Multiple monitors

[Alavatar]

So, I've been itching to use up to 3 monitors for DDO. I would like to set the center monitor for the primary play experience, the monitor on the left for map, inventory, AH, purchasing, etc., and the monitor on the right for most of my less clicked on hotbars and various chat channels.

Is it possible to do this? Can DDO support more then 1 monitor? Is it possible to force DDO to support it?

Note: I know how to set up multi-monitor on my PC, I just want to know if I can force DDO to support multi-monitor without being in Windowed mode.

[Vizzini]

Great question I've got a similar problem but with just 2 Monitors.

I can span the two monitors but I hate the gap in between them, not to mention one is smaller than the other so the differing resolutions fu*ker it all all up.

*waits - eerie silence*

[Uproar]

As the tech tip for my crashing to desktop was to turn off (disable) the second monitor I was running, I sort of doubt supports the complexity you are requesting. Would be cool if it did though!

[Amygdala]

Great question I've got a similar problem but with just 2 Monitors.

I can span the two monitors but I hate the gap in between them, not to mention one is smaller than the other so the differing resolutions fu*ker it all all up.

*waits - eerie silence*

I can't even seem to do two! When I go to windowed and stretch the window across the two monitors it works until I release my mouse from resizing. The window then snaps back to the size of the main monitor.

How'd you manage to get even the two monitors working?

[vanderberg]

I could be wrong, but to span over multiple monitors you will need a device to do so. Such as the Matrox TrippleHead.

http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/th2go/

Murnk/Rinket

[Strakeln]

Great question I've got a similar problem but with just 2 Monitors.

I can span the two monitors but I hate the gap in between them, not to mention one is smaller than the other so the differing resolutions fu*ker it all all up.

*waits - eerie silence*

Can you play in windowed mode, then move things like chat windows outside the game window?

I doubt it, but hey, ya never know.

While not a viable solution or even a helpful suggestion, I highly recommend DDO on a 30" widescreen. Simply put, it's insane:

note: your browser may resize, zoom to truly appreciate it

I'll be watching this thread in case any solutions pop up (I haven't heard of any, ever). Cuz two 30" monitors would be even cooler

[Vizzini]

Can play windowed mode ( I always do and stretch it to just below full screen so I can access other programs without having to alt+tab) Unfortunetly map and other windows can NOT be dragged out of the DDO windowed mode.

*maybe hint hint if we ask nicely they could code the windows to be free roaming to the desktop*


As far as stretching it across the two monitors, I needed nothing other than my 8800GT OC, and too set DDO into windowed mode and drag across. Plays just fine, my only problem is the gap between the LCD's can be a bit distracting.

I'll take screenshots and post them in this thread when I get home from work.

[Amygdala]

I'm running with a 7950gx2 in multi-disp mode and simply can't get it to work by stretching the game window over- thooo I wonder if it's due to each monitor running a different resolution? Main is 1680x1050 and aux is 1280x960 (and pretty much stuck there cuz it's also split off to a projector that can't do better..)

[Vizzini]

It's because you are running them as separate display's. You need to Mmm I think ti's called Clone. (Basically make it one large monitor. I'll check my settings when I get home.

Also I might recommend downloading the latest drivers from Nvidia (they may have added additional software support.)

I'm running with a 7950gx2 in multi-disp mode and simply can't get it to work by stretching the game window over- thooo I wonder if it's due to each monitor running a different resolution? Main is 1680x1050 and aux is 1280x960 (and pretty much stuck there cuz it's also split off to a projector that can't do better..)

[Melkor_The_Mighty]

Am getting a new gaming set up and thought about using 2 monitors. I have Dual 24" now but don't have the game on both monitors, the 2nd one is just running sports games/scores, emails and such. I had wanted to drag all the non essential boxes to the 2nd monitor (ie. chats,maps, examine boxes etc), but havent been able to figure it out. My new set up will have a 30+" as main monitor and the 2 24" on the side but to be honest the game looks pretty big on the 24" so at 30" I dont see any advantage to stretching the game out over 2 panels, but would still like to get the stuff I dont care about in combat off the main monitor. A friend has his game stretched over 2 21" monitors and luckily has ones that have very little borders on the sides so the two screens kinda blend almost seemlessly.

