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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

ROCKET and ATI Radeon HD 4870

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Curtis Abbott

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Just got a ROCKET and Mac Pro w/ the ATI 4870... The 4870 takes up 1 slot and the blank space. I want to use the HD-SDI out of the rocket, but still use the other 2 slots. Has anyone encountered this or have a solution?

Thanks,
Curtis
 
I am assuming you have all 4 PCIe slots filled and can't use the SDI slot filler. How are your skills with a drill?

Actually there are several options here. These have no impact on AppleCare warranty.

* Run SDI cables out the front of the box through an empty optical bay.

* Acquire a secondary side panel you can modify and mount the ports there. You can get it from Apple Parts, but it's like $120. Or try ebay. Just so you know, not all mac pro and prior side panels fit on all case models.

* Remove the Bracket from the Rocket card and drill a small hole to feed the leads for the small ends of the SDI leads. Put bracket back on card. Warning -- takes some planning and this is a really tight fit, voids warranty on ROCKET card.

Or if you don't mind tempting fate, you can do this... It may or may not go unnoticed if you ever need to claim on AppleCare.

* drill two small holes on the rear of the case for mounting the ports (make two of the small existing holes big enough).

* You can do the above, but with one smaller hole that's just big enough to fit the ends of the SDI leads through.

I could probably come up with more, but these are the ones I've explored.
 
I originally was thinking drilling, but wasn't sure about how it would effect applecare. I like the idea of running cables out the front slot or drilling the side panel, since it can be easily replaced. I have a sonnet esata card that I could possibly drill a small hole in to feed the cables.

Thanks for the ideas Jeff.
 
How the Hell do i use the RED Rocket?

How the Hell do i use the RED Rocket?

Question for ya....i know it may sound ridiculous, but am stumped.

Have the ATI Radeon HD 4870 card installed
Also Red Rocket
AND Sonnet Tempo SATA card
Also (going to install a card for a new MXO2)
....so i also have no room for the SDI board.

BUT, do i NEED the ATI card?? if i now have the Red rocket---isn't that my new video/display card?? This is not my field so forgive the ignorant question.

So....if not the case, then do i have to use seperate monitors with the Red rocket card as well? I'm using a dual Dell display and thought that I would trash my ATI Radeon card and just run the rocket to my monitors......

BUT, after installing the rocket, when i connect the DVI cables to my monitors, i get no signal. That leads me to believe that i can only use it within certain applications?? AND if so, how can i still use my dual monitors as DISPLAY monitors when say working with FCP and then viewing video via rocket?? Do i have to physically unplug one of the monitors?

Not much in the installation manual on this for a beginner. In fact NOTHING about it at all....only installation manual. How the HELL do i use this thing?
Thanks,
JF
 
You need your ATI graphics card for all other applications than Redcine/Redrocket and even there for the GUI.
think of your RedRocket Card as a background realtime 4k renderer, which can output in realtime to your desktop , to HD-SDI and via DVI.
 
What does The RED Breakout Box do? Could that bring all the SDI connections out via the DVI port and allow you to not use the rear plate?

Anyone with a Breakout Box know about this?
 
Thanks for the reply Manuel.
Question: how can I then utilize my two monitors for both my standard computing...while say using final cut pro and utilizing one screen for part of redcine and then the other screen for redrocket? I'm really not sure--have not used it yet, but going to check today.

I notice the single DVI that spreads out to TWO DVI connections. So is that meant for me to connect to my SAME monitor so that i can run any redrocket "type" applications and then my normal video display operations?

Not getting why or how to work the Rocket---What i am HOPING to avoid is to have a COMPLETELY seperate monitor for anything that requires red rocket. If that is the case....is there some type of switching device to utilize for redrocket then to jump back to my FCP??

OR...if running redcine or rocketcine.....Do i then need to disconnect my monitors from the ATI video card and connect them to the ROCKET?? ---that is what i Hope NOT. Then it would sound like i need to buy two more monitors for using redrocket...then a total of FOUR---which I prefer not.

