1080i/29.97 timeline to Matrox MXO 2.0 to Dell 2407

Just wondering if any problems monitoring with the Matrox MXO --> Dell 2407 were universal or isolated.
Just when I was about to hit the final "Give Us Your Money Now" button on the Dell shopping cart I started finding posts (mostly in the MXO forum) about refresh rate incompatibilities with the two items. So 1:1 pixel viewing is out (?).
Is anyone having success with this setup? Is "banding" still a problem?
I believe Shane was happy with his Dell 24" but I don't know if he has a 2407 or a (discontinued) 2405, and I don't know if he's taken a second look since installing the MXO's 2.0 software.
I'm a stubborn photographer and I'm already growling at the idea of using an LCD to do color-corrections (even the best ones change contrast every time I move my head one inch). I was considering the Dell over the ACD because I heard is had much better contrast (and price), but if it's a hassle I'd just as well have the MXO downconvert to my trusty 14" SD monitor at least to do the colors.
(I'm okay with an occasional flicker)
Thanks,
B.

I don't think the frame rate matters (although I hear that 1080/50 PAL is trouble); it's more about the 60 refresh rate of the Dell vs. the 59.94 rate of the MXO. Is this creating a big enough problem that the 2407 can't be used reliably to color-correct 1080 footage 1:1 with a comparable image to the ACD.
The Bare Feats guy thinks it's a better monitor, but I think he just used it as a desktop monitor, not with FCP and the MXO:
http://www.barefeats.com/lcd.html
This guy in the MXO forum seems to feel he got burned trying to use the 2407 with the MXO in Mastering mode:
http://forum.matrox.com/mxo/viewtopic.php?t=416&highlight=2407
I wanted to see if your 2407 had the same shortcomings or if the problem was small.

Similar Messages

Calling "PAL" (OK: 50Hz) 1080i users of Matrox MXO...

I see that neither the Apple 23" ACD (nor the Dell 2407) truly supports 50Hz at 1920x1200 (1080); which means monitoring 1080/50i is not stricly correct.
Apparently there is nothing that can be done about this, but the effects of trying to monitor 1080/50i with the MXO according to Matrox is "minor", or maybe even "not noticeable". Occasional repeated frames, I understand.
Can any real users give me an idea of their experience please?
TIA.

Your understanding is correct. Here is what Matrox has to say about this issue:
"Since the majority of DVI monitors do not accept 50Hz, they don't lock to it; we decided to drive the DVI out @ 60Hz when working in PAL. If we were to send 50Hz to a monitor that did not accept a 50Hz signal, the result would be a black screen, and the client would not know why (We did a lot of testing with 50Hz). We decide to go with the lesser of the two evils, so to speak. I am looking at a software option to turn on and off a 50Hz output in a future release of our software, leave the decision up to the client."
The anomolies you see on the monitor when editing are a result of this 50Hz signal on a 60Hz monitor...and ONLY appear when looking at the footage on that monitor. They will not appear when you export to tape, or view on a PAL HD monitor. Only the LCDs.
Shane

Final Cut Studio 2 and Matrox MXO

HI, anybody
Always no problem with prewiew on ACD 23" and broadcast monitor JVC.
From now I see only black on monitors.
Motion 3 works perfectly. There must by some mistake in my settings FCP.
The project is PAL, and for output is setting as Matrox MXO PAL - YUV.
Any help?

Problem resolved. Reinstaling Matrox MXO drivers.

Matrox MXO versus MXO 2

Can somebody outline the differences between the MXO and the MXO2? I ordered one, and they sent me an MXO 2 instead of an MXO. Noticed the MXO 2 does not have a DVI out. I want to use it to set up a color grading station, but wasn't thinking of having to set up three screens, but use the the 2 ACD's we currently have.
Should I keep it or send it back and get the MXO instead?
Any suggestions?
cheers
-j-

