Computer Monitors

[romanowski_studios]

I have questions. How can I hook up 2 (two) computer monitors to my one Creation Station for my Control Room? and does Sweetwater sell the necessary gear to fascilitate this querry? Also, talking about computer monitors. I notice that Apple makes monitors that lend themselves to applications of what is referred to as "theatre", delving into the realms of 22 inch screens or 27 inch screens or possibly something as ridiculous as the 78 inch screen. My question, Are these monitors only for Macs or can PC's use them as well? Thank you.

[Roadpebble]

To hook up two monitors to your computer you will need two video cards in your computer or a video card with dual output. Unless you have the Creation Station Tower LE your computer should already have dual output. The Creation Stations, with the exception of the LE, have a VGA output and a DVI output. To use a second VGA monitor you will need a DVI to VGA converter. However, if you don't have a second monitor yet, get a monitor with DVI input. If I am not mistaken the Apple monitors, the newer ones, all have DVI inputs. Monitors are interchangeable between Apple and PC. However, you will find that a 22" Apple monitor is much more expensive than a 22" monitor made for PC.

[romanowski_studios]

Thank you Roadpebble for your answer presented in such a knowledgeable and timely manner.

[Roadpebble]

No problem.

[dpd]

two LCDs on the Creation Stations are easy to set up. Recommend you get two identical monitors that have both DVI and VGA inputs. 19" LCDs are very reasonably priced right now - just check on the net or at any good local electronics store.

Do you know how to do this in Windows? It's pretty easy, just right-click on the Desktop and select Properties to get into the Display setup screens. Go for 1280x1024 resolution on each monitor and you'll be all set.

[romanowski_studios]

Thank you, for your answer dpd. Tell me, does Sweetwater sell the necessary monitors for this function? and if they do, what do you recommend?

[Justin]

We carry a few of brands of monitors. Apple, Viewsonic, and a few more.
I will warn you that the larger Apple Cinema Displays like the 30" require a Dual Link DVI output to drive them. You would need an video card upgrade to use one of those.

But standard DVI and VGA monitors work fine.

[romanowski_studios]

Thanks Justin for the information. I already have a 17" HP monitor, what would be a good match for it among those that Sweetwater sells.

[Justin]

I'd just look for something with about the same dimensions.
If they're too different, it can be distracting.

For 17", We should have a shipment of these coming in soon:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LCD17VGA/

In 19" we have:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LCD19/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LCD19VGA/

We also carry this one in a 20":
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LCD20B/

[romanowski_studios]

Thanks again for the information Justin, I can see how having two monitors of different sizes next to each other could look rather unprofessional and downright stupid. So I think I will place my order with Sweetwater for the
17" screen to properly accent my current HP monitor, along with a vga - dvi converter so I can plug her into my Creation Station.

Hey, I've got an idea. Rather than going with two 17" monitors, and since "Monitor Real Estate" seems to wiegh so heavilly in recording with the use of a computer, Maybe I could buy a 20" screen from Sweetwater and Mr. Chuck Surac would reward me for being such a GREAT CUSTOMER ($10K +) since August 2006 that he would kick in another 20" screen. I mean after all, it would be three more inch's and what man wouldn't mind having three more inch's, just ask any woman.