Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

I'm current running TWO 19" analog monitors @ 1600x1200 (each), 32 Bit
Color in 'INDEPENDENT' mode.
 
I would LIKE to consider adding a THIRD 19 incher BUT using only the
capabilities of the P750, I can only do so IF I 'drop down' to
(something like - it was quite awhile ago that I did the experiment)
3840x1024 - a 'STRETCHED' mode which I don't like much. I don't get
any more (for all intents and purposes) 'pixels' to display more info;
everything simply gets larger. ALSO I really don't like having my
TaskBar stretched across the three monitors and it also complicates
the use of Wallpapers....
 
Anyway - bottom line: I would like to run ALL the monitors in 1600 x
1200 'INDEPENDENT' mode and, since I cannot do that with only the
capabilities of the P750 card, I was wondering if I could add a SECOND
(PCI) Video Card (of suitable make and capabilites) and achieve my
goal????
 
Could I do so and get three moniors running 1600x1200 in Independent
Mode????
 
If so, would I see any 'Complication' in terms of CONFIGURING them the
way I want???
 
Would Matrox's Software (PowerDesk???) handle it OR would I have to
do/congigure the third monitor 'seperately'. (Or would it even be
possible...???)
 
Finally, if it DOES seem feasible (anyone out there actually DOING the
above???), could anyone recommend an suitable make/model of video
card???
 
TIA!

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

"HammerToe" <HammerToe@online.com> wrote in message news:ue73g0pk2qjv7irfd8cqq3as6la59v3l08@4ax.com...
> I'm current running TWO 19" analog monitors @ 1600x1200 (each), 32 Bit
> Color in 'INDEPENDENT' mode.
>
> I would LIKE to consider adding a THIRD 19 incher BUT using only the
> capabilities of the P750, I can only do so IF I 'drop down' to
> (something like - it was quite awhile ago that I did the experiment)
> 3840x1024 - a 'STRETCHED' mode which I don't like much. I don't get
> any more (for all intents and purposes) 'pixels' to display more info;
> everything simply gets larger. ALSO I really don't like having my
> TaskBar stretched across the three monitors and it also complicates
> the use of Wallpapers....
>
> Anyway - bottom line: I would like to run ALL the monitors in 1600 x
> 1200 'INDEPENDENT' mode and, since I cannot do that with only the
> capabilities of the P750 card, I was wondering if I could add a SECOND
> (PCI) Video Card (of suitable make and capabilites) and achieve my
> goal????
 
No, at least not in Windows 2000/XP.  Windows does support
multiple video controllers, but not at the same time.  One can
switch between the controllers and use them one at a time.
 
Rick

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

Rick wrote:
 
> "HammerToe" <HammerToe@online.com> wrote in message
> news:ue73g0pk2qjv7irfd8cqq3as6la59v3l08@4ax.com...
>> I'm current running TWO 19" analog monitors @ 1600x1200 (each), 32 Bit
>> Color in 'INDEPENDENT' mode.
>>
>> I would LIKE to consider adding a THIRD 19 incher BUT using only the
>> capabilities of the P750, I can only do so IF I 'drop down' to
>> (something like - it was quite awhile ago that I did the experiment)
>> 3840x1024 - a 'STRETCHED' mode which I don't like much. I don't get
>> any more (for all intents and purposes) 'pixels' to display more info;
>> everything simply gets larger. ALSO I really don't like having my
>> TaskBar stretched across the three monitors and it also complicates
>> the use of Wallpapers....
>>
>> Anyway - bottom line: I would like to run ALL the monitors in 1600 x
>> 1200 'INDEPENDENT' mode and, since I cannot do that with only the
>> capabilities of the P750 card, I was wondering if I could add a SECOND
>> (PCI) Video Card (of suitable make and capabilites) and achieve my
>> goal????
>  
> No, at least not in Windows 2000/XP.  Windows does support
> multiple video controllers, but not at the same time.  One can
> switch between the controllers and use them one at a time.
 
When was that support removed?
 
