I bought a uni-body back when they first came out. I ran around in circles trying to get an analog out solution and could never get one. The problem is that the video out on those laptops is digital. Technically, the only way to get video out is through a digital-analog converter. I believe they run in the several hundred dollar range. Call someone who really knows video. They'll explain it better. If you want, try calling "Melrose Mac" in Los Angeles, CA. They're very helpful with this issue.

(Not sure it they've come up with a solution but the only one I ended up with was trading the laptop in for the older version).

Good luck!

Jon Brown

Get a vga to s-video converter. Already discussed in this thread:
www.scratchlive.net

I am using this one and it works great!!
www.avermedia-usa.com

Dj Pimp are you positive your solutions works for Svideo in the newest Macbook Pro version?? I ask because i have gone to the store and bought two different vga to svideo converters and i cant get either to work. I bought this one shop4.frys.com and i could not get it to work. I also tried this cable www.amazon.com which did not work. Im trying not to spend over 100 bucks on something I wont use very often but i may need at one point. Your solution is pretty affordable.

I just dont want to buy it and have to return it, dealing with shipping etc. The only place i have booked to spin videos so far uses HDMI so i had it covered last night with a dvi to hdmi cable. I tried the apple store and they are absolutely no help at all. They basically told me im just out of luck and its not possible....

Man works like a champ. Stop worrying, go get it :)

Well now i just found this thread and just want to help all who don't need to spend a bunch of money purchasing cables from apple... the new (mini display port) as they call them in the latest versions of the unibody macs, has eliminated the anolog output and gone completely digital. so ur only option at this point is the (mini display to vga adapter) and some sort of converter or multiport scaler that converts the digital signal back to an analog (composite, rgb, or svid) signal... Dont bother with the other connections as the analog pins are ommitted from the dvi and blocked (filled in). You can spend 40-300 dollars on a converter but that is the option for any type of analog signal at this time...

I learned the hard way i now own several useless cords and adapters learning this through the school of hard knocks!!!

m&m

i was told the same thing at the apple store. this is why i've hesitated buying the quickplay cable. sooner or later they will come out with a cable(i hope).

LOL well its on its way but i bought it from amazon since it was cheaper on price and shipping :). Plus its fairly easy to return if this doesnt work for svideo the way i need it to. Thank for the comforting words :)

let me know if it works. i have the same issue.

If you just plug the model name in google you can find it less expensive at many places and you may even find it at a local retail outlet ;-)

If you just plug the model name in google you can find it less expensive at many places and you may even find it at a local retail outlet ;-)

and this works with the Macbook Pro (unibody) mini-display port?
which is dif then the first gen MBP
because I dont see that specified anyplace

Thats the one Dj Pimp says he is using it with, and thats the one i am going to use it with. I receive it on fri so i will post back to let you know if and how well it works.

It does work... the brand new macbook pros dropped the "mini dvi port" for the "MIni Display Port" you will need to convert digital signal to back to analog in order to use s-vid or composite out on this latest port... you can buy the simple one for as low as $39 - or the spendy scalers $200 & Up for more output options... Many of the clubs and restaurants built even in the last few years are still composite or s-video switchers. Since the High Def buzz work came out many club owners still tweak when they see the price tag on High def video switcher..

M&M

Reporting back yes it works great, i tried svideo and rca video last night and both work great. Now i just ran into a few other mac problems though lol i will post another thread for that.

chelu - i'm assuming it uses the usb port for power? wondering if it can be powered just by plugging it into a powered usb hub or usb-to-wall-adapter.

i just bought a mac, and i have the dvi port(i assume) is there a link that someone can provide on where to buy the right conversion cables?
i have a vga to s-video or rca converter, i spent 40 bucks(simple vga converter)

Im actually going to try this method since as i stated in my other post i need more usb ports and it seems as though serato does not run well from a hub.

so I have read all the above and more but no one has answered this question:

Can people using the new mac book pro (with mini display port out) use the display port to VGA adapter (made by apple) and then use a vga to s-video/rca adapter(made by 3rd party)? This would save everyone here a ton of $ since the vga to s-video/RCA is only a couple bucks (1.48 to be exact on amazon)

NOTE: all vga to s-video/RCA adapters (not converters) made by a 3rd party require a TV-out single. Does apple support this in any way for this to work? apple and Nvidia who supplies the graphics card have not been able to supply an answer!