[Amygdala]

It's because you are running them as separate display's. You need to Mmm I think ti's called Clone. (Basically make it one large monitor. I'll check my settings when I get home.

Also I might recommend downloading the latest drivers from Nvidia (they may have added additional software support.)

Not sure that I'd want to use clone-mode tho.. that would have two displays showing one-same desktop and applications.. multi-display mode or span mode is what you're describing, having one big monitor and also what I'm using.

In my setup, I have the 1680x1050 on the right, which is my main display with main desktop showing.. this is where DDO happens.. on the left 1280x960 is my aux display which usually only has internet, chat, and vista media center livetv playing (also split off to the projector so the gf can watch tv hehe).

Next chance I get (when she's not in the room watching tv) I'll match the resolutions of both displays and try spanning the DDO client across them again..

[Beorn_The_Bear]

I have read all of the replies to your questions ALAVATAR. I have been playing for 2 years with this set up with superb performance and none of the troubles mentionned here.

First, know that the max resolution supported by DDO online is 3840x1024. This resolution is available with many games now.

Second, know that your 3 monitors have to be IDENTICAL. Otherwise you will face the problems here mentionned. That means you should be using monitors of (3840 divided by 3) 1280x1024. This way you get no distorsion of image from one screen to the other and it wont reset to the main screen all the time. I have tried to put 1900x1200, with 2 1280x1024 on each side and it looks terrible. Dont do that.

It does not matter the number of graphic cards you have (quality and performance matters though big time).

Use MATROX TRIPLEHEAD-TO-GO.(check the website). Super easy! It is an external graphic expansion module. PLug it in your graphic card. Plug the monitors into the module. Install software and you are ready!! The image automatically resize across the 3 screens, according to the resolution you set it at.

If you want max graphic settings (ultra-high) 3840x1024, will need a heavy duty gaming rig. I used nvidia 7900 oc BFG on medium setting for optimal peformance. Now I have nvidia GTX 260 SLI on ultra high

Now with that kind of resolution, put your hot bars or what no where ever you want it: Left screen has full map, all chat windows opened, center only has life bars and orb, right screen has all 20 hotbars stacked, inventory opened and dungeons goals.

Matrox has now a digital version of their first analog 3-head-to-go.

Really worth it!

[Vizzini]

Yes, sorry I was referring to span mode. If you run in windowed mode you can grab the edges of the window and expand it to your Aux screen.

To be honest I currently run as you do now. With a browser in the Aux screen and my Winamp control.

Help pulling up Dorim's Maps when running slayer an whatnot, or chatting on vent, etc.. What I would like to see is the ability to have certain windows: ie: Maps, Chat, Social and other panels be accessible outside of the main DDO window (Free roaming)

That would enable you to place those on the Aux screen for Quick and easy reference etc.. No More continually toggling "M"

Not sure that I'd want to use clone-mode tho.. that would have two displays showing one-same desktop and applications.. multi-display mode or span mode is what you're describing, having one big monitor and also what I'm using.

In my setup, I have the 1680x1050 on the right, which is my main display with main desktop showing.. this is where DDO happens.. on the left 1280x960 is my aux display which usually only has internet, chat, and vista media center livetv playing (also split off to the projector so the gf can watch tv hehe).

Next chance I get (when she's not in the room watching tv) I'll match the resolutions of both displays and try spanning the DDO client across them again..

[Magehound]

Yhea running a 37" primary monitor with a 32" as a secondary monitor, would really like to be able to open the maps/inventoryy/stuff on the second monitor.

SO please DDO, can we bribe you with guacomale???

[Amygdala]

SO please DDO, can we bribe you with guacomale???

heck I'll even pitch in the lime-flavored tostitos to boot.

