#1 2009-01-27 13:21:16

**_mrzuzzo_**

Broadcast VGA source using hardware device

Sometimes I need to share the output of my monitors with colleagues abroad. Using Connect Pro I can share certain applications but I can't share the VGA output of, say, my embedded Linux machine.

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the Epiphan Systems VGA2WEB Lite as an alternative to software-based collaboration solutions? 

The VGA2WEB Lite is a hardware-based device to which you can connect *any* VGA source and then broadcast it online. The winning factor here is that no software needs to be installed on the device which you are broadcasting from meaning that you can easily switch between sources and broadcast from sources that you wouldn't be able to traditionally.

Does anyone have experience with this VGA2WEB Lite device or are there other alternatives? The description for the VGA2WEB Lite can be found here.

**_mongerryan_**

Re: Broadcast VGA source using hardware device

Hi,

I recently wrote a tutorial post about a VGA/DVI capture card that we are starting to use for all of our large events as well as other uses.  Take a look at this article and see if it fits your needs.  We LOVE using this device...

http://www.connectusers.com/tutorials/2 … /index.php

The device we are using is: http://www.ems-imaging.com/catalog/modu … cts_id=117

Send me any questions you have...

Ryan

**_mrzuzzo_**

Re: Broadcast VGA source using hardware device

Hi Ryan,

Thanks for your reply and tutorial, very helpful in terms of showing how a frame grabber can be used with Connect Pro. That is a solution to what I am looking for. Since the EMS Imaging unit is just a generic frame grabber, wouldn't I be able to use an alternative such as the much cheaper USB-based VGA2USB: http://www.epiphan.com/products/frame-grabbers/vga2usb/ ?

I also found this table that compares all the specifications of all the frame grabbers from different manufacturers:

http://www.screencapturenews.com/hardwa … -grabbers/

It looks like any of the Epiphan Systems units or the NCast would also do the trick and are not inferior. Is there a specific reason for choosing the EMS unit over them? Price is a big factor for me..

**_mongerryan_**

Re: Broadcast VGA source using hardware device

Wow..I looked all over and never came across some of these devices.  Good find! I also like the review page with the comparisons.  One note about the VGA2USB device...the review says:

"Why VGA2USB LR?

Some may be wondering why I chose to purchase the $800 VGA2USB LR over the cheaper $300 base VGA2USB model, or even over the VGA2USB HR. The reason is that I found the VGA2USB LR to be the better

**_mschwachter_**

Re: Broadcast VGA source using hardware device

I am using the VGA2USB but have some general questions:  How do I enable a shared window (the capture app) to take up the entire share pod when shared.  As of now, the window will only show relative to the size of the screen and not take up the share pod .  This makes the tool not very useful.  Please help.  Also, any advice on performance would be helpful.

**_mongerryan_**

Re: Broadcast VGA source using hardware device

What we try to do is make the capture app as large as possible.  From there, when I share the screen, I choose the "Window" option instead of desktop.  This way you won't waste space capturing other unnecessary apps or windows.  Also, the share pod only can capture the aspect ratio of what you are sharing, so if you have a widescreen monitor and app (16:9), the share pod should be stretched to fit that content, otherwise it will be squeezed into the pod meant for a standard 4:3 ratio. 

One more thing, the monitor size/resolution of your computer matters.  If I'm sharing a 13" netbook screen with a 1024x768 resolution, Connect will only display it up to its natural size.  Conversely, if I'm sharing a 30" cinema display in a Connect room, it will be crammed into a share pod that is really meant for standard 1024x768 screens and be very hard to read.  Clicking on the scroll button when viewing will deliver the screenshare at the native resolution it is being captured with.

**_mrzuzzo_**

Re: Broadcast VGA source using hardware device

http://www.screencapturenews.com/2009/0 … dcast-vga/

^^ not too detailed of an article but gives some suggestions as to frame grabbers that can be used with Connect Pro