Projector Install, Dual Head or VGA Splitter

[caffrey]

What is the preferred method now ? Dual head or splitter? Costs are about the same. I never really liked splitters because of the resolution problems and extra power etc. but they are fit and forget. The main problem with dualhead for me is lack of PCIe in some of the aging PCs.

[tmcd35]

I'd say dual head wherever possible, just don't be tempted by USB VGA adapters. I've had no end of problems with them on teachers PC's. Can never seem to get the right resolutions displaying correctly through the projectors.

[benjie]

For me there is no perfect answer. It depends on the teacher. If I put dual head graphics cards in, I configure them as dual display. You can now get VGA splitters that are powered by USB.

[caffrey]

Another advantage of dual head is privacy too I guess, if taught correctly to a teacher about dual displays and extended desktops.

Saying that looking around, I can get a dual head card for a little less than a splitter (15 vs 20)

[jallsop]

I insist on using dual head as far as possible. We have dell machines with their display port monitors, so we use the VGA for the projectors

[twin--turbo]

Dual head, but be aware that if using extended desktop that interactive displays won't work correctly.

 

We use Toshiba port replicators for our laptops as a single point of connection. They cause problems 3-4 times a week in one way or another.

 

Rob

[HaleStorm]

All our Dell tacher Kit comes with a single M1 DVI port, which is technically a dual head, but 1 calbe runs 2 VGAs independant of one an other so you can still do extended desktop etc.

[ICTDirect_Dave]

We provide the option for an NVS 285 DMS59 Dual head vga card with all our PCs nowadays. They're remarkably popular!

 

I'd say go dual head over splitter any day of the week. Especially as the cards cost very little.

[HaleStorm]

Dual Head means less cables and 1 less plug socket required as well

[caffrey]

Thanks everyone,

 

Dual head it is, I've ran into the issues with interactives (On an hitachi starboard - only likes being on display 1 or something) How is it with smart?

Dave how much are those cards running at?

[ICTDirect_Dave]

Sent you a PM

[mp4-dave]

We've got some dual headed cards connected to Smartboards. Works fine, you have to press space to get the calibration on to the correct screen. Showed the teachers a couple of times and haven't had any complaints since.

[john]

Dual Heads are the way to go and Smart Boards work perfectly well with them as has been said if the calibration comes up on the wrong screen hit space bar and it moves to the other job done.

[caffrey]

Great thanks, i'll give it a go (Got it ingrained in me to use splitters, time to try something new!)