DVI-I to DVI-D and VGA - simultaneous connections possible?

[Skaven]

We have a Geowall setup in the lab. It is basically a stereo display using dual overlayed projectors - ours take VGA (HD 15) signals. We also have a Planar Stereo LCD Display that takes DVI signals.

Ideally we would like to be able to display the same image to both Stereo displays without having multiple VGA cards. Basically just mirror the same signal to both displays. The machine is currently equipped with a eVGA 6800 Ultra with dual DVI-I outputs.

If I were to purchase this DVI-I to VGA and DVI-D cable would it just output the same image to both the HD15 and DVI-D connectors?

Another way of asking the same question:

Do VGA cards with DVI-I connectors output both signals continuously?

I searched and couldn't find any info on this. We may just order the cable to see if its possible, but figured I'd see if somebody here knew.

 

[Peter]

No they won't. DVI-I lets you use EITHER but not BOTH. You need to hook the monitors to individual outputs, and set the card's driver to "Clone" or "Mirror" mode.

 

[keeleysam]

Originally posted by: Peter
No they won't. DVI-I lets you use EITHER but not BOTH. You need to hook the monitors to individual outputs, and set the card's driver to "Clone" or "Mirror" mode.

QFT.... the videocard drivers actually MIGHT do it, but you owuld have to put all the settings in... but i wouldn't push it. If you need more outputs, get a new/additional video card.

 

[keeleysam]

Actually... I take that back... on that page, they link to this:
http://www.3dgameman.com/reviews/aiw_dual_display/aiw_dual_display.html

Which shows how to do it. Go for it.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: keeleysam
Actually... I take that back... on that page, they link to this:
http://www.3dgameman.com/reviews/aiw_dual_display/aiw_dual_display.html

Which shows how to do it. Go for it.

I didn't read the article, but wanted to know... does it work for only aiw ATI cards?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Oh, what if you used a DVI-I to single VGA adapter on one of the DVI ports and then ran a simple VGA splitter from that output?

You'd get two identical outputs in VGA and a single DVI output from the other port. Would that accomplish what you want to do?

 

[Skaven]

I need two DVI outputs one for each left and right LCD and mirrored VGA output one for each left and right projector.

I might have to try that cable afterall.

 

[kylebisme]

I'm pretty sure it just works on that AIW becuase it only has one DVI out but two RAMDACs, where as you would need four RAMDACs to output to four monitors.

 

[Peter]

No you don't. RAMDACs are Digital to Analog Converters, and you don't need those for digital DVI screens.

For a four-head configuration from a single card, you might want to look at what Matrox have to offer. (A word of warning: They often take months to come up with well working drivers for new card models, so don't look at those that have only just been presented ...)

 

[Skaven]

A set of those cables have been ordered. I'll let you guys know what my results are!

 

[jiffylube1024]

Originally posted by: Skaven
We have a Geowall setup in the lab. It is basically a stereo display using dual overlayed projectors - ours take VGA (HD 15) signals. We also have a Planar Stereo LCD Display that takes DVI signals.

Ideally we would like to be able to display the same image to both Stereo displays without having multiple VGA cards. Basically just mirror the same signal to both displays. The machine is currently equipped with a eVGA 6800 Ultra with dual DVI-I outputs.

If I were to purchase this DVI-I to VGA and DVI-D cable would it just output the same image to both the HD15 and DVI-D connectors?

Another way of asking the same question:

Do VGA cards with DVI-I connectors output both signals continuously?

I searched and couldn't find any info on this. We may just order the cable to see if its possible, but figured I'd see if somebody here knew.

Unless you're gaming like crazy on that system, a 6800 Ultra is WAY overkill for that system.

Your best bet would be to buy a dual-PCI-express capable motherboard and throw in two ATI X300's or two Nvidia GeForce 6200's in there, each with one DVI and one VGA connector. Those will work great for projection screens, unless as I said before, you are doing a lot of gaming on it (which from my understanding of your post, is not the purpose of the setup at all).