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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 :)

Directors monitor, HDMI or DVI?

XiaoSu Han

XiaoSu Han

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We'd like to purchase a monitor for the director and producers, but since we are on a low budget, it's rather going to be a HDMI or HMDI-to-DVI solution.

Anyone has experiences with low-cost (sub $200) displays that would work with the RED?


Thanks!
 
I'd recommend getting a mini HD-SDI to DVI-D converter box. I have the AJA HDP, but the Blackmagic equivalent (HDLink) costs only $400 and should work fine as far as I know. The nice thing about them is that you get ease of long runs via coax, use of BNC connectors instead of dodgy HDMI, and can use basically any modern computer LCD you have handy.

When using both the EVF and the LCD, the preview also doesn't include the menus, which is nice for video village type setups.
 
I second the AJA HDP or HDlink. BNC is repairable on-set with crimpers. HDMI is not repairable on-set.
 
I've had great luck with both HDMI and DVI.

In HDMI I can get full 1080 output, 720 with DVI.

I have had NO freezing problems whether converting DVI cables to HDMI or vice versa.

Dell make great cheap DVI monitors. You can get a 24" under $200 I think.

Great for preview, pretty good for focus. I wouldn't use it to grade on but perfect on set.

I plug it in with a $20 cable and get on with shooting.

Do some testing first as a lot of people have reported problems with HDMI out.
If it works on yours, take advantage of it!
 
Agree with you Jim.
If you're looking for a 10m run, hdmi cable is sooo simple especially for directors/producers/client.
You can add looks in the camera similiar to hdlink etc.
Otherwise hdlink just adds more gear that can screw up.
I can use hdlink(dvi); HD10C2 (component) and hdmi (dvi) cables and most case just use or hire out hdmi.
I think what's defines your monitor solution more is budget .
D
 
As David suggests, it is easy. I've used HDMI for video village without any problems. Of course BNC is nicer, better, etc... but if you get some short pigtail HDMI cables at camera and monitor point (M-F) and rig it right, works fine in my experience. I'ved used a Hans-G 17" & Westinghouse 24" -- both without any trouble. At the time, about a year ago now, they were $160 & $400 respectively. Total cabling for runs of 10-15-25 feet with backups was around $100 with 4 M-F 12 inch pigtails. I have also used HDMI to DVI adapter cables as well without issue. Test of course.
 
I just got the Dell 23" widescreen monitor (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...1&cs=19&c=us&l=en&dgc=SS&cid=27530&lid=627063). It works great and looks just like my Red 7" LCD. But it freezes the camera if I use hdmi to hdmi.

I'm going to try to find that mounting plate so I can put it on a stand next. anyone know one that works with it?

and where's a good place to get an inexpensive and long hdmi to dvi cable? is 50ft too long or should i stick to 25ft?

*Edit: found a mounting solution at filmtools if anyone is interested. seems to be reasonably priced. http://www.filmtools.com/lcdvemobrfib.html
 
I have HDMI-HDMI working fine, both in 720 and 1080. I use it on an LG 42" LCD, looks great.
 
Yep, LG monitors woks fine with hdmi, and also with AJA hd sdi->hdmi with 10m bnc cable. I'm using a 20" $200 consumer screen and no problems.
 
Jason,

Does the monitor have a VESA mount on the back? I couldn't tell by the pix or specs.

Assume you are going HDMI>DVI through an adapter? Or just DVI? And if DVI, does that give you 1080P or 720 only?

M
 
Yes, as I indicated in previous post, I've had no trouble with HDMI to HDMI -- & also HDMI to DVI as well. No freezes, not issues. (Red 405)

In the US, I've had good luck with http://www.firefold.com/ -- for cables. Not the highest quality in all cases (it varies) but so far no bad ones -- and some have taken a beating. Orders filled promptly.

Filmtools.com has a couple of good vesa to C-stand mounts. Very handy.
 
Mark Pedersen said:
Jason,

Does the monitor have a VESA mount on the back? I couldn't tell by the pix or specs.

Assume you are going HDMI>DVI through an adapter? Or just DVI? And if DVI, does that give you 1080P or 720 only?

M
Click to expand...

I can't tell if it's vesa. I'll guess I'll find out when I try out that mount. :) unless you can clue me in if there is another way.

How do I know if it's 1080P or 720? I can't see the bottom menu, if that helps any. So if there are histograms on my Red LCD, it's not on the Dell. But I see everything else.

If I haven't gotten something that's optimal, would you let me know? I can still return it if someone has a better suggestion.
 
I bought this mount a few years back and it is by far one of the best engineered user friendly accessories I've ever bought. If Arri were to make a monitor mount they'd make this. Granted it's a bit more pricey than the film tools options but I use it to mount very expensive monitors as well so it's worth it. Even with a cheap monitor, the amount of ime your AC or DIT will save not screwing around is worth it.

http://www.vfgadgets.com/grip-camera/lcd-light-stand-mount-heavy-duty

Buy the heavy duty. I bought their lightweight and it's not the same.
 
John Cordell said:
I'd recommend getting a mini HD-SDI to DVI-D converter box. I have the AJA HDP, but the Blackmagic equivalent (HDLink) costs only $400 and should work fine as far as I know. The nice thing about them is that you get ease of long runs via coax, use of BNC connectors instead of dodgy HDMI, and can use basically any modern computer LCD you have handy.

When using both the EVF and the LCD, the preview also doesn't include the menus, which is nice for video village type setups.
Click to expand...

The aja is what I use. It is sooooo much nicer than trying to manage a long run of HDMI cable. Just watch the power cable mount into the unit. If you aren't careful with the camlock, you can wrench the inner connector and short the unit.
 
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