Dual monitor using splitter cable?

[grndnatnl]

Can anyone clue me in on whats required to run dual-monitor (using extended desktop on the 2nd) with the use of a VGA or DVI splitter cable from a single video output.

I assume the ability to do so requires a capable video card? If so, what is this feature called? Any cards in particular known to work for this?

 

[evongugg]

I'm typing on a computer with a DVI Splitter and 2 monitors and Radeon 2400 XT.
Works fine for office work. Not sure if the DVI splitter method works for gaming, etc. Otherwise use a video card with 2 ports.

 

[aznguy0028]

hey grndnatnl

while you can use a splitter to get dual-monitor with a graphics card that has one VGA/DVI, the result you'll get is the same identical screen on both monitors.

currently i do not know of any splitters that will give you the extended monitor feature from one output. you would have to get a video card that has two VGA or DVI outputs to get the extended 2nd monitor. most new cards these days come with 2 outputs, so it shouldn't be too hard to find. what's your price range? maybe me or another user can help you find the right range of card you're looking for.


there are however special cards that give you multiple monitors though they are quite expensive. these can give you 4 to 8 monitors but are quite expensive just in case you are curious.

here's the list i found on newegg for you.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=40000449%201573938451&Description=workstation%20video%20card&name=matrox

good luck

 

[evongugg]

I have extended screens with Dell DVI or VGA splitters.
They do not have the standard pinout, so only buy them for use with Dells.

 

[aznguy0028]

I have extended screens with Dell DVI or VGA splitters.
They do not have the standard pinout, so only buy them for use with Dells.

ah i see, good to know

 

[evongugg]

Matrox Graphics eXpansion Modules

Matrox DualHead2Go
Matrox TripleHead2Go

http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/gxm/home.php

 

[grndnatnl]

I have extended screens with Dell DVI or VGA splitters.
They do not have the standard pinout, so only buy them for use with Dells.

Any idea/link where I can acquire one of these? Searched briefly but didnt come up with anything, nor on Dell's site.

The classroom here (at work) is set up with dell Optiplex boxes with a single-head video card and Y-splitters going to two dell monitors. Interesting thing is; some are all DVI, some are DVI to 2-VGA.

Thx, as I appreciate all the information, folks.

 

[tompana82]

Where did you get this information from? At work we have extended the desktop to two screens using a VGA splitter. The reason I came here was my curiosity wanted to know how this worked. The way it is setup at work, the image IS NOT duplicated on both screens. We've done it with Vista and Windows 7.

 

[DeHerdtatty]

Where did you get this information from? At work we have extended the desktop to two screens using a VGA splitter. The reason I came here was my curiosity wanted to know how this worked. The way it is setup at work, the image IS NOT duplicated on both screens. We've done it with Vista and Windows 7.

What brand/make of cable do you use at your work that enabled you to extend the display with Vista and not get the duplicated display?

 

[Pre95]

Here at work they use Dell box's with a weird VGA splitter cable. The card within the Dell box had to be requested to be installed @ Dell, and is not part of the on-board chipset (stand alone video card). The pinout on the card side is 59 pins (14 rows of 4, 1 row of 3) which split to twin VGA inputs.

What I did was run a DVI input on one screen, and a VGA input on the other. Most dell laptop docking stations (or newer desktops) will have both inputs, and will allow the use of dual monitors this way.

So, as stated above, you will either need a card with twin inputs, or the specific 59 pin dual monitor port offered by dell (If I could scrounge up a brand for you I would).

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey