Multi-Monitor

The term multi-head as a short form of multi -head computer, and multi - screen computer ( multi-screen computers), multi -display computer or multi-monitor computers, refers to a computer that takes over a screen with two ( dual screen computer / dual -head computer ) or multiple displays features. Multi-head can also include the visualization of multiple video projectors, televisions or other display devices such as a SmartBoard. In any case, a multi-head capable graphics card with multiple video outputs or multiple graphics cards is required in the computer.

Modes

This technology can be used in three ways. The work surface can be to one or more screens, each of which show a section of the surface, enlarged or on the display different outputs are shown or the work surface is repeatedly displayed the same as for presentations in separate rooms.

Desktop extension

On Windows, the option to expand the work surface by a plurality of parallel connected monitors since Windows 98 for. Even Unix derivatives provide under the name Xinerama in conjunction with the X Window System that possibility, with specific X server extensions such as chronium even allow a distributed OpenGL 3D acceleration. In Linux, the function since xfree86 version 4 is implemented.

Spread this configuration is often the case with graphic designers and programmers to utilize the drag-and -drop functionality of the operating system. But even in areas such as CAD drawing, stock market, air traffic control, medicine or science more than just a monitor for separate, clear representation of the data is very often used.

Usually one has on a screen and an application program on the second monitor a directory or a file browser, through which you pull documents or text fragments into the application. A change in the file window on the taskbar omitted, thus accelerating the parallel work with several programs. Especially for screen or web designer, the division of space by two smaller monitors is often much cheaper than the very large of a monitor. In addition, two or more monitors for web designers offer the option of a simple color proofs: The screens are set with different contrast and brightness values ​​to check the display on various, mostly non-calibrated devices.

For many programs, the tool palettes from the main window can outsource to the second monitor, which ensures a better representation of the actual work area. The use is therefore being rendered as a monitor, which was divided into two monitors. With the X Window system, it is also possible to run multiple desktops parallel for each monitor. Thus, for example, the working range of a monitor task-specific fully customize without cause system-wide changes.

Multi-screen operation

In contrast to the extension of the desktop to another screen, it is possible to display on multiple screens, optionally, the same or different outputs. In this case, either the contents of the (main) desktop is replicated, that is unchanged in all other screens displayed, or is displayed otherwise. The latter mode is especially interesting for Presentations: On the main screen ( eg the laptop monitor) can see the presentation, including the applied comments while on the speakers - only the uncommented presentation slides are visible video projection - visible only for the viewer.

The simplest way to connect multiple monitors are multi-head graphics cards. While tickets for one or two monitors are now standard, single graphics card for up to 16 monitors are available in the higher price segment. It can in principle also run multiple standard graphics cards in a PC, which easily store up to six monitors can be connected to a computer. Basically, to be expected with all of these solutions with limitations in terms of 3D capabilities.

An alternative for connecting additional monitors to one computer and multi-monitor programs. These allow the use of laptops or tablet PCs to expand the screen of main computer.