Digital Video - March 2009 - (Page 8)

IN REVIEW MATROX MXO2 EASY INS AND OUTS THE MX02 OFFERS A ROBUST, AFFORDABLE I/O SOLUTION IN A PORTABLE PACKAGE. Battery-capable, the MX02 is a truly portable production and post tool. T Let’s first look at MXO2’s inputs. Video inputs are provided for SDI (HD or SD), Y/C, component, composite and HDMI. The SDI and HDMI inputs recognize up to eight channels of embedded audio. BY NED SOLTZ Additionally, there are two unbalanced RCA, two balanced XLR and he MXO2 is a full capture and output device designed for two AES/EBU audio inputs. Video and audio inputs can be selected both PCIe-based Macs and MacBook Pro notebooks. Right independently in the MXO2 control panel. out of the box, it includes a PCIe card for desktop computOn the output side of the MXO2 are interfaces for SDI, HDMI, ers and an Express/34 card for MacBook Pros. Unlike its competition, component and Y/C outputs. Up to 12-bit video is supported. It is in the MXO2 is truly field-ready, owing to its 12V DC option. audio outputs that MXO2 really shines with its ability to output 5.1 The MXO2 is designed to fit perfectly under a MacBook Pro. This surround. Outputs include four XLR balanced, six RCA unbalanced, form factor, however, necessitates configuring inputs and outputs on two AES/EBU and embedded audio in SDI and HDMI (supporting up opposite faces of the unit and power, computer and RS-422 connecto eight tracks). tions on one of the sides. MXO2 provides an excellent workflow for those who are shootThe MXO2 works seamlessly with all Final Cut Studio applications ing cameras with HDMI output and want to capture on the fly in FCP and provides preview in After Effects and Shake as well. It is a true to ProRes rather than to an HDV codec. Simply connect the MXO2 capture card and, unlike the Matrox’s MXO, does not convert DVI to HDMI to HDMI and use Capture Now in FCP. Note that this works video; it does require a component, SDI or HDMI monitor. HDMI outonly on Macs with quad-core processors. MacBook Pros with their put represents a significant part of the feature set. duo-core processors cannot capture HD ProRes in real time. And while I’m talking about HDMI, let me mention that MXO2 MXO2 is strictly a 1920x1080 maximum device. It does not supoffers a feature that no other HDMI-output card includes. port 2K or Dual Link 4:4:4 RGB. While one might potentialAWARD OF ly fault Matrox for these limitations, realistically the MXO2 Put up some color bars in your FCP timeline. In the MXO2 utility in the Mac’s System Preferences, click Calibrate satisfies the needs of the majority of users who work with HDMI. You can now calibrate your HDMI monitor using EXCELLENCE any format up to HDCAM. I have successfully captured 10those color bars, including a blue-only mode. This assures bit uncompressed HD via SDI without any glitches. as much accuracy as the monitor is capable of delivering. MXO2 also It also must be noted that the MXO2 does not up-res SD to HD maps to HDMI monitors pixel for pixel. All outputs are simultaneousfor acquisition. It does, however, output real time up-res from SD to ly live. I often find myself monitoring both to SDI and to an HDMI HD HD via SDI or component video. It will pillarbox 4:3 SD and up-res set just to get some feel of how the video will actually appear on a full-frame HD from 16:9 material. The quality of the up-res is quite consumer television. good and this is a tribute to Matrox’s years of experience in codec design on the PC side of editing. And, of course, it will downconvert in real time. It also cross-converts 720 to 1080 and vice versa. Again, my experience here has been positive. It correctly displays 2:3:2:3 or 2:3:3:2 cadences or outputs 23.98 timelines to 29.97. MATROX MXO2 I can’t think of another portable or desktop unit that delivers what PROS: Portable acquisition and output of virtually every forthe MXO2 does for $1,595. If you need real-time HD ProRes 4:2:2 mat. 5.1 audio monitoring. Real-time up-res, down-res and capture in the field, the MXO2 may not be for you. But it meets my cross-conversion. HDMI pixel-for-pixel output with calibration needs not just in terms of price and features, but, most importantly, in of HDMI monitor. CONS: No up-res upon acquisition. Does terms of its quality, stability and dependability. not support Dual Link 4:4:4 or resolutions beyond 1920x1080. Matrox has announced a rack-mount version of the MX02. DV BOTTOM LINE: Strongly recommended for anyone who needs to acquire video from just about any HD or SD source. You’ll find an expanded version of this review on MSRP: $1,595 CONTACT: www.matrox.com our site. Visit DV online. DV SCORE 8 dv march 2009 www.dv.com http://www.dv.com http://www.matrox.com http://www.dv.com

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Digital Video - March 2009 Contents MX02 Instant Expert First Look: EOS 5D Mark II Powerlight 1735W Color by the Numbers A Versatile Disc Indeed Slice/Dice DV101 Production Diary

Digital Video - March 2009

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