MXO2 - realities

Hello All
I think this post might fall into the category of idle opinion and as such of little interest or help. But here it goes.

One of the main selling points of the MXO2 is the ability to output an HDMI signal to a off the self LCD monitor and calibrate that signal with colour bars etc etc. Turning a off the shelf HDMI LCD monitor into a broadcast monitor. In order to provide the users some guidance Matrox has posed some general HDMI monitor guidelines; such as full 1920 x 1080 and 1 to 1 pixel mapping.

Now... its the 1 to 1 pixel mapping element thats the rub. In my limited experience all the vendors I talked to (both pro video suppliers and high street/consumer shops) generally have no idea what 1 to 1 pixel mapping means and as such cannot recommend a compatible screen.

Causing further confusion; manufactures might call 1 to 1 pixel mapping something different than..umm.. one to one pixel mapping. Panasonic might call it “full screen action mode” and Sony might call it “pixel perfect mode”. (being a bit dramatic with the names).

Also, Matrox sales reps and pro video suppliers are a bit reluctant to suggest HDMI LCD monitors. But I think I understand their perspective as the consumer based monitors are very difficult to keep tabs on and both parties might be vary wary about recommending a HDMI monitor because they present too many wild variables (including lack of profit margins). Better to stick with what they know works and recommend SDI and component broadcast monitors.

So..on the subject of cost effective monitors and the MXO2 I think its at best going to be a bit of trial and error for those thinking they can get into cheaper..umm cost effective... HD monitoring. Which really means many people taking a risk, purchasing a LCD screen and then seeing what happens.
I have a Panasonic LCD and my test shots seem to be good or fall into the category of good enough. I have had some people look at the footage along side my broadcast JVC SD monitor (HD-SDI down-converted) and they preferred the LCD image to the JVC.

If its of any interest, the HDMI monitor I have seen Matrox use in conjunction with the MXO2 is a Sharp Aquas LC-32D65E. It supposed to have 1 to 1 pixel mapping but I think you will now find it has been discontinued.

Hmm...not trying to complain because for the cost the MXO2 is a rather cool little box. Its just a little area that I found a bit frustrating.