VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Rick Riley · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 11:23 am Post subject: Third Monitor for Safety?

Currently I have a NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250 video card with two digital outputs the serve me well.

Up until yesterday I have never had this problem, but now I have. I was being directed for six spots. Usually I'll record one and excuse myself from my booth, to make sure recording is going as expected. I did... no problems. We finished the six spots and when I finished the session to mail them off, I walked out and saw that Pro Tools had a buffer problem and had quit halfway into the third spot. I had to apologetically call back the producer, tell him the problem and he had to get the other two people back on the line and redo two thirds of the session. This was a session for Lexus National. They took it in good stride, but I was extremely embarrassed.

I've done countless sessions. NEVER had this problem, but now that I have, I need to make sure it NEVER happens again. So with my current video card running two Dell 24 inch monitors, side by side, if I get a second video card, can I run a third monitor in my booth just to make sure the session is still being recorded as expected?

I'm running a pretty high performance PC [not a Mac] with way more power than I need for anything, so it was a surprise this happened, but it did. Your advice is appreciated. Thanks!
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Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

How about a splitter Rick?

Jason Huggins · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 11:48 am Post subject:

That is totally lame. I had the same thing happen on a recent session. We were recording for over an hour on a long video, and about 3/4 of the way through the recording I had a recording issue that stopped recording. I have a room for recoding rather than a booth, so I just started that section over, and it was no biggy. In your case, that is pretty major.

The video splitter and a new monitor would work, or you could use an iPad as a monitor. Connect to the computer via Team Viewer or similar program and just check it from time to time. You could even have it set up on your phone (I use Team Viewer with my Galaxy SIII from time to time). That way, you don't have to buy any hardware and mount MORE monitors in your booth. I don't know how big the booth is, but another monitor means more heat and less space.

Rick Riley · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 12:01 pm Post subject:

My current configuration has both my monitors side by side in a 'continuation' mode, so together they make one complete desktop, or apart each one is only a half a desktop. I don't know how you'd run a splitter off that. You can only run a splitter off of one of the cables.

iPad is a good suggestion, but since I don't already own one, an expensive suggestion. Small monitors, just for 'safety' monitoring can run pretty cheap, which is why I was going with it. And I don't worry about heat in the booth. I'm rarely in there for more than an hour at a time, and that is infrequent. The door remains open otherwise.
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Claire Dodin · Club 300 Joined: 15 Feb 2008 Posts: 392 Location: Sunny LA

Hi!
There are video cards that allow more than two monitors.
I don't know if you can add a video card, you may have to replace the one you've got.
If you don't want to change your videocard, as long as you have wifi you can view your computer screen in real time on your phone, tablet or i-pad with some a Hobo Tounge

s.
I did that for a while before I installed a monitor in my booth.
I can't remember the name of the a Hobo Tounge

though but I'm sure you'll find it with a quick Google search.
As for the extra monitor, I can recommend something like the Samsung central station. I have a keyboard and mouse plugged in so I can even do my editing in the booth if I want, and it's pretty much silent, it hasn't raised my floor noise.
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 12:11 pm Post subject:

I guess you could split the monitor that has ProTool showing. Do you just use paper in the booth? Maybe put it behind you so you don't have to see it unless you want to see it.

todd ellis · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 12:12 pm Post subject:

this looks interesting
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 12:17 pm Post subject:

Cha! And THAT is why an iMac isn't necessarily the best choice. No more displays for me.

Rick Riley · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 12:33 pm Post subject:

Todd, that DOES look interesting. I just hate to ditch a great video card that still has life for another. Kind of like getting rid of one kid when you find out the other one is better. They both are good at what they do, even though one rarely calls and doesn't... sorry, I digress.

It looks like a trip to Fry's is in order for me. If you don't have a Fry's or don't know what Fry's is... bummer.

Thanks for your help folks. I'll post what ends up working to conclude the story.
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Monk · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 1:45 pm Post subject:

I have a dual monitor setup with my MacPro, and use an Extron VGA splitter to send one screen over to the microphone location. Works like a champ.
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georgethetech · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 2:09 pm Post subject:

A single plug solution for under $100:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005SEZR0G

Beats rolling a DAT tape backup which was the norm for years...
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todd ellis · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 2:28 pm Post subject:

that's pretty neat!
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 3:27 pm Post subject:

THAT'S what I've been looking for! I have an ipad mounted, but THAT would be perfect. Thanks George!

ccpetersen · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 5:46 pm Post subject:

You can get a refurbed iPad 2 from the Apple refurb store at a substantial discount. I got mine for about half price last year.

c
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Rick Riley · Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 5:58 pm Post subject:

Leave it to George to come up with the fix. No extra video card and a nice price to boot. Nice job (once again) George. Thanks!
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