> Rick
 
--  
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

"J. Clarke" <jclarke@nospam.invalid> wrote in message news:cdsokh02kmj@news2.newsguy.com...
> Rick wrote:
>
> > "HammerToe" <HammerToe@online.com> wrote in message
> > news:ue73g0pk2qjv7irfd8cqq3as6la59v3l08@4ax.com...
> >> I'm current running TWO 19" analog monitors @ 1600x1200 (each), 32 Bit
> >> Color in 'INDEPENDENT' mode.
> >>
> >> I would LIKE to consider adding a THIRD 19 incher BUT using only the
> >> capabilities of the P750, I can only do so IF I 'drop down' to
> >> (something like - it was quite awhile ago that I did the experiment)
> >> 3840x1024 - a 'STRETCHED' mode which I don't like much. I don't get
> >> any more (for all intents and purposes) 'pixels' to display more info;
> >> everything simply gets larger. ALSO I really don't like having my
> >> TaskBar stretched across the three monitors and it also complicates
> >> the use of Wallpapers....
> >>
> >> Anyway - bottom line: I would like to run ALL the monitors in 1600 x
> >> 1200 'INDEPENDENT' mode and, since I cannot do that with only the
> >> capabilities of the P750 card, I was wondering if I could add a SECOND
> >> (PCI) Video Card (of suitable make and capabilites) and achieve my
> >> goal????
> >
> > No, at least not in Windows 2000/XP.  Windows does support
> > multiple video controllers, but not at the same time.  One can
> > switch between the controllers and use them one at a time.
>
> When was that support removed?
 
That support was never there in the first place.  Only one video
controller can be set as primary at a time -- simultaneous triple
(or whatever) monitor support has to come from the primary
controller's driver.  You can't divide it up among multiple
adapters.
 
Rick

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

Rick wrote:
 
> "J. Clarke" <jclarke@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
> news:cdsokh02kmj@news2.newsguy.com...
>> Rick wrote:
>>
>> > "HammerToe" <HammerToe@online.com> wrote in message
>> > news:ue73g0pk2qjv7irfd8cqq3as6la59v3l08@4ax.com...
>> >> I'm current running TWO 19" analog monitors @ 1600x1200 (each), 32 Bit
>> >> Color in 'INDEPENDENT' mode.
>> >>
>> >> I would LIKE to consider adding a THIRD 19 incher BUT using only the
>> >> capabilities of the P750, I can only do so IF I 'drop down' to
>> >> (something like - it was quite awhile ago that I did the experiment)
>> >> 3840x1024 - a 'STRETCHED' mode which I don't like much. I don't get
>> >> any more (for all intents and purposes) 'pixels' to display more info;
>> >> everything simply gets larger. ALSO I really don't like having my
>> >> TaskBar stretched across the three monitors and it also complicates
>> >> the use of Wallpapers....
>> >>
>> >> Anyway - bottom line: I would like to run ALL the monitors in 1600 x
>> >> 1200 'INDEPENDENT' mode and, since I cannot do that with only the
>> >> capabilities of the P750 card, I was wondering if I could add a SECOND
>> >> (PCI) Video Card (of suitable make and capabilites) and achieve my
>> >> goal????
>> >
>> > No, at least not in Windows 2000/XP.  Windows does support
>> > multiple video controllers, but not at the same time.  One can
>> > switch between the controllers and use them one at a time.
>>
>> When was that support removed?
>  
> That support was never there in the first place.  Only one video
> controller can be set as primary at a time -- simultaneous triple
> (or whatever) monitor support has to come from the primary
> controller's driver.  You can't divide it up among multiple
> adapters.
 
I see.  Someone needs to tell my copy of XP as it is going along blissfully
unaware of this limitation.
 
The ability to extend the desktop across up to ten monitors connected to as
many video boards as necessary to attach them is a documented feature of
Windows 2000 and XP.  Only one of those monitors (not adapters--even if the
adapter has connections for many monitors only one of those monitors is
"primary" ) but it is not necessary that a display adapter be set as
"primary" in order to be used in an extended desktop.
 
The video adapters do not even have to be the same brand--some users are
running arch-rivals ATI and nvidia simultaneously.
 
Perhaps you are confusing the "multiple display" capability with the
"dualview" feature, or are thinking about the known issue involving
television signals and the video overlay feature.
 
You might want to call up the "help" in your Windows 2000 or XP system and
search on "multiple monitor".
 