Sorry for all those questions...there is just nothing at all on that within the manual on HOW TO USE THE ROCKET. .....I'd be happy if anyone can point me to a thread where this may already be resolved, but searched last night with no luck.

Thanks....
 
RED Rocket will display its output in a window through REDCINE-X and ROCKETCINE-X. You can also zoom this up to full screen on either of your monitors. Additionally, you can connect other monitors to the Rocket itself and just see the image. This is ideal for color grading, even one-light corrections to run this out to a calibrated plasma or similar.

There are various methods of getting the SDI connectors out if all your slots are full. Some may require modifying your tower case, some not. There was just enough room on my ATTO SAS controller so I drilled two small holes in the bracket and ran the BNC connectors out there.

From the sound of it, you don't need the SDI connectors right now anyway. Use one of the splitter cables that came with the Rocket to give you 2xDVI. You can connect a DVI monitor or use a DVI to HDMI cable. Output in this form will be 8bits/channel, which is what your output from the ATI card is anyway. You can get 10bit out of the SDI. The Breakout Box for the Rocket gives you more ports for connecting 4X HD-SDI or 4X HDMI for 4K projection. Once HDMI is enabled on the BOB (future firmware release) we will be able to get 10bit deep color HDMI signals, but only out of the BOB, not directly out of the Rocket itself. I'm guessing the BOB has an HD-SDI to HDMI converter onboard. You need to feed the BOB with the 2X Dual-DVI and 2X SDI from the ROCKET to enable all its features. At least that is what I have been told. I have nought purchased the ROCKET yet -- waiting for that HDMI support because that's really all I need the BOB for.
 
Jeff Kilgroe said:
RED Rocket™ will display its output in a window through REDCINE-X and ROCKETCINE-X. You can also zoom this up to full screen on either of your monitors. Additionally, you can connect other monitors to the Rocket itself and just see the image. This is ideal for color grading, even one-light corrections to run this out to a calibrated plasma or similar.

There are various methods of getting the SDI connectors out if all your slots are full. Some may require modifying your tower case, some not. There was just enough room on my ATTO SAS controller so I drilled two small holes in the bracket and ran the BNC connectors out there.

From the sound of it, you don't need the SDI connectors right now anyway. Use one of the splitter cables that came with the Rocket to give you 2xDVI. You can connect a DVI monitor or use a DVI to HDMI cable. Output in this form will be 8bits/channel, which is what your output from the ATI card is anyway. You can get 10bit out of the SDI. The Breakout Box for the Rocket gives you more ports for connecting 4X HD-SDI or 4X HDMI for 4K projection. Once HDMI is enabled on the BOB (future firmware release) we will be able to get 10bit deep color HDMI signals, but only out of the BOB, not directly out of the Rocket itself. I'm guessing the BOB has an HD-SDI to HDMI converter onboard. You need to feed the BOB with the 2X Dual-DVI and 2X SDI from the ROCKET to enable all its features. At least that is what I have been told. I have nought purchased the ROCKET yet -- waiting for that HDMI support because that's really all I need the BOB for.
Click to expand...

I think i'm getting it now Jeff. I'm not much worried about space for the HD-SDI out since I don't have a monitor for that. BUT, what i do have is the MXO2 which i had bought to do color grading via HDMI output to my plasma tv...which i believe allowed me 10bit via HDMI to my plasma from the MXO2. So, that is where i was hoping to do color grading work in conjunction with my REDROCKET, but by the sounds of it, i would have to somehow link out of my REDROCKET card to my MXO2....but I am limited in options into the MXO2...and not at all sure if I can even run from REDROCKET into MXO2.

I guess the game is on to see if i can do this.

But are you saying that via my REDROCKET that i can ONLY watch the video on REDCINE or similar via the viewing area and I have to have a monitor dedicated ONLY to or for running redcine/redcinerocket etc?

Still not sure of this procedure....so i run one monitor from my normal video out and then another monitor from the REDROCKET in order to view redcine etc...?? So basically loosing ability to run dual monitors with FCP.

