Graphics for 8 tv's?

[Gwyn]

Hi guys
I have been asked to spec up a machine to run 8 tv screens of various sizes.
They will each run different advert images which will change all of the time and also run 24/7.
I am not yet sure of the program which will be used to run the screens but need to know what gpu configuration would be required?
I'm guessing 4 cards and if so, what sort of performance level would they need to be?
With regards to the rest of the system, I take it I would need a fair bit of CPU power and ram?

Thanks

 

[randal]

Are the adverts literally just images files?

If so, I can't imagine much being required at all GPU wise. Just need a board that supports 4 GPUs.

Or get something like this: http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/graphics_cards/m_series/m9188pciex16/

Depends on the displays, cabling etc...

 

[pgi947]

Two of these should do it:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-034-KF&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=2298

 

[Gwyn]

I'm not sure if there will be vids also. Would these suggestions be better than 4 cards in SLI?

 

[pgi947]

Yes, less cost heat and power required, should do 8 images or videos easily*

*This may depend on the bitrate of the videos used, though you should be able to utilise cuda with something like coreavc for video playback.

As for cpu, haswell I5 or I7 should be fine.

 

[randal]

Why would you run 4 cards in SLI for displaying 8 images? Seems like total, total overkill.

Just get one of those Matrox cards, keep it simple. If you need video, then you might need to look at something else.

4 cards in SLI will mean an expensive board, expensive PSU, cooling and all that stuff. Cheap board with one of those Matrox cards, probably an i3 or lower CPU, couple of gigs of RAM, bog standard case and you're done.

The hardware is the easy bit, you need to find/write an app that'll display 8 images across 8 displays. That said, there must be loads of open source signage apps out there these days.

 

[Gwyn]

Thanks for the help guys. I'm currently waiting to find out what software will be used.
Cheers

 

[Gwyn]

The program that will be used is webdadi digital advertising software. The recommended spec is Nvidia GT610 - 660.
What are your thoughts?

 

[Gwyn]

To keep noise level down, could I run 8 tv's from 2 Nvidia 660? It says that each can run 4 monitors?