Dual monitors screen video output

[SafeandSound Mastering]

I just wondered if anyone knew what would ideally be monitor 1 of the 2 options "HDMI" and "Displayport" if there is any preference on my motherboard. I plan to stretch the desktop over 2 old 17 inch monitors which are perfectly adequate.

Have to test this out soon and just wondered if there was a standard choice.

Thanks.

[Drew Stephenson]

Both do the same job (it's how I used to run mine).

[James Perrett]

On older computers (over 10 years) Displayport was capable of higher resolutions than HDMI but I don't think there is any difference for newer computers.

[Luke W]

The latest DisplayPort version (2.0 or 2.1, I think?) has a higher bandwidth than the latest HDMI version (2.1), and that's generally been the case for previous generations. But, as with so many of these things, which one is better depends entirely on which versions your computer happens to be using.

For DAW work with a pair of 17" monitors, I'd go with Drew's answer. All versions of both from the last decade will support high enough resolutions and refresh rates to not cause you any issues.

[SafeandSound Mastering]

Thanks, I have the adapter leads and hope to use the original extensions, they should be ok. This needs to be tested as the machine sits before I go any further though.

I will just wire em up and see what happens.

Just had a vague recollection that VGA is lesser than DV-I last time round. I never relish PC change/switch time but it is a necessary evil at some stage. By the time I upgrade PC machines 2 changes on every interface have usually happened. So I have to work out what will work with what and what is obsolete.

I will be "UAD'd up" and get about double serial processing power on a single core in compensation though. Even though existing machine always copes.

Still more than happy with PC though, must have saved £10,000.00 over the years of mastering operation and that is running serious quality PC's.

Cheers

[SafeandSound Mastering]

A problem appears unfortunately.

Both VGA 17 inch screens work on the new machine with the relevant Startech adapters (HDMI to VGA and Displayport to VGA) with my existing VGA to VGA extenders (original ones I use now on old machine) about 5-6 meters long.

However only 2 resolutions are available and both too low there is no option to select 1280 x 1024 (or 960 would be fine)

I tested 2 other VGA monitors I have here and they work on the adapters defaulting to what looks like 1280 x 1024 immediately but this is without the extenders.

Bit of a head scratcher really as my VGA extenders work fine VGA to VGA and DV-I adapter to VGA at 1024 x 960 and beyond if need be but not with the new machine.

So it would appear I would have to understand why these VGA extenders are not doing the business on the new machine or just accept that I have done exceptionally well running 20 year old monitors this long.

On the up side something like a MSI PRO MP225 22 Inch Full HD Monitor
QuickFind: 2266386 SKU: 9S6-3PC6CM-003 are £59.00 each new.

For mastering I do not need giant screen space, literally timeline on one and mixer on the other is perfectly adequate.

If anyone has any ideas on the VGA extender issue that might help. (could it be that there is a detection issue over the VGA extenders on the INTEL on board graphics?)

Otherwise the new monitors seem like they might be sensible, along with new extenders / adapter for Displayport to HDMI which it seems the new monitors have inputs for.

I prefer re-using working kit really, why not ? When it continues to work, prefering not to drain the earths resources. However, with computers there always comes a time when you hit and end of life situation.

The new monitors solution is there, just wondered if anyone can shed light on the extenders passing 1280 x 960 on old machine but not so on the new with the same monitors. (knowing the adpaters work fine un-extended)

It springs to mind that with the conversion is passive (I imagine it is) - it could be that the signal that indictaes possible resolutions is having trouble making it through the extensions.

[Drew Stephenson]

Worth checking your windows zoom settings. I don't think it should affect the resolution options but worth a double check.

[SafeandSound Mastering]

Thanks Drew, yes I did have a fiddle from 100pct recommended to 125pct and it did what it said on the tin and just made it all bigger still.

A couple of monitors and leads will not break the bank, all computer peripherals have to go in the end I suppose.

I will do a little research on monitors first, no rush, best to find this out now and why I did a dry run.

[SafeandSound Mastering]

I opted for 2 Asus monitors with 3 year warranty, a little more expensive but I prefer a company that guarantees something for a while.

[SafeandSound Mastering]

Happy so far with new monitors, it is quite an upgrade. Wired them in situ without difficult routing before permanant install in studio. £79.00 each (ASUS VY229HE Eye Care Monitor) plus £9.00 for good quality 6m HDMI extensions and the same for a Displayport/HDMI converter. All working nicely first time.

Had to buy my way out of this old tech illogical VGA extension problem but looking at them, not in regret.

I am pleased I can still feel privileged and appreciate new studio related tech after so many years, it is not to be taken for granted. It can be a real drag at times but we are really living in amazing times.