Thanks in advance

www.aver.com

That adapter does not work i have tried them. you need something to convert the digital signal.

i thought you tried the quickplay and it worked? didn't you post that somewhere else?

yea the quickplay works perfect, he is talking about "This would save everyone here a ton of $ since the vga to s-video/RCA is only a couple bucks (1.48 to be exact on amazon)" this adapter is just an unpowered cable and it does not work :). Wish it did since its less then 2 bucks.....

I bought this and it works perfect.
Has all the hookups a club would ever have,
composite,
component,
s video,

oops here is the link
microcenter.com

just got the quickplay as well. worked great on the new unibody mbp's. for the price($68) i think it's a good solution for those who don't want to use vga.

so from my understanding once you have the "Quickplay" you just plug and play! Correct? or do I need to have an estra cable to go with the whole device such as a VGA cable or DVI or anything like wise

I have the new mac pro with the DVI and usb outputs no VGA!!


Thanks guys hope Apple comes out with the solution soon and dont have us going to third party for something they should have taken care off!!

yes just plug it in and go, just remember that with this and serato both usb ports are taken so you might need to get a usb hub. I bought a dynex one from best buy that works great.

remember that when using quick play you need to hook the "mini display" and the usb cable for it to work. which leaves you with one usb port for serato. you'll be fine if you use firewire.

So is that better than the quickplay? It supports higher resolution.

mine works flawless.. good quality

microcenter.com

Yep, mine works very well also.

for those who have the new unibody mac, i just got this and it works. good price too.

www.monoprice.com

Good find man :P

i don't want to take credit for the find. another member put me on to this. it was on back order for a long time. i just got one today. the price is great. it's good to have options.

using HDMI do you see a notable difference in image size and/or picture quality?

LVMEZ,

I got that one as well. It works great if your connecting directly to a HDMI projector or tv. But (for instance), what do u do if a club has 2 projectors, one having a HDMI input, the other VGA or composite...and 6 older TVs with composite in only?

Could I just use that MDP to HDMI to a scaler box with several different outputs? And if so, what would be a good scaler box (saying I only need one input (HDMI) and a variety of outputs (S Video, Composite, DVI, HDMI, VGA, etc).

Thanks!

ok i am leaning towards the quick play just have one more question, i take it that you run (i have the unibody mac) the mini display port (NOT the OLD ONE) to vga adapter - to the quick play (along with the usb port for power?) man that really converts the signal?????? I have to say I dropped a 250 cash bomb on a convertor box that dont read the mac signal to convert hdmi to component. mini display to hdmi works great but the club dont have it now I look dumb, so im so beat up and looking for the real deal, and this seems to simple? this little piece(quickplay) converts a digital signal to analog no joke? please let me know guys thanks so much.

and chelu you said you had additional probs, was it a result of this quickplay adapter? can you send the link for the other issues?

sorry man, i haven't tried it out on multiple screens. i'm sure you can get a box that connects multiple hdmi cables.

get quickplay. for the money, you can't beat it. i was at the apple store and informed the tech about it. he couldn't believe how cheap it was.

www.amazon.com

Yea I ordered mine today...So the Quickplay uses the usb for power? The new MBP's only have 3 usb ports, so now I need to buy a HUB...anyone have 1 they prefer?

and thanks luvmez

the Belkin hubs seem to be the best. I have one and it works great, I run my Nanopad, Pio 800 midi out, a usb light and charge my my iphone all through it and Serato still runs great

@Ivmez

I use the quickplay at my residency for MGM and it works great as component...

ha sounds like me

I ordered one of those for 17 bux...thanks guys

Only "problem" i had with the quick play was not having enough usb ports. Just bought a hub and it worked perfectly.

I had a 500gb external full of single mp3s hooked up to that belkin hub tonight, and had zero issues. Thanks guys

what would work better a usb hub or a usb express card for quickplay?

I think a usb hub that is powered by an external p/s this way it uses less computer resources to run

i saw one of ur post here u said have a Belkin hub. which model do u have?

It was the 4 port black one. I believe it was f5u701 or 501. Something along those lines. It was flat, black, and included a separate power supply

thanks

here is the exact one www.amazon.com

thanks again i just ordered one

Nice, No problem

Don't buy that. It doesn't work. I have one. You need a digital converter to analog converter. I bought this one. I will test it and let ya'll know.

www.grandtec.com

This is how i found out about it:

www.tuaw.com

The Quicktime adapter works great...you can even set brightness, contrast, crop...etc.

i got that one poproxx works well

excellent! i get thursday and crazily i have to use it thursday! hahaha. so my test will be at the club *fingers crossed*

thanks for the input henry. makes me feel good about my purchase. i just got the new MBP and i was like holy $#iT how do i do s-video. lol!

i actually got it for my pc....

your pc doesn't have s-vid? all my pc lappys have s-vid and vga.

nope.. only vga.

