Trying to use multiple T.V.'s

[Musicman51]

I know almost all you pro's on here are aware of this. But i'd thought i would post this little tid bit of information for the newbies whom might be having a problem when they go to set up their hoster system. So not trying to be redundant here....

Dale Posted

For mine I go Svideo to RCA out of computer to my mixer (VocoPro) which has video in and out for up to 3 devices.

This may work for dale. Apparently his VocoPro will accept an S-Video signal, by means of a S-Video to RCA adapter cable, and modulate it to an RCA or coax 75ohm signal, most will not. They need a transformer in the line, like the little black one pictured on my other post.

Nothing i have pictured in this post will work! Save your money.

Incidently, my show laptop {Toshiba} for some reason, will work with either the 4 or 7 "Din" S-Video cable????

The photos i have included is an illustration of what doesn't work.

[bigjimwhite]

Everyone....thanks a million. I knew the answer would be right here. I am ordering tomorrow from Tiger (I have used them many times I recommend them. A little high on shipping and some other stuff but you get what you pay for a lot of times). I tell ya.. you want to know an answer to a ??? this is the spot. Thanks again to all of you!

[magog2k]

I ran into the same problem a few years ago when I switched over too an LCD tv. I had a splitter off the s-video cable, but my laptop wouldn't recognize the new tv. I ended up going to Radio Shack and bought a signal booster for $50. Works great!!! S-video from the laptop goes into the booster, and then I have the option of RCA jacks OR s-video output from the booster, to 4 (or potentially 8) tv's.

[RIKKI TIKKI]

Multiple Tv's / Monitors are only a problem if you don't have the right / quality connectors.

I currently have four - five gigs a week, in four different venues, and use a different set-up in each one.

Most recent gig is a large sports bar, with 6 flat screens of various sizes, that was recently re-modeled by new owner ( I had played in the same venue under two previous owners ) and this time they let me have a little input on the Karaoke adaption to their proposed satellite installation. The dss company sent a professional installer down ( 60 mi. ) and I met him and owners at the venue to describe what I thought would make the show, and the nonkaraoke clientele happy during the performance. He had made similar installs all over Tucson, and I learned a few things that day, which led to a happy KJ and the show is building nicely after a couple of months.
1st - All screens have a separate satellite receiver, that is run to the central head unit or junction box.
2nd - The junction box or head unit has a multiple switch that allows rca, or s-video input, as well as a passthrough for the hdmi high definition signal from the satellite, for different viewing for non-karaoke programming. (although I do control the volume to the stage area, and the bartenders are respectfull in keeping the volume low or off, on the sets that are out of my area )
3rd - My connection amounted to an rca cable that runs to my station @ stage left, about 50 ft. from the main head unit to my adaptor which is vga to rca.

I had contemplated running hdmi cable from the head unit to my station, since my computer has an hdmi connection, but if any of you have priced a length of hdmi cable in approximately 50' length, you could hear the moths in my wallet screaming. I was leary of signal loss with rca and multiple monitors, from other gigs, but this guy did what he promised, and I have the clearest signal that I have ever experienced, or have seen at several other KJ's shows that I try to view when time and circumstance allows. So if you get the chance to have a pro setup your gig for video, learn from him, and the permanent setup, makes for easy setup times.

My other gigs run without a stage, due to size limitations; I have one with only one large flatscreen that I get to use the hdmi connection from computer. Another gig I use a wireless transmitter to a second monitor because the property owner will not allow the lessee/business (bar) to run any extra cabling/wiring that cannot be left there permanently, and bar owner doesn't want to lay out the extra cash to allow me to make the connection that I want, then leave it for the landlord, if he vacates the premises. My last gig is with two older tv's that I have to adapt and RF the signal, and one small monitor that I carry with me for private parties and this one gig, and the wiring is substandard ( old coax ) that runs to the bars older tv's, and has been split and poorly wired, and the owner doesn't want me to be crawling around the rafters where there are different stuffed varments that have been collecting dust for the last 50 yrs., so I just make do with what I have been dealt. In most cases, the Karaoke regulars don't overlap, since we are talking about 4 gigs in 3 different cities within about a 20 mile radius, but I do see the difference, and only wish that all the venues could be updated to the connections and ease of setup that first gig offers... did I mention that it is only 3 blocks from my house? lol

So I've got most of the splitters, RF converters, cabling, and adaptor connections that I've used to adapt the tv's and monitors over the years, and quality shouldn't be skimped on, they will serve you well, without the need for replacement, and make your show look professional when installed permanently, as much as the venue will allow!

Check out monoprice.com for cables and adaptors. I have found them to be very competitively priced.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by RIKKI TIKKI

Multiple Tv's / Monitors are only a problem if you don't have the right / quality connectors.

I currently have four - five gigs a week, in four different venues, and use a different set-up in each one.

