Karaoke Forums

Hello All,

  I'm in the middle of building a computer for using Karafun, to store all my CD+G's.. I have an old video card one w/ s-video out, but I get no picture on t.v. I have just read you need a dual video card. What else am I missing? Can you please tell me the model of (Dual) video card you are uising also, so I can research?

Thanks K.D.

Best to check the specs on the "program" you are wanting to use.  It should tell you what you need.  It won't matter what the rest of us are using if it isn't what the program requires.  Maybe their web site has that information.

Kelly

First of all, it would help a lot if you can post what your configuration is, such as manufacturer and model of your video card, which OS you are using etc.

Most modern video card will support what you want to do, specially if they have 3 connectors on the back. Typically 3 connctors are dual DVI, dual Sub 9, one of each plus a s-video. You can use 2 of 3 ports at one time. I believe all of the PCI-E based NVidia cards support that, as well as most of the AGP based cards. I think if you use 5th gen NVidia cards, you are safe, ie 5xxx models.

You would need Windows XP for most painless way to implement this though.

Given that, next thing you need to check is if your expanded desktop option is selected. If you are using Windows XP, left click on your desktop, select properties, settings tab. You should see two monitors next to each other on the graphics. If you don't, either your card does not support dual monitor with expanded desktop or it's not set. Depends on your card, you can find that option to turn on on the advanced option.

Once you set up the dual monitor with expanded desktop option, it's as simple as moving the lyrics window to the second desktop.

_________________

Seize the day and SING!!!

if it's all working right, when the computer boots up, have the 2nd monitor on too. You should see the same thing on it as you do your monitor. Don't freak on a scrolling video until the desktop comes up. That's common!

Windows XP you can enable the dual video or extend it on the fly. With Windows2000, you have to have the 2nd video on when you boot for it to be seen. There are some programs like clubdjpro that will enable the 2nd video for you, but that's another thing altogether!

And don't forget to have the drivers installed for the type of video card you're using!

More  than likely, if it is an OLD video card, it is possible that that card may only mirror your computer screen, and not EXTEND your desktop as computer KJing requires (well, it dosen't require it, but makes it a lot easier).

1.  Check your display settings, perhaps you need to enable the TV.
2. Perhaps you need to enable the 2nd display in your BIOS settings.
3.  DO you have the proper driver installed for your video card?  Or maybe you need to update it.

Hmmm, Im not getting nothing. It is an old video card 64mb. I need to buy a newer one. Can you guys give me the model #'s you are using. I have the get a 4x/8x AGP one not PCI.

Thanks K.D.

I prefer the Radeon 9200 series

I am using NVidia GeForce 7300S but it's a PCI-X card, not AGP. It has 256 MB of memory and dual monitor support.

I personally prefer NVidia and have bias towards them. I think if you get any 6000 series or up with dual monitor support and AGP, you should be fine. I would just do Google search and find the best value. You shouldn't have to play more than $150 for a very nice card that will do the job.

_________________

Seize the day and SING!!!

Are all of these suggestions valid for both desktop and laptop units?

well, laptops have their own types of vid cards, but basically, yes!

I personally use an ATI all in wonder 2006 card
Ive found it to be superb for the job
I have 2 systems, one is PC based the other uses stand alone units
you have tyo consider (as many people have stated in the forum)
what else you have on your pc, what else is used by the memory, on the hdd, what boots up

keep your PC clean,
it always helps to defrag from time to time, also programs like ultra winclean will help
but turn off all auto updates and auto cleaning for all programs
nothing worse that getting popups where you dont want them!!!

I wouldn't spend too much on a video card- dual display's really don't use that much GPU power or video memory.  Most older VGA/SVID cards need to have the SVID connector plugged into a TV and the TV on before the computer is switched on, so that windows know it is there.  Then you need to go into the display control panel and actually activate that output, and tell windows where you want the extended desktop in relation to the primary desktop.

The video cards mentioned here are great for games, and are very good performers, however, I have one system with an 8MB AGP card that works just great.  Got it for $15 new from pricegrabber.  Right now I'm using a newer card, but I'm also using PCDJ, Windows Dancer, and some other effects in-between singers to push drink specials, etc.