How to Setup Dual CCTV Monitors

How to Setup Dual Monitors

Using dual monitors refers to using two physical display devices to increase the viewing space running on a single computer. Microsoft Windows Operating Systems and Mac OS X now support dual and multiple monitor configurations.

Setting up dual monitors is easy. However, it requires the user to add a second video card or install a video card that can support a dual head or two separate physical outputs. The following instructions are for those with only one video card installed in their computers:-

Make sure that the computer is working fine and that it can support more than one video card. Boot in safe mode to make sure that only one video adapter and monitor is shown in Device Manager.

Next, turn off the system and install the second video card. Once installed, connect the second monitor.

If the installation is done correctly, the computer should boot the same way as always and the second monitor should still appear dark. Depending on the presence of the correct drivers bundled with the OS, drivers for the second video card may have to be installed.

Configuring Dual Monitors under Microsoft Windows

Check Device Manager. To do this, right-click My Computer then choose Properties > Hardware > Device Manager. There should be 2 monitors under the Display Adapters.

To configure the second monitor, right-click the desktop and choose Properties. Go to the Settings tab where there are two boxes, one bigger than the other. These represent the two monitors plugged into the computer. Click the second window marked “2” and change the second monitor’s resolution and color depth. Make sure that the display parameters chosen are within the monitors’ limits.

Do not forget to click the “Extend my Windows desktop into this monitor” option. If this is done properly, the 2 monitors should have the same size. Click OK and the 2nd monitor should work properly.

Troubleshooting Dual Monitor Setups

If the above instructions were followed but the second monitor is still not working, check if the operating system supports both monitors.

Also, check the kind of video card that was installed. If the computer has only one AGP slot and a PCI or ISA slot has to be used for the second video card, change the BIOS setting so that the PCI boots before the AGP display adapter.

Set up Dual Monitors Using a Splitter

In order to connect two monitors to the same computer, a VGA or DVI-D splitter can also be used, depending on the computer hardware’s specifications. A VGA splitter simply connects to a computer via a male-to-female VGA cable end. It then splits the digital signal into two parts, without compromising the quality of either part, and directs each part to its respective VGA cable end, allowing a single VGA cable to connect one computer to two separate VGA-based monitors. If a user wishes to connect more than two monitors to a computer, he/she should use a VGA splitter that uses more cable ends.

How to Display Separate Applications on Each Monitor

Although a VGA splitter connects two or more monitors to a single computer, the secondary monitor will be completely blank until the user makes the necessary changes to Windows. In order to display separate applications on each monitor:

1) Click the Start Menu and open the Control Panel.

2) Open the “Appearance and Personalization” category and select “Adjust screen resolution.”

3) Select the “Multiple Displays” menu and choose “Extend these displays.” This will activate the secondary monitor.

4) Launch the programs to be accessed and drag them to the secondary monitor. This is done by simply dragging the program window to the side of the primary monitor, causing the program to appear on the secondary monitor.

CCTV Quad Splitter

The Video quad splitter is a very important component of close circuit television systems. Quad splitters were developed to eliminate the not so cost effective way of one camera per monitor and time lapse recorder design. A Quad enables the user to view up to four cameras on the same screen simultaneously. It displays all cameras on the screen two on the top quadrants and two on the bottom quadrants. This gives the user a tremendous advantage over security camera systems using video sequential or manual switchers. Using a quad, the system operator will not miss any activity he or she would have if they were using a sequential or manual switcher. However there is a slight drawback to the quad splitter. Its images can sometimes be too small to distinguish any specific details on an image, especially when using small CCTV monitors.

While viewing a live feed this drawback can be overcome since the quad allows full screen viewing of any camera with a simple push of a button. However the same cannot be said once a picture has been recorded. When a quad output is recorded, it is recorded the same exact way as it is seen on the screen. Therefore if a quad view is being displayed while recording that’s the only way it can be retrieved on playback. And if an operator has switched to a full screen camera view while recording that will be the only camera that could be viewed on playback. As you can see this could pose a problem in many applications and is also the main reason why many people upgrade theirs systems from quads to video multiplexers.

Monochrome cctv Quads

Monochrome Quads are designed for use with black and white cameras can also be used with color cameras but the picture on the screen will always be displayed in black and white. They are Ideal for use in pubs, clubs, hotels, commercial and residential premises

Color cctv Quads

Color quads are designed for use with color cameras but can also be used with black and white cameras. They are commonly uses in pubs, clubs, hotels, commercial and residential premises

Dual page cctv quads

Dual page quads are equipped with 8 video input to allow for up to 8 camera connection. The picture is displayed in two separate groups of four cameras. The switch between the two groups can be done manually or it can be set automatically at a predetermined switch time.