PopRoxxx, Does the Grandtec box work for a VGA output.

Thanks
S

yes, vga out of the computer into the grantec box

Meaning VGA out to a projector,

thanks
S

niros, get the quickplay. it also gives you component which you would use if you spin at crimson

i think i might be sellign that one i was just talking bout, i got me a mac... and really dont use the pc for music video, just the audio gigs...

Yes, I believe it has a passthrough for vga, but if you are using vga, You can just go right from the mac (mini to vga) into the projector, you wouldn't need the Grandtec box unless u need to do composite or s-video

Yes Niro, the GrandTec box works off of the VGA output. The box takes the VGA output and gives Component Video / S-Video / and an extra VGA so you can setup your own external monitor. Pretty sweet huh? And the box is very small, I put it in my turntable case underneath my turntable.

found this on apple's discussion about the video adapter for the Unibody

discussions.apple.com

apparently this is the only good solution so far that works with different resolutions

www.amazon.com

For those of you in Australia:

www.citysoftware.com.au

This one is better in terms of resolution than the AVerMedia one (up to 1280 x 1024, 60Hz)

I'm thinking of picking up a macbook....

Is this video connection issue big enough to recommend going for the older model macbooks rather than the newer ones?

not anymore. get the the new unibody.

So which one do we pick up? The quickplay, grandtec etc? I've been reading people thinking they have issues with the quickplay.

or this www.amazon.com

i have the quickplay and haven't any issues but i'm looking into picking the one that lrock listed as well. it's better going to a gig with options.

The quickplay didn't work for me - output flickers - doesn't look good. For those of you that are using it - what resolution are you using? What connection are you using?

I set have my output to 640 x 480.

Ordered the grandtec since the quickplay wasn't cutting it. Works pretty good. Every once and awhile there will be a really slow redraw on the output.

I'm interested in getting something with better quality, someone mentioned they were using this:

www.kramerelectronics.com

I have no issues with the quickplay. The flickering you are talking about is not from the quickplay but (from what Warik told me) is the frequency of the output window (secondary display). One place works great @ 50 htz while another place will only work with 60htz (LCDs). You should check that out.

this is so annoying lol. I still havent used my new MBP yet because of all the confusion.

nothing to be confused about. just get all the cables. better to be prepared for all obstacles.

yeah i'll just get one of each.

i bought the mini display to hdmi, mini display to dvi, mini display to vga. i bought the quickplay (for s video and composite). Thats all you will ever need

well said. there will be obstacles when going from club to club.

Ok what about from the new macbook to s-video? That's the connection I'm trying to find.... =/

same thing K. get the mini display to vga from apple. then get either the quickplay cable to s-video or a converter box.

Where's the link to the quickplay Lou?

www.avermedia-usa.com

Now where's the s-video link on that one Lou?

it's the black plug K

And it will let me plug into a tv? Are there any other options besides this one?

yes, it does Composite Video, S-Video, and Component

$69 the cheapest you guys seen Bri & Lou?

this is one thats a little cheaper www.grandtec.com

Just got the Avermedia joint on amazon... 2-day shipping should have me rocking my tv this weekend...

Nice!

i bought it on amazon as well. i'm thinking about getting the grandtec as well as a backup.

Guys
I have a MBP unibody, 15 inch 2.4.
Does any know if the the grandtec model will work well rigged up to a S video projector.
Also is it possible to then have a third out put from this convertor to VGA to another Projector?
Your help is much appreciated as I really need a solution before playing at this club.
Cheers

It should work fine, it is the one i use on the 13" Unibody and it works great, I doubt there will be issues on the 15" mbp

This thing didn't work... WTF?

did you plug in the usb?

yes the grandtec does have an extra VGA output on it. so you can run S-Video & VGA simultaneously. when at my s-video gigs i always use it for my own extra monitor that i view the VSL output window on. as for the projector question ... it should work fine if it takes s-video

I cant use the usb cause I need one for the HD and the other for ssl... I did try it but it didn't work... I used the mini dv to vga into the aver connector.... =/

sounds like you did it correctly. the usb is needed for power for quickplay. not sure what the problem is.

on this new macbook, there are only 2 usb ports though Lou... I need a usb hub dude...

Oh and no firewire on the macbook either =/

Just buy a small powered hub, you can use that as a stand alone power source for the video converter, you wouldnt even need to plug the hub or the usb power for the video into the laptop

Yeah I had to get a powered hub... Now to get the resolution right, lol...