Basically if i want a lot of real estate while running REDCINE or ROCKETCINE (using dual monitors) i need a total of THREE monitors...one to start up my Mac tower and open programs and other two connected to REDROCKET??

Thanks for the help all...
 
Dual DVI for Redrocket: why?

Dual DVI for Redrocket: why?

As much as i'd like to say NOW I GET IT or LASTLY...i doubt i'm there yet.

BUT, as a final thought this moment. what or why is there a dual DVI splitter? is this something for converting to HDMI?? Or can i run to different monitors?
Confusion for one DVI connector with split to dual OUT ?
 
BajaProductions said:
As much as i'd like to say NOW I GET IT or LASTLY...i doubt i'm there yet.

BUT, as a final thought this moment. what or why is there a dual DVI splitter? is this something for converting to HDMI?? Or can i run to different monitors?
Confusion for one DVI connector with split to dual OUT ?
Click to expand...

That's to display to a 4k monitor/projector that has four inputs.
One dvi output can also be used to display lower resolutions.
 
Redrocket with mxo2 ?

Redrocket with mxo2 ?

Deanan said:
That's to display to a 4k monitor/projector that has four inputs.
One dvi output can also be used to display lower resolutions.
Click to expand...

Starting to get this more....I'd LOVE to have a white paper on the ROCKET card that gives a variety of options or ways you can set it up....for dual monitor system, 3 monitor system; use of DVI switching box, etc....

I'm trying to run my dual DELL 24" monitors that i use for typical dual FCP display, then utilize ROCKET---at this point--it's a manual disconnect from one monitor DVI port and switch to ROCKET port....Then back again when i go back to FCP.

I do have a plasma display I'd like to run 10bit HDMI from....go from redrocket hd-sdi out....and then into my MXO2 hd-sdi in port...and back out to my plasma TV via HDMI which then gives me 10bit monitoring and ability to utilize MXO2's monitor color calibration tools.....

I'm assuming nobody has EVER done this?? Sound reasonable at least? Guess i'll be testing this.....when i get proper hd-sdi connectors....nothing in my town of La Paz Mexico....so have to wait for another USA road trip for some hundred dollar cables. Shiiiit!
 
I only know of one person who has both an MXO2 and a ROCKET in my area. I've looked at the MXO2, but can't give up a slot. Video Card, RED Rocket, Kona, SAS = full. The only card that is somewhat expendable is the Kona card, but then I would still need a system to put it in and I would be jumping back and forth between two systems all the time.

In theory, the RED Rocket should eventually allow for better calibration interaction and support for display LUTs. It's just one of those things that's probably a ways down on the list along with access to the card's frame buffer and other features that would allow it to display other content to the monitor. Ultimately, I'd love to have just the RED Rocket for all my monitoring needs. My workflow these days once I'm into editing / coloring is always REDCODE and ProRes. But monitoring out of the Rocket only works for REDCINE-X / ROCKETCINE-X. And my Kona LHi is just to drive my plasma from Final Cut/Color.

For now, calibration on the plasma via the Rocket is just OK. The plasma is calibrated to D65, 2.2gamma, REC709 and I'm feeding it via HDMI from both the Rocket and the Kona card. Hopefully the BOB comes along soon to give us 10bit HDMI. I'd welcome the 10bit HDMI direct from the card, if it's at all possible! This plasma is a 46" Panny G10 I bought for temporary use. I'm holding out for a new 50" pro model -- I'm now being told April/May, but they should use the new panels that are just coming out now -- better blacks, much faster cycle and response. Top end models also have 3D ability, but I'm undecided on that. Which bets another question... Will the RED Rocket eventually support HDMI 1.4? Will there be a way to handle 3D signals from the Rocket? ...Will it require 2 cards? Is it too early in the game to ask these questions?
 
Jeff Kilgroe said:
I only know of one person who has both an MXO2 and a ROCKET in my area. I've looked at the MXO2, but can't give up a slot. Video Card, RED Rocket™, Kona, SAS = full. The only card that is somewhat expendable is the Kona card, but then I would still need a system to put it in and I would be jumping back and forth between two systems all the time.

