Review: Matrox DualHead2Go DP Edition
Technically Cre8tive
By Doug Shill
March 12, 2012
Rating: 5/5 Stars

"During my testing for the DualHead2Go, I ran it thru it's passes with a number of applications, ranging in CPU & GPU demand. Some that I use on occasion. But most that I use almost daily. The DualHead2Go shined in all of my tests. With the main advantage being it's use of the existing GPU's and bandwidth. Not being limited to USB's throughput is the key here. Safari, Google Chrome and FireFox all performed just as any normal monitor setup and connection. 1080p and 4k video plays with zero lag and latency.
FinalCut Pro X is simply a joy to work with, especially when it is spanned the length of the dual 23" displays (3840×1080). An editors dream, as you can enlarge the view of the clips in the magnetic timeline for optimal viewing and working. Thumbnails in the event library browser are much easier to see and skim thru. And lastly, the size of the viewer is much larger, and easier to view your edits, effects, transitions, color corrections etc. These views in FCPX are simply better and easier to work in the larger they are. And being able to stretch them across two displays is an editing game changer. I doubt I will ever edit complex video projects on a single display ever again.
As many know, I have done live broadcasts / podcasts with Wirecast for a while now. And putting on such a production is always a chore. Complicated to setup and manage as the shows go on, especially when having multiple guests that Skype in for the show. On average, I would have the following applications running during the show: Wirecast 4 to stream the production, who's interface is much like a video editing suite. Desktop Presenter to capture video sources for the live broadcast. Safari for including website video of products/websites discussed. Collouqy which is the IRC chat client that connects to the chatroom for the live shows. Twitter for gathering questions for the shows. One to four instances of Skype with guests video. Audio Hijack Pro to capture and record the audio from the stream. iTunes for playing viewer questions/comments. As you can see, this is quite the undertaking for one display, and to be honest. This is the bare minimum for any given show. Many podcasters that I know, turn to multiple system solutions for shows similar to mine. Not because they can't be produced on one computer., but due to the complicated nature of putting on such a production and the amount of applications running that constantly need to be accessed and brought into the broadcast. With the DualHead2Go, I am able to organize windows and applications across the three displays 15″ MacBook Pro, and dual ASUS 23″ LED"s, to import all video sources from Wirecast and Desktop presenter into the shows."
"It is no secret that I absolutely love my Matrox DualHead2Go DP Edition. To me, it is the single most important peripheral to my MacBook Pro for what I do as a creative professional. Multi-monitor setups instantly add screen real-estate and improve productivity, efficiency and workflow process."
Read the complete Matrox DualHead2Go DP Edition review on Technically Cre8tive
Matrox DualHead2Go DP Edition review
IT PRO
By Harry Butler
January 5, 2012

"With two DVI or DisplayPort displays connected, the maximum possible resolution stated by Matrox is 3,840 x 1,200 (2x 1,920 x 1,200) pixels, although we found it also supported the slightly higher 16:9 resolution, 4,096 x 1,152. If you use a pair of DisplayPort-to-VGA adapters you'll be capped at 3,360 x 1,050. Even then, the increased screen area is dramatic, particular if you're used to using a 13in or 17in laptop. If that isn't enough for you, it's even possible to pair two DualHead2Go units to enable up to four displays from just two DisplayPort outputs."
"The maximum possible resolution stated by Matrox is 3,840 x 1,200 (2x 1,920 x 1,200) pixels.
If your computer is capable of rendering 3D graphics or displaying high definition video footage then the two monitors will no trouble displaying such content smoothly. This is due to the fact that the DualHead2Go uses your computer's existing video outputs to connect more monitors and not USB, like some cheaper multi-monitor output adapters.
While you are able to use the DualHead2Go as it comes out of the box, Matrox's PowerDesk software significantly improves the user experience. As Windows sees the DualHead2Go as a single large display rather than two additional monitors, maximising a window or opening a new program will see it spread across both displays, leaving you to manually resize or reorient individual windows. PowerDesk allows you to split the single large display into two cells, letting you maximise programs on just one of your two displays, or set a default monitor for new programs to appear on. It's a vital addition and makes using the DualHead2Go just as refined as Windows' standard multi-monitor experience."
Read the complete Matrox DualHead2Go DP Edition review on IT PRO
DualHead2Go review
Expand your screen real estate and improve your efficiency with ease
Macworld UK
By David Howell
July 15, 2011
Rating: 4/5

"Creative professionals have known for years that the acres of screen space created in a dual-monitor setup can enhance productivity. Outside of the creative industries, many users have wanted to connect multiple monitors to a MacBook but lacked an elegant solution. Matrox now offers a range of multiple monitor adaptors for any application."
"We liked the fact that the DualHead2Go was a completely plug-and-play affair. Connecting two monitors to any MacBook is fast and easy."
"After working with even the largest MacBook Pro, once you see your desktop on two or more large-screen monitors there's no going back."
"Everyone can benefit from multiple monitors, and with this Matrox device you can begin using dual or even triple monitor setups in minutes."
Read the complete Matrox DualHead2Go DP Edition review on Macworld UK
Because you can never have enough screen real estate
Postmedia News
By Murray Hill
February 2, 2011