If this capability does not work on your machine then you need to get
drivers that are not broken.
 
> Rick
 
--  
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

"J. Clarke" <jclarke@nospam.invalid> wrote in message news:cdtbv20hln@news3.newsguy.com...
> Rick wrote:
>
> > "J. Clarke" <jclarke@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
> > news:cdsokh02kmj@news2.newsguy.com...
> >> Rick wrote:
> >>
> >> > "HammerToe" <HammerToe@online.com> wrote in message
> >> > news:ue73g0pk2qjv7irfd8cqq3as6la59v3l08@4ax.com...
> >> >> I'm current running TWO 19" analog monitors @ 1600x1200 (each), 32 Bit
> >> >> Color in 'INDEPENDENT' mode.
> >> >>
> >> >> I would LIKE to consider adding a THIRD 19 incher BUT using only the
> >> >> capabilities of the P750, I can only do so IF I 'drop down' to
> >> >> (something like - it was quite awhile ago that I did the experiment)
> >> >> 3840x1024 - a 'STRETCHED' mode which I don't like much. I don't get
> >> >> any more (for all intents and purposes) 'pixels' to display more info;
> >> >> everything simply gets larger. ALSO I really don't like having my
> >> >> TaskBar stretched across the three monitors and it also complicates
> >> >> the use of Wallpapers....
> >> >>
> >> >> Anyway - bottom line: I would like to run ALL the monitors in 1600 x
> >> >> 1200 'INDEPENDENT' mode and, since I cannot do that with only the
> >> >> capabilities of the P750 card, I was wondering if I could add a SECOND
> >> >> (PCI) Video Card (of suitable make and capabilites) and achieve my
> >> >> goal????
> >> >
> >> > No, at least not in Windows 2000/XP.  Windows does support
> >> > multiple video controllers, but not at the same time.  One can
> >> > switch between the controllers and use them one at a time.
> >>
> >> When was that support removed?
> >
> > That support was never there in the first place.  Only one video
> > controller can be set as primary at a time -- simultaneous triple
> > (or whatever) monitor support has to come from the primary
> > controller's driver.  You can't divide it up among multiple
> > adapters.
>
> I see.  Someone needs to tell my copy of XP as it is going along blissfully
> unaware of this limitation.
>
> The ability to extend the desktop across up to ten monitors
 
Reread the OP.  That's not what he wants to do.
 
Rick

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

"Rick" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message news:2mfcp2FmefakU1@uni-berlin.de...
> "J. Clarke" <jclarke@nospam.invalid> wrote in message news:cdtbv20hln@news3.newsguy.com...
> > Rick wrote:
> >
> > > "J. Clarke" <jclarke@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
> > > news:cdsokh02kmj@news2.newsguy.com...
> > >> Rick wrote:
> > >>
> > >> > "HammerToe" <HammerToe@online.com> wrote in message
> > >> > news:ue73g0pk2qjv7irfd8cqq3as6la59v3l08@4ax.com...
> > >> >> I'm current running TWO 19" analog monitors @ 1600x1200 (each), 32 Bit
> > >> >> Color in 'INDEPENDENT' mode.
> > >> >>
> > >> >> I would LIKE to consider adding a THIRD 19 incher BUT using only the
> > >> >> capabilities of the P750, I can only do so IF I 'drop down' to
> > >> >> (something like - it was quite awhile ago that I did the experiment)
> > >> >> 3840x1024 - a 'STRETCHED' mode which I don't like much. I don't get
> > >> >> any more (for all intents and purposes) 'pixels' to display more info;
> > >> >> everything simply gets larger. ALSO I really don't like having my
> > >> >> TaskBar stretched across the three monitors and it also complicates
> > >> >> the use of Wallpapers....
> > >> >>
> > >> >> Anyway - bottom line: I would like to run ALL the monitors in 1600 x
> > >> >> 1200 'INDEPENDENT' mode and, since I cannot do that with only the
> > >> >> capabilities of the P750 card, I was wondering if I could add a SECOND
> > >> >> (PCI) Video Card (of suitable make and capabilites) and achieve my
> > >> >> goal????
> > >> >
> > >> > No, at least not in Windows 2000/XP.  Windows does support
> > >> > multiple video controllers, but not at the same time.  One can
> > >> > switch between the controllers and use them one at a time.
> > >>
> > >> When was that support removed?
> > >
> > > That support was never there in the first place.  Only one video
> > > controller can be set as primary at a time -- simultaneous triple
> > > (or whatever) monitor support has to come from the primary
> > > controller's driver.  You can't divide it up among multiple
> > > adapters.
> >
> > I see.  Someone needs to tell my copy of XP as it is going along blissfully
> > unaware of this limitation.
> >
> > The ability to extend the desktop across up to ten monitors
>
> Reread the OP.  That's not what he wants to do.
 
