Force dual monitor output?

[monopole]

For a while I've had my PC connected to both a VGA monitor and a projector (DVI to HDMI adaptor), extending the desktop onto the PJ. The second monitor (PJ) has always appeared in Windows, even if the projector was switched off at boot time.

Now I've introduced a HDMI switching amp into the path (Sony STR-DA5200ES) - i.e. PC is
connected to Amp, Amp is connected to PJ... What I find now is that unless the Amp is switched on when the computer boots, I only get a single monitor appearing in control panel - in order to get the PJ to appear as a monitor, I have to reboot... This is very annoying as sometimes you can be recording something and have to wait for the program to finish before rebooting.

So my question is: Is there a way to tell windows to alway enable the second monitor, even if it thinks it's not there? It's just too intelligent. Even if the 2nd monitor appeared in control panel, but was disabled, that would be a result...

Or is there a way to tell windows to scan for a new monitor? That would save rebooting too.

Maybe I should go back to swapping cables... bloomin technology!

[Rockinraver]

I've been having exactly the same problem since i started using a HDMI switcher. Can't help i'm afraid but i'm obviously keen for a resolution.

Good luck!

[Rockinraver]

Originally Posted by Rockinraver

I've been having exactly the same problem since i started using a HDMI switcher. Can't help i'm afraid but i'm obviously keen for a resolution.

Good luck!

I should add that i can get my 2nd screen without rebooting.. it's just not ideal.

After changing to the input my pc is on my with the hdmi swithcer
I can right click on my nVidia options in the task bar and nView Display Settings appears which gives me a number of options for dual screen set ups. None as good as if i'd booted up with the tv on though.

Not sure if your graphics card will give you the same options but if you have an nvidia it definitely will.

[monopole]

I can get to the nview settings too, but it messes up one of the displays - it just doesn't want to do the same thing as the built in dual monitor support (simple extend desktop). I got into a right old mess with the promary display using the nview settings - ended up with 1280x720 on a 1280x1024 res monitor - essentially matching the same vertical resolution as the projector (2nd display). I couldn't get independed resolutions for each monitor. Thus have to resort to a reboot.

Very annoying. It's a pity there's not a way to nudge windows to detect a newly attached monitor.

[wywywywy]

Hi,

There is indeed a way.
Gefen DVI detective is your answer!
(Thats as far as I know, don't kill me if it doesn't.)
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=1378

HTHs.

[jimbo2]

get it here?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Gefen-DVI-Dete...QQcmdZViewItem

[monopole]

Now that's an interesting piece of kit.

This morning I booted the PC, forgot to turn on the amp, yet it decided that the diconnected projector should be the primary monitor and didn't extend the desktop to what has always been my primary monitor... how does it get into such a mess? And this on a brand new install of Vista.

[danpep]

wywywy is right. Gefen DVI Detective is what you need. It's expensive but a must have for Vista and secondary displays.

My Vista PC used to disable the adapter when I turned off my plasma (which displays an exended desktop with MCE on it). DVI Detective pretends to be a screen that is always powered on so this no longer happens.

A good feature of this device is that the power supply isn't needed after initial programming.

[wywywywy]

Can I just say that I don't think the DVI Detective supports dual-link, if you need to use dual-link.

[monopole]

What's dual link?

I think I'll add the DVI detective to my shopping list. Do you know if it supports a resolution of 1920x1080 at a 50Hz screen refresh?

[nigelbb]

Originally Posted by jimbo2

get it here?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Gefen-DVI-Dete...QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks for the link. That is exactly what I need to fix the problem with my HTPC that is only connected to a projector. If it gets rebooted without the projector connected then there is no display so I have to RDP to & reboot it after I have powered on the projector.

I won the auction. I do hope that I wasn't bidding against anyone here:-)

There is a shop on Ebay selling at 37 pounds plus shipping so you don't have to order from the US. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GEFEN-DVI-DETE...QQcmdZViewItem