Recommend hardware

General
1

We need to update one of our casparcg server, and I would like to ask for some recommendations.

We are going for a rackmouted solution.

Our current format is 1080i50, and we will soon switch to 1080p50.

We need 4 SDI out.
1 channel for key/fill graphic
2 channels for video playout

What hardware/software do you recommend for optimal preformans:

  • Windows Server or Windows Workstation
  • GPU
  • CPU
  • Ram
2

I usually buy a 19" case and add a standard desktop (or server) motherboard to it. Does the machine reside in a server room, or do you have it close to your workplace? For the workplace I would not recommend buying a 1RU or 2RU machine, as these usually have very small fans, that create a lot of noise. 3RU or 4RU machines have bigger fans, that do not run as fast and are much quieter.

  • Definitely a Windows Workstation license, as there is nothing you need, that is not included with it and would rectify the higher price.
  • GPU: nVidia Quatro or better.
  • CPU: Intel i9 CPU’s are very fast. i7 may also work.
  • RAM: 16GB is ok, 32GB is luxurious.
  • SSD’s (no HDD’s any more). Use a SSD for system and software and a separate one for Caspars media and template folders. If you play a lot of videos with high bit-rates I would recommend building a RAID 0 for the media. I usually do a RAID 1 for the system drive, that keeps you on air, if you have a drive failure, but maybe that is only my paranoia.
  • Decklink: I think the 8K Pro should now work for multiple channels, but I never tried it myself. AFAIK the Duo 2 is not capable of doing fill & key in 1080p50.
3

Thank you :slightly_smiling_face:

4

I have a case from SLIGER, 3U so i get normal pcie slots. Also with another benefit that the case depth is acceptable.
I have a decklink duo 2 for 4 channels 1080p50. I have run key/fill at 1080p50 on it.
Then I run ubuntu desktop and have a small kvm to remote into the machine. Now @Julusian has made changes to the server so casparcg could be started headless automatically via a service. So really you could run Ubuntu-server for a headless setup. But is there a reason to run windows in your case? A kvm for remote control has proven very useful for me at least.

5

Seems I am misinformed, sorry.

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