It is funny that we get the newest macbooks and we are on "cutting edge" technology with Serato VSL, yet we are held back by the quality of a crappy s-video cable!

I upgraded my portable set up to VGA and it is 1000Xs better than svideo. It only cost me $70 for all the VGA cables and the dist amp splitter! Only problem is the nightclub I spin at only has Svideo so I get to see the quality difference when I set up my equipment vs the clubs stuff and its just sad.

Just got this last week and it works.

www.radioshack.com

Or you can be a douche like me and own one of these www.extron.com if you have $5400.00 and have true broadcast quality video. LOL

but I'm sure some of the affordable solutions are just fine

www.amazon.com

I just bought this converter and works great on my flat panel Sony 32" with Video SL and SL3 box, you can switch between NTSC and Pal so if u a international dj works for u, and also has the power adapter that does 100V-240 with the interchangeable ends on the adapter...supports multiple resolutions up to 1600 x 1200 also has a over scan and under scan feature. Power on/off on the box.

so now is that one better because it outputs higher resolution?

Kenance, how is the output quality on your converter you just bought.

Thanks
Niros

Alright this will probably be removed, but wanted to give one of you guys a deal. Selling the quick play converter for $55. PM me if any one of you guys want it.

Sorry PM's.

the video converter is great, you can take it anywhere and it will work did a few gigs this past weekend works great for music video mixing with Video SL 1.1 and SL 3

PS---> SL 3 with VSL 1.1 is THE BOMB now the MP4s and MP3s have soo much volume gain on them its retarded what kind of levels u can get. :-)

retarded levels is what i live for!

how much gain is retarded?

Its definitly a noticable difference between sl1 and sl3. nice phat bottom..mmm

i really live for phat bottoms!!!

Man, Im telling you...I spun a club in Evansville, Indiana called Oxygen a few years ago, and the bass was so loud, while I was spinning my eyeballs were bouncing, then one year at WMC, me and Joey B went to see Gabriel and Dresden. Junkie XL and a few others at Crobar...Junkie XL started his set with a sine sweep that almost made me and most of the other people puke. SL3 = :)

Kanance- That StarTec converter...their website says "allows you to convert a VGA/PC video signal into a Composite or S-Video signal for use with a CRT or flat panel display."

Will it only work with CRT or flat panel display or will it work with any composite hookup?

Thanks!

JB

DJ Jonathan,

It works for any composite hookup CRT or FLat panel.... I've noticed that the SL 3 has about a 20% gain on volume for those who were wondering...and encoding video at 48K and 160bit rate makes a difference on the audio!

Kanance- I'm sorry if my original question wasn't clear.

My scenario is that I've been VJing in a spot in Los Angeles that has a "video switcher box" with a composite plug for me to hook into. Then this box is the main feed to rest of the clubs video feeds including projectors, flat panels and such. Do you believe the Startec will work for me in this situation.

(I was using an older macbook pro that supported analog so everythings been cool but it's crapped out last week and Apple replaced with a new unibody...just fyi )

Thanks for your time!

JB

DJ Jonathan,

I will be testing out the converter this friday with the club's feed going through a edirol controller then to a video DA to projectors and LCDs...I will let you know if there is any problems but i highly doubt there will be any problems should work smoothly.

Hey DJ Jonathan,

Used the converter for 7 hrs straight no problems worked great cool man hope that helps.

Whats the final verdict? Best quality for the buck but need top quality! I got the newest Macbook Pro (17" 2.8 unibody) recently and need to figure this out soon (as in today).

I always have had good experiences with Startec - www.amazon.com

or

E-book - www.amazon.com

or

Quickplay - www.avermedia-usa.com

Anyone try them all or find a product that I have missed in the thread somewhere?

Waddup Charlie, I'm not sure about the E-book, but have heard not so good reviews about it. The one Kenance recommended is doo doo (Sorry Kenance)

For the money the quickplay is the best bet, I use it for my backup. Just set the brightness to the low setting, than it won't look washed out.

The one I currently use right now is the Kramer vl 501xl, color is vibrant and picture quality is clean. I would say it is better than the converters in the older macbook pros. It has S-video and bnc outs instead of an rca composite out, but you can get an adapter for $1.

Thanks Niros. This one right? www.fullcompass.com. Damn homey $400...I could get the club to get one if needed but need one for my bag. You ever try the Startech one? Thats what I am leaning to. www.startech.com

It's worth it, I'm not sure how many clubs, unless they're new are switching to an all digital system. 70% of the clubs I play at are either s-video or rca composite.