"I've been using a 24" monitor for the past year at home and, until recently, at work, and have really been spoiled by the real estate. The next step seemed to be to get a larger monitor than that, or a second monitor—after all, you can never have too much hard drive space or a large enough monitor. So I went out and bought myself a second 24" display and connected the two monitors to my MacBook Pro with Matrox's DualHead2Go DP Edition Graphics Expansion Module. Now I have a whopping 48" of screen real estate to fool with and I can even have more if I decide to open the lid on the MacBook Pro and include that screen in the mix."
"Now that I have the DualHead2Go up and running, the extra real estate is fantastic. I love it, I have email open on one screen and my browser open on the other—I leave the lid closed on the MacBook Pro because I prefer to use two large screens of the same size rather than two large and one small. Your imagination is your only limiter with this type of setup—the beauty of it is that you can open more windows than ever before, which really helps in terms of convenience and productivity. With my multiple windows open all at the same time it's a piece of cake to go from window to window—nothing is on top of anything else, so I can see all the applications I want running at one time at a glance instead of having to bring them to the front one at a time. Or, if I want I can simply open one window and make it the entire width of the two monitors—perfect for looking at an Excel spreadsheet."
"The more I use my setup the more I like it and the better I get at making the best use of the area. I find that even a 24" monitor now seems small!"
Read the complete Matrox DualHead2Go DP Edition review on Postmedia News
Dual Monitor Setup with Matrox DualHead2Go DP Edition
My Apple Zone
By Daniel Schuyler
January 22, 2011

"Having two displays makes a huge difference. I use the two displays primarily for video editing and having two displays makes it so much easer to do my video editing."
"This was the best solution I found for driving two displays off the MacBook Pro or any computer for that matter."
"I really like this unit. I like how small it is. I like how easy it is to set up and I like how well it drives the two displays. It's really a great unit."
View the Matrox DualHead2Go DP Edition review on MyAppleZone
Kool Tools: Matrox DualHead2Go DP Edition
Apple Central
By Dennis Sellers
Jan 21, 2011

"This is an especially interesting solution for MacBook or MacBook Pro users, as more and more people are transitioning to this platform, but still can still benefit from an expanded onscreen desktop space. With two monitors, plus the notebook's LCD, creative professionals can comfortably view and use more applications simultaneously to achieve more in less time."
"The DualHead2Go DP Edition doubles your viewing space. Combined with your notebook's LCD, it creates a digital workspace for laying out all your tools and applications. And if you want you can always close the lid of your notebook, work with the external monitors and save the backlight of your notebook."
"Full screen DVD and video playback is supported with the Matrox products. If your laptop or desktop computer is already equipped with a DVD player, you will be able to watch a DVD or video content on any of the monitors of your multi-monitor environment. Playback will be as smooth as it would have been without DualHead2Go."
"A nice thing is that the DualHead2Go doesn't depend on the limited bandwidth of your USB connection, nor does it depend on the limited bandwidth of any PC card bridge. Your 2D, 3D and video performance aren't affected by the DualHead2Go connected to your system."
"And if you need -- or just want -- LOTS of screen real estate, you can connect multiple DualHead2Go units in one system. However, they must be the same make and model."
Read the complete Matrox DualHead2Go DP Edition review on AppleCentral
Review Matrox DualHead2Go DP (DisplayPort) Edition
Architosh
By Anthony Frausto-Robledo LEED AP
Nov 29, 2010
Rating: 4.5/5

"Once everything is setup you can truly enjoy the use of multiple monitors. Stretching out on two to three large external displays-whether Apple Cinema units or units by others-while working is truly enjoyable. One must remember too that your laptop display also adds to the real-estate, beyond the supported maximum resolutions supported and shared across multiple GXM units."
"Having calendar, email, database or other business applications open while working on CAD/3D applications is very useful. And this setup isn't just useful for CAD or 3D professionals, it is darn useful to anybody who needs to "look and read" from one window while working in another. That would include web and graphic designers and even journalist professionals like us writing this review!"
"Matrox has done an excellent job with this unit and its sister triple head unit works identically. If expanded screen real estate has been on your wish list the Matrox DualHead2Go DP Edition or its sister TripleHead unit are excellent choices to make this happen."
Read the complete Matrox DualHead2Go DP Edition review on Architosh
10 Specialty Tech Vendors To Put To The Test
The CPA Technology Advisor
By Isaac M. O'Bannon
September 2010

"Multi-screen monitors are pretty much the standard now in professional practices. But while most new desktop PCs and Macs now come with support for two monitors, they don't always support more than that. If your primary workstation is a laptop, adding multiple monitors can seem even trickier. Matrox makes it simple, though, providing the DualHead2Go and TripleHead2Go systems that simply plug into each monitor and into the computer. No more opening up a PC box to change video cards or worrying about complex hardware requirements. Matrox makes adding multiple monitors easy."
Read Matrox DualHead2Go and TripleHead2Go on The CPA Technology Advisor
Review Matrox DualHead2Go DP (DisplayPort) Edition
Notebookcheck
By Klaus Hinum
June 09, 2010

"The elegant black DualHead2Go box makes a high-end impression. The metal case made in China is manufactured flawlessly and the rounded design looks nice. The stability is very good due to the metal case. The four ports have been fitted cleanly into the case and are screwed into the case and not only soldered on the mainboard.
Apparently, the whole case also serves as a cooling unit during use because of the cavity on the bottom. Due to this, Matrox could waive on a fan and you are rewarded with silent use."
"The image quality was without flaw due to the digital connection. Focus and color representation couldn't be discerned from a monitor connected directly."
"In comparison to USB monitors, the performance is significantly better and doesn't differ from a directly connected display. Compared to still very expensive 30" monitors, the combination of two 24" monitors and the DualHead2Go is cheaper and offers more screen space."
Read the complete Matrox DualHead2Go DP Edition review
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