TWiT Throwback (Video)

Know How... 171: Multiple Monitor Madness

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Amazon Air could become a reality, how to make the most of your multiple monitors, and Holiday Pi.

Amazon Prime AirFirst Version of the Amazon Prime Air
  • Octocopter Design
  • Small(ish) with an external payload clamp
  • No real information about the avionics
    • New Version of the Amazon Prime Air
    • Octocopter/VTOL design
    • But it's a FIXED VTOL design (The motors don't swivel, it has a dedicated drive motor)
    • Avionics have sense-and-avoid features
    • The delivery is done on a target pad
    • 15 mile range
      • Multiple MonitorsTraditional Port-Based Connections
      • HDMI/DVI/VGA/DisplayPort/Thunderbolt
      • Check with your video card to see how many active ports you can have simultaneously
        • i.e. The Geforce 770 in my PC has 2 x DVI, 2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort --- However, I can use EITHER HDMI or DVI + the DisplayPort

          • But let's get creative with DisplayPort ($67)

          SIIG CE-DP0211-S1 DisplayPort to 2-Port HDMI
          • Takes a Single DisplayPort in, and outputs to 2-HDMI monitors
          • Can mirror or expand
          • It's also good for distance runs: 5M on input, 15M on output
          • Up to 3840 x 1200 Max resolution (That's 1920 x 1200 per monitor)

            • Notes:

            • In Expand mode, it ONLY outputs side-by-side, not top/bottom
            • You REALLY want to of the same monitors.
            • To the computer, it looks like a single screen, so perhaps not great for gaming
              • Docks!StarTech Universal USB 3.0 Laptop Docking Station (~$107)
              • Requires an i3 w/2GB of Memory for full performance
              • 3 x USB 3.0
              • DVI, HDMI, VGA (Can use HDMI + either DVI or VGA simultaneously)
                • Max resolution of 2048 x 1152 per screen
                • Gigabit Ethernet Port
                • Headphone/Mic Jack
                • Windows XP or Better // OSX 10.6 or better
                • 2 yr Warranty

                  • Decent USB Docks

                  • Kensington sD3500v ($100)
                  • Anker Dual Display Universal Dock ($95)

                    • Avoid like the Plague!

                    • Diamond
                    • Asus
                      • StarTech Thunderbolt Docking Station ($190)
                      • Can be used on all Thunderbolt-equipped systems (Mac/PC/Etc)
                      • Can be Daisy-Chained (2 Thunderbolt Ports)
                      • 10Gbps Bus
                      • 3 x USB 3.0 (UASP - USB Attached SCSI Protocol)
                      • Mini-Display Port can do 2560 x 1440 // HDMI can do 1920 x 1080
                      • Mini-Display Port (Uses one of the Thunderbolt ports) / HDMI
                      • Gigabit Ethernet
                      • Headphones/Mic Jack
                      • Can do Thunderbolt + HDMI simultaneously, but NOT MDP + HDMI
                      • 2 yr Warranty
                        • The Mobile GeekASUS MB168B+ 15.6" USB Monitor ($280)
                        • 15.6" 1920 x 1080 TN screen
                        • 11ms response time
                        • 600:1 Contrast Ratio
                        • 14.9 x 9.3 x 0.3"
                        • 1.7lbs
                        • Connects Via USB 3.0 (5Gbps)
                          • Uses DisplayLink
                          • Supports Auto Rotation Detection
                          • Auto-Installs Drivers on Windows7 and better
                          • Will Work with USB 2.0, but it's going to lead to a degraded image quality.
                          • Works on Windows on OSX

                            • Pros:

                            • Convenient second screen
                            • Light and Thin

                              • Cons:

                              • Case/Stand doesn't have much flexibility
                                • Padre and WiDiThe Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter
                                • Between $30-$45
                                • Works with Laptops/Tablets -- ANY device that supports WiDi/Miracast (Windows 7 and up, Android 4.2 and up)

                                  • WiDi

                                  • Created by Intel
                                  • 1080p, 5.1 surround, low (but NOT lag-free) latency
                                  • Devices can connect to a WiDi monitor AND a Wireless network simultaneously.

                                    • These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/know-how/episodes/171

                                    Hosts: Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ and Bryan Burnett

                                    Technical Director: Alex Gumpel

                                    Sponsors:

                                    • lynda.com/knowhow
                                    • braintreepayments.com/knowhow

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