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Archive for December 31, 2011

superpc | December 31, 2011
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TileMatrix is the Video Wall Solution

NEC has a long history of delivering first to market and best to market video solutions, from consumer monitors, all the way up to digital signage.   In fact, many consider them industry leaders.  They command the market and when it comes to large digital displays, there is no exception.  The TileMatrix is the large video wall solution for those that want to make a serious impress.  At a staggering 55” the 2×2 LCD Tilematrix is not to be ignored.

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It’s easy to use and cost effective solution is perfect for a large digital sign or simply as an information display.  Tilemaxtrix uses patented technology to create an unbelievably narrow bezel that provides what some consider seamless wall.  The fact that you don’t need additional equipment to make it run is a huge advantage as well.

NEC uses premium quality parts, and for their video panels they use premium grade panels that have enhanced digital signage technology suite embedded.  This is a necessity if you’re going to use the monitors to max capacity (a full 10×10 wall display.)

What are a few perks to using the Tilematrix?  One of my favorites is the copy function.  This doesn’t sound so important, but it makes set up super easy.  Here’s how: it allows you apply the settings from one display to all over the other displays with the click of a button (or two) saving you a ton of time when you are setting up for the first time.  Another perk is the thin bezel that rivals the smallest in the industry- only 5.5 s2s (screen to screen) width.

Another perk of TIleMatrix is the ability to remote control the display via RS-232 connectivity which uses Naviset software and is DDC and CI standard.  This is extremely convenient for those wish setup remotely and test via proxy.  This feature is becoming more common, but still isn’t considered standard in an industry that changes on a routine basis.

Because NEC is top of the line the cost of their products tends to be a bit more expensive then some of their competitors, retailing at about $37,000. There are two things that you should keep in mind if you are considering the TileMatrix versus some of her competitors.  Number one- NEC is a top of the line company, and as such, they include an insurance program with their product, as well as top quality components.  You won’t find this with other providers.  The 2nd thing you should keep in mind is that many other competitors don’t sell an all in one solution.  Generally speaking you will end up buying both screens and screen controllers.  NEC simplifies this by making their system all inclusive.  Purchasing from a company like Multi-Monitors.com can help slash your bill as well, as they offer this product at a discount price of $33,000.  NEC’s Tilematrix really is the all in one solution because of its easy use, setup and execution.  If you want the best, use NEC’s TileMatrix.

Category: Multiple Monitors | Tags:
superpc | December 30, 2011
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Using LED Panels to Design an Amazing and Stunning Video Wall

As you’ve probably noticed in recent years, the popularity of video walls for practical
applications in business have been skyrocketing.  It wasn’t so long ago that we were all still mesmerized by the bright lights and video walls in Times Square and Las Vegas, but now these same video walls have can be seen in thousands of places and for dozens of different purposes.  On top of that, building LED video walls isn’t expensive any more either.  In fact, for a few thousand dollars you can put together a stunning video display that would have the Sony guys that designed the original JumboTron blushing.  In this article we’re going to discuss the best way to design a LED video wall and what other components that you may need to make your video wall work affectively.

 

These days the businesses of the world need a cheap design for powerful visual displays that can be transported and setup easily.  Fortunately LED video walls are an easy
solution for most business, and because the technology is becoming more affordable, it’s becoming significantly more prevalent. Below are a few of the key components that you need to setup a LED video wall.

Probably the most popular to way to setup an LED video wall these days is to use a stand-alone video wall controller.  There are a few good ones available, but when speaking of value for money, one of the best is the iVu9 Stand-alone video wall controller.  There are a few reasons that this video wall controller works better for a led video wall.  Let’s talk resolution.  The iVu9 video wall controller can handle 1920×1200 output, meaning that despite the size of your screen you’re going to get a powerful and stunning image that will have a lasting effect on potential clients or whoever else that you might be trying to impress.  It also supports various modes, making it easy to design the perfect custom video wall for whatever you needs may be.  It supports 3×3, 3×2, and 2×3 modes.  That’s really the brilliance of this controller.

Cost-wise, you should expect to spend around $2700 for the controller.  Depending on what type of the size and style of LED display that you decide to use you may spend a few hundred, all the way up to a few thousand on the actual monitors for your video wall.  This means that for just over $5000 (over estimating) you can have a nice video wall with a stunning display that will be an awesome addition to your business.  Considering that this same display would have at one time cost over $50,000 just a few short years ago, that’s quite a deal.  Another cool thing to consider is that LED bezel (or the inactive screen portion, typically the part that looks like a black frame.) technology is amazing at this point. If you’re looking for an ultra sharp image, the bezel capabilities of LED is tiny at this point.

These days you can save big bucks and have stunning LED video wall display.  There’s no reason to put off designing your system, the right time to buy is now.  Technology is in a good spot and you’ll be able to get a great LED video wall system without spending a ton of money.  That’s why there has never been a better time to buy and if you’re considering buying a video wall system for your business you’ll appreciate that you jump in on the technology now.  If you had any doubts, remember that those that snooze really do lose.

Category: Multiple Monitors | Tags:
superpc | December 30, 2011
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Computer with Multiple Monitors

A friend of mine named Tony and I were talking a few months ago and he asked me a question that at the time I thought was silly, but now I’m extremely thankful that he asked.  He said, “You’re a day trader, right.”  To which I replied, “Of course, but you knew that already.”  He then said, “Why on earth are you still using a Hewlett Packard PC that you bought from Wal-Mart that only has one monitor attached?”  Now, I’ll be completely honest with you, I had never even considered the value of the type of computer I use, and especially had never considered the value of using a computer with multiple monitors.