[Alavatar]

I have read all of the replies to your questions ALAVATAR. I have been playing for 2 years with this set up with superb performance and none of the troubles mentionned here.

First, know that the max resolution supported by DDO online is 3840x1024. This resolution is available with many games now.

Second, know that your 3 monitors have to be IDENTICAL. Otherwise you will face the problems here mentionned. That means you should be using monitors of (3840 divided by 3) 1280x1024. This way you get no distorsion of image from one screen to the other and it wont reset to the main screen all the time. I have tried to put 1900x1200, with 2 1280x1024 on each side and it looks terrible. Dont do that.

It does not matter the number of graphic cards you have (quality and performance matters though big time).

Use MATROX TRIPLEHEAD-TO-GO.(check the website). Super easy! It is an external graphic expansion module. PLug it in your graphic card. Plug the monitors into the module. Install software and you are ready!! The image automatically resize across the 3 screens, according to the resolution you set it at.

If you want max graphic settings (ultra-high) 3840x1024, will need a heavy duty gaming rig. I used nvidia 7900 oc BFG on medium setting for optimal peformance. Now I have nvidia GTX 260 SLI on ultra high

Now with that kind of resolution, put your hot bars or what no where ever you want it: Left screen has full map, all chat windows opened, center only has life bars and orb, right screen has all 20 hotbars stacked, inventory opened and dungeons goals.

Matrox has now a digital version of their first analog 3-head-to-go.

Really worth it!

Sounds perfect for me. Thanks!

[Vizzini]

Thanks, seems pretty solid, after looking on ebay here is a *sealed* TripleHead2Go (It's the VGA only model but 200 less than all the others listed)

If I had 100.00 right now I'd buy it myself, but I'm 1 monitor and a Benjamin Short.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Matrox-TripleHead2Go-Triple-VGA-Surround-Display-NEW_W0QQitemZ120308841236QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item1 20308841236&_trkparms=72%3A1205|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3 A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14

I have read all of the replies to your questions ALAVATAR. I have been playing for 2 years with this set up with superb performance and none of the troubles mentionned here.

First, know that the max resolution supported by DDO online is 3840x1024. This resolution is available with many games now.

Second, know that your 3 monitors have to be IDENTICAL. Otherwise you will face the problems here mentionned. That means you should be using monitors of (3840 divided by 3) 1280x1024. This way you get no distorsion of image from one screen to the other and it wont reset to the main screen all the time. I have tried to put 1900x1200, with 2 1280x1024 on each side and it looks terrible. Dont do that.

It does not matter the number of graphic cards you have (quality and performance matters though big time).

Use MATROX TRIPLEHEAD-TO-GO.(check the website). Super easy! It is an external graphic expansion module. PLug it in your graphic card. Plug the monitors into the module. Install software and you are ready!! The image automatically resize across the 3 screens, according to the resolution you set it at.

If you want max graphic settings (ultra-high) 3840x1024, will need a heavy duty gaming rig. I used nvidia 7900 oc BFG on medium setting for optimal peformance. Now I have nvidia GTX 260 SLI on ultra high

Now with that kind of resolution, put your hot bars or what no where ever you want it: Left screen has full map, all chat windows opened, center only has life bars and orb, right screen has all 20 hotbars stacked, inventory opened and dungeons goals.

Matrox has now a digital version of their first analog 3-head-to-go.

Really worth it!

[BattleCircle]

Video of what it looks like from youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_DWIPKSNSM

[Altumus]

We do not support multiple monitors (and no intention to do so that I'm aware of) - sorry

[Missing_Minds]

We do not support multiple monitors (and no intention to do so that I'm aware of) - sorry

Isn't that due to a limitation of DX coding that you have to keep all of your windows within the centeral one? I heard that somewhere but i'm no DX coder.

Also, tripple head is fine, heck you could do the same with one current graphics card if your monitor would support it. But here is my question... which screen gets the video priority? Sure you can expand it, but most cards I've seen and played with, the non primary will not get as many frames a second.