Getting Apsect Ratio correct.

[TimothyPaul]

Hey Folks

- Current setup - one SSP computer w/ DVI & VGA ports.

VGA running into splitter and going to one projector, two Sharp Aquos TV's and one Toshiba TV, as well as Panasonic video switcher all staying in VGA mode.

DVI going into operators control monitor.

aspect ratios do not work through all four devices.

Here's where I am going.


new PC with dual 2 ATI Radeon 4850's 512 MB w/ Crossfire. I have had a lot of success with these video cards before.

So I will be coming out DVI. The projector only has DVI or VGA inputs. - I am thinking of running one output DVI to main projector. Another DVI to the control monitor. One DVI to HDMI and then split to the two Sharps, and the final DVI to HDMI to the Toshiba for the Stage monitor.

My concern is getting all of the aspect ratios correct when we are running a 16:9 and if a video is presented in 4:3 getting that ratio correct. Naturally without anybody having to change any monitor stuff.

As I have not had any success with this so far, looking for thoughts and guidance?


Thanks....TP

[petereit]

Be careful running HDMI. The spec limits cable runs to 35 feet. You can add equalizers and boosters to get the signal farther, but the costs add up very quickly, and the trouble with all those non-locking, fiddly connectors increases geometrically.

[TimothyPaul]

Hmm - thank you, I was not aware of that. I suppose I can run DVI until the last mile so to speak and then do the DVI-HDMI conversion.

[wogster]

Originally Posted by TimothyPaul

Hmm - thank you, I was not aware of that. I suppose I can run DVI until the last mile so to speak and then do the DVI-HDMI conversion.

DVI and HDMI are closer related then brothers, so you may find the same issue, the ideal solution is SDI, but you need an HDMI/SDI converter on one end and an SDI/HDMI converter on the other end. I priced those out, I don't recall the exact amount, it was hundreds of dollars for each end, too rich for my churches budget.

The best solution for 100' or less is still a top quality VGA cable. Between 100' and 250' or so, it's VGA over CAT5 cable. If your church needs more then 250' then it's big enough that it should be able to afford SDI, or you need to look at routing the cable so it's shorter.

[TimothyPaul]

I was trying to get away from VGA because I can not get the aspect ratios properly set between the TV monitors, projector, and computer monitors. Thats why I wanted to convert to DVI / HDMI.

I have one TV that is silly and in VGA mode will only display 1280x720.

Ideally - my objective is to have everything running 16:9

[wogster]

Originally Posted by TimothyPaul

I was trying to get away from VGA because I can not get the aspect ratios properly set between the TV monitors, projector, and computer monitors. Thats why I wanted to convert to DVI / HDMI.

I have one TV that is silly and in VGA mode will only display 1280x720.

Ideally - my objective is to have everything running 16:9

I don't think that DVI or HDMI will fix it, it probably still has only that one option. The devices need to have the exact same resolution for it to work properly. By the way 1280x720 is 16:9. Start with the device that has the least capability to change or the fewest options then set the others to match. DVI and HDMI is a signal protocol, so is VGA except that VGA is analog. Analog isn't always a bad thing, especially with signals. If your at the limit, the picture may look 98% rather then 100%, but still be usable, with digital if it's not perfect you get nothing.

[ATaylor]

You can have a VGA to HDMI scaler that will auto adjust to 1080P and 16:9.