The startech one is the worst one I've tried. On a ten scale.

kramer = 9
quickplay = 7
startech = 4

I found one on Amazon for 320 www.amazon.com

So how are you going from the mini display port to this? Are you using something like this? store.apple.com

this has become so complicated. i'm still not using my unibody yet.

niro do you havea link to the one ur using? my only bitch about the quickplay is the whiteness/brightness of the output.

i've also used the quickplay and have had no problems with it. i've also used the hdmi cable from monoprice and it worked great.

Charlie posted it a few post, it's the Kramer VP 501xl, you should be able to get it from B&H for $299.

With the quickplay I usually have it on the dimmest setting, so it doesn't look washed out.

fthe kramer VP works awesome thanks for the review niro

Niro,

Does it mimic the the input for the output? In terms of screen size that is.

It mimics as long as you start it with a full screen video and push the auto image. Sometimes, if you play other sized videos for a considerable amount of time, it will rescale itself. This has only happened to me a few times. but it resized itself after a full screen video was played again.

Overall the best video converter out there right now, unless you move into the really really expensive range.

I actually have a nice Extron VSC 50 that I am going to start testing later this week ( www.extron.com )

I need to throw it on a few HD screens (plasma and LCD and a projector or 2 just to see what it looks like. It will be interesting.

I also bought an extron scan converter after dealing with two crappier quality units. one was a startech and the other i don't recall. the extron costs a lot but at least no headache..

www.extron.com

at Kedar...does the extron unit automatically scale the image to fill a hd display?

i believe this will depend on what process you're running after the extron unit (matrix, distribution amplifiers, etc)

what do you mean by hd display? just a 1080 plasma or something?

yup

lcd or plasma...etc

No problem its not the best but for under $100 bucks it works

The Extron will either scale to the size of the monitor or scale to the largest size that it can and fill the screen that way.

In cases where you have multiple monitors that you are filling it is always best to have them set the same way.

I do prefer Extron in general but the VSC-50 has been discontinued and replaced by the VSC-500 which goes for about $1,000.

Not true. The VSC 50 and the VSC 75 can both be found on e-bay for less than $150.00 And the VSC 500 can be found for less than $400.00 Right now there are 2 auctions with less then 24 hours to go and both are just at $120.00

Even new they are only around $600.00 I believe.

cool cool but i only buy new stuff dont like Ebay at all thanks for the info though.

Meant to add this:

I am going to be getting the Matrox TripleHead2Go DP edition when it comes out late August. This will solve multiple issues for me including having a preview monitor for each VSL screen and a main output for everything else. Plus it will also do my scaling for me as well.

This option will cost close to $450.00 by the time I add in all the cables and power supply.

I'll probably order the Kramer VP 501xl later when i need a higher quality scan converter.

Anyone tried this

VideoSecu PC Laptop Mac Computor to TV Presentation Converter, VGA to Video VGA2TV 1L7
www.amazon.com

i just ordered it... From the customer reviews, it seems like it may have a chance....

that's the one I use, It works great, I have no issues with it, I use the s-video out

sick...

suuuper stoked to hear that!

Thanks

hey BriChi correct me if I'm wrong but I thought I saw you mention a few times "thats the one I use" referring to different converters. If so which ones have you used and which do you recommend. I've had my unibody on the shelf since I got it months ago.

I had A couple of them to try out. When I get on my computer I can look them up and post the links, but I returned them and stuck with the one Cain just posted above (same one but mine is in a blue housing even though it showed white on amazon also), the other ones I had looked really bad an I had line running through the screen with one of them

here is a link to mine www.svideo.com

same as yours but has a couple of more config buttons (which I never touch) on the top of the box

BriChi



Those converters are way different!! The link you posted, svideo.com,, thats the one you are using with success and no lines running through the screen? thanks

I have 2 avermedia quickplay converter units and am over it. Picture quality of the output makes my stomach turn and im spinnin on plasmas, it will work in a pinch though, but just wanted to advise, if your an HD guy, ur gonna cry about it.

If anyone is running unibody to component and is just totally amazed with the picture quality about their converter please please let me know which one

Me too! I have not purchased on yet but will need one very soon.

This is the one I have from svideo.com

www.svideo.com

it's the PC2YCBCR one.

does it look better than quickplay?

i just got my quickplay in the mail today from amazon. hooked it up my unibody macbook and the picture is in black and white. how likely is it that my mdp to vga adapter is the culprit? i had the same problem on an extron vsc-150 and i know that the composite cable it good. thanks for any help/suggestions.

nevermind. it's a compatibility issue with my samsung plasma at home.