Now just so there is no confusion, let me say that I’ve been a windows user for nearly 20 years, starting with Windows 3.1 back in 1992(and a DOS user prior to that!)  I’ve watched the way software has changed and I’ve adjusted accordingly.  I’ve been multi-tasking with various applications this entire time, and using multiple monitors had just never crossed my mind.  So when Tony asked me this question it completely through me for a loop.  It also got me thinking about ways that I could potentially improve my business.  You see, I do both Forex trading and futures stock exchange.  My entire business is centered on timing and numbers.  For a Forex or stock trader a few minutes could potentially cost thousands of dollars.  In fact, having a slow computer that occasionally freezes up has cost me in the past.

When I asked Tony what he suggested to try and help improve my computers performance he nearly doubled over laughing.  Just so I am absolutely clear, Tony isn’t some kind of obnoxious jerk or anything, he’s just a bit of a computer snob.   After he finished laughing we started discussing what my options for a computer with multiple monitors really were.  His suggestion was two-fold. I could design a computer from scratch, order the parts online and build it myself or use a company called multi-monitors.com.  Since I’m far from a computer genius, especially when it comes to hardware, we started discussing the advantages of each option.  According to Tony, building the computer myself would be a little bit cheaper, and I would get some manufacturer warranty on the parts, but overall the savings would probably only be a few hundred dollars.  If I order from the company he suggested, they offer warranties on their builds which means I’m covered in the event of a meltdown.

Now I have to be honest with you here, I am a do-it-yourself kind of guy most of the time.  I like to save money when I can and I also like to learn how to do new things.  But Tony mentioned that assembling a new computer without any previous experience can sometimes be troubling.  It is not always as simple as throwing together a few components and plugging in a few wires, especially when you are building a computer with multiple monitors.  You have to really think about configurations because using the wrong type of RAM with wrong motherboard or the wrong type of power supply or cooling system could make the entire system not work and in some cases could actually be dangerous and fire hazard.  This really made sense to me, so I decided to go with a custom computer from multi-monitors.com.

I called them up the next day and was rather pleased with the customer service that I got.  They weren’t pushy and I really felt like I was getting the best computer system for my needs, which is exactly what I wanted.  After talking with these guys and then consulting with Tony I decided to get a 4 monitor computer that is upgradable to 8 monitors in the future.  I decided on 4 monitors because this allows 3 windows for work related applications and trading software, as well as 1 for email, reddit.com, Facebook and more.

After receiving my computer with multiple monitors I was able to set it up in roughly 20-30 minutes with very few problems.  Now this might not sound like a big deal to you, but for someone who doesn’t know jack about computer hardware, I thought this was pretty good.  I’m thankful for the clear instructions that I received that allowed me to do this.  Had I not had clear instructions I don’t think this would have been possible.

Now on the really important part- how has this computer benefited me?  Well I have to say, it took about a day to get use to having my applications open on different screens at any given time.  But once the adjustment period was over, I was able to really focus on my work and watch statistics as needed.  This has been great.  I’ve actually noticed not only a gain in profits from being able to trade faster, but less frustration because of my lagging computer.  This means less of a headache for me.  It may sound strange, but the ability to glance at a screen rather than minimizing and maximizing different screens at different times has made a huge difference too.  I actually think I’m saving hours a day because of this, which is just absolutely fantastic.  If you’ve never had the ability to do this, I have to tell you that you must try it.

So overall, I just wanted to take a minute to publically say thanks to my buddy Tony for the advice on getting a new computer.  It is actually turned into quite a profitable investment.  I’m also very pleased with the service and help I got from the guys over at multi-monitors.com.  They were extremely helpful when I was picking out my computer and I’m absolutely certain that they have been around for a while now because of their dedication to their customers.  What a fantastic experience.  I would recommend them to my own mother if she was looking for a computer with multiple monitors.

Category: General | Tags:
superpc | December 29, 2011
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How to Design and Easily Setup a Wall Display Using the Xtreme4vs

You’ve probably seen large wall displays in retail or tradeshow settings.  Today we’re going to discuss how you can setup these types of displays using the Xtreme4vs as a standalone

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display wall controller.  The cool thing about the Xtreme4vs wall controller is that it accepts a number of types of displays including single DVI-D/HDMI as well as a dual-link DVI input.  This means that you can use a variety of outputs  such as your laptop, a signage box, a TV (HDTV that is), video cameras, DVD & Blu-Ray players and even game consoles.

Another perk is the ability to display the image across multiple monitors.  Actually, four monitors to be exactly.  In addition, the outputs can be either analog or digital and does not necessarily have to be the same as Xtreme4vs.    For example, you can mix controllers to setup a variety of configurations, like using a dual channel graphics card in a computer that has two outputs- essentially enabling a total of 8 screens in your video wall.

Using the Xtreme4vs to setup a video wall is not as complex as you may think.  In fact it’s actually quite easy- you can use the Xtreme4Vs because it’s designed specifically for LCD and DLP screens, as well as both wall cubes and projectors.  This makes it a great tool for many different types of applications.

One major reason people generally decide to go with the Xtreme4vs is that it’s also going to save you money.   Very large LCDs (between 64 and 84 inches) for your digital signage are going to be quite a bit more expensive than using multiple smaller LCDs linked together.  The beauty of the Xtreme4vs is that it makes this process incredibly simple.

