Signal loss with dual vid card?

[Knievel]

I've got a computer in my jukebox that feeds it's touch screen as well as a second touch screen upstairs. Currently I'm using a VGA splitter cable to feed both of them and was happy with it until I recently realized how much dimmer the picture on both screens becomes when split.

My question for those who have them, will a video card with dual vga outputs on it give me a quality picture on both monitors. In other words do you get any signal loss using both outputs on one of these cards?

[Jeff AMN]

Yeah, I've seen this before. I know a guy that actually found a powered splitter and that helped keep his image brighter. I don't know how common or practical of a solution it is, but he was willing.

EDIT: It sounds like you live in the house of tomorrow...today!

[Naru]

You could get something like this.

NVIDIAŽ GeForceŽ 7950GT 512MB GDDR3 Dual DVI - Dual Link w/ HDCP & TV-Out [$308.00]

With 2 PC connections and 1 TV out you should be good to go.
There's likely other video cards that do this as well
this was just one of them.

[BobA]

Video cards with duo vga have separate circuits for each output.  That is how they can display different images on each screen and even different res on each screen.

[Loki]

When it comes to dual monitors you have to be @ Matrox.
http://www.matrox.com/

[ahofle]

Upstairs?  How long are the cables?  I know there are limits with runs of analog cables like VGA.  IMO you should make sure the cable length isn't causing any degradation before getting a new video card with two outputs only to discover it does the same thing.

[SavannahLion]

Upstairs?  How long are the cables?  I know there are limits with runs of analog cables like VGA.  IMO you should make sure the cable length isn't causing any degradation before getting a new video card with two outputs only to discover it does the same thing.

You can run some pretty long lengths before you start getting problems. 50' HD15 cables aren't hard to come by. I spotted one product that recommended 50' HD15 cables then converted the feed to a wireless signal. It's used in presentation and signage.

You're right though, he does need to test both lines before plopping any money down for a solution that may or may not work. If he's tested each line individually without problems. Then the problem might be the split, it's dropping the signal too much. Either get a VGA amplifier like the ones that can be found on Amazon or get a dual header video card. A two port VGA amp I found on Amazon from StarTech is selling for $37 and change. I don't know how well it works, never wanted to amplify the monitor signal before. But $40 is a worthwhile shot to save paying $300 for a new card.

[Knievel]

Well I guess BobA best answered my question, thanks for all the input.

FYI I have a 25ft extension running to the upstairs juke. Sounds like a long run but when I connect it without the splitter the picture up there is perfect. So I think the dual vid card should do the trick.

Yes Jeff the house is fairly high tech, lots of touch screens and X10 controlling everything. Unfortunately I'm the only one who can work it all though

[SavannahLion]

Yes Jeff the house is fairly high tech, lots of touch screens and X10 controlling everything. Unfortunately I'm the only one who can work it all though

How well do you like the X10 stuff? Every person I've ever talked to hates X10 for whatever reason.

[rockin_rick]

You definitely don't need to spend $300 on a card.  I use a FX5700 with dual monitors and it works great.

You may also be able to just add another video card if you have an extra laying around.  I've ran two video cards in a CPU at one time for dual monitors before.  This method is more picky as some cards will only work with some other cards.  If you have an old card or two sitting around, give that a try (essentially for free).  The single card/dual output method is the easiest and you don't have to deal with compatibility issues.

Rick

[mountain]

Yes Jeff the house is fairly high tech, lots of touch screens and X10 controlling everything. Unfortunately I'm the only one who can work it all though

How well do you like the X10 stuff? Every person I've ever talked to hates X10 for whatever reason.

Check this out guys. 

http://www.exceptionalinnovation.com/

Click on the "see it in action" link and then videos.