I have no idea what the hell ya talking about :(

I want to get in video mixing, yet this is the stuff that always makes me change my mind LOL

All i want to do is make youtube videos and see what i mix in my samsung 52' TV

I was told to just get an adapter from Apple and buy the RCAs to connect it to my TV
and then the guy told me to move my video window in my laptop towards my TV

If anyone can help me, please do so :D

I am willing t contribute money for your time (espicially if a person can make a video on youtube on how to connect a Macbook Video SL, so im capable of of doing youtube videos and watch my live mixes in my TV)

How is that one working for you?

just get the quickplay

Blend 123, what kind of cable are you connecting to the connectors. If it's an Svideo cable, it might be one of the pins is damaged or mixing. There could be a lot of other factors also.

Can i use Mini Dvi to Vga adpater from Apple. And then hook it up to my samsung TV with a VGA TO VGA cable..

My TV has the VGA Input :D

If you have one of the new macbooks, than you will need a mini display port to VGA and than you can go from VGA to VGA.

Thank You Niro :D

Can anyone post pics of the quality they're getting? Which of you guys can read text on the second display without getting a headache? I just returned the Kworld Pc to TV converter box because I could barely read any letters on the screen (My desktop, titles of music videos, etc..) I'm confident all of my settings were correct, I've been searching and reading over 30 forums to fix this.

This should really be a sticky, with good pics of the results people are getting with each box/setup...

yea :D

Here is what i want to do, tell me if it will work

Macbook pro 17
to
Mini Dvi Adapter
to
Vga Vga Cable
to
QuickPlay
to
Samsung TV 47'


Will this work?

Please let me know :(

are using unibody mac?

okay finally going to upgrade my converter i called Extron and they still have the VSC 50 in stock. Going to upgrade to that one now.

Hi guys,

I wanted to say thanks for taking the time to share your experiences with all of us. I just upgraded from a blackbook to a 17'' unibody and this whole week has been a frustrating experience with the all digital micro dvi to s vid/RCA adapter issues. My partner and I VJ around LA using modul8, and 9/10 of all the spots run majority standard def projectors. My normal setup was displayport > S Video/RCA adapter>mixer>house. I actually got in a small argument with the kid at my local mac store, who told me it was the clubs fault for not being progressive and going all HDMI, after he tried to sell me the S Vid/RCA adapter for the Macbook Air. This thread's been up for a while and im in the same boat as all of you were, so I thought I'd ask if anything new has come up. Same as all of you, I'm looking for the best resolution/ pic quality in general for the money. I can't drop more than a hundo right now. I see that there seems to be about 5 main converters you guys are trying, which one has worked the best or has anyone come up with another solution?

Thanks in advance< Trax

Here is a video that might help:
Watchwww.vimeo.com

Awesome. Is that the quickplay?

Yes, the Aver Media QuickPlay

That seems like pretty good quality to me, how is it with projection?

Does anyone know how that stacks up with the Extron VSC 50's, the sabrent converter(like the one found on svideo.com), or the grandtech Gez-1000?

Those seem to be the cheapest ones. Links below for reference tothe last two im talking about:

www.amazon.com

www.amazon.com

one thing u dont wanna do is cheap out on any part of your video setup.

no doubt.

ya, totally agreed.

So you guys seconding the quickplay then?

Thanks,

T

i was using the startech converter but I have now upgraded to the Extron VSC 50 and it is a big improvement but also a big hole in my pocket. Extron has discontinued the VSC 50 but you still can get them new from them you just have to let a dealer call them to see if they still have it in stock. I just ordered mine about a month ago.

www.extron.com

as of now they still have A stock available

oh if your wondering about the RCA cable here is the solution if your not using a S-video connection
www.hosatech.com

You would think by now someone would have made a 3rd party tool so you can just plug n play just as the previous mac versions. I was wonder if there was an update too.

This past weekend I djed at a club that has video, but only with RCA, and I didnt bring any adapters, just had my vga plug with me. so no video. so dumb.

the quickplay has, composite, component, and s video. and its 50 - 70 bux depending on where u get it. works good 2.

but you need a usb port open for quickplay right? I have 2 different vga to rcs/svideo adapters. The best one i got was from monoprice.com and it was only $27 bucks
www.monoprice.com

same problem tho uses USB for power. but i got this USB to Wall power plug and it works without takin up a USB port.

www.monoprice.com

That's not possible without converting the output signal. The output on the unibody MBP's is DIGITAL. You will always need a converter if going to analog. (again for the unibody's and I would be moving forward).

