View Full Version : Possible?
2k7zero
12-30-2007, 03:59 PM
I have a Sanyo 42" plasma laying around. I'd like to use it as a 2nd screen for my comp but not a direct one, I'll explain. I still want to use my monitor as the main one but be able to switch to the Sanyo when I feel like watching a Movie, doing a project, or w/e I please. I realize gaming won't be possible on the Sanyo and I don't plan on to. To summarize I just need a way to switch from screen to screen. Is this possible and if so what kind of system am I looking at?
De1337
12-30-2007, 04:02 PM
It is possible yes... any modern graphics card has double outputs, allowing for 2 seperate monitors attached.
Software to control the monitors comes with the card... it's very easy.
dsturner
12-30-2007, 04:18 PM
Not a problem at all. My system is hooked up that way now,I run ATI cards and have been doing that since the 9000 series cards ...works great. For Ati cards its in the catlyst control center CCC for short not sure for N-vid:up:
2k7zero
12-30-2007, 05:44 PM
Say I decided to play a high-demanding game on my monitor. Will the Sanyo rob the card of it's power making me only able to play the game half the graphics level? I'm purchasing an 8800gt 512. Do you think I'll need a second one because I can get another by summer time.
dsturner
12-30-2007, 06:01 PM
For 1080 you will be fine but for game playing and higher res you will probably need another card. I have a 54" HD tv and hav no prob playing HD movies.Its game playing thats demanding on the vid card and higher resolutions. I dont play games on it as its in another room I just ran the cable to it.
Sorry misred the question..No it wont affect performance as its very easy to set it just for your monitor and when you want it on your tv its just a couple of clicks its all software. I actualy can do other things and play a movie for the kids at the same time But not play a very demanding game such as Crysis and play them a movie but just about everything else.
2k7zero
12-31-2007, 01:03 PM
You answered it all there dsturner. Thx a lot. Are there reliable online guides that I can look into to get to know what I plan on doing?
its just a matter of plugging the TV into the card, what kind of ports does the TV have, any analog or DVI?
2k7zero
01-01-2008, 11:55 AM
I believe it's DVI. From the looks of it it'll be easy. Will this require a TV Tuner or w/e it is? If so I have a copy of Vista Home Edition. Can that be upgraded with a tuner or do I have to buy one that already comes with one? I'm a complete noob to this kind of electronics please bear with me.
just plug it into your gfx card.
2k7zero
01-01-2008, 01:24 PM
Thanks a lot. I'll post again with a build list a week before my buy. Until then thanks for the help.