Video Output from one Mac to another

[joey.fergie]

So, at my school we have a digital signage/video switching system on a Mac Pro using a program called Wirecast. We want to seperate this into two computers, one for the signage, and one for video switching. For switching, we want to contiune to use the Mac Pro with wirecast, and for signage, we are getting an iMac with the program Media Sign Pro(which is more geared towards signage).

Here's the problem: We still want to be able to have our live shows that we switch(using the Mac Pro) to go to our signage display, without having to rewire it. The only problem is that Media Sign Pro only accepts video files, or live cameras. Basically, we need a way to trick the iMac into thinking that a video output from the Mac Pro is a live video input.

The only idea I have had so far would be to get a VGA to RCA converter (Wirecast can output to a second display) and then an RCA to Firewire(or USB) converter to get the signal into the iMac. Only reason I don't want to do this is because there will be a signal loss from going through 2 converters.

I have also looked into using Wirecast's built in streaming option to stream the video, and then input that through Media Sign Pro's Web option. Only problem is that it is restricted to HTTP address, which wirecast doesn't stream to.

If anyone knows any software or options that will make this work (obviously the cheaper that better) it would help a lot. So far the only thing close I have found is a VGA to USB capture box, but thats $800.

[johns0]

Thread moved to mac forum where you can get more help.

[terryj]

What if you installed a second Graphix card in the MacPro, one that has S-VHS out capabilities?
one such as the : ATI Radeon X1900?

Set the MacPro to mirror its display, thus outputting to both cards ( stock and then the second card)
then run S-VHS cable out of the second card to a Canopus ADVC-110 box, and then input via
FW ( 400 to 800) to the iMac? This might possibly work...the Mac pro outputs its video display
via S-VHS, into the Canopus, which then digitizes it for import into the iMac thus tricking it
into thinking its hooked into a live camera...

but it won't be cheap in any case.....

[rumplestiltskin]

A newer iMac's miniDisplayPort can accept video input (with the proper adapter). As the MacPro probably has a dual-head video card, attach one of them to the proper (probably) DVI-miniDisplayPort adapter and then connect that to the iMac. Set Displays System Preference to mirror and, when you have the Mac Pro's video cable plugged into the iMac, that signal will take precedence and the iMac becomes an external monitor.

Of course, you could just buy an external monitor for $150 and be done with it.