Most recent gig is a large sports bar, with 6 flat screens of various sizes, that was recently re-modeled by new owner ( I had played in the same venue under two previous owners ) and this time they let me have a little input on the Karaoke adaption to their proposed satellite installation. The dss company sent a professional installer down ( 60 mi. ) and I met him and owners at the venue to describe what I thought would make the show, and the nonkaraoke clientele happy during the performance. He had made similar installs all over Tucson, and I learned a few things that day, which led to a happy KJ and the show is building nicely after a couple of months.
1st - All screens have a separate satellite receiver, that is run to the central head unit or junction box.
2nd - The junction box or head unit has a multiple switch that allows rca, or s-video input, as well as a passthrough for the hdmi high definition signal from the satellite, for different viewing for non-karaoke programming. (although I do control the volume to the stage area, and the bartenders are respectfull in keeping the volume low or off, on the sets that are out of my area )
3rd - My connection amounted to an rca cable that runs to my station @ stage left, about 50 ft. from the main head unit to my adaptor which is vga to rca.

I had contemplated running hdmi cable from the head unit to my station, since my computer has an hdmi connection, but if any of you have priced a length of hdmi cable in approximately 50' length, you could hear the moths in my wallet screaming. I was leary of signal loss with rca and multiple monitors, from other gigs, but this guy did what he promised, and I have the clearest signal that I have ever experienced, or have seen at several other KJ's shows that I try to view when time and circumstance allows. So if you get the chance to have a pro setup your gig for video, learn from him, and the permanent setup, makes for easy setup times.

My other gigs run without a stage, due to size limitations; I have one with only one large flatscreen that I get to use the hdmi connection from computer. Another gig I use a wireless transmitter to a second monitor because the property owner will not allow the lessee/business (bar) to run any extra cabling/wiring that cannot be left there permanently, and bar owner doesn't want to lay out the extra cash to allow me to make the connection that I want, then leave it for the landlord, if he vacates the premises. My last gig is with two older tv's that I have to adapt and RF the signal, and one small monitor that I carry with me for private parties and this one gig, and the wiring is substandard ( old coax ) that runs to the bars older tv's, and has been split and poorly wired, and the owner doesn't want me to be crawling around the rafters where there are different stuffed varments that have been collecting dust for the last 50 yrs., so I just make do with what I have been dealt. In most cases, the Karaoke regulars don't overlap, since we are talking about 4 gigs in 3 different cities within about a 20 mile radius, but I do see the difference, and only wish that all the venues could be updated to the connections and ease of setup that first gig offers... did I mention that it is only 3 blocks from my house? lol

So I've got most of the splitters, RF converters, cabling, and adaptor connections that I've used to adapt the tv's and monitors over the years, and quality shouldn't be skimped on, they will serve you well, without the need for replacement, and make your show look professional when installed permanently, as much as the venue will allow!

Check out monoprice.com for cables and adaptors. I have found them to be very competitively priced.

How much did ya pay for the wireless receivers?

[rickyrey]

I did what you guys are explaining with the "y" splitting the signal to the 2 monitor. My video card was damaged due to different resolution of the tv's at the venue I am playing now. At least, that is what the techs told me when I went to the computer shop that repairs all my computers. Since it is a laptop it was very expensive. They have to replace the whole motherboard. $465 to replace it. After that, I won't risk my laptops again with that type of connection. The owners then got me a video matrix with 4 inputs and 8 outputs. I connect my laptop to that equip and it takes care of all different LCD's around the place. Since the owners did not get all the LCD's at the same time they have several brands and sizes around. In that particular bar, they have 4 LCD's around and the one that I own to display lyrics to the singers, so they are five and sometimes they use the smoking area ones so sometimes it goes up to 7 LCD's. I don't know if what the guys at the computer shop told me is correct but want it to share with you all. Maybe there is a limit on how many displays and/or resolutions a video card can handle.

[marklwood]

Originally Posted by rickyrey

I did what you guys are explaining with the "y" splitting the signal to the 2 monitor. My video card was damaged due to different resolution of the tv's at the venue I am playing now. .

Yeah, that was bull crap. They pulled that out of their butt. Video resolution is totally internal to the TV/monitor. In the realm of possibility, the only issue that would damage your video card would be power coming back from one of the connections. But this is HIGHLY unlikely as it would have already taken out the offending TV. Maybe hooking to the output instead of the input of a signal booster could possibly damage your card, but i doubt that too.

The only limit to how many TVs you can run would be signal strength, but it doesn't PULL power from your video card. Your video card outputs at a constant level. As you add devices, or distance, they have less signal to share. That is where the booster comes in. If what you are describing as a "matrix" is a distribution hub, it probably plugs in and is powered. That will get you where you need to go.

[RIKKI TIKKI]

Originally Posted by bryant

How much did ya pay for the wireless receivers?

This is the one I use from X10.com

http://www.x10.com/products/x10_vk30a.htm

Same price I paid for mine a couple of years ago ( $49.95 ) with a free remote that I haven't had the need to use...

[RIKKI TIKKI]

Rickyrey,

Mark is very correct... I don't think your computer shop was trying to save you any money, and the excuse they gave you for the damage to your video card doesn't make sense.

I once did Karaoke at a Bowling Center with the idea of running the singer's view to half of each of the consoles ( 16 in a 32 lane center ) while the customer's bowled and sung in a normal rotation. Now mind you, that it's a simple rca connection, but the number of monitors in this case could have been multiplied by any number of lanes that a center would have ( Showboat lanes in Las Vegas used to have 106 lanes ).