Looking for cheapest dual output solution

[Hannover]

I am trying to find the cheapest way to keep an LCD projector and LCD monitor hooked up and ready use at any given time. The projector has several input options but the LCD monitor is analog VGA only. The video 'card' is onboard with a single VGA output. I tried using a VGA "Y" splitter but the results were terrible. The computer does have an unused AGP port if we need to install a new video card.

Summary: We (my boss and I) would like to have the 'instant-on' option of using the LCD projector in his office without having to switch cables. Signal loss is a major concern, as is $$.

Thanks.

 

[Cheesetogo]

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-139-149&depa=1

 

[VirtualLarry]

You need one of these. (They also have 4- and 8-output models, for a bit more money.)

 

[Hannover]

Thanks for the replies. The VGA Multiplier looks like a winner.
A dual output video card (VGAx2 or VGA/SVID) is still an option but the fact that the projector won't be running all the time could cause some problems with that set up.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Hannover
Thanks for the replies. The VGA Multiplier looks like a winner.
A dual output video card (VGAx2 or VGA/SVID) is still an option but the fact that the projector won't be running all the time could cause some problems with that set up.

I don't see why not having something running all the time would be a problem...

Couldn't you even just add a pci video card and run a "dual monitor" setup with the card and the integrated video?

or a card that's AGP and set up a dual monitor setup...


I have a CRT and a projector set up right now with one card and don't see why having one off sometimes matters.

 

[Hannover]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: Hannover
Thanks for the replies. The VGA Multiplier looks like a winner.
A dual output video card (VGAx2 or VGA/SVID) is still an option but the fact that the projector won't be running all the time could cause some problems with that set up.

I don't see why not having something running all the time would be a problem...

Couldn't you even just add a pci video card and run a "dual monitor" setup with the card and the integrated video?

or a card that's AGP and set up a dual monitor setup...


I have a CRT and a projector set up right now with one card and don't see why having one off sometimes matters.

I guess it's more of a personal pref. than anything else. A duplicated signal would better ffor our situation than an extended desktop.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

There's also clone modes where both outputs will display the same thing.

I have it set up so I just hit a shortcut button on my keyboard and it switched the primary display device.

 

[Hannover]

Is the clone mode a function of the NVidia software ? I'm not that familiar with anything other than the extended desktop.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Hannover
Is the clone mode a function of the NVidia software ? I'm not that familiar with anything other than the extended desktop.

My last two cards were both ATI cards.... but when I had my Geforce3 Ti200, it was an option.

The only thing it had problems with was video on both. I'm not sure exactly what it was doing, but I think it could only do accelerated video (or something like that) on one of the two displays. All the 2d stuff other than video worked on both though. This was with connecting a tv with s-video and a monitor with VGA.