3 Monitor display [Archive] - Official Fighter Ops Forums

Juggernaut

03-09-2005, 17:58

Heres a picture of an arcade sim that I came across. It had Hotas, rudder pedals and 3 monitors. The game was very arcadish but it was fun.
cheers
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Hi,

There is a company that makes a 3 monitor display in which the display screens are actually fused together so there is no space between each screen.

I wish I could remember the name of the company that makes it. It is very cool, but also very expensive (if I remember correctly).

Juggernaut

DEChengst

03-13-2005, 04:55

Hi,

There is a company that makes a 3 monitor display in which the display screens are actually fused together so there is no space between each screen.

I wish I could remember the name of the company that makes it.

The company is called Mass:

http://www.independentproducts.co.uk/acatalog/ip_mass_lcd_multiple_monitor_screens.htm

Juggernaut

03-13-2005, 12:44

The company is called Mass:

http://www.independentproducts.co.uk/acatalog/ip_mass_lcd_multiple_monitor_screens.htm

Hi,

Thanks for that link - it looks cool.

However, there is another company that makes a monitor in which there are 3 screens that are fused together completely (probably a 1-2 mm separation between each actual screen), such that the actual screens touch each other without any plastic between them.
I wish I had saved the link that I had before...

Juggernaut

DEX

03-13-2005, 16:02

Does anyone use a hemisphere or some other fraction of a sphere with some form of image projection?

This could produce a seemless image with a very pronounced wrap around effect. I'd imagine it would be very immersive, provided there was removal of any image distortion caused by screen curvature. This could probably be done with either image processing or by using the proper lens for the curvature of the screen... perhaps both. But it would be costly.

DEX

03-13-2005, 19:59

Are THESE the screens?

http://www.go-l.com/monitors/cinerama/features/

Juggernaut

03-18-2005, 15:26

Are THESE the screens?

http://www.go-l.com/monitors/cinerama/features/

Hi!

Yes I think that is the one.

Thanks!
Juggernaut

SUBS17

03-19-2005, 17:53

Saw this on lockon forums

http://www.simw.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_product_details&pid=1164
check out the motion platform.

Juggernaut

03-28-2005, 20:04

Saw this on lockon forums

http://www.simw.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_product_details&pid=1164
check out the motion platform.

Hi,

Those are cool videos.

Thanks for the link.

Juggernaut

Spuds

03-03-2006, 11:42

Where are you guys buying the ICP and control panels?

Spuds

BHawthorne

03-16-2006, 23:06

Bleh, just say no to EXPENSIVE 3 monitor options. Save yourself a TON and get 3 17" Samsung LCDs (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824001072), a Matrox TripleHead2Go (http://www.matrox.com/graphics/offhome/th2go/home.cfm) and maybe if you have some mad cash left over get an Ergotron DS100 (http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10368124&SearchEngine=LSchannelintelligence&SearchTerm=10368124&Type=LS&adid=17662)VESA triple monitor stand.
Waaay more cost effective and totally cool hooked up to current SLI systems in super wide screen 3D gaming. At first look, the TripleHead2Go is ungodly expensive...but then you price out those specialty 3 monitor setups and read the fine print that states that it's still not gonna work without some crappy old 3 or 4 head video card. You'll need it anyways even with the expensive monitor setup. Use a brand spanking new TripleHead2Go with that brand spanking new single 7900GTX or even SLI. :bigsmile:

The long and the short of it, I've been hopping mad how nVidia's SLI setup with 2 cards and 4 outs can't horizontal span 3 or 4 monitors on it's own. The most nVidia drivers will allow is to horizontal span 2 monitors from the same card and NOT in SLI mode. Dual monitor gaming with benzels stuck in the center of your frame of view is crappy...specially when you're playing 3rd person view with your character cut down the center by those annoying benzels. The TripleHead2Go is the first thing out there that will allow 3 monitors via a modern video card with SLI options. It is gonna be one purchase I will be making as soon as they come out in April. 3840 x 1024 widescreen DirectX gaming on a budget in SLI just sounds sexy to me.

Cobra

03-17-2006, 04:52

why oh why didnt they make it with DVI connectors.

:sad:

BHawthorne

03-17-2006, 12:33

why oh why didnt they make it with DVI connectors.

:sad:

When Matrox initially came out with the DualHead2Go my brain was thinking why in the heck did they only do a 2 monitor solution when 3 monitors is the way to game because of benzels. Then I found they did the TripleHead2Go this week. From previous reviews of the DualHead2Go the reviewer took apart the box and noted that the chip used is capable of DVI connectors, just that Matrox didn't go that route atm. My assumption is that the TripleHead2Go is merely the guts of 2 DualHead2Go in 1 box. Probably if enough people request it, Matrox would be dumb not to offer it in a DVI variation.

liquid_rockface

03-17-2006, 12:44

Who wants three monitors...check this out! http://www.go-l.com/monitors/athens/features/index.htm

:owned:

BHawthorne

03-17-2006, 12:48

Who wants three monitors...check this out! http://www.go-l.com/monitors/athens/features/index.htm

