#Multiple Monitors
19 messages in this thread
Can anyone recommend a video card that supports multiple monitors?
Also, do either Win95 or NT have any support for multiple monitors (like the
Mac)?
Terry, put it this way: About any recent PC-based video card (NOTHING to do
with the OS) will support any number of monitors any number of ways. The level
of that support is is defined in terms of resolution and scan rate.
The Apple folks tend to skip the technical details (making it "easier" for you,
the poor, hapless computer user) and just refer to things in very generic
terms, which typically just adds to the confusion.
What, exactly, are you looking for?
-Alan
Hi Alan,
>What, exactly, are you looking for?
I'm using 3D Studio, Director and Photoshop with one monitor. I would like to
buy another monitor and be able to use both of them at the same time.
Thanks,
Terry
Ah — you mean using more than one monitor simultaneously!
I've really no idea how one would go about doing this (and truthfully why one
would want to, although I'm sure there must be a reason that I'm just missing
here). There's probably some video card(s) out there that support more than one
monitor simultaneously (splitting up a high-resolution workspace between two
monitors, I'd suppose), but I don't know of any off-hand. Anyone out there?
Since you haven't bought the other monitor yet, I'd suggest getting a 21" high
resolution one and run something like 1600+ lines on it. You can use the
popular cards (a big help in this business) and have plenty of "real estate" to
work on multiple apps. Bound to be alot easier on the eyes, too!
Good luck,
-Alan
Alan
I can think of a single, really good reason for multiple monitors. That is
seeing your 3DS output on an NTSC (T.V.) monitor (and not having to suffer
through running your computer program on it, even for a little while). If you
go to an editing suite and use an Imix type system for editing your animations,
the difference between your computer monitor and what the client sees in NTSC
is like night and day.
Phil Aro
Uh — yeah, Phillip, I've done that here for years.
But that's not what he was asking, or so I thought when he said "like a
MacIntosh" and for "multiple Windows apps", not to mention the OS part of his
question. This clearly implies using two RGB monitors to broaden his workspace,
NOT using a RGB/NTSC dual monitor system for NTSC preview.
FYI, it doesn't matter WHAT kind of editing system you use, if you're gonna end
up going to NTSC you should monitor your work in NTSC every step of the way.
-Alan
I can think of a single, really good reason for multiple monitors. That is
seeing your 3DS output on an NTSC (T.V.) monitor (and not having to suffer
through running your computer program on it, even for a little while).
If you have a PAR, you can do this. Render the output to the PAR device (a
temp directory?) and it will appear on any video output device (monitor) you
have hooked to it. It DOES save the file, so that's a pain, but close..
JNJ
>>why one would want to, although I'm sure there must be a reason that I'm just
missing here)
I have seen Macs configured with two monitors side by side, one vertically
oriented, the other horizontal, mouse moves from one screen directly to the
other. Not really sure how to use this setup, but I would _love_ to be able to
put Photoshop tools, palletes and layers pulldowns on one monitor and use the
other for the work of art. Don't even know if possible, but would be
something to design if it hasn't been done yet. Of course 21" trinitron would
be nice too!
Yup, Lydell, this is what I thought he was asking about. This might have been a
reasonable solution years ago, but now with the price of large monitors way
down, the single, large monitor, IMHO is a MUCH better way to go. I've used
that Mac system and it gave me a headache!
-Alan
Alan, (and others)
Matrox has dual monitor drivers for running two EXACT cards/rez, etc at the
same time. (in NT) It splits up the workspace like the Mac does, but is not as
elegant. (as I understand)
Don't forget that two 17" monitor configs cost as much as one 21" monitor, and
running them both at high rez (1152, or 1280) they offer more display area than
one large monitor. Not for everybody, but it'd be nice to have the option like
the Mac.
JNJ
Thanks for the info, John. I figured someone out there had the dual monitor
setup.
-Alan
>I figured someone out there had the dual monitor setup.<
_I_ don't have it, but yes, someone does. <g>
JNJ
Oops! By "someone" I meant Matrox! <g>
-Alan
>Oops! By "someone" I meant Matrox! <g> <
aah. 🙂
>Don't forget that two 17" monitor configs cost as much as one 21" monitor, and
running them both at high rez (1152, or 1280) they offer more display area than
one large monitor. Not for everybody, but it'd be nice to have the option like
the Mac.<
I'd like to get a 21" monitor, but they are 2X the price of 17" displays. I'm
running my #9GXE64Pro/Nokia 447X at 1600×1200 under NT. It's nice to have the
screen area, but sometimes my eyes get crossed when I don't have my contacts
in.
Tim,
Yeah, the 17"s are the best deal. That's why I think dual 17's would be nice.
Right now I'm running upto 1280×1024 on my Mag MX-15"F.. yes, my eyes get a
little buggy. <g> A NEC XP17 should be in sometime this month. (just got one
at work friday, and I like it.)
Try hitting the auctions.
I got a Mitusubishi FS21 21" monitor for $425. Does 1280×1024 at 76 Hz no prob.
Bye!
>Try hitting the auctions.
I got a Mitusubishi FS21 21" monitor for $425. Does 1280×1024 at 76 Hz no
prob.<
!!! great deal. Wanna sell it? 🙂
JNJ
Hi Terry,
You can get multiple monitor support under Windows NT for example with two
WINNER graphics controllers. In fact under NT we offer multiple display support
(I mean _more_ than 2 displays 🙂
Multiple display support under is typically manufacturer dependent. You need
to know what combinations the manufacturer supports under which operating
systems.
Download the file WINNER.TXT for an overview of ELSA's offerings, or call us
directly at 800-272-ELSA for additional information.
Sincerely,
Tom