Thread: Using dual monitors

  1. #1

    Using dual monitors

    So, I'm getting annoyed at trying to display debug data in my DX9 app. I mean, DX has to be working correctly to be running my CText class anyhow, so if I'm getting debug info at all, its because everything is working fine. How the heck useful is that?

    So I came across this, which talks about using a monochrome monitor to output to. Thats bloody brilliant and I've always wanted to do it. Its a rather long read so you can probably skip that link.

    My question is: Whats involved in hooking up a second monitor, and how do I go about outputting to it in Windows XP. I know nothing at all about using/hooking-up/programming-for a second monitor. Could someone fill me in or point me to a site that could help. Both with what hardware i'll need, and what will be involved in writing to it.

    I've spent some short time looking around but haven't found anything useful as of yet. I figure there must be a few people around here that would know.

    Thanks all.
    "There's always another way"
    -lightatdawn (lightatdawn.cprogramming.com)

  2. #2
    Pursuing knowledge confuted's Avatar
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    Some video cards can support a second monitor (frequently a digital and a "standard" output) Otherwise, you can stick another video card in there and use them both. I know that WinXP can handle it at least - not sure about others, but probably.
    Away.

  3. #3
    Redundantly Redundant RoD's Avatar
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    I run duals on a ATI Radeon VE 32MB DDR. The software installs and xp automatically adds the second monitor to displays, heres a SS for you. This card can be bought for between 40-50.00 possibly less on ebay. Got mine for 30 USD

  4. #4
    and the Hat of Clumsiness GanglyLamb's Avatar
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    Dont be surpsrised to see that some games wont work anylonger once youve inserted the video card that supports dual monitoring.

    I know that a game like project IGI wont run it, giving some Dx warning (and thats because of the dual video card).
    But i guess that about every usefull program, compiler whatsoever (excluding games )will run and display fine with such a card.

    Greetz,

    Ganglylamb.

  5. #5
    &TH of undefined behavior Fordy's Avatar
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    If you have a spare pc (maybe an old one?), you can debug a program from the other computer.....I know VC++ has this option....and I guess other decent windows debuggers will dothe same

  6. #6
    Redundantly Redundant RoD's Avatar
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    Originally posted by GanglyLamb
    Dont be surpsrised to see that some games wont work anylonger once youve inserted the video card that supports dual monitoring.

    I know that a game like project IGI wont run it, giving some Dx warning (and thats because of the dual video card).
    But i guess that about every usefull program, compiler whatsoever (excluding games )will run and display fine with such a card.

    Greetz,

    Ganglylamb.
    No problems here, even with that game. Im running ATI XP drivers too.

  7. #7
    I think someone out there needs to make a little box that displays like 5 lines of text, that hooks up to your USB port and takes in debug info from a debug program.

  8. #8
    Unleashed
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    > what hardware i'll need
    Nvidia's(GeForce) TV-OUT is poor quality. Go with ATI(Radeon).
    The world is waiting. I must leave you now.

  9. #9
    Redundantly Redundant RoD's Avatar
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  10. #10
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    think someone out there needs to make a little box that displays like 5 lines of text, that hooks up to your USB port and takes in debug info from a debug program.
    they make little lcd screen like that. some will fit in 5.25 drive bay. im not sure about usb(support under linux, but i think its there) but theres always serial.


    <edit>
    im starting to like this idea, but i dont know how it will work out



    http://lcdproc.omnipotent.net/hardware.php3
    Last edited by mart_man00; 07-17-2003 at 12:20 PM.

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