The Quickplay is plug and play though. It's so easy a caveman could do it.

I might have to check it out then.. its the age old question tho, you only have 2 usb ports, (1 for Serato, 1 for external drive)

drop the usb2.0 external drive and get you a firewire drive. usb is so 2000 and late.

and you could get a powered usb hub, or a cardbus hub...

Unfortunately the fucking macbook unibody 1st gen didnt come with firewire... so annoying.

damn, time to sell that pup and get a big dawg :)

There are all sorts of work arounds for power. Get one of those plug thingys like come with the iPhone to power the Quickplay.

It produces a pretty good picture and is very cost effective and portable. Component, composite, and s-video.

Read this thread over im still confused

you guys are using the Quick Play with the new 2010 Macbook Pros?

I got a new 15" i7 with the mini display port

im going to be pissed if i VSL wont work

my clubs most using a S vid to a video matrix or componet to a video switch box

djdalite...

Get the Quickplay...it works perfectly.

DJ Jon Brown

+2 Ive been using the quickplay for over a year with zero issues.

thanks for the replies guys

are you guys running Firewire for an external or are you on a int. drive?

are you using a midi controller separate of your mixer?

i guess im wondering cause the Quick Play looks usb powered

currently i have a WD My Book Elite 1tb but its usb - its fine for serato, but i figured once i get my video collection together id go firewire to free the other port for a external midi controller

but if the Quick Play uses a Usb port, then what are you all doing if you have a ext. midi? or djm 800 w/ quick play?

i only have a TTM56 so i figured id go with a mono pad or something so i can still practice with vsl at home

I would suggest using a firewire 800 external...i was having some performance issues (with mp4) using usb 2.0 then when I switched to firewire 800, all those problems went away.

Search this site for what model's people are using for their powered usb hubs. the MBP unibodies have 3 usb and one firewire 800 ports.

Is anyone using the quickplay with a projector? Or any large format screens? I haven't tried the quickplay but every other option I've tried has produced poor picture on larger screens

Quickplay and a good projector look good.

uh deff not

two usb, 1 firewire, 1 mini display port

mine has 3, 1 and 1. 17 inch unibody mbp

o u got the 17 thats why

i got the 15in

@Millz, you don't feel the 17 is too big. I had an old non-unibody 17" and got rid of it. It was too bulky to lug around.

nah, im a big dude with big fingers :) I lug 2 cdj 2000s and a djm2000 most everywhere I go anyways

haha

i just used the quick play tonight for the first time. i adjusted the resolution the thing supports. and it worked... quality was noticably lower than using my old mbp with the composite / s video adapter. i think i am gonna look into this vsc 50.

(my 2 cents)

it is ok quality, but i have seen better.

What's the best usb and Lan hub out there?
I have a Macbook Pro Unibody 17" 2.8 4gig 500gb
3 usb ports ,1 800firewire, minidisplay port, ethernet lan
Here's my DJ gears.

Pioneer DJM 800 - M-audio uno sport midi (1) USB Port
Serato SL3/VSL - (1) USB port
Player 1 - CDJ 2000 with (1)USB and (1)ethernet(cat5) link
Player 2 - CDJ 2000 with (1)USB and (1)ethernet(cat5) link
Player 3 -Technics m5g turntable with Novation(1pair) DICER (1) USB Port
External Seagate 2 Terabytes - (1) USB port
3M projector - 1vga, 1Svdeo, 1Composite, 1 component - Inputs

1 more usb port for IPAD with touch osc

The quickplay is good for the price, but like most electronics you're usually gonna get what you pay for. The Kramer is really good, also the extrons are also really good. The Kramer is a lot more portable. I use the extrinsic when I can, plus it's grounded.

The thing I really wonder about is why more places are still using a crappy analogue signal, especially with all of the LCDs they have.

I remember when apple changed over, I was pissed at first. But it was good, someone had to start it.

i just ordered the grandtec 2000 it supposed to utilize a higher resolution... i have no clue what i am doing =) but i will let you know how it looks. i will look into the kramer. also, i am coming to your hood the weekend of sept 25th bro! yeee!

I used the grandtec last night and the video was very dark, I even bumped up the brightness and it was still noticeably dark.

Not sure if there is some other setting, but this sucks compared to my old macbook pro with the s-video out.

Anyone got any recommended settings for the grandtec?

Try creatin a new colour profile for the external monitor on the mac.... You will be able to set all the brightness settings there for it.

You can save multiple version and switch between them dependin on what video device/screen you are using

Same question here w/ the Grandtec 2000. When set to NTSC the picture comes out looking neon green. I messed with the contrast, hue saturation for hours and could not get the picture right. Help!

