[SOLVED] Control What Monitor a File is on with Multiple Monitors

[degsy01]

I have a dual monitor set up and recently ran HDMIs to my bedroom TV and my living room TV. It works fine, but it's awkward moving stuff between them.
I was wondering if there is any software that would provide a preview pane or something with all screens so you can drag files around with less effort.
Alternatively, is there a way to clone screens 1 & 3 and 2 &4. Nvidia doesn't seem to allow it with four screens, only 3 so you do 1&3 and 2 is individual.

They are currently set up as a 2x2 square so I can drag files up and down, but it's hard when you can't see the bottom screens. If something opens on the TV, I need to go downstairs, turn it on and drag it up.

 

[Ralston18]

This:

"If something opens on the TV, "

How does that happen if the TV is off?

Where is the TV getting the "stuff" that you need to drag up?

 

[degsy01]

This:

"If something opens on the TV, "

How does that happen if the TV is off?

Where is the TV getting the "stuff" that you need to drag up?

There is an HDMI cable running from the PC to the TV. Whether the TV is on or not isn't the issue.

I'm asking if anyone knows any software that can preview all four screens at once so I can quickly drag files between them, or if theres a way to duplicate screens as 1&3 and 2&4.

 

[Ralston18]

Cloning, mirroring.

If you have four displays: two monitors and two TV's then you should be able to open a window for each one and place that window on the desired monitor or TV.

Then that should allow you to drag and drop files between them as you wish. No other software necessary.

However, if the TV is not on that window can be dragged to one of your monitors. And you drag stuff back and forth between windows..... Minimize TV windows when not in use

Are you familiar with using "WIN" + "P" to open PROJECT and control screen usage via PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, Second screen only?

What motherboard and GPU(s) do you have? What available video ports? Connectivity to monitors? TV's being HDMI - correct?

(Note: HDMI is limited to around 50 feet - keep that in mind.)

Anyway, I would expect 2 or 3 connections via your GPU and probably 2 via the motherboard if integrated graphics are supported.

Right clicking an empty area of the desktop should open a window that allows you to select the applicable Control Panel for your GPU. Within that Control panel should be options to set up and configure multiple monitors/displays.

Here is link that discusses the topic in general and also mentions an app that may be applicable to you. (I am not familiar with the app per se and thus not able to comment on it. Not an endorsement or recommendation.)

https://windowsreport.com/clone-desktop-multiple-monitors/

Here is a Dell link that discusses the use of multiple monitors.

https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/...d-troubleshoot-multiple-monitors-in-windows-7

Likewise for HP:

https://support.hp.com/my-en/document/ish_3155639-2906263-16

And there are splitters available that can take output from one video port and send the signal to two displays.

Example products:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hdmi+spl...421362&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_4r85ln42tl_e

 

[degsy01]

I'd never heard of the windows project thing. Took me a bit to work out what was happening, but it's really helpful. Can open the TV on my main PC screen and drag files that have opened there to the main screen.
thanks for that.

"If you have four displays: two monitors and two TV's then you should be able to open a window for each one and place that window on the desired monitor or TV. "
How do you do this?

I used HDMI splitters, but it would only send sound to one TV and wouldn't let me choose which.

Mobo is Gigabyte Auros B450 Elite.
GPU is GTX 1060 3GB

 

[Ralston18]

Two general issues:

Audio

You need HDMI cables that support audio. ARC.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/hdmi-audio-return-channel-and-earc-for-beginners/

Think about your audio requirements in combination with displays and audio hardware (speakers, headsets, sound bars, built-in to display/TV).

Splitter

A splitter simply takes one input signal and sends identical signals down two (or more) output paths. So each receiving device (monitor/TV) will show the same image.

Basically you need to have four separate paths for video display (and audio) if you want to have four different displays.

= = = =

Your motherboard:

Integrated Graphics Processor:

1. 1 x DVI-D port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200@60 Hz
   * The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.
2. 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2160@60(Note) Hz
   * Support for HDMI 2.0 version and HDCP 2.2.(Note)

Your GPU:

GRAPHICS INTERFACE😀Px1,HDMIx1,DVIx1.Diversified output interfaces give you more choices to meet your more needs.

(Specs from advertised MB and GPU sellers. Do verify that I correctly identified both MB and GPU and verify video ports and specs.)

All in all it appears that you have 5 video ports available. However do notice the MB "Note". May be some caveat involved.

What you need to do is to sketch out your own plan for making the necessary video/audio connections. Focus on first one monitor, then the second,to get each one working as required. One by one with each display presenting the desired window.

 

[hang-the-9]

Why not get small cheap computers to connect to the TVs instead of running them off a long cable were you can't see the screens? You can buy a laptop for $100 or even less in some cases, or run a computer on a stick, or a Roku or Amazon Fire, etc...