starcat
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- Aug 8, 2005
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Hi there,
I have a HTPC based on a SigmaDesigns XCard and an ATI Radeon 9200 graphics card (with dual VGA and DVI outputs). I use it mainly as a video frontend for video content stored on HDDs. I am now purchasing a projector, but I am not quite sure which route to go, which one would give the most flexible setup and highest PQ for the money:
1. buy either the Holograph3d or SweetSpot card and connected through PDI to the XCard, use it with DScaler for upscaling and output DVI directly to a (color calibrated) Panasonic PT-AE700 which I am now about to purchase. The SweetSpot is about 400 EUR and the HoloGraph3D II is about 1100 EUR (the later would give an additional SDI input and is maybe of better quality).
2. modifying the XCard with an SDI out interface which is about 150 EUR and get an external scaler like the Lumagen VisionPro HDP (you can find it at http://www.spatz-tech.de/lumagen/visionprohdp.htm) which is 2500 EUR.
The main problem I have is, if I mount the projector on the ceiling (I have already run in the past 5 video coax cables and a VGA cable to this spot but unfortunately no DVI cable - 4 years ago), the distance to my A/V setup is about 15-20m which is too long for a DVI connection!!
Most likely I would prefer the external scaler route because of the flexibility it gives me, but I was wondering if there is the possibility to output SDI from the scaler and converting to DVI right in front of the projector using for SDI one already run video coax cable? Such converters cost additional US $800 to $1500 dependeing on model. But the Lumagen VisionPro HDP outputs either in DVI-D or analog on 3-5 BNC (RGsB, RGBS, RGBHV). The other possible solution would be a DVI booster or fiber extender (I already have 2 LC-LC fiber cables 20m each).
What would be the PQ if scaled to 1280 x 720 (projector native) and fed in to the projector trough component, VGA or DVI-D?
On the other hand I would most welcome it if I can save the extra money for the external Lumagen but am not sure if the HTPC would do it (2GB RAM, 2.8ghz P4) and what the PQ would be, compared both, PDI SweetSpot and HoloGraph3D II to the external Lumagen.
I would also like to connect to the scaler my other video sources (LaserDisc, digital cable box and S-VHS) which are all s-video wired and switched on my surround preamp so a single S-video input on the scaler, regardless if it is an external or PC-based model is sufficient. This is actually the easy part of the job!
Many thanks in advance!
Greetings,
Bob.
I have a HTPC based on a SigmaDesigns XCard and an ATI Radeon 9200 graphics card (with dual VGA and DVI outputs). I use it mainly as a video frontend for video content stored on HDDs. I am now purchasing a projector, but I am not quite sure which route to go, which one would give the most flexible setup and highest PQ for the money:
1. buy either the Holograph3d or SweetSpot card and connected through PDI to the XCard, use it with DScaler for upscaling and output DVI directly to a (color calibrated) Panasonic PT-AE700 which I am now about to purchase. The SweetSpot is about 400 EUR and the HoloGraph3D II is about 1100 EUR (the later would give an additional SDI input and is maybe of better quality).
2. modifying the XCard with an SDI out interface which is about 150 EUR and get an external scaler like the Lumagen VisionPro HDP (you can find it at http://www.spatz-tech.de/lumagen/visionprohdp.htm) which is 2500 EUR.
The main problem I have is, if I mount the projector on the ceiling (I have already run in the past 5 video coax cables and a VGA cable to this spot but unfortunately no DVI cable - 4 years ago), the distance to my A/V setup is about 15-20m which is too long for a DVI connection!!
Most likely I would prefer the external scaler route because of the flexibility it gives me, but I was wondering if there is the possibility to output SDI from the scaler and converting to DVI right in front of the projector using for SDI one already run video coax cable? Such converters cost additional US $800 to $1500 dependeing on model. But the Lumagen VisionPro HDP outputs either in DVI-D or analog on 3-5 BNC (RGsB, RGBS, RGBHV). The other possible solution would be a DVI booster or fiber extender (I already have 2 LC-LC fiber cables 20m each).
What would be the PQ if scaled to 1280 x 720 (projector native) and fed in to the projector trough component, VGA or DVI-D?
On the other hand I would most welcome it if I can save the extra money for the external Lumagen but am not sure if the HTPC would do it (2GB RAM, 2.8ghz P4) and what the PQ would be, compared both, PDI SweetSpot and HoloGraph3D II to the external Lumagen.
I would also like to connect to the scaler my other video sources (LaserDisc, digital cable box and S-VHS) which are all s-video wired and switched on my surround preamp so a single S-video input on the scaler, regardless if it is an external or PC-based model is sufficient. This is actually the easy part of the job!
Many thanks in advance!
Greetings,
Bob.