Can anyone tell me where to get one of these Extron VSC50's from in Australia? And how much do they cost?

I am currently using one of those cheap $50 converter boxes you can get from ebay or Jaycar electronics. It's pretty crap, video is fairly dark and washed out.

Someone told me today that the Canopus ADVS110 would do it, but only if VSL supports Firewire video output.... Can anyone answer this?

VSL does not support video output through firewire to my knowledge you have to take the video output from the laptop or desktop through the video card (usually VGA or on a Mac Mini display port) I don't know who would sell you a Extron VSC 50 in Australia you might want to call them direct. I do own a VSC 50 and am very happy with it but I'm in the USA.

Thanks Kenace. Is the VSC50 expensive over there? I'm looking at a Kramer unit too but all these boxes are fairly pricey.

I will probably ship a box from the states in the end as it seems to be a LOT cheaper that way...

The Extron is quite expensive new from the factory around $650 US. If you want a more affordable one then the Kramer is the one you should get.

model info on kramer?

I have the grandtec and the display sucks compared to the old style mbp's with built in svideo

Kramer VP-501xl

www.kramerelectronics.com

+1

thanks

Has anyone tried this?

minidisplay to hdmi cable --> hdmi to RCA

hdmi is a digital signal so i don't think it will work. quick play is the shit. works fine for me.

thanks I got the quickplay. Doesn't look that great imo but it's the only reasonable solution thus far.

My grandtec crapped out on me.

I need something that has better quality than the grantec, but won't cost $100's

I don't want the quickplay I want something better.

What is a good to great one for around $200 or so?

anyone know what's wrong with this version

www.bhphotovideo.com

i see nothing wrong with that kramer except the price

I'm trying to get something new. THe grandtec just aint cutting it, but $400 is a lot, yeah a gig will pay for it, but I'd like to pay half that if I can.

i am pretty new to this and am still totally lost!!
i have got a mbp13 (2 usb ports)
what do i need to get this to work?
most places i work use rca for there screens/projectors and 1 has hdmi
dont want to spend loads but am not gonna cut back on quality,any ideas?

easy. 1. go out and get mini display to vga cable from apple.
2. get avermedia quickplay
3. get after market mini display to hdmi

how much am i looking at cost wise?

is this gonna use up a usb port?
i have all my music on an external drive so i need 1 usb for this and 1 for serato

If you're doing video you should have at least fw400. Buying an external with only usb is not a good idea.

yep. usb 2.0 is so 2000andlate. But on a serious note, fw400/800 is recommended

Millz what do you use for video. I hate my gradntec, that damn flicker fucks with my eyes.

When I can, I use straight up vga. When thats not available Im using the Aver Quikplay. the Aver is not bad...but most of my gigs have simple standard wiring setups so even if I rolled in with a 1000$ box, Im still getting $79.00 looking output...which really isnt that bad imo.

This works perfectly for me thanks for the tip.
Get one of these
cgi.ebay.com
And one of these
store.apple.com
And Mac can be pretty fussy about powered hubs, so get one of these.
www.newegg.com
This has 5 ports below and 2 up top and I flush mounted it so it's clean.
i295.photobucket.com

-mini display to vga $20
-avermedia quickplay $70(amazon)
-after market mini display to hdmi $20

do what these guys told you, get a firewire drive for videos and music. the other two usb slots will be used by serato and avermedia quickplay.

I have 3 usb ports on my 17 inch mbp unibody. first slot for sl3 box, slot 2 goes to my 4 port pwered usb hub and 3rd port is for the aver quikplay. off of the usb port is cdj2000 #1, #2, m audio uno (midi), and the novation dicers are on the 4th usb port. I have no problems with dropouts etc.

then i have a firewire 800 2tb hdd, and 2 640 internal hdds

Used to run vga till I went with the video mixer, then needed s video.
Run a 1 usb 4 bay 8G sata server, both decks, track ball, and the converter box which is usb powered off the back side hub with zero drop outs. That leaves me two usb ports up top, and two on the Mac, one of which I use for my lighting show interface.
All of which stays connected so when I set up, its two plugs and I am ready to go.

so i need to go from fw800 to an external box (to convert from digital to analogue) then to tv's?

aye dios mio.

mini display to vga (one cable)

the vga end to a scan converter box (quickplay, grandtec or other)

Take the output from the scan converter (usually s-video, composite, or component) and plug into what ever the house system has.

The fw800 is for externals that have the video files (mp4's)