Triple Wide Video - How To:

We have been running three video screens wide at Lifepoint for a couple of months now. We recently completed our entire hardware needs to be able to transform the screens into one triple-wide video signal.

this has really allowed us to open a ton of new doors creatively with what we can do with our video capability. we can manipulate the videos/still images to be one continuous image or three different images. Basically it allows us to present 1-3 video images simultaneously from one presentation source. 

Here is a triple wide example that stretches across all three screens (message slide for OTR series):

Here is an example with "2" feeds. They get broken out per screen (LC 411 video announcements):

Here is an example with "3" separate feeds (Video Bumper for Intersection Series):

Here is how we make it happen on Sunday mornings in a portable setting:

17" MacBook Pro running Pro running ProPresenter with the Advanced Module. This allows us to present a triple wide video signal. 

We run the Apple mini-display port to Dual Link-DVI adapter. 

DVI into Matrox Triple Head to Go Digital. This allows us to break the triple-wide signal into three separate feeds for our projectors.

Each projector only received 1/3 of the signal running at 720X480 resolution.

The outputs get a DVI-VGA adapter for each signal and a 150 foot VGA cable to run to backstage.

Video feeds get color coded so that the other end knows which to plug into each projector.

Backstage. The 3, 150' VGA cables get amped with an inexpensive VGA amp that will eventually allow us to upgrade to HD video signals. 

From here, each amp gets a 50' VGA run to each projector! 

Some pics from Sunday using this technology (Opening Sunday in our Radical Series):

Ill save the explanation of this lighting technique for another post!

So there is the hardware how to. Now for the software how to:

Still Graphics for Message Slides:

We run three SD video feeds pumping standard 720X480. As I create the graphics I make one file at 2160 X 480 (triple-wide). I simply place guide lines at the 720 and 1440 mark so I know where the projectors will get split. 

Another graphic triple-wide:

Video Graphics:

Same split out. 2160 X 480. Videos can be created triple-wide or broken out by screen. I do all CG animations in Adobe After Effects. 

Triple Wide:

Screen Breakouts:

Here is our final Intersection Triple-Wide Bumper.

Special Thanks to our video team Sheldon for making this happen each week!

Enjoy!

Comments

[David Gregory]

You have to update this post with the super kewl box that Sheldon made for the VGA boosters.