:owned:

People who have a sane budget for widescreen gaming and are looking at options that are actually purchasable for under $1000 full monitor setup. :owned:

You do realize the horizontal span issue still exists in directx games on that monitor solution you show right? You can horizontal span with an old crappy Matrox video card over 4 monitors max and nVidia only does 2 monitors max. The only thing you are "owned" on is that you're using bigger monitors. Sure feel free to go out and use 3-4 30" Apple Cinema Displays if you have the pockets for it. :)

Shatterer of Worlds

03-17-2006, 14:04

...

liquid_rockface

03-17-2006, 19:28

Bhawthorne, hehe it certainly isn't my monitor setup!! What does it mean, if you can only do 4 monitors and you have a 5 monitor setup? Will it stretch the image then?

It is a really cool setup though, if you can get it to work and all! With that 5-monitor setup, wouldn't it have just one cable, and the monitor itself will sort out everything? Or does it need a suitable graphics card too? Imagine buying TWO of those and wrapping them right around!! (if that is at all possible lol)

LunaNera

03-17-2006, 19:57

I was thinking about two dedicated pc's for "Out of the window" graphics feeding 4 projectors, much like the F-15 sim in "American Fighter Pilot". will this be feasible? plus obviously another for 2 mfds and a central server for cpu work and cockpit I/O :bigeyes:

BHawthorne

03-17-2006, 22:07

Each one of those monitors in that span have to have thier own cable to a video card. There is no consumer video card in existance that could single handedly push the pixels required to run all those monitors at once. Those big spans of monitors sound totally cool on the surface, but when you scratch just under the surface there is a very big problem pushing hardware accelerated 3d to such a setup. DirectX based games have an issue where there is really only 1 3d area allowed. In the case of the old Matrox 4 out cards you could horizontal span 3-4 monitors. In the case of nVidia it's always only been 2 monitors at most. There are different "modes" when it comes to outputting to monitors on a windows machine. In desktop/2D mode you could theoretically push a ton of monitors, but that isn't hardware accelerated DirectX 3d mode.

From personal experience I've been able to run 6 monitors on my SLI machine. 4 monitors on my 2 PCIe 6800U and 2 more on an old 5200 PCI card. Theoretically you can run 2 monitors per PCI/PCIe/AGP slot in a computer. However that doesn't mean games will allow you to use those all in 3d mode in the same game. Some simulator apps out there seem to be the exception to the rule by doing some pretty nonstandard things. IE: using networked computers, and in some cases using 3rd party app hacks to do it. It is a very nonstandard thing that requires some voodoo to be done.

I play more things than just a few Simulator games, therefore I need true hardware accelerated horizontal span wide-screen gaming for things like WoW, DAoC, Eve Online and other MMORPGs I like to play. I also prefer a solution that can be run on just 1 computer and requires no special trickery with 3rd party apps. Really, I am a newbie when it comes to simulator games and can only comment from my personal experience with previous FPS and MMO games I've played that are DirectX or OpenGL based. :)

fatb0y60

03-18-2006, 02:10

As I understand it, FO will allow multiple computers to multi task and therefore speed up the process, spanning from this then:

WIll FO have a an in game option screen capable of controlling what view goes to what monitor etc? Will it be able to (with the right amount of computers) be able to handle up to 4 projectors? for front, behind, and side views? Also having the ability to control those views in an option screen, to select options like sending the image out to meet a curved screen so it wraps around... Do that 3 times for the views in the horizontal plane, to create a 360' view and then another above the front view for a semi up veiw (say just a bit more than 45')

I think being able to full control and customise the display in game will be a very very important aspect to pit builders (and those who want to be)

So will this/could this be done?

Buckshot

03-18-2006, 02:52

That is the plan. As has been said before, whether this makes it into the first release is not certain, but that would certainly be a logical use of the distributed network.

fatb0y60

03-18-2006, 19:23

having to wait for it isnt an issue, Its not NEEDED for first release. It is nice to know however that this sort of user friendly thought is put into it. Thanks

lowwing_99

03-18-2006, 20:23

I have 1 overhead projector waiting to come on line. I plan on two 26" LCD's for my lt. & rt. views, & the 15" I'm using in the pit right now I plan on putting just above my ejection seat for a top view. I don't have room for a 6 o'clock view. I plan on building a partial canopy that will slide fwd, & aft over my pit. I hope this gives me the full illusion of flight. This is not going to be functional until I graduate to the F-16 in FO.

liquid_rockface

03-19-2006, 03:15

Hang on, now I'm worried...will I be able to run the game on a single 14" CRT monitor? :tongue:

fatb0y60

03-19-2006, 03:28

Nah afraid not. In fact theres even talk of keyborads not working, you gotta have a pit.

LunaNera

03-25-2006, 08:50

That is the plan. As has been said before, whether this makes it into the first release is not certain, but that would certainly be a logical use of the distributed network.

