Video guys - Need recommendation

SouthSeaPirate

I have a director that currently has dual monitors. He wants to also have a TV that can display to guests or other employees. The TV is to replicate one of the desktop screens. The PC is an HP laptop on a docking station using the DVI and VGA connections. It does have display ports but don't believe they can be used in tandem.
So the dilemma is this, only two usable ports and splitting the feed would have two different resolutions.
What can I do to make this work?

Asif Dasl

Could you split the VGA connection so that it's on both monitor and the TV?

SouthSeaPirate

Asif Dasl wrote: »

Could you split the VGA connection so that it's on both monitor and the TV?

TV doesnt have VGA. Also, wouldnt the resolution be an issue?

aftereffector

What kind of inputs does the TV have? Component, composite, HDMI...

SouthSeaPirate

aftereffector wrote: »

What kind of inputs does the TV have? Component, composite, HDMI...

Exactly that actually.
The TV can be replaced if VGA is the only option, but I prefer to go another route if possible.

Asif Dasl

SouthSeaPirate wrote: »

TV doesnt have VGA. Also, wouldnt the resolution be an issue?

You can go from VGA to HDMI. It depends on the TV what resolutions it can support but I have this setup in a friends house successfully using the VGA splitter.

SouthSeaPirate

Asif Dasl wrote: »

You can go from VGA to HDMI. It depends on the TV what resolutions it can support but I have this setup in a friends house successfully using the VGA splitter.

This looks like the best route. Using a VGA splitter, the two current monitors will remain exactly the same. Only finessing of the resolution and picture adjustments on the TV would be necessary. Thanks!

MeanDrunkR2D2

Easier step would be to get a USB to HDMI or DVI out and use that to display. It won't be dependent on the onboard video card to send out the video.. Also, is there a displayport output on the laptop/Dock? That could be used possibly as well.
http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-External-Monitor-Adapter-USB32HDES/dp/B00H91BQ7Y/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1413567753&sr=1-7&keywords=usb+to+hdmi

Personally though, if its something that he'll use often, I'd rather have set up a cheap desktop computer hooked up to the monitor and allow him to remote into that desktop when he needs to display something. That way he won't have to worry about displaying the wrong screen to guests accidentally.

nerdinhiding

I have used this adapter at several sites and they work well. They essential create a third monitor. Going with HDMI over VGA can also avoid HDCP copyright video issues that may arise in the future. Also be sure to use a USB 3.0 port. The USB 2.0 have been problematic.

JUA350 USB 3.0 HDMI Display Adapter

SouthSeaPirate

MeanDrunkR2D2 wrote: »

Easier step would be to get a USB to HDMI or DVI out and use that to display. It won't be dependent on the onboard video card to send out the video.. Also, is there a displayport output on the laptop/Dock? That could be used possibly as well.
http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-External-Monitor-Adapter-USB32HDES/dp/B00H91BQ7Y/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1413567753&sr=1-7&keywords=usb+to+hdmi

Personally though, if its something that he'll use often, I'd rather have set up a cheap desktop computer hooked up to the monitor and allow him to remote into that desktop when he needs to display something. That way he won't have to worry about displaying the wrong screen to guests accidentally.

nerdinhiding wrote: »

I have used this adapter at several sites and they work well. They essential create a third monitor. Going with HDMI over VGA can also avoid HDCP copyright video issues that may arise in the future. Also be sure to use a USB 3.0 port. The USB 2.0 have been problematic.

JUA350 USB 3.0 HDMI Display Adapter

Thanks guys, but neither of these are possible solutions. Think of it as only a dual monitor setup, and there is another monitor that replicates monitor #2. The issue arises with monitor #2 being two different sizes and having limited connectivity. He cannot see the replication monitor well as it is made to show others marketing data, financial data, etc. during meetings in his office. So now you see adding and additional feed or another desktop will not work for this scenario.

Thanks all!

MeanDrunkR2D2

Hmmm... Yea, I was thinking about setting a up a 3 monitor solution as what is on that 3rd monitor would not replicate what is on his desktop. I guess if he needs to see on his laptop and is unable to see the TV from where he is sitting, i can understand that. Sadly, if he's replicating, well, either the resolution will be messed up on the TV or his monitor to make it work for the others ideal resolution.

And I assume that having a cheap desktop that he can remote into isn't an answer either that will work.