Hooking up the Xtreme4vs is a breeze too and should take you less than 15 minutes.  The input and outputs are similar to what you might find on a new HDTV, so just about anyone can figure out how to hook this up.  It won’t take a lot of work.

So how much will the Extreme4VS cost you?  Well the suggested manufacturer’s retail price is $2299.99, however, if you buy from a few select dealers you can find this controller for around $1699.99.  One of those retailers is Multi-Monitors.com.  They actually have a number of video wall monitors, but this is one of the favorites.

If you are looking for a great way to setup a video wall, using the Extreme4vs is a reasonable way to do so.  Cost wise, it using this controller can help you save thousands of dollars and because of its variable nature, you can hook it up to most types of outputs to help create the perfect wall for advertising, display, tradeshow purposes or even gaming experience.   It is a widely available controller, however, at the time of writing this article, the least expensive it can be found is on a website called Multi-monitors.com, where it can be bought for $1699.

Category: Multiple Monitors | Tags:
superpc | December 27, 2011
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Multi-Screen Video Walls

Are you looking for a multi-screen video wall for your business, conference display, digital sign or any other reason?  Connecting multiple screens and using a Windows machine to create a large display area, has become a very popular option for many business owners for the purpose of digital signage.  This is also popular for exhibitors that frequent trade shows.  So how does all of this work and how can you setup up your own multi-screen video wall?  I’ll explain.

Fortunately, Windows has made working with multiple displays considerably easier than it use to be.  In fact, you can go to control panel, display setting and as long as you have additional outputs from you video card, Windows will most likely be able to detect them instantly.  But it doesn’t stop here.  Windows can also help you arrange your monitors in any order you would like.  You can also create a panoramic view that stretches across multiple monitors, creating a giant display screen.  This works great for digital signage especially.  Windows is very smart and setting this up is pretty intuitive, so you shouldn’t have many issues getting this working if you are familiar with how Windows operating system operates.

So what kind of computer and video card(s) do you need?  Well it really depends on what type of display you’re going to be setting up.  As you would imagine, the smaller the display, the less hardware you’re going to need and the less performance you will need out of your computer.  It is highly recommended that you consult with a company, such as multi-monitors.com when you are considering a machine.  They’ll be able to customize the specifications of your computer and maximize its performance, which is the key to your success when setting up a multi-screen video wall.  Generally speaking, several gigabytes of memory are suggested, along with a dual core i5 or i7 processor (again, varies based on how many screens you are using.)

Another important consideration to make is what type of graphics cards you will be using.  Most graphics cards these days include 2 outputs.  Graphics cards can vary greatly in price.  High end graphics cards can cost upwards of $600, while some lower performance cards are significantly less pricey, including some that are less than $100.  However, for your custom system, it is is highly likely that the cards you end up choosing will cost between $175 and $300.  This is the sweet spot between performance, quality and cost.  Again, a good way to help determine the best graphics card for your needs is to consult with an expert.

So how much a multi-screen video wall end up costing you?  While this varies depending on size and number of screens, it is probably reasonable to expect to pay more than $2500 for a small system and for some of the larger walls it can cost upwards of $15,000.  While that may sound like a lot, the system will more than pay for itself as your customers (or perspective customers) will likely be blown away with your new video wall.

Despite the costs, more and more business owners are taking a leap of faith and moving away from traditional advertising methods and more towards digital signage.  For business owners that want to wow their customers, nothing sends such a large impression as a beautifully lit custom multi-screen video wall display important information, large graphs and sometimes even interactive designs and styles.  Customers will know that you’ve put forth a large effort and this will make your company appear more valuable than before.  Trust me, the value is there.

I want to tell you a story about how one guy was able to leverage his multi-screen video wall to grow his business and increase his profits.  There was a man who lived in south Florida and ran a small video arcade in a beach front property.  He had been running this arcade for nearly 20 years, but as technology for at home gaming programs increased, his customer base dwindled.  However, because he was on a boardwalk with a considerable amount of tourists, he did manage to keep his business afloat.  His first impression of multiple screen video walls was at a Best Buy just outside of Miami in late 1999.  They were using the video wall to create in store advertisements and promotions.  He loved the idea, but of course at the time this would have been much to expensive for a small business owner to do on his own.  Flash forward to 2009, and the arcade owner now realizes that his customer base has shrunk, but it is nearly all tourists looking for fun things to do, fun places to each and interesting ideas while they are vacationing in south Florida.  He also knows that other businesses are looking for ways to get new customers through the door.  So he creates a plan.  He sets up up a somewhat large video wall display that can be seen by people passing by and in his arcade.  He offers advertisements to other local business at a rate of $5 a day and also promotes specials inside of his own arcade.  By leveraging his multi-screen video wall, he has been able to generate nearly $6000 extra per month in advertisements, help his community and boost his own business.  This was not a complicated tactic to employ and worked remarkably well.  In fact, it worked so well that other businesses in the area started seeking his advice on how to setup a similar system so that they could do something similar.  The beauty of this is that, aside from the initial investment, this is a relatively easy and cheap way to ensure that your customers know what’s going on inside of your business and really within your community as well.

If you are considering setting up a video wall, simply consult with an expert, such as the folks at multi-monitors.com for advice on how to best set up your multi-screen video wall.

