ABSTRACT
There are many hardware options to consider when selecting a media server for a show. While there are all kinds of video equipment designed for specific applications, the advantage of using a media server is in its flexibility and concise package. This chapter looks at all of the basic elements of a system including computer hardware and video cable connectors. There are way too many graphics cards on the market today to list them all here, but generally, most cards in servers today will output Digital Video Interface, Serial Digital Interface, High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and/or DisplayPort. It’s also important to note that when evaluating the graphics card of a server, the output or resolution rarely determines the performance of the card. Whether it’s internal hardware or external cables, knowing each of the parts and how they function can greatly improve the performance of the entire system.
