MXO + Color Display Quality?
by Jay Lee
on
Jul 4, 2008 at 7:17:04 pm
Hi guys,
Before investing in the MXO we are trying to get a handle on not only the advantages of a more color accurate output but the quality of the MXO output?
The Apple Color play back display (color accuracy aside) with out an external monitor is not adequate to judge subtleties of grain, sharpness etc. When small the play back is "jaggy" and enlarged is simply a noble but poor stretch.
How does the MXO output to a Apple Cinema Display differ with SD material? Is it pixel for pixel and thus showing a relatively small image (eg 720 x 486) or does it 'blow it up' to fill the LCD? Is it adequate to assess subtle variations as mentioned above.
Re: MXO + Color Display Quality? by Joseph Owens on Jul 5, 2008 at 2:22:16 pm
How to put it delicately.
This is like discussing the merits of an AMC Pacer vs. a Hyundai Pony in a Formula World. If accuracy and subtlety are what you're really after, a string of cross-converting interface and proxy boxes are not going to get you there. SDI out to a grade monitor. Case closed.
Re: MXO + Color Display Quality? by walter biscardi on Jul 5, 2008 at 6:27:13 pm
[Jay Lee]"How does the MXO output to a Apple Cinema Display differ with SD material? Is it pixel for pixel and thus showing a relatively small image (eg 720 x 486) or does it 'blow it up' to fill the LCD? Is it adequate to assess subtle variations as mentioned above. "
Apple Cinema Displays are not made for SD video period. The only LCD HD monitor I have seen that can present accurate SD playback is the TV-Logic series of LCD's. And that was being fed by a proper SD-SDI signal from a Kona 3.
If you are truly seeking accurate color display, especially in SD, the AJA Kona series of video boards and a proper SD CRT monitor or the TV Logic series of LCD are the only things I can recommend unless you can find a used Sony PVM L5 series monitor (CRT).
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.
Re: MXO + Color Display Quality? by jay lee on Jul 6, 2008 at 1:51:52 am
Yes Walter.......absolutely I concur. This subject discussed ad nauseam.
For those of us who's current business model does not permit the expense of the set up you mention above, is the MXO better than nothing? I understand it is not a broadcast CRT via Kona etc...... however does it facilitate a more accurate environment than with out?
Re: MXO + Color Display Quality? by walter biscardi on Jul 6, 2008 at 11:25:26 am
[jay lee]"is the MXO better than nothing? I understand it is not a broadcast CRT via Kona etc...... however does it facilitate a more accurate environment than with out? "
Go with the suggestion earlier and read Shane Ross' review of the product. I have never used it or tested it as it's not something we would ever use in the shop. Shane has and uses it quite regularly, though I'm not sure he's using Color yet with it.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.
Re: MXO + Color Display Quality? by Uli Plank on Jul 7, 2008 at 9:01:58 am
If you are really that short on budget, get the MXO and connect it to a good, second-hand CRT with component inputs. Have the CRT adjusted by an experienced technician.
It's downscale is quite good.
Regards,
Uli
Director of the Institute of Media Research (IMF) at Braunschweig University of Arts