Category: General | Tags:
superpc | December 24, 2011
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Day Trading Computer Advantages

If you ask me to compare the advantages and disadvantages of owning a day trading computer versus owning a normal desktop computer or laptop, I’d probably respond by asking you what’s the difference between making money and losing money in the day trading business.  Because when it comes down to it, it really is that simple.  In a business were speed and reliability are probably the two most critical factors, having the machinery to back up your skills and knowledge is absolutely essential.  And to be perfectly honest, if you’re not using a custom system that you bought from a professional, designed to handle the work load, stress and strain that day trading puts on a normal computer, then you are essentially preparing to burn money.  A day trading computer is quite different from a normal store bought computer because of its increased speeds, higher-than-average storage capabilities, and toughness.

Let us face it, day trading requires complicated software that uses up a lot of system resources, such as memory, RAM and processor speeds.    But if you purchased a computer at Best Buy or another retail chain, the fact of the matter is that it wasn’t designed to run this special software.  The RAM and processors are probably subpar.  You’re a day trader, not a secretary and the computers found at these retail chains weren’t designed for you.  In fact, they were designed for average users.  There aren’t even good enough for gamers.  And each time you power on these worthless machines you put your entire trading portfolio at  risk, because you wanted to try and save a few bucks instead of getting a machine that was intended to do the tasks that you put it to do on a daily basis.  Do not suffer a financial collapse.  Get a day trading computer.

Another sharp and very clear advantage of a day trading computer is that they allow you to navigate and trade very quickly.  Lags caused by poor computer performance can cause lags in real time trading stats which could mean that you miss a trade opportunity because you didn’t have all the information you needed to make the trade at the time when it was necessary to make that trade.  Don’t let this happen to you.  Be prepared with a real day trading computer or you might be very sorry.

You should also consider the security and storage aspects of using cheap, worthless computers versus a custom day trading computer.  High speed access to your data is an absolute must and with a real day trading computer you will have access to your data at high speeds and won’t have to worry about losing that data during a blackout or power outage because your system will be equipped with powerful security features that will help keep your data safe.  If you have less than a Terabyte of storage, then the sales clerk at Dell or Best Buy ripped you off and you should drop that hunk of junk and get a real day trading computer now.

A day trading computer will give you visibility which is what’s important.   I don’t know why you would be, but if you’re still trading on a computer with only one monitor then you are not doing what you should be doing.  You don’t really want to have to click around to find the correct window to get the data you need to make the correct trade, do you?  It seems kind of silly to me, but I guess some people don’t understand the idea of efficiency.  Having multiple monitors on your day trading computer will result in an ability to better access the data you need, when you need it because you won’t have to hunt around for data at all.  You’ll be able to find what you need quickly.  Here’s a fact for you to consider, those who are still using only one monitor are doing so out of ignorance.  If you are a day trader with a day trader computer, then you want to have multiple monitors which make doing your job easier and more efficient at any given time of day.

In fact, better than having two monitors (also known as a dual monitor computer system) is having three or even four monitors.  In fact, some people have up to six monitors at a time connected to their computer.  If you have a day trading computer system, you may decide that you want more than that and because day trading computers are custom computers that are designed to maximize your ability to do your job (day trading) better than using a non custom system like one that you might find at a Comp USA or even a Wal-Mart.  Those are the types of systems that you definitely want to avoid at all costs, because those are the types of systems that will, in the long run, because they will cause you more harm than good.  Of course if you are aware of this problem then it is rather easy to avoid because you can purchase a custom day trading computer system that will work perfectly for you what you are trying to do.  Don’t be a sucker and fall for one of these less systems.  You’ll only end up paying more in the long run and regretting your decision to not purchase a day trading computer system.

So the moral of this story is to pay attention to what you are buying and select a computer that is appropriate for what you are trying to accomplish.  When it comes to day trading computers, the quality that you get from going with a professional multiple monitor computer company will increase greatly over what you might find at your local electronics store.  I highly recommend that you consider this before making any rash decisions that in the end may end up costing you money and leaving you dissatisfied with the purchase you make.

Category: General | Tags:
superpc | December 21, 2011
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Dual-Display Monitor

There may not be anything new about using more than one monitor attached to one computer.  In fact many people already use such setups because the modern graphics card can now accommodate two video outputs.  If you’re considering this setup you should know that it can be very convenient when you have extra information, like working with multiple overlapping documents.  This can allow you to track progress as it happens.

While there are many positives, one major disadvantage is the space that extra monitors may take.  You can compensate for this by using special stands that allow you to mount multiple monitors, but this won’t help if you don’t have enough space.  Also, you need to bear in mind that large, low resolution monitors are not the best decision.

Setting up multiple monitors in Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 is rather easy and should only take a minute.  You can do so by going to control panel >Appearance & Personalization>Display>Screen resolution.  Here you detect your recently attached monitors and arrange them in the order that they actually appear on your desk.  This is useful when moving your mouse back and forth between desk tops/monitors.  Note that if they are horizontally stacked, you can tell that they are arranged as such.

Among other things, dual monitor computers are useful for increasing your productivity while working.  Rather than having to switch back and forth between programs you can quickly look at a different screen.  This could be especially useful if you are spinning articles or doing some other type of tedious work.  In fact, I’m using 2 screens as I write this article right now and let me tell you, it makes a BIG difference in productivity.  I’m able to use my dual monitor system to read previously written articles, while spinning and rewriting the content in a completely different window.  It works great.

