Vga splitter

[skamaniac]

Hello,
I bought and hooked up an LCD HD TV to my computer which has a single VGA output. My question is, can i use a VGA splitter cable and watch TV while using the other monitor to use my computer?
In other words, if i change the input on my TV from PC to TV will my second monitor still show my Desktop?

 

[borisof007]

I wouldn't see why not. It's just cloning the display and all you're doing is telling your TV to accept video signal from another source.

 

[gnomio]

Yes you can. Your pc will pick it up as a 2nd monitor.
Talking about this issue I got a Dell optiplex for cheap which I'm fixing up for my 5 yr old son. I stuck a old 1050x gpu from AtI in there but with the onboard and the add on gpu it detects it as 2 Gpus in device manager lol. I think when its connected via vga it picks it up us a 2nd monitor even nothing is connected on the other side to it.

 

[Chainzsaw]

All you would be doing with a splitter is cloning 1 screen to another...

What you really need is a GPU with dual outputs. Say VGA/DVI/HDMI. Something along those lines.

I believe Matrox has something called the DualHead2Go or something along those lines - that might work for you, if you are unwilling to upgrade your GPU.

 

[borisof007]

@Chainzsaw,

I think he knows that it would just clone the desktop over. I think he wants to be able to watch TV and work on the computer on a monitor, but when NOT watching TV, be able to use his TV as the single monitor.

 

[skamaniac]

Exactly. I'd like to watch TV as in watching a hockey game and be able to still use the other monitor for using the computer at the same time. But when i want a single monitor, use the larger screen TV as the computer monitor.

 

[martinbush]

I would recommend using a powered VGA Splitter. There are all kinds of known issues with Y Splitter cables. If you decide to go with a powered VGA Splitter you can check KVMSwitchTech. They offer a wide range of options. I have purchased a few splitters from them in the past and they work well. http://www.kvmswitchtech.com/vga-splitter-c11619.htm