Multi-screen GUI

[Hariss]

Hello,

I have made GUI in LabView using TAB control. GUI will toghther with VI be used for process control. I need to split 'frames' from TAB control into 3 separate screens and still use one PC. Is this feasible?

To summary: One common PC with VI running, GUI presented on three separate (19" flat) screens.

Do I need the new graphic card to PC or? What if the PC are an laptop?

Thanks in advance

Hariss

[Ray.R]

Hi Hariss,

If you wish to display to multiple displays simultaneously, then you need a video card that supports it.

Depending on how you configure the video adaptor, you can customize your Front Panel accordingly.

If the PC is a laptop, the same rule applies.  However, many laptops support an external monitor.  I have not yet seen a laptop which is connected to two or more (external) monitors.

JLV

[Will.D]

Actually, a lot of newer laptops provide both DVI and the traditional VGA support (those with a decent video card that is).

So if the original laptop screen is sufficient for one of the 3 monitors, you might be alright with a decent laptop.

However, like JLV said, if you're talking 3 physical screens, you'll need some hardware support.

[Ray.R]

---

@Novatron wrote:
Actually, a lot of newer laptops provide both DVI and the traditional VGA support (those with a decent video card that is).

---

I need a newer laptop 😉  But you are right, they now do have both DVI & VGA support  🙂

[Will.D]

If I had not been in the market for a new laptop recently, I probably would have provided the same response JLV!

To further answer your question Hariss:

I believe Windows XP (and possibly 2000) will support up to 3 video cards, although you may be able to use just two if you make use of a dual display supported video card (i.e. one VGA, one DVI.  I do not know of any off the shelf video card which natively supports three).  It should be noted that many video cards come with DVI, VGA, and TV Out (likely S-Video), however only two of those will be supported by the card at any one time.

Another thing to note is that you may only have one AGP card running at once - if you end up using more than one video card, one will likey have to be PCI.

If it is indeed a laptop you're using, and the LCD with the laptop will not suffice as a monitor, you may want to look into PCMCIA video cards.

[Ray.R]

Not to advertise, but check this out by Matrox:  😮

http://www.matrox.com/graphics/offhome/th2go/home.cfm

...... now I want one of these!!!  .....

(where's the drool icon??)

EDIT=====

I have to get one of these!!!

Check out the specs:

TripleHead2Go is compatible with many professional and enthusiast class desktop and laptop PCs equipped with certain NVIDIA® and ATI® enabled graphics chipsets and add-in-boards (including multi-GPU configurations). Maximum resolutions supported may vary depending on the GPU version. An updated matrix of GPU version and maximum resolution supported is available on the compatibility page.

Inside the box • TripleHead2Go connector box • 2-foot HD15-to-HD15 (analog) monitor cable • 2-foot DVI-I to VGA cable • External 5VDC power adapter • Region-specific power cable(s) • Quickstart paper and CD, which includes the following software: - Install package - PowerDesk SE (includes Image quality adjustment, center popup, window management, etc.) - Electronic Product Manual - Matrox Surround Gaming Utility

Additional resolutions (such as DualHead modes or Triple Widescreen modes) can be enabled through the TripleHead2Go Mode Expander Tool.
Product information
Dimensions	9.2 cm x 10.7 cm x 2.5 cm
Weight	168 grams
Connectors	HD-15 (analog) x 4 (1 input, 3 output), Power (5VDC, 2A)

Message Edited by JoeLabView on 06-20-2006 10:55 AM

[Ray.R]

You can also check out what these guys did... and probably cheaper...

http://www.realtimesoft.com/multimon/reviews/3mon_gf4/

Maybe I should try this out since I have these cards....  😉

Message Edited by JoeLabView on 06-20-2006 10:58 AM

[Will.D]

Nice research JLV!

I only hope we've taken Hariss' question in the right context....

If only the Matrox supported higer resolution for the higher end cards (2400x600 is nice width-wise but...  600?).  I like the sound of the "Matrox Surround Gaming Utility".  I can only dream of the possibilities.

[Ray.R]

Gaming???  gaming....  🙂  oh yieee-aaayyy...  😄

Opps, yes... euh.. back to topic..

This would be fantastic for LV development as well.  Imagine the miles of wires you could draw on three screens!!

And impress the heck of management!

😄

[merzak]

la question est comment géré le tab control avec des pages sur plusieurs ecrans ?