But it is not only article writers that use multiple monitor computers.  It is day traders, designers and engineers too.  You may think that guys (and gals) with walls of monitors may look kind of silly, but having multiple monitors means a complete view of the markets that traders may be trying to analyze.  Having more than one monitor can allow for multiple charts, order entry screen and maybe a table-based scanner as well.  Running all three of these on one screen means smaller print and more difficult to read.  The result could cost you money if a reading error is made.  When day trading, a split second can mean thousands of dollars (or more.)

So what is better, a dual or triple monitor setup?  Well when you are assembling your multi-monitor computer, it is important to keep these ideas in mind

1)      Make sure whatever graphics card you end up purchasing supports at least 2 monitors.

2)      You must have a good power supply and cooling system for your computer.  You’ll feel like a real idiot if you spend $600 on video cards, only to burn up your whole system because you were trying to save money on a cheap cooling system.

3)      Vertical configurations SUCK!  Seriously, unless you have a specific reason for using a vertical configuration, stick with a horizontal one.  You’ll be much happier in the long run.

4)      You can nearly always upgrade, so unless you’ve tried 2 monitors before and decided that wasn’t enough, consider starting with two monitors and going from there.  Don’t waste your resources on a huge system that you won’t ever end up using if you don’t have to do so.

Another big advantage of having a multiple monitor computer system is computer.  Laptops are small and make watching the markets considerably more difficult.  Having multiple monitors can give you a bigger viewing surface to track markets as they occur, without the crick in your neck.  There’s even a story about a guy who uses a multiple monitor computer system that is mounted to his ceiling above his bed so he can be in bed and trade futures while relaxing.

Asking why multiple monitors are so great is a lot like asking why you would want to watch a movie in 3D IMAX, when you could watch it on your laptop screen.  Seriously, the difference is unbelievable.  I can honestly say that I enjoy using my multiple monitors more than any other feature in my office because it makes work so much easier.

But in all seriousness, when it comes to trading, multiple monitors just make things simpler and easier.  They give you additional time to analyze the market before you make an important trade.  They also give you an additional opportunity to catch things that you might not have seen if you hadn’t had multiple monitors.  They make a big difference and any serious professional trader should use multiple monitors if they want to be the best in the business.

One mistake a lot of newbies make is using a laptop that isn’t sufficient to handle a multiple monitor system.  Granted DualHead2Go is great, but if you machine isn’t powerful enough to make the system work, then  it is pointless to have multiple monitors hooked up the same computer.  You might lose data because your system simply is not strong enough to handle your multiple monitors.  That means that if your current computer is not upgradeable then you should consider getting a computer that is made especially for trading.  There are lots of companies out there that specialize in these types of systems.  My favorite of which is mult-monitors.com .  Of course you can choice from a wide variety of companies that specialize in multi-monitors systems.

To sum up, buying a multiple monitor computer system is beneficial for many different reasons.  The most obvious tend to be efficiency, but comfort is important as well.  Don’t under estimate the power of multiple monitor system as it could make a huge difference for your business.

Category: General | Tags:
superpc | December 19, 2011
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Professional Video Editors Use a Multiple Monitor Setup

If you’ve been editing video more over a decade then you know that 10 years ago it was simply a pipe dream to set up a video editing station with multiple monitors. For those that are unaware of why, here’s why- prices of video cards that we commonly use today for video editing were jus too damn expensive. Not mention the hard drives, RAM and other components of a multiple monitor computer system- they all just

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http://dual-monitors.org/images/2-Dual-LCD-Multiple-Monitor-Display-Array-Stand-Superpc-Dell.JPG

cost too much money. So unless you already had a successful business, you were stuck trying to run resource hogging software on your Best Buy or Wal-Mart PC. While this may have been the best way to edit at the time, it was hardly the best way to edit your videos. Fortunately for you, the video editor, the cost of video editing station multiple monitor computers have come down dramatically, thanks to the decrease in production costs of multiple monitor computers.
Specifically speaking, video editing station multiple monitor computers are now designed to handle the strain of video editing software. While some might say they are still a wee-bit over priced, those of us the industry that rely heavily on video editing as an important component of our business know that having the right tools is absolutely essential to maintaining strong business growth. The fact is now you can buy a new video editing computer for less than what it would have cost you just to upgrade 10 years ago, and the advantage of having multiple monitors on your video editing station is going to be tremendous.
For CPU, most of the guys that I know are using Intel’s i5 and i7 chips as these provide the best processing power for your buck. For example, the Intel Core i5 will give you 3.2 GHz of dual-layer processing power. This is more than enough to provide the boost you need to run just about all of the resource taxing video editing software that the most popular video editors use. This is a great processor and one of the most popular in the industry, but it is an especially popular processor for those in the video editing business. It’s perfect for a video editing station with multiple monitors.
The 2nd most important aspect of your video edit station is going to be the RAM you use. Specifically speaking, you want to have at least 4 GBs of RAM to make sure that everything runs smooth. Often times those that are inexperienced in designing their own computers use computers with less RAM. It’s an unfortunate mistake- while it may save a few dollars up front, you’ll end up regretting just how much power you’ve lost if you choose to go with less RAM.
Of course, when it comes to building a great video editing station with multiple monitors, the video card(s) that you choose to use are going to play a tremendous roll in how well you can use your computer to function. The ATI HD5670 Graphics card that has 3 GB of GDDR5 and fits into a PCI express slot is an excellent choice. Both cost-wise and performance-wise, this is a great computer graphics card and works wonderfully for a video editing station with multiple monitors.
If you’re wondering where you can buy a computer like this prebuilt, there’s a website called multi-monitors.com that has all of these components at really reasonable prices. Moreover, their staff has been building multiple monitor Super-PCs for almost a decade and can help you design the perfect system for whatever your needs may be.

