Edge blending with 3 projectors - NVIDIA

007ELmO

Platinum Member
Dec 29, 2005
2,051
36
101
Hi,

I'm planning on building a simulation setup with 3 projectors and using edgeblending software (like warpalizer) to blend the seams.

I don't usually use NVIDIA cards. The GTX 970s are affordable right now.

Simple question: Has anyone used 3 cards in an SLI configuration? Does each separate video card connect to a separate monitor in those cases?

I'm still learning about edge blending software and if it prefers AMD or NVIDIA/etc.

Thanks!
ELmO
 

notty22

Diamond Member
Jan 1, 2010
3,375
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0
Don't run a multi-monitor (projector) setup. But have read, You use outputs from top card. So buy a top card (model) that will fit your needs. Such as a G1 970 has more display ports. 3 or 4 years ago Tom's did a Ultimate type story using 3 projectors for a gaming/movie home entertainment center. Will look for links.

From 2010.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/3d-polarized-projector,2589.html

edit: In that article ,think they used 2 projectors. Almost certain, Nvidia requires 3 monitors for surround. While AMD can do 2 or 3 monitors. Someone with eyefinity or surround can chime in.
 
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Headfoot

Diamond Member
Feb 28, 2008
4,444
641
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http://www.nvidia.com/content/siggraph/Nash_Seamless_Display.pdf

Here is a PDF doc to get you started. I'm speaking with Nvidia to get you more details.

Not 100% certain but I think edge blending was discontinued in favor of another tech. And that may have been
only with Quadro cards for professional use. I'll find out the deets and get back with you.

That's so cool... I really hope its not Quadro only. Probably is though, given the competitive options are also super expensive
 

007ELmO

Platinum Member
Dec 29, 2005
2,051
36
101
I have 2 970s being delivered now. I think it might be enough for 3840x1080 gaming (2 projectors).

I think 3 projectors might be difficult for it to achieve 60FPS consistently in games at 5760x1080. It also saves money all around (2 970s instead of 2 980s and 3 projectors).

The interesting thing is, some simulations really benefit from 120hz (720p resolution, though). Not sure what to do about that yet.
 

Keysplayr

Elite Member
Jan 16, 2003
21,209
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I have 2 970s being delivered now. I think it might be enough for 3840x1080 gaming (2 projectors).

I think 3 projectors might be difficult for it to achieve 60FPS consistently in games at 5760x1080. It also saves money all around (2 970s instead of 2 980s and 3 projectors).

The interesting thing is, some simulations really benefit from 120hz (720p resolution, though). Not sure what to do about that yet.

While we wait for a response from NV, let me ask you what the difference might be between using 3 projectors or 3 monitors in surround. Wouldn't you just treat each projector as you would a monitor? It will take some time to align them so that they appear to be one large screen, but other than that, what troubles do you think you may run into?
There is the matter of physical connections such as DVI, HDMI or Display Port.

You should treat the projectors just as you would three monitors. In surround options in NV control panel. Won't hurt to try at any rate, at least til I get some info.
And BTW, 2x970s should have NO trouble at 5760x1080. Depending on game and settings (which would be for the most part in the higher range).

Congrats on the 970s. Nice GPUs.
 
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007ELmO

Platinum Member
Dec 29, 2005
2,051
36
101
It truly is awesome, but there's limited information. Up until a few years ago, I think there were only a few dozen in the world (that seem to participate in discussion online) about the concept.

IRacing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b---5S-8dGk

This guy uses a track IR hat to control what's visible on the screen (so when he looks right, left, up, or down, the game interprets those as mouse/keyboard movements):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWm9PtzWvko

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-LNm60np9U

We can see why higher vertical resolution is good, because you're typically seated close to these projected images. For that, I'm considering the Optoma 1080GT or any 1080p short throw projector with minimal lag time. The bonus to that is those projectors are only $700 or so, so you can double/triple them up for a reasonable price.

If you want to find more interesting videos on this, search for Warpalizer on youtube. Basically it edge blends projectors (so basically a huge bezel-less setup).

This guy's edge blending is not very good, but you get the idea:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JbrBIx34GE

Using our knowledge of how to properly set up a theater environment (black velvet to eat light/etc), we should be able to get the most out of a simulation setup. I'm researching Warpalizer and Pixelwix as the main edge blending software. I better start a little more in the midrange since I have no idea what I'm doing, lol. The GTX 970s should be a great start!
 
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