DualHead2Go Frequently Asked Questions
| How do I know if my computer is compatible with DualHead2Go? The best way to ensure that your system is compatible with DualHead2Go is to download the Compatibility Tool (if you’re running a supported Windows Operating System) or use the Compatibility Wizard (if you own a Mac). Please visit the GXM System Compatibility page for more details. Note that you must verify your system’s compatibility prior to purchase in order for the product warranty to be valid. Can I run a different application on each monitor? Yes. The included PowerDesk software lets you manage where your windows pop-up and expand to, allowing you to drag different application windows onto each monitor. Maximizing each window will result in the corresponding application going full-screen on a single monitor. PowerDesk also lets you extend your application across multiple monitors if you choose to. Can I work with my laptop lid closed? Yes. Once DualHead2Go is connected to your laptop and monitors, you can close your laptop, put it aside, and simply use an external keyboard and mouse along with your two extra displays. The mechanism for setting up DualHead2Go in this manner varies from laptop vendor to laptop vendor. More information on this is given in the GXM Support Center. Can I use my laptop screen in addition to a DualHead2Go for a total of three screens? Yes. My computer has two video outputs; can I connect the DualHead2Go to one of the outputs and another monitor to the second output for a total of three monitors? Yes. Do I need a special brand of monitor? DualHead2Go can be used with any monitor that supports compatible resolutions, including flat panel monitors. Note that all monitors connected to DualHead2Go must run at the same resolution and refresh rate. Can I use differently sized monitors? Compatibility is determined by resolution, not screen size. While it is possible to use differently sized monitors, all displays connected to DualHead2Go must run at the same resolution and refresh rate. For the best multi-monitor experience, we recommend using monitors that have the same maximum resolution. Can I mix analog (VGA) and digital monitors with DualHead2Go Digital Edition or DP Edition? Yes. Any combination of analog and digital monitors is supported with DualHead2Go, though you may require an adapter if the output connector on the DualHead2Go is different from the monitor’s input connector. Can I use HDMI monitors with DualHead2Go Digital Edition? Yes. The graphics portion of the HDMI standard is compatible with DVI, so industry standard DVI-to-HDMI adapter cables may be connected to the DualHead2Go Digital Edition outputs to use HDMI monitors. Is full screen DVD and video playback supported with DualHead2Go? Yes. 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. Will DualHead2Go slow down my computer? No. DualHead2Go does not 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 will be just as good as it would have been without DualHead2Go connected to your system. How does DualHead2Go work? Your computer’s video output would normally only allow for one monitor to be connected to it. If instead of plugging in a monitor to your system’s video output you plug in a DualHead2Go, your computer interprets this device as one double-wide monitor, so it outputs a single extra-wide image. As you have two monitors connected to your DualHead2Go, the DualHead2Go takes the left half of this extra-wide image it receives from your computer and sends it to your left monitor, and sends the right half to your right monitor. In this manner, DualHead2Go effectively lets you drive two separate monitors from a single video output. Is DualHead2Go a graphics card? No. DualHead2Go does not contain a GPU itself but connects to your computer’s video output and uses your own system’s graphics capabilities to render the extra-wide image that is then divided and sent to each monitor. For this reason, you can enjoy great performance across all monitors, whether you’re working with office applications in 2D, high-end applications that use 3D or Open-GL technology, or engaging in HD video playback. The more powerful your existing graphics, the more powerful your DualHead2Go multi-monitor environment. Can I connect multiple DualHead2Go/TripleHead2Go units in one system? Yes. It is possible to connect two of the same units (make & model) in one system. For example, you can have two TripleHead2Go Digital Editions together, but not a TripleHead2Go Digital Edition with a TripleHead2Go Display Port Edition. See the Multi-GXM support page for further details. Can the monitors be pivoted? There is no pivot support within the current DualHead2Go product lineup; however, Matrox also has add-in boards which may suit your pivot needs. Can I place my laptop in between the two monitors driven by DualHead2Go? While it may be physically possible to place your laptop monitor between the two external monitors, it is not recommended to do so, as your virtual desktop won't have the same configuration as your physical one. The monitors connected to DualHead2Go are viewed by your laptop as a single extra-wide display. Your mouse will move according to your virtual desktop, i.e. from one external monitor directly to the other, even if your laptop screen is between them. Can I use the DualHead2Go DP Edition even if my monitors don't have a DisplayPort connector? Yes. Employing the right adapter, DisplayPort can convert its signal to DVI, VGA or HDMI. Matrox offers optional cable adapters allowing you to connect your DualHead2Go DP Edition to DVI- or Mini DisplayPort-compatible equipment. DisplayPort to HDMI and DisplayPort to VGA cable adapters are currently unavailable from Matrox. |
