Two monitors...one computer..All HDMI

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Vandy12

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Been looking around the internet and most of the info talks about using splitter
from one computer HDMI port to two monitors. My question is, is it better to use one
signal from one computer HDMI port and then split it to two monitors, or can you
easily just plug in two different HDMI monitors into two different HDMI inputs
on the desktop? I was told you have to split to make it work right, but I'm wondering
if simply connecting two HDMI montors to two HDMI tower inputs would work
just as well. Trying to decide which of the two different ways of connecting
would work better.

Thank you.
 
I don't use HDMI outputs but I run two monitors from separate outputs on the computer...but I also have two video cards...
 
What do you want to do? Two monitors showing the same picture or have a desktop extended across the two monitors?

Either way, I would prefer to plug each monitor into its own HDMI port on your video card(s) if it supports it, then select your monitor configuration in your OS/video card software (on my system I have on-chip graphics with a HDMI, DVI and VGA output on the motherboard - so, I use the DVI and HDMI outs simultaneously).

I have seen an extended desktop multiple monitor setup achieved by splitting a DVI out to two VGA outputs, but the video card needs to support this and it requires a special splitter. Would simply splitting the HDMI signal achieve individually controlled monitors? I could envisage problems if the two monitors are not identical (or can run to same spec) and require to be fed slightly different signals - does the HDMI standard allow individual control down a single output?

If the monitors are identical and you split the HDMI cable, then I guess that would achieve a duplicated picture, but if you have two HDMI outputs, why bother - bog-standard HDMI cables are £3 from Amazon, I imagine a splitter would cost more.
 
Hey Jonny--appreciate your detailed response.

I do not want duplicate monitors showing the same picture--I want desktop extended
across two monitors. My problem is the TV's I'm using as montors have HDMI connections
only--no DVI. They are brand new Samsungs 50 and 55 inch.
My computer is being built as we speak by a company here in US and you have many
video options for video card. The standard card that comes with my computer only has one HDMI
output and I'm wondering if I can use that one and split signal and have it all look hi resolution 1080
or if I need to get a video card that will allow two HDMI connections and again plug each of
the two TV's into there own HDMI port.

Thanks.
 
If you split the signal you can only duplicate the picture. What you need is video card with two DVI/HDMI/Displayport outputs (just make sure it's not VGA). There are cables like HDMI to DVI so don't worry too much if you have video card with two DVI outs.
 
As above, I think you want two outputs. Make sure they're both digital (i.e. DVI or HDMI (Thunderbolt? Display port?); not VGA) then a simple, cheap converter cable can be used if it's not the same connector.
 
it's worth doing the research before you buy anything - converter cables can be expensive.
 
Do the either of the TV's have VGA inputs? Most HDTV's do, but not all. What outputs does your PC have? It's all about working with what you've got...

If you have a VGA as well as an HDMI, then simply use both (assuming your video card can do dual output, but again most current cards can). That is what I do. Then simply go into the display settings (assuming you're using Windows) and set up your monitors accordingly (extended screen, proper resolutions, etc...). Let me tell you, two monitors is great. I use one screen as my "work" screen, and the 2nd screen for the DAW's secondary windows (mixer, track properties, VST's, etc...). It rocks.
 
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