VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

KaraEdwards · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 8:33 am Post subject: Dual Monitor Advice

OK- since some of the smartest folks I know frequent this board- I thought I'd post my questions here. I've decided to add a second monitor to the area I record in so I can have full control over Pro Tools.

I asked the guys at the office store- and they wanted me to bring in my computer to have a new video card put in it. I have NO desire to be lugging my computer around and having anyone else touch it that knows nothing about what we do. (Been there, done that- never doing it again)

I have an HP Pavillion connected to my computer monitor in the office where I do production. I want to run a dual monitor cable about 20 feet into the space where I record and mount a second monitor on the wall in there. I want a mirror image on both monitors.

I'm sure I've left something out here...but I'm curious what video card you guys recommend, do you think it's something I can install in the computer myself, and what dual cable do you recommend?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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Simon Fellows · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:42 am Post subject:

I'm tied up with the nippers at the moment but if you Google "Dual monitor" there's a wealth of info out there. I did that recently when looking to run another monitor from my laptop. You should find everything you need.
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KaraEdwards · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:04 am Post subject:

Thanks Simon- don't worry, I'm a Google fanatic! So, I did do that.

I think I was hoping more for opinions about what products folks here recommend, how easy they are to install, etc. There is a wealth of information out there, but it's a bit tough to sort through.

Thanks anyway! I'll call around and see if I can find someone to recommend specific products to me. Smile

Oh- and is a nipper a hair stylist?
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todd ellis · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:16 am Post subject:

kara - you really just need a video card that supports two monitors. unless you're planning to do something special, ie: play a lot of games, edit video, watch tv - you can pick one up for about $50

This one, for example
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KaraEdwards · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:37 am Post subject:

Thanks Todd! So, the guy at the store was incorrect- I don't need to take my computer in? That looks like something I could easily do myself.
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Frank F · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:48 am Post subject:

Yes Kara, you CAN do it yourself.

A Matrox G450 is another good choice for dual-monitor video cards. Follow the instructions, and have fun.

The store guy simply wants your money and to prove he is "smarter" than a mere woman. You are no "mere woman" by any means; which is proven by the fact you have asked the right questions here on the VO-BB.

Toodles

F2
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Deirdre · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:49 am Post subject:

Nippers are kids.

You know, Ankle-nippers.
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todd ellis · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:53 am Post subject:

quick thought ... make sure your computer has the corresponding slot for the card you want ... PCI vs PCI express, for example.
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TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 11:05 am Post subject:

Kara,
I can't remember if you are using a laptop or not. That will make a difference as well.

Many newer systems already have the capability for dual monitors. Even laptops. It could be a simple as going into the video properties and choosing to either "Clone" (same video on two monitors) or "Extend" (one big desktop across both monitors).

Todd is right if you are dealing with a desktop. PCI-E or AGP are the newer types of video card slots.

Feel free to ring me up.
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Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

A cheap and easy fix is to go to Radio Shack or Best Buy and get a Y splitter for VGA/SVGA or what ever plug, DV, HDMI, etc. I use one. I do get a small amount of ghosting but nothing that really interferes with what I do.

TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 1:24 pm Post subject:

But a Y splitter limits you to cloning. You can't extend the desktop.

For other dual monitor users, check out UltraMon. Slick little utility that greatly improves the way you can configure your monitors.
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ccpetersen · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 1:28 pm Post subject:

I have dual monitors fed from an ATI hydravision card. Easy to install (yes, check those slots!) and set up. I'm using a matched pair of Samsung 19" monitors.

C
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Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

PJHawke · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 5:57 pm Post subject:

I just last week bought the Matrox G450 dual head card that Frank mentioned on eBay for 14 bucks; still under 20 after shipping. The card has taken a few slams from some customer review boards, but those people were doing more graphically intensive things like games and movies. I'm modding this PC to be a dedicated whisper-quiet machine for recording, so I specifically wanted something on the lower power end of the spectrum to keep things cool and quiet. Since the only display I'll be needing are things like graphical readouts of the sound software and script/teleprompter, I don't need a high power card.

http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Matrox-Millennium-G450-32MB-Dual-VGA-4x-AGP-Video/1573570/product.html

KaraEdwards · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 7:36 am Post subject:

See- this is why I love this place!! Thanks for all the great info!

Bob- it's a desktop, not a laptop (I only use the laptop for travel). I'm hoping to clone the image from my main monitor on the screen in my booth, not extend it. I want a mirror image so I can control a session from my booth, or from my production room. And- I may be calling you when I can finally sit down and work on this Smile

I'm off to do a search for the cards you mentioned- thanks again!!
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