Advice needed for purchase of syncable HD media players
by Allan Hughes
on
Oct 14, 2009 at 3:05:07 pm
I'm looking to purchase a pair of HD media players that can be synced for a two screen gallery installation via hdmi. The content is no longer than 15 mins and I'm prepared to put up with a frame lag of 4-5 frames. I've been pointed towards a pair of Roku BrightSign HD-1010 but this is over my budget which is approx £700. Are there more affordable options out there or do I just need to man-up and spend the full £1000?
I currently have a pair of Denon v300 with a dsyn2 system that has served me well but was looking to upgrade for screen quality.
Any pointers or alternatives out there?
Thanks.
Al
Re: Advice needed for purchase of syncable HD media players by Walter Soyka on Oct 15, 2009 at 1:55:27 pm
Do you really need the HD1010? It looks like the HD210 might do what you need (HDMI & network synchronization) at a lower price. See their product comparison sheet for details.
I haven't used these units yet, but others on this forum hold them in high regard.
Walter Soyka, Principal
Keen Live, Inc. Presentation, Motion Graphics & Widescreen Design
RenderBreak: A Blog on Innovation in Production
Re: Advice needed for purchase of syncable HD media players by Allan Hughes on Oct 15, 2009 at 3:32:28 pm
Hi Walter,
Thanks for the swift reply. You're right, the HD210 does look like it would do the job OK, I think that may have been the device I based my initial budget on too. Not sure if I'm being oversold on the HD1010, probably only because I mentioned sync over rs232 as opposed to ethernet (which the 210 uses). I'll get back to the supplier and see if that works.
thanks,
Al
Re: Advice needed for purchase of syncable HD media players by Allan Hughes on Nov 1, 2009 at 2:25:12 pm
Hi Walter, thanks for checking in.
I haven't made a decision yet. I contacted the dealer and he said that even if I wanted to run on the ethernet option with the 210 I would still need a 1010 to run as the master unit (?).
He tells me that scripts need to be written and installed for the devices and that there is usually an extra charge for this service through the supplying company (BrightSign) but that because my video is no longer than 15mins and I'm prepared to live with 4 frames of lag that he can skip that option, Although at the price I think I should expect full frame-accuracy. I may as well stick with my Denon/D-Syn system and live with the picture quality.
I'm meeting with a technician in a gallery this week who has recommended units by Audionation, I have a feeling I may get a better price if I place an order through an institution. The exhibition isn't until the end of November so I've a little time to think over but not much!
I'll see...
Re: Advice needed for purchase of syncable HD media players by Walter Soyka on Nov 2, 2009 at 3:36:45 pm
Thanks for the update, Al. I'm trying to get a handle on the pros and cons of different solutions in this space, so I'd really appreciate hearing about your final decision. Thanks again,
Walter Soyka, Principal
Keen Live, Inc. Presentation, Motion Graphics & Widescreen Design
RenderBreak: A Blog on Innovation in Production
Re: Advice needed for purchase of syncable HD media players by Allan Hughes on Nov 12, 2009 at 11:19:51 am
I've just placed an order for a pair of the ROKU 410s through Audionation that has come in right on my budget. They sync through serial/gpio.
I'll let you know how I get on with them.
