Preview on external monitor

dougm88 wrote on 12/19/2008, 12:35 PM

I am trying to use an external lcd for previewing. I have set the preferences to "windows secondary display". When i hit the "identify displays" button, it correctly displays the "1" and "2". However, when I start the movie, it displays full screen on the computer monitor, not the secondary monitor.

I am using a laptop, but I didn't think this would make a difference.

Thanks

Comments

Ivan Lietaert wrote on 12/19/2008, 2:54 PM

What version of VMS do you use?

JohnAsh wrote on 2/14/2009, 11:32 AM

I am having exactly the same problem with Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9. Windows XP is quite happy with my 2nd monitor (which is actually an LCD TV with VGA input connected to a USB VGA adapter).

My desktop is extended across the two monitors and the "Identify Monitors" button correctly identifies 1 and 2, as above, but the 2nd monitor is not listed in the "Display Adapter" dropdown list, only monitor 1, my main monitor. And when I switch on "Preview on external window" this appears on Monitor 1.

So Windows XP sees my 2nd monitor but Vegas does not. It's driving me barmy as I bought the USB VGA adapter specifically for this purpose.

(By the way, I am editing HDV video otherwise I'd monitor via Firewire and DV Deck).

Chienworks wrote on 2/14/2009, 12:10 PM

Just a guess, but the USB adapter may be the problem. USB is probably not up to the task of a full-screen full frame rate display. Vegas may be taking this into account and not offering it because of this.

added ...

Render just finished so i did some checking. On my installation under options / preferences / preview device, there are two things i have to choose. In the Device: pulldown box choose "Windows Secondary Display". In the Display adapter: pulldown box choose "2", with whatever resolution setting is listed. If you don't change that to "2" then Vegas will display on the first monitor.

JohnAsh wrote on 2/14/2009, 1:48 PM

Thanks. There is only monitor 1 in the dropdown list so you may be right about the VGA adapter. I may have wasted my money in that case.

I can drag the Vegas preview window across to the 2nd monitor. Is this of poorer quality that what appears in the "preview in monitor" window? If you know what I mean! It certainly appears a lot smoother when it appears on the PC monitor.

JohnAsh wrote on 2/14/2009, 10:53 PM

Am embarrassed to report that my video card has two outputs after all. I had not really checked but sort-of-remembered one was VGA and one DVI. I suppose I´d assumed they were not separate outputs, just mirrored at both ports.

With the aid of the DVI-VGA connector (which came with the VGA adapter, at least I've used that) I've connected my LCD TV to the other port, and now Sony Vegas sees it and is quite happy to use it as an external monitor

Anyone want to buy a USB-VGA adapter?!

Thanks for the help. If I were to spend more on the video card, could I expect a better-quality preview? It's a bit clunky at the moment. (Now I'm getting picky).

John

Chienworks wrote on 2/15/2009, 3:22 AM

Mostly likely not. Vegas makes no use of the video card's capabilities whatsoever, other than simply displaying stuff on the screen. Faster, more powerful video cards won't aid Vegas at all.

In fact, i believe your problem with the USB adapter is the first recorded case ever of Vegas caring or even noticing anything about a video card.

studioLord wrote on 2/15/2009, 11:45 AM

I have a dual monitor card in my computer. Can I run out to an external monitor (TV) while still using my dual monitor/dual screen setup?
If so what hardware would I need to purchase to accomplish this?