor / scaler - but was
> worried about general reliablity and 100% availability - after
> looking through the discussions on the AV forum I eventually opted
> for a Lumagen Pro scaler with SDI input. It is currently feeding a
> 61" NEC plasma - the results are stunning!

It is possible to build / buy stable, almost silent PC solutions that are
very reliable. Standalone boxes are more plug and play though, and at the
high end (£2000) offer better quality.
SDI is one of the best kept secrets for domestic AV, none of the
manufacturers of DVDs or satellite receivers provide this as standard on
their kit to it is left to the specialist companies to bring out
modifications / pre-modified boxes.

> I have upgraded
> my Sky+ to SDI out and that makes a huge difference.

I know, its good isnt it :) We might offer a bulk buy if there is demand
from the group?

> I have been toying with a large disk DVD server as my 2x200 DVD
> changers are getting full (only 35 slots left!)which I might use as
> a HTPC too.

depending on whether you have any spare SDI inputs then we have an add-on
to
the Sigma XCard, which sends the video out as an SDI stream. This opens up
the possibilty of big SDI enabled HTPC jukeboxes, in to standalone video
processors. There is 3rd party software available that allows you to
preserve all of the DVD menus etc when they are on the server so it results
in a really nice system.
There are so many options now available with different system topologies
that it can be quite baffling to the newcomer - the AVForums website is a
good place to start, or drop us a line if you cannot be bothered wading
through thousands of posts!

cheers
david
pluggedin.tv



----- Original Message -----
From: "keyvan2r" <keyvan@xxxxxxx>
To: <ukha_d@xxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, September 24, 2004 5:25 PM
Subject: [ukha_d] Re: RGB to video processor


>
>> Can't have a big noise PC in the lounge - and even the
"silentX"
> shuttles
>> are not that by any means...
>>
>> cheers,
>>
>> Tony
>
> I was going to use a pc as a video processor / scaler - but was
> worried about general reliablity and 100% availability - after
> looking through the discussions on the AV forum I eventually opted
> for a Lumagen Pro scaler with SDI input. It is currently feeding a
> 61" NEC plasma - the results are stunning! I use a 5xcoax cable
> (RGBHV) from better cables.com (not  cheap but worth it as my
> equipement closet is 8 meters away from the plasma). I have upgraded
> my Sky+ to SDI out and that makes a huge difference. I have 2 x sony
> 200 disk changers for DVD feeding out on RGB(in interlaced mode -
> let the Lumagen do the prog. scan).
> Lumagen have just released a DVI HD capable version of their scaler
> so the older models may be available at a substantial discount -
> it's worth looking around for a deal.
> I have been toying with a large disk DVD server as my 2x200 DVD
> changers are getting full (only 35 slots left!)which I might use as
> a HTPC too.
> The only thing which I have seen with better quality is a direct DVI
> feed into the plasma from a Radeon 9800 and showing the HD windows
> media material (720P) available from the web - now everthing else
> looks poor by comparason :-( - roll on HD TV from Sky - 2006 I think?
>
> Keyvan
>