Dual Monitor Cards

[vigilante]

This Post is for all the editors out there:

I'm about to put together a new editing system. I've decided to get a dual monitor system to get a composite video display. I've looked at other editing systems they all seem to use the "Matrox G450". I've look at ATI's Radeon 8500, and that looks good, and might work but I'm not sure. What are your recomendations?

[grouch]

Go with the Matrox card. The software for the card gives you a great dual head output that is real easy to work with. I don't have the 8500 so I don't know how it's dual head is but if it is like the dual head of my all in wonder pro it isn't as nice to use.
The all in wonder just gave me the same picture on the screen and the monitor. But the Matrox will do so much more.
Hope it helps your decision. Let us know what you choose.

[vigilante]

Thanks for your response Grouch. I have decided to go with the Matrox G450. After I attented the DV expo I asked a few people and they gave me similiar responses. It also seems most editing workstastions out there are either using this card or the G550. Thanks again.

[grouch]

You're welcome.

I've seen the Matrox in action and was WAYYY impressed. I envy you on your choice of cards.

Have fun with it. Later.

[vigilante]

I've finished the workstation and now have my two monitors hooked up ( my 17" 2 yr monitor and my 13" old packard bell monitor P). The dual head works great. I did some test editing and it only took a few seconds to get the composite video running on the secondary monitor. Despite it being a very old monitor, it looks great. I'm positive I'll be able to impress the clients I have since they no longer have to look at my the tinny vid windows. Thanks for the tip.

[siaododo]

Just a stupid question here. When you have two monitors, does the two video cards have to be the same? Can I install, for example an ATI AIW card & a Matrox G450, both cards in the same machine & hook them up to two separate monitors? If I have an on-board video card, can I install another PCI/AGP video card, and run both cards at the same time?

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: siaododo on 2001-12-17 20:41:21 ]</font>

[Shabubu]

The answer to all you q's is yes, though sometimes driver issues can be a prob;em... (aren't they always)

[vigilante]

Well the Matrox g450 has two connectors on one card. So basically you need just one card for two monitors.