John, I think I see why you were confused.  I need to elaborate
on my previous answer.  What I'm saying is, support for
simultaneous *independent mode* on a third monitor would
have to come from the primary controller's driver, and as far
as I know Matrox (or any other manufacturer) doesn't support
this, if the third monitor is not on the primary adapter.  I know
Windows itself does not support this.
 
Rick

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

Rick wrote:
 
> "Rick" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message
> news:2mfcp2FmefakU1@uni-berlin.de...
>> "J. Clarke" <jclarke@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:cdtbv20hln@news3.newsguy.com...
>> > Rick wrote:
>> >
>> > > "J. Clarke" <jclarke@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
>> > > news:cdsokh02kmj@news2.newsguy.com...
>> > >> Rick wrote:
>> > >>
>> > >> > "HammerToe" <HammerToe@online.com> wrote in message
>> > >> > news:ue73g0pk2qjv7irfd8cqq3as6la59v3l08@4ax.com...
>> > >> >> I'm current running TWO 19" analog monitors @ 1600x1200 (each),
>> > >> >> 32 Bit Color in 'INDEPENDENT' mode.
>> > >> >>
>> > >> >> I would LIKE to consider adding a THIRD 19 incher BUT using only
>> > >> >> the capabilities of the P750, I can only do so IF I 'drop down'
>> > >> >> to (something like - it was quite awhile ago that I did the
>> > >> >> experiment) 3840x1024 - a 'STRETCHED' mode which I don't like
>> > >> >> much. I don't get any more (for all intents and purposes)
>> > >> >> 'pixels' to display more info; everything simply gets larger.
>> > >> >> ALSO I really don't like having my TaskBar stretched across the
>> > >> >> three monitors and it also complicates the use of Wallpapers....
>> > >> >>
>> > >> >> Anyway - bottom line: I would like to run ALL the monitors in
>> > >> >> 1600 x 1200 'INDEPENDENT' mode and, since I cannot do that with
>> > >> >> only the capabilities of the P750 card, I was wondering if I
>> > >> >> could add a SECOND (PCI) Video Card (of suitable make and
>> > >> >> capabilites) and achieve my goal????
>> > >> >
>> > >> > No, at least not in Windows 2000/XP.  Windows does support
>> > >> > multiple video controllers, but not at the same time.  One can
>> > >> > switch between the controllers and use them one at a time.
>> > >>
>> > >> When was that support removed?
>> > >
>> > > That support was never there in the first place.  Only one video
>> > > controller can be set as primary at a time -- simultaneous triple
>> > > (or whatever) monitor support has to come from the primary
>> > > controller's driver.  You can't divide it up among multiple
>> > > adapters.
>> >
>> > I see.  Someone needs to tell my copy of XP as it is going along
>> > blissfully unaware of this limitation.
>> >
>> > The ability to extend the desktop across up to ten monitors
>>
>> Reread the OP.  That's not what he wants to do.
>  
> John, I think I see why you were confused.  I need to elaborate
> on my previous answer.  What I'm saying is, support for
> simultaneous *independent mode* on a third monitor would
> have to come from the primary controller's driver, and as far
> as I know Matrox (or any other manufacturer) doesn't support
> this, if the third monitor is not on the primary adapter.  I know
> Windows itself does not support this.
 
