Multipul Monitors

help setting up

from WinCustomize Forums
Hello everyone. I am new to this forum, and I really hope that you can help me.

What I want to do is run 3 monitors through my one Video card. Two of the moniters being LCDs, and they will be going through the VGA and the DVI connections. This I already know how to do using the basic windows tool. But the third moniter, which I have never really attempted is my television.

I want to run the television through my S Video slot (the little round one). I have run it individually before, just not with the other moniters.

So what I want to do is run all three of these moniters (one of the being my television) through the one video card.

Is this possible? And if so, how is it done, and what program is the best and easiest to use to do this. Freeware and Paid for version.

Thankyou in advanced.

Kind Regards

--Massacray
6,321 views 10 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Wow, that's a lot.

I have a GeForce 5500 Nvidia card that allows for two monitors and a TV if I want. I am running the two monitors. My card is 'designed' for this, are your video cards? (Probably a stupid question, I know)

My Nvidia has help/instructions on how to do it. Without knowing all your spec's, I would say the other concern may be how much memory you have as well.

I'll be watching. I am curious to see how it's done myself and waht resources it eats up. I have been thinking of doing the same on mine.

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have been wanting to run three monitors also, but the limiting factor I have found is the video card. Even if it allows for different hook ups (DVI, VGA, S-video, Composite) I have yet to see a card that allows for more than two monitors hooked up a one time. I have a PNY Nvidia GeForce FX 5200 card that has two VGA hook ups and S=video and unless I've missed something it will only control two monitors at a time. Also the quality from the S-video will not match that of your DVI and VGA connections.   
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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
two VGA hook ups and S=video and unless I've missed something it will only control two monitors at a time.


Similar to my 5500.

Stupid question here....what would be the reason or advantage of hooking the TV to your PC? Are you actually connecting your cable reception to the PC?
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
My original video card only had 1 VGA and an S-Video out put, so I put in a WinTV card and feed my satellite signal into it. Worked well, but had alot stuff on a small 17in screen. Upgraded my TV to a (get this) 37in LCD Widescreen, than upgraded my video card. I'm no longer feeding the satellite signal through my computer. I'm running two monitors with the new card, the PC and the TV which has split screen, and PIP. Running 3 monitors would allow me to set up my WAR ROOM. I didn't spend 28 years in the militray not learning. Oops way too much information!   
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
two VGA hook ups and S=video and unless I've missed something it will only control two monitors at a time.


Similar to my 5500.

Stupid question here....what would be the reason or advantage of hooking the TV to your PC? Are you actually connecting your cable reception to the PC?




The reason I want to do this is so I can sit back on my couch, watch tv, and still be able to see my other two screen for MSN etc. I am used to having a laptop, but I am getting a desktop, so I have to change a few things.

What I will be running is:

Windows Media Centre Edition. Although I'll most likely go back to XP, or upgrade to Vista.

Intel® Pentium® D Processor 820 (2.8GHz 2x1MB L2 cache 800MHz FSB)

1024MB DDR2-SDRAM 533MHz

Radeon X1300mb 512mb (128mb Dedicated, 384mb Hyper Memory)

250GB S-ATA 3.0Gb/s hard drive (7200 RPM)



I hope this helps you all help me : )
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Check out an app called ultramon. Its OK but not totally compatible with WB (manages though). I keep wishing stardock would come out with something like this.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I checked out ultramon. It would appear that the software duplicates what Windows XP and my video card software does. It did seem to point out that depending on your motherboard and bios you may be able to go into your bios and turn back on your intergrated or on board video. It did point out that this does not always work because of capability problems. With the on board video turned back on and a video card with dual monitor connections should give you control over 3 monitors. Now, how do I figure out capability besides just doing it?  
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Running three monitors on two PC's. Bit much to keep up with. Only reason I have to do it is that I only want one mouse and keyboard and already had all the computers. Multiplicity is one nice program.
I was going to use one for TV but found that a $50.00 TV from walmart works better. Still I use one monitor for pre-recorded programs.
I was told if you had two slots for graphic cards you could pull it off. I tried this but could never get it configured. My computer would only show the dominant card. Good luck, If you figure it out I too would like know how. Just because.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm running Two nV5500's with four monitors and have never had a problem. One reason it might not recognise the second video card is because you have to remove the first one before installing the second one. Then replace the fist after install of #2.

As for trying to hook up your TV with your monitors .... have you tried it? Just plug it in and see what happens. Go into Display Properties>Settings and see it it shows there. If it does but is "greyed" out, clcik on it the check the Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor.

WindowsXP can handle up to ten monitors.That is, they can be configured in Display Properties. After that you have to keep plugging and unplugging them so they show and arrange them how you want them.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
smoovie, if you don't have an empty slot for a second graphics card can the on board graphics be turn back on? My system only has one AGP slot which is where the graphics card sits, the rest of the slots are PCI. I have a WIN TV card that can be removed freeing up a PCI slot. Would PCI and AGP graphics card work in the same machine?