CoLab International

[Gerald Shantz]

Let me describe our configuration to the limited degree I can remember. We are using an INVIDIA video card with DVI, VGA, and svideo outputs. We are using the DVI output (secondary monitor) to connect to a converter box that sends the signal via Cat 5e to the projector. (Works well.) The VGA goes to the local monitor for control.

Here's the rub. We want to be able to send the same signal that is going to the projector, to both our video mixer and to a pulpit monitor. This way we can mix the song image into a PNP window on our recordings and also allow the song leader to see what's on the screen overhead behind him.

Sounds simple enough until you try to split the signal off. 1st, we have to have VGA for both the auxilary feeds, but the VGA off the card is the primary monitor, not the secondary. We tried to split off the DVI cable, but the computer sees it as a 3rd monitor and won't allow that. We originally thought that we could pick up the output from the projector, but found to our dismay that there is no video output on projectors with DVI in. I guess the cost of the electronics to make the conversion is too much. So if we can't tap off the VGA from the DVI output, is there any way to actively split the DVI output without the video card seeing it as a 3rd monitor? Do they make some type of DVI splitter that could convert the signal to VGA? Is there any way to incorporate a second video card without making a compicated mess?

Any ideas would be much appreciated.
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Gerald Shantz

[jordancpeterson]

If you are using a NVIDIA card I am pretty sure you can use the software that comes with that card (and probably even Window's XP/Vista Display Properties box) to switch it so that VGA is your secondary and the DVI output is your primary. I'll look into this more for a better solution for splitting the DVI.

And by the way, welcome!

[Gerald Shantz]

Yes, we can certainly change the primary and secondary ports around, however no matter how we change things, the projector is set up with a DVI to Cat 5e conversion box to avoid long AVG cables. So the signal we need to replicate is of necessity DVI simply because it is the 2ndary monitor. In hindsight, we may have done better to run the long cable and kept the 2ndary as VGA simply because that is what all our other appliances require.

We might be forced to make that change, but were relunctant because of the cost of the converter we have. Then again, it may still be cheaper than buying a special box to split and convert the DVI if it is available at all.
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Gerald Shantz

[jordancpeterson]

I'm pretty sure you could use one of these DVI splitter boxes linked to below.

http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=1403 ($299)

http://store.pcwebshopper.com/babfdvisili11.html ($85)

There may be a cheaper way to do this. I'm still checking on that.

[jordancpeterson]