Jokke
The MXO is an *output only* device that connects to the Mac via its DVI port and allows realtime output from the FCP timeline to HD SDI (if applicable) or SD SDI and Component, Y/C and Composite outputs ... it also provides color critical output to a suitable DVI monitor which can then be used as a reliable broadcast reference monitor.
The MXO2 offers all of those same functions except in that it connects to the Mac through the ExpressCard/34 expansion slot and does NOT provide color critical output to a suitable DVI monitor but instead it provides that same feature to a suitable HDMI connected monitor .... the other enormous difference is that the MXO2 is not an outut only device, it is a *full I/O device* (input and output) and its like having a Blackmagic Decklink HD card in an external box.
If you do not want or need both input and output functionality but you do want or need color critical DVI monitoring then the original MXO is the box you want ... otherwise I would say that the MXO2 is clearly functionally superior.
Caveat : I've only ever personally used the original MXO (we've got more than 40 of them), I've not used the MXO2 .. but i know i'd sooner buy the latter if it were a personal purchase for my own in-studio or on the road needs.
You can download Matrox's own MXO product description here which try's to help you decide which one is more suitable to your needs:
http://www.matrox.com/video/media/pdf/products/mxo/enproductselection.pdf
From your description, it sounds like you really wanted the original MXO ... however if you do not already have the I/O capabilities provided by the MXO2 I might consider counting my lucky stars and keeping it, especially if you have a suitable HDMI monitor available for use as a calibrated reference monitor ((3 screens are so much better than 2) ... if not, then contact Matrox and let them know about the shipping error.
Cheers
Andy

New Video Card for G5 dual 2.3 PCIex running Matrox MXO box

Greetings. I have an HDV project and purchased an MXO to allow viewing
on external monitor. The MXO did not work with my GeForce 7800 video card
and I spent over an hour with Matrox tech support and they also sent me
a second MXO box. The CPU does not appear to see the MXO and we were unable to see any signal (i.e. color bars during set up)
My question: Has anyone found a way to integrate
MXO into a FCP set-up like mine? I'm running a G5 2.3 late, 6 gig ram,
FCP 6.04 and this video card mentioned above. The second part of question:
If I need to replace video card, has anyone done this with my particular G5 and had good success? I have found on the Matrox site that one user has put an
ATI 1900x into his G5 and they also support a lesser card GeForce 6600. I do not
want to take a step back with any modification and want to make sure my system which funs very smoothly now is not compromised. Thanks for any experience and insight into this.
G5 dual 2.3 GeForce7800 Mac OS X (10.4.11)
Go Back

Thanks for this post/response. The 7800GT card I currently have was a build to order option and I assume was not flashed. I'd love to figure out if there is a
way to get my current card to like the MXO box, or to install a new, equally fast video card that would allow me to use MXO. I may install an x1900 Mac Edition and see how it works but do want to hear from other late edition G5 owners that they have been happy with this card (running OS 10.4.11, Final Cut Pro).
K

Matrox MXO or Blackmagic Intensity Pro?

I just bought the Dell 2408 monitor, which I like thus far, and am looking to use it as both a second computer monitor and also an NTSC preview monitor in conjunction with FCP. Playing via S-video on my DSR-11 looks positively terrible- so what's the best solution? Intensity Pro? Matrox?

are you suggesting that this is counterproductive?
The MXO/ACD combination isn't recommended for standard definition monitoring. It is only recommended for high definition. For SD ou can use the MXO in combination with an SD broadcast monitor...but the MXO/ACD is not a good solution for standard definition viewing.
Per the Vortex EX-1 video, they suggest editing in SD and then rendering later.
Rendering? You mean upconverting? I don't know how viable that workflow is when it comes to tapeless formats. Because they tend to only be importable at full resolution. The extra steps needed to make low res...edit...then reconnect to the full res, plus the drives you need to have both the low res and high res available is counter productive, IMHO.
Do what the others suggest...import and work at FULL HD resolution (XDCAM doesn't take up a lot of space, it is compressed HD). This way you can use your MXO and ACD to see a GREAT picture...and downconvert when you are done. The MXO does that on the fly.
The Spyder is unnecessary in combination with the MXO. The MXO has a utility to set your monitor up to bars, with a proper BLUE ONLY option. You can see how that is done in my review.
Shane

Export to Quicktime HD 1080i fails from timeline in Premiere Pro CC

I have AVCHD files in my timeline and need to export Quicktime HD 1080i for a client. From the export settings, I choose Quicktime with the preset for HD 1080i and click on OK. The dialog box export with the progression bar just hangs there. Eventually, I force close Premiere Pro and Premiere Pro will not start again until I restart the computer. What gives?

