Manage Which Monitor Displays a File with Several Monitors
Manage Which Monitor Displays a File with Several Monitors
I have a dual monitor configuration and recently used HDMIs on both my bedroom and living room TVs. The setup functions properly, but relocating content between them is inconvenient.
I'm looking for software that offers a preview pane or similar feature allowing drag-and-drop across multiple screens with less effort.
Additionally, I'm considering cloning specific screen pairs—1 & 3, and 2 & 4. Nvidia doesn't support four-screen cloning, only three at a time, so I'd focus on pairing 1&3 and treating 2 as an individual screen.
Currently, the system is arranged in a 2x2 grid, making it difficult to see and manage the lower screens. If something appears on one screen, I often need to go downstairs, power it up, and drag it into view.
General concerns:
Audio
You should use HDMI cables that include audio support, specifically ARC.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertain...beginners/
Consider how your audio needs match with screens and audio equipment like speakers, headsets, soundbars, or built-in display/TV features.
Splitter
A splitter receives one input signal and distributes the same signal through two (or more) outputs. This ensures all connected devices see the same video output.
For four separate displays, you’ll need four distinct video and audio paths.
There is an HDMI cable connecting the PC to the TV. The main concern is not whether the TV is on or off. I'm looking for software that can show all four screens simultaneously so I can easily move files between them, or a method to duplicate specific screen pairs like 1&3 and 2&4.
Cloning, mirroring.
With four screens—two monitors and two TVs—you should be able to open a window for each and position it on the desired display. This setup lets you move files between them easily without needing any extra programs. If a TV isn’t visible in a window, it can be moved to one of your monitors. You can also shift items back and forth between windows. Try reducing the size of TV windows when they’re not in use.
Are you comfortable using "WIN" + "P" to launch PROJECT and manage screen access solely through the PC display? Options like Duplicate, Extend, or Second Screen are available?
Could you share details about your motherboard and GPU(s)? What video ports are accessible? Is there a connection to monitors? Are the TVs using HDMI (typically limited to about 50 feet)?
I expect around two or three connections through your GPU and possibly two via the motherboard if integrated graphics are supported. Right-clicking an empty space on the desktop should open a window for selecting the relevant Control Panel for your GPU, where you can configure multiple monitors.
Here’s a general guide on the subject, mentioning an app that might help (not necessarily endorsed).
https://windowsreport.com/clone-desktop-...-monitors/
For Dell: https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/...d-...-windows-7
HP support page: https://support.hp.com/my-en/document/is...2906263-16
And there are splitters that can send a single video output to two displays.
Sample products:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hdmi+spl...42...85ln42tl_e
I wasn't familiar with the windows project concept. It took some time to understand what was going on, but it's really useful. Can open the TV on my main PC screen and drag files from there to the main screen.
thanks for that.
"If you have four displays: two monitors and two TVs then you should be able to open a window for each one and place that window on the desired monitor or TV."
How do you accomplish this?
I used HDMI splitters, but they only sent sound to one TV and didn't let me select which one.
Mobo is Gigabyte Auros B450 Elite.
GPU is GTX 1060 3GB
Two main concerns:
Audio requirements
You should use HDMI cables that include audio support, such as ARC.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertain...beginners/
Consider how your audio needs fit with your displays and audio equipment (speakers, headsets, soundbars, built-in TV or display).
Splitter
A splitter receives a single input signal and distributes the same signal through two or more outputs. This ensures all connected devices see the same image.
To support four separate video displays along with audio, you’ll need at least four distinct signal paths.
= = = =
Your motherboard:
Integrated Graphics Processor:
1 x DVI-D port, capable of up to 1920x1200@60 Hz resolution
* This port cannot accept a D-Sub connection via an adapter.
1 x HDMI port, supporting up to 4096x2160@60(Note) resolution
* It supports HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 versions.
Your GPU:
GRAPHICS INTERFACE
😀
Px1, HDMIx1, DVIx1 – these diverse output options provide flexibility to satisfy your needs.
(Specs provided by advertised manufacturers for MB and GPU. Please confirm you correctly identified both models and verify the video ports and specifications.)
In summary, it seems you have five available video connections. However, pay attention to the note in the MB regarding potential restrictions.
You should outline your own plan for establishing the required video/audio links. Start with one monitor, then proceed to the next, ensuring each displays correctly shows the intended content.
Wouldn't it be better to use small, inexpensive computers that link to the TVs instead of using a long cable? That way you wouldn't have to worry about not being able to see the screens. You could get a laptop for $100 or less in some cases, or use a tablet, Roku, or Amazon Fire, etc...