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Main => Software Forum => Topic started by: shateredsoul on June 10, 2010, 12:36:39 pm

Title: question about dual screens?
Post by: shateredsoul on June 10, 2010, 12:36:39 pm

Hi,  I was wondering if there is a way to use a dual screen while the first screen is in full screen mode? I have my setup connected through a ati hd radeon 4850 which has two dvi-d ports. Unfortunately when I have something in fullscreen mode the second screen can't be used and won't respond (it's a touch screen).

Also, I launched media center in the second screen and tried launching a nes game in my first screen and it gave me errors.  I can't remember exactly the error but it was something like "graphic capability is busy right now"

I had imagined that I'd be able to play games on the 1st screen and use the second screen as a touch screen for jukebox software.  So people could change songs while someone else is playing. 

Title: Re: question about dual screens?
Post by: DillonFoulds on June 10, 2010, 07:00:57 pm

I think it's a limitation on your graphics card (and drivers).Basically it's telling you your GPU doesn't have enough multitask ability. It's not uncommon in the world of graphics cards.

Something you may be able to do if it nVidia, is look for the Spanning options. There's basically 2 output modes allowed  on some nvidia cards. One is dual monitor, the other is to Span monitors (one continuous desktop, including the start menu), rather than extended desktop (screens act independent of each other, second monitor has no task bar).

This may sound confusing at first, but it actually exists! Full screen applications do tend to fullscreen across both monitors :( Same with Maximizing.

Title: Re: question about dual screens?
Post by: shateredsoul on June 10, 2010, 07:54:33 pm

Hmm..

Well I was able to get my jukebox software running on the touchscreen and I can use some apps on the main screen while the jukebox runs, but programs that go fullscreen render the touchscreen inoperable (I can still see the jukebox, but it doesn't respond to touch).

My second screen does not have a task bar.. I do have it on extended, that may be the issue.  I don't think I have a dual monitor option. I think this is strange considering the graphics card has two dvi-d ports.  Oh well. Thanks for the info.