Here is more information: I use Premiere PRo CC 7 and the taped based media in the bins are from a Canon HV30 taped based catured to PP directly in a MPEG format. I have already used some edits from this media as well as my captures from digital, which isnt causing any problems. When I mark the taped based media in the source window and attempt to drag it into the timeline the hand gets a circle and slash line on it and will not let me place it into the timeline. Yet I can still load my digital stuff into the timeline and edit normally. I need some footaghe from the tapes but cannot get it into the timeline from the source monitor even after updating, shutting down and reopening. No avail still when trying to drag the hand with the circle slash still exist not allowing it into the timeline. Previous footage on the timeline works no problem. This started yesterday.

720p and 1080i in same timeline FCP 5.1.4?

I've tried to find an answer to this in the discussions, but no luck, so I hope this hasn't been asked a million times before.
Can I edit 720p and 1080i files in the same timeline? If yes great! On to the next question.
Once I complete the edits, how should I output the final cut - in 720p or in 1080i? And if the answer is 1080i do I need to upres the720p and how do I do that?
I have FCP 5.1.4.
Thanks!

Can I edit 720p and 1080i files in the same timeline?
In FCP 5.1.4? No, not without rendering one. Sequence settings match one codec, so anything else will need to be rendered. FCP 6 solved this..open timeline is available. It also automatically sets the sequence to match the settings of the first clip dropped into it.
If yes great!
sorry.
Once I complete the edits, how should I output the final cut - in 720p or in 1080i?
Depends...what is your delivery requirement? What do you have more footage of...720 or 1080?
Shane

Matrox MXO

Hey all,
Just saw this demo'd yesterday at the LAFCPUG Meeting. Pretty cool stuff. I wasn't able to ask the questions I wanted to (meeting was packed with topics and ran late), so I thought I'd ask here.
I ran a search for this, but came up with only 10 or so hits; understandable since it was only just released at NAB06.
I was wondering if I might be able to get some opinions on this product in regards to the broadcast quality preview. From what I saw during the demo (well, the demo was botched, but in the lobby it was working), the quality is amazing. It is frame accurate and has gamma correction. Would this mean that you could color correct on a HD computer display with this tool? Would it work in conjunction to a HD card (Black Magic or Kona) or is it mainly a portable version of these cards for the new MacBook Pro's?
The brochure states "you don't have to buy an expensive HD monitor", however I find that a little hard to believe simply because I don't think it can properly calibrate or even transform your display into a broadcast monitor. I have been wrong before, though, and the demo looked very smooth.
Any help is, of course, much appreciated!
~Athen

Let's hope it's not the new RTMac. Although I
wasn't one of them, quite a few colleagues were
really badly burned by the RTMac experience, a prior
Matrox product.
I keep hearing and reading about that. Makes me a little apprehensive about the MXO.

1080i vs 1080p timeline

I'm pretty new to FCP (Avid usually) but trying to do project where client wants to conform in 1080i 60 because there cams only shoot 1080i. They told me they think I have to shoot 1080i so that they won't have trouble in conform. I don't much care for interlaced footage, and I'm pretty sure it won't be a problem if I shoot 1080p 30.... Can I shoot 1080p 30 (ex3) and just create a 1080i 60 timeline and convert it or something? It will still look progressive because both fields will be sampled from same pic.

Technically there's no issue at all, but you just need to be a little careful.
If its a commissioned work and the client has specifically requested 1080i +for production+ then you should follow the dictates that you've been given, or at least ask for further clarification. For example, if your piece will run as one of a series of films broadcast by the client it may be that they require all those films to conform to an overall look, especially if other films in the series are to be shot and edited in house according to a 1080i production policy, or license conditions notwithstanding, it may be that the client wants the piece in a stylistic format that can be better repurposed at a later date ie to conform with their own stock library, and so on.
The bottom line is that the client is the boss, something that with your experience you well know already. If the "look" of progressive is simply your personal preference then you have to let that go. If its an artistic / creative issue then ask for further clarification ... it may be that the person asked (at the client end) just gave a rote answer without themselves being aware of any of the context.
(And in case you're wondering, yes, as someone asked these specific questions on a daily basis I frequently hand out rote answers without any knowledge of the context!)

Has somebody worked with Color and The matrox mxo ???