I'm not clear on this "independent mode".  The systems that I've used either
show the same desktop on all monitors or extend the desktop across multiple
monitors.  I've not seen a system that shows different desktops on
different monitors, at least not under Windows.
>  
> Rick
 
--  
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

"J. Clarke" <jclarke@nospam.invalid> wrote in message news:cdupln12ehp@news3.newsguy.com...
> Rick wrote:
>
> > "Rick" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message
> > news:2mfcp2FmefakU1@uni-berlin.de...
> >> "J. Clarke" <jclarke@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
> >> news:cdtbv20hln@news3.newsguy.com...
> >> > Rick wrote:
> >> >
> >> > > "J. Clarke" <jclarke@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
> >> > > news:cdsokh02kmj@news2.newsguy.com...
> >> > >> Rick wrote:
> >> > >>
> >> > >> > "HammerToe" <HammerToe@online.com> wrote in message
> >> > >> > news:ue73g0pk2qjv7irfd8cqq3as6la59v3l08@4ax.com...
> >> > >> >> I'm current running TWO 19" analog monitors @ 1600x1200 (each),
> >> > >> >> 32 Bit Color in 'INDEPENDENT' mode.
> >> > >> >>
> >> > >> >> I would LIKE to consider adding a THIRD 19 incher BUT using only
> >> > >> >> the capabilities of the P750, I can only do so IF I 'drop down'
> >> > >> >> to (something like - it was quite awhile ago that I did the
> >> > >> >> experiment) 3840x1024 - a 'STRETCHED' mode which I don't like
> >> > >> >> much. I don't get any more (for all intents and purposes)
> >> > >> >> 'pixels' to display more info; everything simply gets larger.
> >> > >> >> ALSO I really don't like having my TaskBar stretched across the
> >> > >> >> three monitors and it also complicates the use of Wallpapers....
> >> > >> >>
> >> > >> >> Anyway - bottom line: I would like to run ALL the monitors in
> >> > >> >> 1600 x 1200 'INDEPENDENT' mode and, since I cannot do that with
> >> > >> >> only the capabilities of the P750 card, I was wondering if I
> >> > >> >> could add a SECOND (PCI) Video Card (of suitable make and
> >> > >> >> capabilites) and achieve my goal????
> >> > >> >
> >> > >> > No, at least not in Windows 2000/XP.  Windows does support
> >> > >> > multiple video controllers, but not at the same time.  One can
> >> > >> > switch between the controllers and use them one at a time.
> >> > >>
> >> > >> When was that support removed?
> >> > >
> >> > > That support was never there in the first place.  Only one video
> >> > > controller can be set as primary at a time -- simultaneous triple
> >> > > (or whatever) monitor support has to come from the primary
> >> > > controller's driver.  You can't divide it up among multiple
> >> > > adapters.
> >> >
> >> > I see.  Someone needs to tell my copy of XP as it is going along
> >> > blissfully unaware of this limitation.
> >> >
> >> > The ability to extend the desktop across up to ten monitors
> >>
> >> Reread the OP.  That's not what he wants to do.
> >
> > John, I think I see why you were confused.  I need to elaborate
> > on my previous answer.  What I'm saying is, support for
> > simultaneous *independent mode* on a third monitor would
> > have to come from the primary controller's driver, and as far
> > as I know Matrox (or any other manufacturer) doesn't support
> > this, if the third monitor is not on the primary adapter.  I know
> > Windows itself does not support this.
>
> I'm not clear on this "independent mode".  The systems that I've used either
> show the same desktop on all monitors or extend the desktop across multiple
> monitors.  I've not seen a system that shows different desktops on
> different monitors, at least not under Windows.
 
In independent mode each monitor is separate, it allows one
to set an individual resolution, color depth and refresh rate on
each.  Virtual positions of apps are independent on each, e.g.
maximizing an application on one display will make it full
screen, on that monitor only.
 
I believe with Matrox's current cards and drivers, independent
mode is limited to two displays -- a third display must use
stretched mode with one of the first two monitors.  I could
be wrong about this if Matrox has recently made changes.
But in any case, adding a second adapter will not give the
OP what he's looking for.
 
