#Multiple Monitors
15 messages in this thread
>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).
To quote from Inside 3D Studio Release 4, p. 1081:
"Some users can work with a single monitor for 3D Studio, but it is highly
recommended to have separate displays for modeling and rendering. With a single
display, you cannot see the rendered output while you are modeling or working
in the Materials Editor, adding to the overall time required to complete a
project.
It is a tremendous time-saver to render a camera view, adjust the geometry or
materials of an object, render a region, and have the rectangle you have chosen
render perfectly over the rest of the previously rendred camera view."
I've used multiple monitor setups on the Mac; it really does save time,
especially when using Director.
Terry
Terry:
>> "Some users can work with a single monitor for 3D Studio, but it is
>> highly recommended to have separate displays for modeling and rendering.
Why didn't you just say that's what you wanted? <bg> I think you had Alan a
byte confused!
Since I think I recall writing that chapter, (a long time ago!) let me clarify:
You cannot have two VGA/EGA type cards in the same PC. However, you can have a
_framebuffer_ in the machine to show your renderings. This is what was
referred to in the book. (OK, Gus, you can also have a monochrome card in
there, too!)
Greg Pyros
Greg;
>> However, you can have a _framebuffer_ in the machine to show your
>> renderings.
Is a Targa card the typical/only type card one can use to do this?
Are there other options?
Thanks,
Dennis
Dennis:
>> Is a Targa card the typical/only type card one can use to do this?
The Targa, AT-Vista, and Targa2000 from Truevision will all allow this, Matrox
has a couple of cards, and I'm sure others, also. The reason I prefer the AT-
Vista is that it will show me a 720×486 image on the display while net-
rendering so that I can see what is going on before it's too late!
Greg Pyros
Greg;
>> the AT- Vista is that it will show me a 720×486 image
That would be a VERY GOOD reason.
If I did purchase this card (or any card), do I understand correctly that I can
just plug it into a slot, and plug my NTSC monitor into it, and all is well, or
is there something else I need hardware wise?
I suppose some configuring of 3DS.set. Anything else?
Thanks,
Dennis
Dennis,
One thing – output from the ATVista is ONLY RGB. You must run through
an external encoder to go to NTSC composite, or transcoder to go to Betacam.
Also, the board is at the end of its life – I expect Truevision to discontinue
new manufacture any day. Then there's 3DS MAX – the Targa+ will still be
supported as a render device under NT (and the Targa 2000 – when they get the
NT drivers going), but ATVista support is doubtful (back burner).
Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
Kevin;
>> Also, the board is at the end of its life
I thought so, but that should make them less expensive I would think. At least
a used should be.
Thanks,
Dennis
>>I prefer the AT- Vista… it will show me a 720×486
>>image on the display while net-rendering
Hey dude, how do you do this? When I click the Net Queue button in the Render
dialog, the Display button goes out.
JKJ:
>> >> I prefer the AT- Vista… it will show me a 720×486
>> >> image on the display while net-rendering
>> Hey dude, how do you do this? When I click the Net Queue button
>> in the Render dialog, the Display button goes out.
Wow, you mean that I can answer a question for you? What a day this is! :^)
Just go into your 3DSNET.SET file and change RENDER-OUTPUT from NULL to RDPADI.
Easy 'nuff?
Greg Pyros
Why Mr GP, how very helpful you are, once again. I think we'll keep you.
JKJ, Oak Ridge, TN
JKJ:
>> Why Mr GP, how very helpful you are, once again. I think we'll keep you.
I guess I'll never get out of here at this rate! :^)
Greg Pyros
PS – Did I win anything? An embroidered hat or something? <bg>
Hi Gregory,
>>The reason I prefer the AT- Vista is that it will show me a 720×486 image on
the display while net- rendering so that I can see what is going on before it's
too late!<<
I control my images during net-rendering on my workgroup-server with a normal
file viewing-programm so that I can see what is going on before it's too late
too!
For the price of good AT-Vista here in germany, I can add another P90 with 40
MB ram to my render-farm. <g>
Claus Diekmann
Actually, there is no reason not to have two or more VGA cards in a single
machine. Problems is the second/third won't do much if you don't have software
for it. The Mac has always had this feature. Some board manufacturers have had
this for the PC for quite a while but I don't think it ever really caught on.
This is, indeed a great feature. It takes a while to understand what is going
on (you move the mouse cursor from monitor to monitor) but that's a great way
to gain screen real state. My ideal monitor, however, would be my entire desk a
very large (18k X 3k) screen. I would gladly throw these… 9 so far…
monitors out the window…
>"Some users can work with a single monitor for 3D Studio, but it is highly
recommended to have separate displays for modeling and rendering. With a single
display, you cannot see the rendered output while you are modeling or working
in the Materials Editor, adding to the overall time required to complete a
project.<
My guess is that they were referring to Targa boards. The frame buffer holds
your render display while the RGB monitor is the program display.
Terry, you're talking about rendering to a seperate NTSC frame buffer with it's
own NTSC monitor for preview! This is something completely different than what
it seemed you were describing.
It's a great way to go if you are developing animations *for NTSC video*. RGB
and NTSC are completely different, and you need a set-up like this to properly
design your NTSC animation.
If you are developing imagery for computer (RGB) playback, just stick to a
single, large monitor, or you may consider a second machine on a small network
(VERY convenient for lots of stuff) and display your work on it while you are
making changes, etc.
-Alan