So,
i have digital postproduction in hamburg germany.
We have two 5D Cyborg Online Systems, 3d Workstations with xsi,
and an Mediacomposer.
So last Year we started to do onlinening on Set for digital shooted
highspeed tv commercials (With the Weinberger Sppedcam).
We do this with on of our mobile 5D Cyborgs Systems.
Which i think, is one of the best Online systems still on the Highend market.
But Colorcorrection is more and more Important specially with digital shooted footage.
So the ColorCorrection tools in the Cyborg a pretty nice.
But I wanted a portable Colorcorrection Tool/system for deficile Corrections.
So i heard about Silicon Color.
So now I´ve bouht FCS 2, and i already had a AJA Io La Box.
Color don´t give me a Videoout over this to my Sony Class A.
So how ist the Quality from the MXO on a Apple Cinema , like a Sony BVM Class A ? is it a reference Picture ?
Second Question
How is the Workflow, because with a mac book pro, a calldigit raid and color, you need a secondary displa for the scopes and the workpicture ( masking etc).
Is the Presenationmodus from the MXO in the same Quality of the Mastering Mode.
And is it ease and fast to switch between them.
Thanks to all
mario
Hamburg

check out this thread on a nother forum:
http://forums.creativecow.net/cgi-bin/newreadthread.cgi?forumid=223&postid=1519&univpostid=1519

Matrox MXO or Black Magic Design Intensity Pro

Need a little guidance on this, I need to be able to monitor my video out for color grading and going with the DV>camera>component cable>monitor combination isn't working anymore. I work with a mix of both HD from the HVX and DV so I need something that I can use to view both on an external production monitor. I've seen a lot of great reviews on the MXO and I'm leaning towards that way, but I have a dual monitor set up and don't want to lose that, which is why I started looking at the Intensity Pro. If anyone has/is using one or both of these devices, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks

Well, I have used the MXO (wrote an extensive review on it too) and find it to be great. A good low cost HD monitoring solution. The good thing about it is that you can balance your Apple display to color bars, with the BLUE ONLY option. The Intensity doesn't allow for that. Unless you connected it to a production monitor that allows it to be set up to bars.
When I color correct, I typically only use one monitor. But I know what you mean.
Shane

Can i shoot 720p30 on the ex1 but have it as 29.97 for the matrox mxo mini?

so i noticed the new mxo mini can only do 29.97 frame rates, so can i shoot 720p30 or 720p24 and overcrank and do all the magic on the ex1 but have it record as 29.97 so it goes native through the mxo to my hdtv for true acurate viewing?
THANK YOU!

so i noticed the new mxo mini can only do 29.97 frame rates
It does 29.97, 59.94 and 23.98. 720p 23.98, 1080p23.98...1080i29.97...720p59.94. 720p30 at 29.97 is a very non-standard video format.
Why are you shooting 720p 29.97? To overcrank for 23.98? Then your sequence settings are going to be 23.98.
Shane

What does a Matrox MXO do?

(Or equivalent.) Does it speed things up. Capturing? Rendering? Outputing? Thanks.

The MXO is an output device. It doesn't speed up capturing, rendering or outputing. It simply provides your computer with industry standard video spigots to which you can connect your video monitoring / recording device. The MXO's particular claim to fame is that rather unusually it connects to the host via the DVI port, it provides onboard downconversion of HD input signals to SD for monitoring or output to SD displays or devices, and that it can be used to calibrate a suitable DVI display (such as a 23" Apple Cinema Display) so it can be used as a color critical reference monitor. For many its that latter function that seals the deal as typically a professional HD reference monitor is much more expensive than an MXO/ACD combo.

How do you print a still clip from a 1440 x 1080i CS5.5 timeline

The still image from a CS5.5 timeline in Photoshop looks ok but, prints thinly ..ie., distorted.
How do you get it back to look right ?

Hi Curt,
I have discovered by using Image>Transfer>Perspective in Photoshop I can distort the image horizontally and it will then print nearly perfectly. It is a bit hit and miss, but, you can see the result on the Epson R800 printer window.
http://helpx.adobe.com/content/help/en/photoshop-elements/using/transforming.html#freely_t ransform_an_itemhttp://
Ann Benns did advise on my same request in Creative Cow which was very helpfull,
http://forums.creativecow.net/readpost/244/864409 >COPY/PASTE
Thanks Ann.
Message was edited by: Bob Dix Photographer

1080i/29.97 timeline to Matrox MXO 2.0 to Dell 2407

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