Rick

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

On Sat, 24 Jul 2004 19:15:05 -0700, "Rick" <me@privacy.net> wrote:
 
>"J. Clarke" <jclarke@nospam.invalid> wrote in message news:cdupln12ehp@news3.newsguy.com...
>> Rick wrote:
>>
>> > "Rick" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message
>> > news:2mfcp2FmefakU1@uni-berlin.de...
>> >> "J. Clarke" <jclarke@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
>> >> news:cdtbv20hln@news3.newsguy.com...
>> >> > Rick wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> > > "J. Clarke" <jclarke@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
>> >> > > news:cdsokh02kmj@news2.newsguy.com...
>> >> > >> Rick wrote:
>> >> > >>
>> >> > >> > "HammerToe" <HammerToe@online.com> wrote in message
>> >> > >> > news:ue73g0pk2qjv7irfd8cqq3as6la59v3l08@4ax.com...
>> >> > >> >> I'm current running TWO 19" analog monitors @ 1600x1200 (each),
>> >> > >> >> 32 Bit Color in 'INDEPENDENT' mode.
>> >> > >> >>
>> >> > >> >> I would LIKE to consider adding a THIRD 19 incher BUT using only
>> >> > >> >> the capabilities of the P750, I can only do so IF I 'drop down'
>> >> > >> >> to (something like - it was quite awhile ago that I did the
>> >> > >> >> experiment) 3840x1024 - a 'STRETCHED' mode which I don't like
>> >> > >> >> much. I don't get any more (for all intents and purposes)
>> >> > >> >> 'pixels' to display more info; everything simply gets larger.
>> >> > >> >> ALSO I really don't like having my TaskBar stretched across the
>> >> > >> >> three monitors and it also complicates the use of Wallpapers....
>> >> > >> >>
>> >> > >> >> Anyway - bottom line: I would like to run ALL the monitors in
>> >> > >> >> 1600 x 1200 'INDEPENDENT' mode and, since I cannot do that with
>> >> > >> >> only the capabilities of the P750 card, I was wondering if I
>> >> > >> >> could add a SECOND (PCI) Video Card (of suitable make and
>> >> > >> >> capabilites) and achieve my goal????
>> >> > >> >
>> >> > >> > No, at least not in Windows 2000/XP.  Windows does support
>> >> > >> > multiple video controllers, but not at the same time.  One can
>> >> > >> > switch between the controllers and use them one at a time.
>> >> > >>
>> >> > >> When was that support removed?
>> >> > >
>> >> > > That support was never there in the first place.  Only one video
>> >> > > controller can be set as primary at a time -- simultaneous triple
>> >> > > (or whatever) monitor support has to come from the primary
>> >> > > controller's driver.  You can't divide it up among multiple
>> >> > > adapters.
>> >> >
>> >> > I see.  Someone needs to tell my copy of XP as it is going along
>> >> > blissfully unaware of this limitation.
>> >> >
>> >> > The ability to extend the desktop across up to ten monitors
>> >>
>> >> Reread the OP.  That's not what he wants to do.
>> >
>> > John, I think I see why you were confused.  I need to elaborate
>> > on my previous answer.  What I'm saying is, support for
>> > simultaneous *independent mode* on a third monitor would
>> > have to come from the primary controller's driver, and as far
>> > as I know Matrox (or any other manufacturer) doesn't support
>> > this, if the third monitor is not on the primary adapter.  I know
>> > Windows itself does not support this.
>>
>> I'm not clear on this "independent mode".  The systems that I've used either
>> show the same desktop on all monitors or extend the desktop across multiple
>> monitors.  I've not seen a system that shows different desktops on
>> different monitors, at least not under Windows.
>
>In independent mode each monitor is separate, it allows one
>to set an individual resolution, color depth and refresh rate on
>each.  Virtual positions of apps are independent on each, e.g.
>maximizing an application on one display will make it full
>screen, on that monitor only.
>
>I believe with Matrox's current cards and drivers, independent
>mode is limited to two displays -- a third display must use
>stretched mode with one of the first two monitors.  I could
>be wrong about this if Matrox has recently made changes.
>But in any case, adding a second adapter will not give the
>OP what he's looking for.
>
>Rick
>
Wow! I didn't know my questions would generate so much discussion.
 
