Noob multiple display question

[A Casual Fitz]

I just got a 32" 720p HD TV and I hooked it up to my video card along side my computer monitor. The multiple display wizard found it and I picked dualview. Then it only offered me the normal 800x600 1024x768 and 1280x1024 options. The view on my TV looks distorted. Is there any way to get the native 1366x786 and have all of the picture on the screen?

 

[MalVeauX]

Heya,

Make sure your 720p TV is set as the primary display. Connect it, as the primary, without your 2nd monitor on. Make sure everything works right. Next reconnect the other monitor, and let it be your secondary monitor. Then choose to either stretch into that desktop, clone, etc, whatever you prefer. Should work out.

By the way; it's best to know what OS you're using, what Videocard, what drivers, etc....

Very best,

 

[A Casual Fitz]

Thanks for the response. I have it set as the primary and booted the computer with it being the only connection. It still only identifies the TV as "Analog Display" and just gives those resolution options.

I have Windows XP SP3 and GeForce 8800GT.

 

[MalVeauX]

Heya,

How are you connecting to your TV?

I'm using Vista 64 and an 8800GT. The process I used (images to help):

1. Connect DVI -> HDMI cable to 37" 1080p HDTV (plug it into the left-most DVI output on the card, when looking directly at it from behind the case). Set as primary display. That's how it's defaulted as your `primary.'
2. Connect DVI -> DVI 22" LCD (plug into the right-most DVI output on the card when looking directly at it from behind the case). Set as "2" and set "Extend my desktop onto this monitor."

Display Properties for Display 1
Display Properties for Display 2

3. Set the resolutions as you wish on each display.
4. Go to nVidia Control panel -> Video & Television -> Resize HDTV desktop (this control panel can be found in Window's Control Panel).
5. Move the scale bars to adjust the way the image looks on your TV at that resolution (also, it's a good idea to go ahead and check this for several resolutions that you commonly use).

nVidia Control Panel, Resizing HDTV Desktop

From there, you should be golden with no distortion or weird stuff (other than if you use a desktop wallpaper image file that is smaller than one of the display resolutions, it will appear smaller and centered on the higher resolution display).

37" 1080p HDTV (primary) & 22" LCD (secondary)

Very best,

 

[A Casual Fitz]

I follow you and it should work, but Nvidia just refuses to show me 1366x786 and refers to the TV as "Analog Display,"

I'm rocking DVI - VGA on the TV, is that what's messing me up? If so, what's the point of a VGA input if it doesn't even look right?

 

[MalVeauX]

Heya,

That may be your problem. VGA is an analog signal. DVI is digital. Your HDTV doesn't have a DVI input or an HDMI input?

Very best,

 

[A Casual Fitz]

Yeah it does have HDMI, it just means I'll have to get a cable for it. I figured it the VGA input would be ready for computer use... oh well!

Thanks again.

 

[Team Spicoli]

Hey Mal,
What are those black-colored devices you have shown to the left of your large monitor?
They appear to be some sort of router/switch device?!