In theory, the RED Rocket™ should eventually allow for better calibration interaction and support for display LUTs. It's just one of those things that's probably a ways down on the list along with access to the card's frame buffer and other features that would allow it to display other content to the monitor. Ultimately, I'd love to have just the RED Rocket™ for all my monitoring needs. My workflow these days once I'm into editing / coloring is always REDCODE and ProRes. But monitoring out of the Rocket only works for REDCINE-X / ROCKETCINE-X. And my Kona LHi is just to drive my plasma from Final Cut/Color.

For now, calibration on the plasma via the Rocket is just OK. The plasma is calibrated to D65, 2.2gamma, REC709 and I'm feeding it via HDMI from both the Rocket and the Kona card. Hopefully the BOB comes along soon to give us 10bit HDMI. I'd welcome the 10bit HDMI direct from the card, if it's at all possible! This plasma is a 46" Panny G10 I bought for temporary use. I'm holding out for a new 50" pro model -- I'm now being told April/May, but they should use the new panels that are just coming out now -- better blacks, much faster cycle and response. Top end models also have 3D ability, but I'm undecided on that. Which bets another question... Will the RED Rocket™ eventually support HDMI 1.4? Will there be a way to handle 3D signals from the Rocket? ...Will it require 2 cards? Is it too early in the game to ask these questions?
Click to expand...

Hey Jeff,
I am just now putting it all together. I know the Rocket is an accelerator card and just got to playing with it tonight. So i see it working. What was throwing me were the DVI outs on the card. I thought that was what i was to monitor from and the only way the card would work. Basically i don't know then what is the advantage of those DVI outs....I keep getting information that is telling me that in order to monitor realtime or full res out of the rocket, i need to be connected to it. BUT, have not tried that yet.

Question: you are feeding your plasma from both your Kona card AND your Rocket? what advantage does this give you? Do you get accelerated transcoding/viewing while in redcine via rocket VS. just using your HDMI out of the Kona to your plasma? This is my main question since the beginning. why do i need to use the Rocket's DVI out if i have 10 bit monitoring through my MXO2 or sa like you using your Kona card?? Unless there is some advantage of using the Rocket's DVI out.

I"m also waiting for the new Pani's As for my setup...and MXO2, i can get hd-sdi in or out of it as well as HDMI, component etc....And the advantage that i see via this box is i can calibrate my monitor with their proprietary software. So in essence or theory i'm getting a color calibrated monitor out of my big screen tv.

I was teetering on weather to buy the kona card or the mxo2 and instead went mxo2 since it better matched what i wanted. Just don't want to drop big $$$ for a color correcting monitor since i mostly output for my own stock and not a production house nor intend to be one. BUT, want to get the best color out of my work.

I'll take your idea and run the Rocket's hd-sdi plug out through the front of my mac tower. Probably just screw it to the front of it since that seems like a good place for it....drill out some oversized holes for hd-sdi input and screw the ends into the tower.

....would like to hear your knowledge though about the DVI outs on the rocket and why to use them and advantages as mentioned above.

Thanks Jeff,
Johnny
 
I also ran out of PCI slots....so i did similar to what Jeff was talking about...no other choice and hell...what do i care about apple care anyway....i'll have to upgrade in a year or two anyway.

http://reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=41073
 
Deanan, sorry for the noob question but can I run an Apple cinema display 30 at 2k from the rocket's dvi ? One cable going from the rocket to the display. Is it going to be 8bit, 10 bit, 12 bit ? Is there a better solution ?
 
The great thing about building your own PC is that any mods you choose to do, be it cutting a hole in your case and making a window, drilling holes in stuff, setting up liquid CPU cooling, overclocking, etc only void the warranty of the component you're messing with.

Plus, you could have bought any motherboard you wanted, ie, one with enough slots that you wouldn't need to mod to have room for your Rocket.

Just sayin :D
 
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