Is it possible to use a TV as a second screen?

BoomAM

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2001
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Hi,
I wondered if it was possbile to use a TV, via the S-Video socket on my 9700pro as a seperate display. Usually, it just displays the exact same as the primary screen(a TFT connected via DVI), but i wanted to display, for example, a DVD movie on the TV, and seperate program on the TFT, such as my email client, or Opera, or something else.

Is this possible? And how would i do it?
 

stardust

Golden Member
May 17, 2003
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ATi's hydra vision has a utility for that i think

i use nvidia, dunno much about ati drivers
 

stardust

Golden Member
May 17, 2003
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yes, there was a forum i was reading when i was considering the 9800np and i posed a question about nvidia having the VIVO that the nonAiW cards don't possess.

The TV would just be treated like any other computer screen with a limited resolution and unless u could play the DVDs directly from ur drives, its going to be exactly like playing it to your computer screen.

Since there is no TV in, you wouldn't be able to PIP on the TV hoping to view 2 sources of video, rather just open a new window and make it always on top, and do your work on the other display if u can.

I'm still a little confused about what u are asking because, to me it seems pretty simple and should work. Just don't expect any video-in functions.

BTW

ur S-video is also compatible with Component-out (note the adaptor ur video card should've came with), so it should treat the TV just like any other TFT display.
 

BoomAM

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2001
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What i want is;
My windows desktop on my TFT.
And when i play DVDs, the DVD movie on the TV, but not the TFT.

I dont want/need video in functions.
I`ll be using S-Video cos component out does`nt look as good imo. I did get a S-Video to Component Converter BTY.
 

rbV5

Lifer
Dec 10, 2000
12,632
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What i want is;
My windows desktop on my TFT.
And when i play DVDs, the DVD movie on the TV, but not the TFT.
.
Theater Mode is supported on every Radeon card with Dual RAMDAC, and allows for full screen TV out and your desktop on your monitor. No, you don't need hydravision.
ATI snippet:
Display Support
VGA connector for analog CRT
S-video or composite connector for TV / VCR
DVI-I connector for digital CRT or flat panel
Independent resolutions and refresh rates for any two connected displays

Link


I`ll be using S-Video cos component out does`nt look as good imo. I did get a S-Video to Component Converter BTY.
You guys are messing up your terms also. You're obviously talking about composite (RCA) connection, not component (YPbPr) which is a high bandwidth connection for high resolution interlaced or progressive output.
 

Peter

Elite Member
Oct 15, 1999
9,640
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Yes. What you want to do is Theater Mode, where the media currently being played is shown on the TV-out in fullscreen mode while it still can be viewed fullscreen or in a window on the main display.
You can also use the TV-out as an actual secondary display.
Both modes are available from the display properties, Advanced.
 

rbV5

Lifer
Dec 10, 2000
12,632
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Can all ATI cards w/TV out including AIW support this feature?
Only the cards with dual RAMDAC support "theater mode", original AIW Radeon..no, AIW 7500 on up...yes.
 

Peter

Elite Member
Oct 15, 1999
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Original Radeon-256 aka 7200 didn't have dual screen capability at all, and some 8500 cards didn't use it although the chip technically can. Everything else (including the Radeon-VE aka 7000) are dual screen capable.