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Multiple Monitors, Multimedia and "Convergence"

Audigon might be the last place in the world to embrace "convergence". I still keep my "home theatre" and 2 channel systems in different rooms and expect to do so for quite some time.

When working at my desk, however, I find myself craving a more integrated environment.

In addition to watching at least one channel of news throughout the day, it would be fun to keep half an eye on a video, or listen to some music through a genuinely high end, nearfield set up on my desk.

In my work, I have to juggle multiple tasks, monitor multiple data streams, sometimes while also working on multiple emails or documents.

High def, widescreen video monitors which can take multiple inputs seem to be getting more popular, but I still find most salespeople give me a blank or confused stare when I describe to them all the things I would like to be able to accomplish at my desk, or how many monitors should I have or what configuration the monitors should be in for maximum work and research productivity.

Has anyone else thought about this high end audio, high end video, multiple screen, "control room" approach their desk?

Where you could work, monitor some TV, listen to music, research your favourite audio questions on Audiogon, all with high definition and truly high end, nearfield sound?

I think this would make a day at the office a lot more enjoyable and - believe or not - increase productivity with multiple screens.

Any ideas? Vendors? Experiences? Suggestions for monitors and/or their configuration?

Thank you.
cwlondon

Showing 3 responses by ckorody

ckorody
643 posts
 
CW -

If you want it now, I suspect a Mac is in your immediate future. So get a new G5 with the high end video card and put two of the 30" displays on it - doesn't get much better till you really spend stupid money... I suggest you mount the monitors on arms but that's up to you.

Use the optical out (standard Toslink not a mini) to feed your choice of DAC etc. Budget and space limitations are the only considerations in that regard. I actually run (and recommend) two sound systems. A big mother DAC/tube etc rig you can read about in my System write up, and a small crappo self powered rig with a subwoofer. This sounds surprisingly good and is always available - don't have to burn the tubes etc.

I suggest this (as opposed to SB) because you will be able to use iTunes that way - nice little 3rd party applet in the menu bar makes it easy to pause when the phone rings. Also that way any other system source can be monitored. Plus a sweet DVD player comes free. As well as DVD/CD burning built in and integrated.

With sufficient RAM - say 4Gb you should be able to keep yourself thoroughly entertained while actually being able to do considerable amounts of useful work if and when you are so inclined. I typically have 8-12 apps open at once and move between them with total ease and a high degree of reliability. It is very, very rare to lock up the entire machine, usually if you have a problem its with one app.

Set up your storage to suit - the G5s use SATA so you can get right past that nasty Firewire...

This is exactly what I am running except that I only have a 23" and 20" screen. The only thing I have no first hand experience with is TV but I can't imagine it's too hard. Mac deals with Real, Windows Media Player and of course QuickTime so you will be able to watch anything you download while listening to it in hifi.

Try it, you'll like it - and best of all you won't have to fuss with it to get it to do what(ever) you want.
ckorody
643 posts
 
You know, I started in the audio visual/production business too long ago. One thing I have observed is that the PC industry has a habit of reinventing stuff that already works well - one example is using unbalanced minis instead of balanced XLRs, another is wall warts... need I go on LOL

Point being if I wanted to be able to monitor 6 TV channels (interesting job you have there, do share) I might think about doing it old school and build a brick out of those nice little 5" field monitors and some kind of video switching gear which is really what you need. Not as cool as digital but its been working fine for 30+ years.... hmmm
ckorody
643 posts
 
Hi CW -

Way cool. You know there are some places here in Hollywood that cater to the broadcast market and we all make a lot of jokes about where the old edit bay gear goes to die... but at the end of the day it does cost a bit more then just putting up a wall of LCDs... Also some thinking through required of how you are going to get all those signals - 6 Direct TV antennas or K band or???

Might be worth it to check with some of the post production houses in your local market to try and find an engineer who knows this stuff - it will be very custom but one deal and I suspect it will pay for itself...

I am so with you on the aesthetics and funcitonality of older gear...

I can do some digging if you like, contact me directly at [email protected]

best,
ck
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