You guys seem/probably know much more about this but, if I understand
correctly, I might attempt to summarize the situation/concensus as
follows:
 
1. Based on my expereince (I did a test with 3-19" monitors once upon
a time):
 
a) In Independent mode: I can run 1600x1200 on each monitor AND my
Taskbar in constrained to the bottom of Monitor 1. Also, Wallpaper
acts as you might expect (and wish): EACH display show the entire WP
'Full Screen'.
 
b) When I did my 3 monitor test (and using ONLY the P750), the
following happened:
 
i. I had to drop the resolution to 1280x1024 on each (of the three)
monitor(s). This meant that I was gaining essentially NOTHING in terms
of the ability to display more info - 3,932,160 Total Pixels @
1280x1024x3 vs 3,840,000 Total Pixels @ 1600x1200x2. Everything was
just 'larger'...
 
ii. I had to run give up Independent mode and run 'Stretch Mode'. This
mean that my Taskbar stretched ACROSS the bottom of ALL three monitors
and I found this most annoying (having to SCAN all three to (eg.) find
an app that I might want to 'Maximize'.
 
iii. My (1600x1200) WP would STRETCH across the three as well and look
(as you would expect) wierd.
 
2. NOW Points ii. and iii. (above) I think I could work around and/or
learn to live with by (eg.) docking my Taskbar to the Left Side of my
screen AND, the case of WP, 'making' it into exactly the size needed
(eg. 1280x1024) and avoidinthe us of the WALLPAPER 'stretch' option
and using 'Tile' instead of (WP) 'Stretch.'
 
However (I had to ask myself) :Why Bother????
 
What was I gaining? I wanted MORE displayable Total Pixels, and I
wasn't gaining (essentially) any...
 
Recently however, I started to consider the possibility of trying to
add a third 19 incher driven off a second (PCI) video card and the
whole issue of 'possibilities' and potential problems (HW and SW)
arose again.
 
My own 'gut feel' was that 'Matrox' (software-drivers+Powerdesk) would
not be of any help here BUT my thought/hope was that they wouldn't be
a hinderance. I 'kinda suspected' that I WOULD (VERY LIKELY) have to
revert to (a) 'Stretched Mode' BUT I thought that MAYBE under these
conditions I could let the P750 handle two monitors @ 1600x1200 IN
STRETCHED MODE and the PCI card handle the third, also at 1600x1200.
 
'Now' I thought (if it worked), I could use my workarounds for the
Taskbar and WP Isssues (an annoyance) BUT... at LEAST I would gain
More Displayable Pixels (up to 5,760,000) and maybe that would make it
worthwhile.
 
Based on what you guys have seemed to conclude, the above MAY still be
POSSIBLE.....
 
Would that be a correct (assumed) conclusion???
 
I think, in the end, I may just have to try it...
 
I MAY may an Old PCI video card around that I would try and, if it
works and I find the results satisfactory, I may go out and but a
'better'/more modern one, PERHAPS even one with a TV Tuner and MAYBE
then I could even watch TV in a small windows on the monitor driven by
the PCI card.... (Though my 'gut' tells me that that might require
that I make the PCI driven monior #1 and I would really want the TV on
#3 on my far right BUT... Oh well, I could live without the 'TV'...
 
If I could (somehow) get to ***1600x1200x3*** even in (a) 'Streched
Mode', I think I could (learn to) live with it... (the Taskbar and WP
irritations...
 
Thanks for the feedback. If I get around to trying it (and I WILL most
likely) in the near future, I'll let you know the results...

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

Rick <me@privacy.net> wrote:
 
> I believe with Matrox's current cards and drivers, independent
> mode is limited to two displays -- a third display must use
> stretched mode with one of the first two monitors.
 
It can also be used for overlay and zoom (what Matrox calls "features" ) with
the first two monitors in independent mode.  That's nice for gfx and video
work.
 
Regards,
--  
*Art

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

"HammerToe" <HammerToe@online.com> wrote in message news:mtf7g09pt66bskmmpd4fumumqh95sdqn1v@4ax.com...
<..>
> Recently however, I started to consider the possibility of trying to
> add a third 19 incher driven off a second (PCI) video card and the
> whole issue of 'possibilities' and potential problems (HW and SW)
> arose again.
>
> My own 'gut feel' was that 'Matrox' (software-drivers+Powerdesk) would
> not be of any help here BUT my thought/hope was that they wouldn't be
> a hinderance. I 'kinda suspected' that I WOULD (VERY LIKELY) have to
> revert to (a) 'Stretched Mode' BUT I thought that MAYBE under these
> conditions I could let the P750 handle two monitors @ 1600x1200 IN
> STRETCHED MODE and the PCI card handle the third, also at 1600x1200.
 