Category: Multiple Monitors | Tags: , ,
superpc | December 18, 2011
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Samsung SCB-4000 1/2" High Resolution XDR Camera

The Samsung SCB-4000 ½ inch high resolution XDR camera is a high resolution day and night time camera.  It has an A1 chip set and also a ½ inch Ex-View HAD CCD sensor.  So what does that mean?  Well essentially, even in very minimal light (as low as 0.1 lux, which trust me is very low) you still get a resolution of up to 600TVL (which trust me again, is very good.)

This camera uses a technology called extended dynamic range and which allows the SCB-4000 to deliver ultra sharp and high resolution images, clearly visible, even in the lowest of light.  It also uses dynamic noise reduction (the image type, not the audio type) which 3D and 2D filter corrects images.  This fixing any blurring that might occur.

Another advantage is the backlight compensation of the camera which adjusts automatically to get the absolute best exposure when the object of focus is in front of a bright light.  As you can imagine this has advantages for day time security captures as well as night.

And on top of these features, Digital Image Stabilization offers steady pictures by adjusted when needed to compensate for movement caused by external stimuli.  Picture in Picture is also available (sometimes referred to as PIP) and this allow you to display to images simultaneously.

As you can see the Samsung SCB-4000 has some pretty awesome advantages and is a fine camera to use for both indoors and (covered) outdoors protection.  It will provide you with an ultra sharp view of the events occurring in and around your property.  I can say from personal experience that this is an absolutely fine camera to use for general security.  And as Ferris Bueller would say, “If you have the means I do suggest you acquire one.”  Or in this case, you might want to acquire several.

 

 

Category: General | Tags:
superpc | December 17, 2011
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Three Screen Monitor

Most people that see my three screen monitor get really excited, but very few of them understand how it is set up or why I use three screens.  In this article I am going to discuss how I setup my three screen monitor and how you can do the same thing.  I am also going to discuss some of the advantages to using an extra monitor, as opposed to having just a single monitor computer.

In my home and office, I always place a huge emphasis on time and productivity.  I don’t like to waste time, because as they say, time really is money.  One of the ways that I’ve found to both save money and time is to use a multiple monitor setup.  In my situation, I use a three screen monitor.  It tends to work perfectly for what I need.  One monitor is used for my word processor, one for the internet and one for email and social media.  The reason I like this setup is because I don’t have to switch back and forth between programs and tiles at the bottom of my screen.  I can simply glance over at each window as needed.  This saves me a ton of time and results in a more productive work day.

If you have been considering upgrading to a three screen monitor, all I can do is suggest that the longer you wait, the more you will have regretted waiting when you do eventually make the leap.  I am certainly not the only person in the PC word that uses a multiple monitor setup, but I can tell you from firsthand experience that having a three screen monitor has been a huge benefit both professionally and personally.

Category: Multiple Monitors | Tags:
superpc | December 15, 2011
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PNY Quadro 6000 6GB GDDR5 Fermi Workstation Card, PCI-Express 2.0 (x16), Dual-Link DVI, Dual DisplayPort, Stereo, DirectX 11

The PNY Quadro 6000 is a 6 GB GDDR Fermi Workstation card using PCI Express 2.0 (x16).  It provides dual-link DVI display port and works well with Directx 11 programs and games.  To put it firmly, this is one robust multi-gpu solution and worth every penny.

 

So what makes this card so special?  The PNY Quadro 6000 offers 6 GB of GDDR5 graphics memory and a powerful 448 nVIDIA CUDA parallel processing core.  But making this al the more powerful is that fact that it is built on the remarkable Fermi architecture.   The PNY Quadro  6000 offers double precision to ensure accuracy fidelity to your work.  And because it is designed to run programs that are intensive like ray tracing, you know that it will hold up to any test you put it too. Oh and did I meantion it supports DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.1?  Sound too good to be true?

 

Well you should, however, be aware that this is not a cheap solution.  In fact, it is quite an expensive and robust solution and shouldn’t be considered unless you are ready to budget high for you graphics card.  It is also not available everywhere, and you may end up having to special order, which could delay your build.  But if you don’t mind those two caveats, then the PNY Quadro 6000 6 GB GDDR5 Fermi Workstation Card might just be the perfect choice for you.

Category: General | Tags: , , , , ,
superpc | December 14, 2011
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Security in Casinos: It’s as High-Tech as It Gets With Video Walls Galore

They use some of the most advanced security tactics in the world, including some of the most highly trained individuals in existence.  But it isn’t at your local airport and it isn’t your military.  In fact, this security has far less to do with safety, but their reason is highly motivated- they are the security force that looks after casino floors, and they are very good at what they do.  The security agents for casinos know literally every trick in the book.  In fact, casinos often employ former cheats to help detect cheating.  That’s why they know that if they are going to beat cheating they need to have some of the most advanced tools in the world.  Casino security rooms often look like something NASA would be using, not a part of the entertainment industry.   Over the years they have developed some extremely advanced tactics for catching cheating and it takes a highly trained staff to do so, but the real star of the anti-cheating show is the video wall that allows high definition images to be transmitted into the security room.  Below I’m going to post some of my favorite security rooms in the casino industry and talk about how they utilize multiple monitors to make their job possible.

