Scott Stacy wrote:I cannot seem to get an answer out of folks at Apple.
My question is pretty simple: is the video output of the 8 core with D700 GPUs via Thunderbolt (using the latest version of FCPX) 10 or 8 bit? I'd like to buy the new Eizo CG277, but would like to know if I can get a 10 bit output to make good use of the Eizo (which uses a display port input).
If by 'using Thunderbolt' you mean just hooking a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable up between the Eizo and a Thunderbolt port, that will be 8-bit. The only way to get 10-bit at present is to hook up a Thunderbolt video interface.
Scott Stacy wrote:Second question … when using Resolve, what hardware will I need as an interface to get a 10 bit output to the Eizo display port? A little puzzle about what to buy. While I have a BMPC, I don't have or really need a 4K monitor at this point + there really is no affordable 4K grading monitor out at this point.
Thanks for your help!
The CG277 says it supports 10-bit over HDMI. So assuming 1080p 4:2:2 is OK, you should be able to do this with nothing more than an UltraStudio Mini monitor and an HDMI cable to the monitor. Note however that the display's 2560 x 1440 native resolution is a little awkward for working with standard video formats — you're going to have to chose between pixel-for-pixel accuracy, and letting the monitor scale the image up so it actually fills the screen.
This makes the CG246 rather tempting, since it's native 1920x1080. However, annoyingly, it doesn't do 10-bit over HDMI, only DisplayPort. I think the DisplayPort version of the HDLink Pro would let you bridge that gap (HD-SDI from Mini Monitor to HDLink, DisplayPort from HDLink to CG246).
Note that displays sold primarily as computer displays are sometimes quite picky about what video formats they'll accept, so the above is somewhat theoretical. You might want to wait to hear from someone actually using these displays in this way first.