Triple-monitor set-up (2 unique, 1 cloned): Can a VGA splitter be used on one output of a dual-head
- by stakx
Background:
I'm currently researching hardware components for some kind of information terminal we're building.
This application of ours makes use of three output screens:
(1) A touch screen where all user input is made;
(2) A regular LCD monitor where the requested information is being displayed; and
(3) A projector which displays exactly the same signal as screen (2) does.
(All screens will run at the same resolution of 1024x768 btw.)
Now I figured that using a dual-head video card would be sufficient, let's say a Matrox P690 low-profile PCI card. This would involve having a Y cable connected to the graphics card itself, then two DVI-to-VGA adapters at each end of the Y cable, and then having a VGA splitter on one of the VGA outputs.
The following shows the setup in question:
0--1---------2-> VGA (DSUB-15)
\
\
----2-3---------> VGA (DSUB-15)
\
\
-----------------> VGA (DSUB-15)
0: graphics card (LFH60 jack)
1: LFH60 to DVI-I dual monitor Y cable
2: DVI-to-VGA adapters
3: VGA splitter cable
Question(s):
Will this work? I'm particularly concerned about the following points:
Can a low-profile PCI video card output a signal which is strong enough for three monitors (even if it's a dual-head card)?
Does the combination of so many adapters and splitter cables work? (The LFH-to-DVI cable comes with the video card)
Will the VGA splitter cable degrade the signal on the output screen & projector significantly? (If so, would a USB-powered splitter cable remedy this problem?)
I can't possibly expect anyone to answer all those questions, but any input is appreciated.
