How to sync 8 screens at the same time with different content

[bopa]

Hi,

I'm in need of some technical advice on a project I'm doing. I will need to be able to project onto 6-8 different surfaces at the same time (the number of surfaces are yet to be decided). The screens will have different content but they are synced together with sound and vision and they need to be able to be synced for about 10hrs at the time as it's for an installation. The resolution per screen needs to be at least 720x576.
How would I best go about doing this?
Would I need to connect several computers together and use the matrox trippleheads, or would I use some other type of media server or linked media players. Can I trigger content with midi on different computers at the same time?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Bopa

[sleepytom]

I'd suggest networked media players designed for digital signage
http://brightsign.biz/products/hd220.php would be affordable and reliable option, i've used these players a fair bit and they work really well.

For a little more money you can go up to the http://brightsign.biz/products/hd1020.php which enables you to control the projectors / screens from the player so you can have the installation completely automated, starting up and shutting down at specified times each day.

I'd be quite happy to assist with the programming of these players if you want. I may also be able to supply some from hire stock depending on dates and duration of install.

[bopa]

Thanks for the tip Tom. This looks pretty good. It looks like it works with audio as well. The event is an installation in an art gallery in february for a month time (I think), but the budgets are worked out at the moment, so that's why I'm on the case already. I will need help with the installation, I would think, so I will get back to you about that. It would be great to have a system that can be turned on automatically every day by the gallerist without the need of a technician so I guess the BrightSign-HD220 could be very good option. Do you need to connect these to a main computer or do they run in a chain by themselves?

Can they output different resolutions?

[bopa]

I'm also wondering if you can keystone these at all and adjust the output in the box or is this something that needs to be done with the projectors?

[sleepytom]

keystone would need to be done in the projector (or calculated first and rendered into the content)

They work without a computer after being programmed, network connection is needed for sync between the units.

They can output common display resolutions.

[bopa]

Hi again,

I tried finding out rental prices for the box that you suggested. But ended up getting a quote for the sales price. Anyway, the salesperson suggested I used a box called BladeHD instead because it was more frame accurate with the sync. What is your experience with BrightSign on the sync issue?

Where can I rent the BrightSign or BladeHD? I can't seem to find a place, do you own any BrightSigns?

Thanks,

Bopa

[tobiasros]

http://syncstarter.org/hdsync/

also have a look here...