Believe it or not, this is an older image from a casino in Copenhagen.  They are using about 5 different monitors, each able to monitor multiple tables at once.  They are also using software that will allow the security engineer to call up any particular table, and more importantly different players at different tables and monitor their actions.

Before the days of computer technology though, security analysts would use a wall of CRT monitors.  Even then they were able to deter and catch a reasonable amount of cheating through close monitoring of casino floors.  This image was from a PBS documentary called Spying on the Home Front that discussed in detail the use of civilian monitoring, particularly in casinos.
Gran Casino uses a technology known as NUUO to help monitor their casino.  One of the areas that they have to watch the closest is actually employee cheating and theft.  They carefully monitor the interaction of casino players with the actions of casino workers too.  It’s amazing how this technology can actually recognize unusual events at the game table and alert casino owners on the fly.  It even has the ability to monitor both large crowds for strange behavior and more importantly it can monitor large cash transactions.

This picture comes from inside a large and well-known Las Vegas casino where they monitor the activities of their guests very closely.  Because of the size of this casino they have rather large (especially in comparison with some of the other casinos) staff that monitors these video walls very closely.  They use a large video wall and each security guard is given an area to monitor.  Most of the security staff has been highly trained and knows exactly what anomalies to look for when they are scanning the casino crowd.

Here’s a shot of the surveillance room at the popular M Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Agents here monitor one large wall looking for strange behavior, but can quickly zoom in on a given player or table at their station where they have multiple high definition monitors setup to help pick out oddities in player action.  The M Resort has a group of men that are working around the clock at any given time.  They are experts in their field!

At London’s West End, the Empire casino can be seen from 3 blocks away with its bright lights that call out to passers-by, inviting to them to come play.  But if you aren’t on the up-and-up you’d better be aware, their security team doesn’t take cheating lightly and chances are they will catch you if you try to cheat.  They use advanced video wall technology, such as video walls and screen splitting and pinning security.  This is precisely how they were able to catch a group of cheat back in 2009.  The message is clear: the technology to catch you is stronger than any cheating skill that you may have acquired, so don’t try it, you will be caught.

At Treasure Island in Las Vegas, you can watch shows, drink drinks and play games, but you’d better not cheat.  This is their newly upgraded security matrix, which includes some of the top of the line technology.  They are serious about beating cheaters, so don’t do it.  Teams of 2 monitor a large video wall that’s comprised of multiple monitors.  At any given time, security staff can call up a particular window on to a large monitor and analyze game play (or cheating) more closely.  High definition cameras and monitors mean that security personal isn’t just looking at blurred images like they might have in the old days.  They can call up razor sharp images in real time to help detect would be cheats.

Here’s another image of a security pro watching players.  He refers to his job as a Las Vegas security expert as “watching people professionally” and he’s very good at what he does, and thanks to his video wall and high definition monitoring equipment, he’s even better at it.  Interestingly enough, in a interview with one of the best in the business, he says that most the of the time these days employees are to blame for mistakes, usually just because they aren’t paying attention.  It has become increasingly difficult to cheat in Vegas thanks to a few tricks, like not using full decks for blackjack, etc.  But undoubtedly he tells some funny stories about the patrons as well; saying that the most money he’s ever seen anyone lose in one hand was $25,000 and a lot of other interesting stories.

Regardless of the state or even the country that the hotel is located in, you’ll find high tech, multiple monitor video walls in nearly every security room.  With specialized training and advanced software, the days of cheating a casino are long gone.  While casino cheats may hate this, the casino owners love multiple monitor technology and the additional security that it provides.  In the end, the advantage is also given to players, as the revenue saved from cheaters is passed on to consumers in the form of comps and other hotel perks.  Multiple monitor technology and in particular video wall technology have made casinos a safer and more fun place for everyone.

Category: Multiple Monitors | Tags: , ,
superpc | December 12, 2011
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Matrox DualHead2Go | Dual Monitor Adapter

Matrox DualHead2Go | Dual Monitor Adapter

Several months ago, I found myself in a somewhat interesting predicament.  I upgraded from a desktop that I had been using for quite some time, to one of those a supped up laptop that I could take when I travel.  The reason why I chose to do this was because I got tired of having both a cheap laptop and a desktop and having to split files among the two whenever I travelled.  The easiest solution was to buy a better laptop to use for my main computer.

 

However, it wasn’t long after I setup my laptop that I realized how much I missed having three monitors.  Sure, you can setup an extra monitor with your laptop, but when you are use to having three monitors, two just won’t cut it.  Now I have to say, because of my job in the financial industry I happen to know quite a few people with similar setups to mine and one of those friends suggested that I try the Matrox Dualhead2Go.  This is an adapter that allows you to hook up an additional 2 monitors to your laptop.  As it turns out this was precisely the solution I was looking for when I started searching for a solution.

 

So how did I set it up?  I’m going to go through the details and hopefully save you some trouble shooting steps.  Currently I’m using a Sony Vaio with a 17 inch screen.  I have two Acer monitors which have a screen resolution of 1440×900.  The VGA out on my Sony Vaio connects to the Matrox Dual Head2Go, and then I connect each of the monitors to the DualHead2Go.  The next step is fairly common sense.  You must go into your windows display settings and identify your additional monitors.  You can also arrange them in the display settings box, so that they appear in the same arrangement that they do in real life.  This makes passing the mouse back and forth between you multiple monitors much easier.