That's what I was trying to explain earlier.  Support for what
you're trying to do has to come from the driver for the primary
controller.  Neither Windows itself nor Matrox's driver would
allow you to do this.
 
This may change in the future, with the advent of PCI-X.  But
in the meantime adding another adapter will not give you
1600x1200 on the third monitor, in any mode, since it is not
supported either by Windows or by the primary controller driver.
 
Rick

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

Rick wrote:
 
> "HammerToe" <HammerToe@online.com> wrote in message
> news:mtf7g09pt66bskmmpd4fumumqh95sdqn1v@4ax.com... <..>
>> Recently however, I started to consider the possibility of trying to
>> add a third 19 incher driven off a second (PCI) video card and the
>> whole issue of 'possibilities' and potential problems (HW and SW)
>> arose again.
>>
>> My own 'gut feel' was that 'Matrox' (software-drivers+Powerdesk) would
>> not be of any help here BUT my thought/hope was that they wouldn't be
>> a hinderance. I 'kinda suspected' that I WOULD (VERY LIKELY) have to
>> revert to (a) 'Stretched Mode' BUT I thought that MAYBE under these
>> conditions I could let the P750 handle two monitors @ 1600x1200 IN
>> STRETCHED MODE and the PCI card handle the third, also at 1600x1200.
>  
> That's what I was trying to explain earlier.  Support for what
> you're trying to do has to come from the driver for the primary
> controller.  Neither Windows itself nor Matrox's driver would
> allow you to do this.
>  
> This may change in the future, with the advent of PCI-X.  But
> in the meantime adding another adapter will not give you
> 1600x1200 on the third monitor, in any mode, since it is not
> supported either by Windows or by the primary controller driver.
 
Picking a minor nit, that's PCI Express, or PCI-E.  The reason I bring this
up is that there is also a PCI-X standard that is different from PCI
Express.  PCI Express is the one that is being pushed as the AGP
replacement.  Personally I'm of the opinion that it's mainly a marketing
gimmick but it may catch on.
 
>  
> Rick
 
--  
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

HammerToe <HammerToe@online.com> wrote:
 
>I'm current running TWO 19" analog monitors @ 1600x1200 (each), 32 Bit
>Color in 'INDEPENDENT' mode.
>
>I would LIKE to consider adding a THIRD 19 incher BUT using only the
>capabilities of the P750, I can only do so IF I 'drop down' to
>(something like - it was quite awhile ago that I did the experiment)
>3840x1024 - a 'STRETCHED' mode which I don't like much. I don't get
>any more (for all intents and purposes) 'pixels' to display more info;
>everything simply gets larger. ALSO I really don't like having my
>TaskBar stretched across the three monitors and it also complicates
>the use of Wallpapers....
>
 
The best place I have found for information  
http://www.realtimesoft.com/multimon/
 
I have in the past run up to 4 separate Video Cards in one system with for
example a Matrox G400MAX in the AGP slot, a G400 PCI Dual Head and a Matrox
G200 PCI.
 
This gave me a total of 5 screen all with independent control of the colour
depth, resolution and size.
 
I am only up to a P650 so cannot help you for certain with the P750 apart
from the fact that the 3rd screen is in stretched mode according to the web
site.
 
I would suggest getting a Matrox PCI card 2nd hand plug it in and get a 3rd
or 4th screen up and running. One potential problem is some Motherboards
may have problems with this but the risk is not high.
 
I am back to 2 screens at the moment as I have change to LCD screens and
these (20" ) are a little expensive for me to get 5 at once. :-)
 
Hope this lot helps
 
Andy

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

On Mon, 26 Jul 2004 15:59:45 +0200, "Andy@nospam.co.uk"
<me@privacy.net> wrote:
 
>HammerToe <HammerToe@online.com> wrote: <