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View Full Version : Using a desktop PC??

albinp
20-09-2007, 09:53 PM
Has anyone connected a desktop pc to a whiteboard rather than using a laptop?
I presume I'll need a video splitter or something like that. Anyone got any experience of this? I've had a search through the KB can't seem to find anything specific.
Thanks in advance!
Al
Dug
20-09-2007, 10:39 PM
Hi, and welcome to the forum!
We use both, mix and match etc. A desktop is no different to a laptop. Projector cable, USB to the board, sound (if you want) and you're sorted. You'd probably only need a splitter if you wanted more than one computer 'plumbed' in at the same time.
albinp
20-09-2007, 10:58 PM
Hi, and welcome to the forum!
We use both, mix and match etc. A desktop is no different to a laptop. Projector cable, USB to the board, sound (if you want) and you're sorted. You'd probably only need a splitter if you wanted more than one computer 'plumbed' in at the same time.

Cheers Dug
So how can I toggle between screens a la "Fn" + F8? Or do I need to connect to the monitor and the whiteboard at the same time? Thanks
LisaD
20-09-2007, 11:17 PM
I have seen VGA splitters that will split the signal between the monitor and the projector. Is that what you mean?

Lisa
albinp
20-09-2007, 11:49 PM
I have seen VGA splitters that will split the signal between the monitor and the projector. Is that what you mean?

Lisa


I think so, but does this have to be a box type unit?
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Free_UK_Delivery/SVGA_Splitter_2_&_4_Port_36773/SVGA_Splitter_2_&_4_Port_36773.htm

Or is it possible to get a split cable that will run both the monitor and the projector into 1 port on the back of the desktop?
Thanks again,
Al
Dug
20-09-2007, 11:59 PM
Depending on what graphics card you have in the PC, you should have an icon in your taskbar that you can dbl click/rt click to give you certain display options (that may only be available when a projector cable is plugged in). Typically, these options include 'dual display', 'monitor only', or 'projector only'. As these vary somewhat depending upon the make of graphics card in the PC, it is hard to be more specific.
Dug
21-09-2007, 12:02 AM
Ok, I just realised that it can be trickier if you don't have more than one monitor/projector inputs on your PC - I think in that case there may be the need for a splitter. On our desktops, we have a separate monitor/projector socket and do as my post above.
Peter_Kent
21-09-2007, 06:39 AM
At my previous school we went without the monitor for the computer that was attached to the ACTIVboard. the only video output was to the projector and we seemed to cope ok.

Peter
davidlloyd
21-09-2007, 11:46 AM
Speak to your technical support. I think when I worked in the UK market, we (Promethean) offered video splitters as part of the install.
Alison
21-09-2007, 01:24 PM
I can second David. I'm in the UK and all our boards were fitted with video splitters for the monitor and projector. The boxes are tiny though, so it's hardly a hassle. Personally, I prefer the blue and silver ones, as they match my room! :D:rolleyes:
albinp
22-09-2007, 01:27 PM
Thanks for all the replies and info. It seems that I can only run into the monitor or the whiteboard; not both at the same time. Apparantly if it had an Nvidia graphics card I could do what Dug suggested - unfortunately it's an Ati Radeon and supposedly can't do that.:(

We do have a wall unit attached on one of the whiteboards - I'm not sure if it's a splitter though - it's biggish grey box (about 30-40cm long). It's in another part of the building though - although I'd be interested to find out what its use is.

Any recommendations? Seen these...
http://www.wedgwood-group.com/vision_12_vga_splitter_box.htm

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110169887008&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=001

I can't seem to find anything in the Promethean shop.

Thanks