 

Matrox Powerdesk SE is a program that comes with your DualHead2Go adapter that helps determine the resolution of your monitors.  Because I was using all the same types of monitors this was not necessary for me.  But not everyone uses the same type of monitors, so it might be necessary for you.  For example, if you used one monitor that was 1440×900 and one that was 2800×900, you want to make sure you have you settings optimized so that that resolution is the highest quality on both of the monitors which you have chosen to use.

 

A lot of people are concerned about a lag in performance, but I have to tell you, it simply works great for me.  I’ve had no major issues thus far and I don’t foresee any in the near future either.  Sometimes it works so well that I don’t even remember it is there.  And I have to say, my VAIO’s GeForce  8400M GS graphics card seems to  be holding up pretty damn well.  I haven’t noticed any lagging at all.  This is great, because I would hate to have to spend more money on this system than I have to.  The only problem I have had at all is if I disconnect my laptop to go into another room and then try to reconnect.  Not always, but sometimes this results in having to re-hook up the cables to the Matrox DualHead2Go a few times before both monitors finally wake up.  I consider this a rather small price to pay for all the convenience of having three monitors.

 

If you can afford to do so, I highly recommend picking one of these bad boys up, as I’m quite certain that you will not be disappointed at all.  It has been a true blessing for me and I’m honestly not really sure how I would actually get along without it.  It saved the day when I thought that I was going to have to suffer without an extra monitor, which I have become extremely accustomed to having.

 

I hope this review has been helpful and you can now make an informed intelligent decision about your purchase.

 

 

Category: Multiple Monitors | Tags:
superpc | December 9, 2011
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Planar SD1710 | 17inch LCD SXGA Stereoscopic / 3D Monitor System

The Planar SD1710 17 inch LCD SXGA Stereoscopic 3D Monitor system is the perfect solution for those looking for a 3D monitor system with quality.  And compared to its cousin, the 26 inch SD2620W, the price is quite reasonable as well.  It brags of having two AMLCD 17 inch SXGA 1280×1024 monitors that boast a 5 ms response time.  This is the type of stereo image quality that professionals demand and deserve.

And since it uses existing stereo modes in Windows, DirectX or Open GL, it is simple to work into you system.  According the folks at Planar, the SD1710 is a workhorse, featuring both analog and digital inputs.  The end result is pure digital imagery and a magnificent display.

Additionally, the quad stand offers swivel, tilt and pivot adjustments which mean less neck and eyestrain because you can adjust the absolute perfect and quality without so much as having to twist around move.  This is key for those long projects that become strenuous and painful.  Well no more because the Planar SD1710 corrects many of these issues simply with these feature.

If you are in the market for a solid 3D monitor system, then the Planar SD1710 17 inch LCD SXGA Stereoscopic 3D monitor system is a solid choice for any professional.  It will serve you well and you muscle through those 3D charts and designs to finish your upcoming projects!

Category: Multiple Monitors | Tags:
superpc | December 6, 2011
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Mozart IP Multi-Media Center

If you are not using the Mozart IP Multi-Media Center in your home then you are not experiencing multimedia the way that it is meant to be experienced.  Having a media center such as the Mozart IP has several key advantages.  It provides an easy way to access your on-the-go music, movies, pictures and more by allowing in station iPod docking.  And not only is the iPod docking station built in, but you’ll also notice that there is an integrated iPod remote support as well.   You’ll also be impressed with its HTPC functionality.

You’ll also love the sleek design with its ultra modern look that will fight right in with whatever theme your living room or den has.  You won’t be disappointed by the fine design.  In fact, you could say that they look nothing like a traditional PC.  You won’t have to deal with clunky boxes and flashing lights that look completely out of place in your living room.  Seriously, no one wants that, as it is impossible to fit into an ultra modern design.  The Mozart iP really is the pioneer of iPod docking with chassis.

Furthermore, there are multiple colors and styles available, including Titanium silver and Metallic Black- these both blend incredibly well, depending on your personal tastes.

If you are looking for a solid media center for your home, the Mozart iP is the way to go.  You will not be disappointed.

Category: Multiple Monitors | Tags:
superpc | December 3, 2011
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nVidia GeForce 8600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Ex16 (Dual DVI, SLI & HD)

Who’s buying this card and why?  NVidia actually released the nVidia GeForce 8600GT as a replacement for the older (and quite popular) nVidia GeForce 7600.  With the upgrade users were supposed to get a much higher quality performance, as well as DirectX 10 support.  This made the nVidei GeForce 8600 GT a popular replacement choice for gamers.  And in the reality, this card did manage to do both of these things as promised.  For gamers with a budget especially, this was a dream come true.

The problem, however, is that the Direct X 10 isn’t living up to its hype.  In fact, you’re unable to run Direct X at a frame rate above 1280×1024.  GeForce 8600 GT even had trouble delivering graphic intense DirectX 9.

However, let’s move on to the positive points with the nVidia GeForce 8600GT.  The texture fill rate was increased by 28.6 percent, while memory bandwidth remained the same at 22.4 GB/s.  The result is between 17-30 percent improvements over its predecessor.   And if you don’t mind running direct 9 applications and games and running them at lower resolutions like 1024×768, then this might be the absolute perfect card for you.

Overall, the nVidia GeForce 8600GT is a middle of the road quality card.  It didn’t have the performance improvements over its predecessor that we’d hoped for, but for less graphic intense applications, it still gets the job done and deserves a look when you are in the market for a new graphics card.

Category: Multiple Monitors | Tags: ,