I would encourage to sort al distributed computing and networking issues before the first release since they are issues at the core of the game engine and adding them at a 2nd stage would make the job 10 times harder :wink2:

liquid_rockface

03-25-2006, 10:06

Nah afraid not. In fact theres even talk of keyborads not working, you gotta have a pit.

I have an armpit, does that count? :evils:

Caddie87th

03-25-2006, 14:24

Does it smell???

fatb0y60

03-25-2006, 18:43

I think your gonna crash and burn ;)

bflagg

04-10-2006, 16:31

Nighthawk

04-10-2006, 19:57

2 moniters should run nicely on a medium to high end computer

BHawthorne

04-10-2006, 21:55

how many monitors can a network node support?
left pc = 2 monitors , center PC = main pc, right pc = 2 monitors
(1 pc each using dual outputs on video...)

so for a full left-right view 3 pc's would be needed?
That requires special hacks that would be game specific. I play several games, so I prefer a seamless DirectX solution for panoramic gaming. TrippleHead2Go is the most ideal solution for me, but you can also go other routes depending on the game.

Technicly, you can push as many monitors as 2x slots you have in your computer. Modern PCIe SLI mobos could push 6 monitors via the 3 PCI slots and 4 monitors via the PCIe slots. Frame rates would probably be pretty ugly though and it wouldn't be pushing 3d to the same 3d screen area. Each video card has it's own 3d screen area.

ruprecht

04-12-2006, 22:12

That requires special hacks that would be game specific.

That is the idea with FO though - to provide the ability to slave potentially any number of PC's over a network to provide different views. No framerate problems because each PC drives its own video card(s) and monitor(s).

Sure it won't be any use for Unreal Tournament or whatever, but who cares about that? I don't play UT in my pit :evils:

Electro

04-13-2006, 04:28

I decided to go wide last week and, on monday, I received this 32" baby (1366*768 in native resolution). Here are 2 screens with FS2004. On the second screenshot, you can see my 19" just to have an idea of the scale.

Conclusion : 32" LCD TV are very cool, even if I would have prefered a 1366*1024 rather than a 1366*768. Nothing's perfect !

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/8199/img00653ekplusclaier6sd.jpg

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/5452/img00679emplusclair4kj.jpg

The bad point is that my favorite game (Falcon AF) runs only in 1024*768 (I have two black strips on the sides of the image)... but the good point is that the 1.06 patch should handle the wide screens ! :smile:

BHawthorne

06-15-2006, 01:50

Cobra

06-15-2006, 03:34

sweet setup BHawthorne!

:smile:

lowwing_99

06-15-2006, 12:32

Here's an updated pic of my current gaming rig with the Matrox TripleHead2Go in action. :thumb:
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/8346/th2g7gk.th.jpg (http://img100.imageshack.us/my.php?image=th2g7gk.jpg)
Your display looks great, but it seems to be a panoramic view. This is not what I'm after. I bought 3 26" LCD monitors. I want a forward view, a left view, a right view on the 26"'s, & a top view on the 15" I'm using in the pit right now. I am going to make a canopy over my pit to house all the monitors. I want all seperate views updated simultaneously. I email Xentera & here is there reply below.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 includes improved support for display on multiple-monitors. Here's what's new and different about this feature:

Flight Simulator 2004 now supports simultaneous hardware acceleration on multiple displays if you have more than one hardware accelerator, either a single video adapter that supports multiple monitors in hardware-accelerated mode or multiple video adapters. Previous versions of Flight Simulator supported only one hardware-accelerated display.
Flight Simulator 2004 supports up to four hardware-accelerated displays or windows simultaneously. For example, you could have two 3D accelerated adapters, each of which supports two displays.
Each video card in a multiple-accelerator configuration must meet the basic 3D requirements for Flight Simulator (8 Mb of video memory, full 3D hardware acceleration, and DirectX 9 compatible drivers).
Bottom line is I don't think it will work but nobody has tested it. Xentera is the only line that would work since it is 3D compatible but the Directx 8 will be your limitation.:sad:

For the new AMD FX processors ASUS is offering a mother board with 4 PCI express slots. When Xentera, or some other company offers a huge card maybe 1 gig or bigger, 16 X or better with direct X 9 then these multiple monitors will be able to run from 1 machine. Hopefully Fighter ops will be able to supports ALL views.

When my pit is complete I will need to drive up to maybe 10 seperate displays.:bigeyes:

BHawthorne

06-15-2006, 16:07

When my pit is complete I will need to drive up to maybe 10 seperate displays.:bigeyes:

Cool stuff. :smile: I'm still evaluating whether I want to go LCD for gagues or go with servor motor kit gagues. Anymore 17" LCDs are cheap. Really depends on what simpit will be my main pit I put the most money into though. I'm taking for granted that I'll have the T-37 pit because of my school resource of the T-37 airframe, but I'm also wanting to do a T-6A or T-6B pit also for my main pit. T-6B cockpit is mostly glass cockpit, so I might go that route. As for projection, I'm going to pick up 3 surplus 1024x768 projectors and use my TripleHead2Go with them. I'll not have overhead or 6-o'clock views though.

lowwing_99

06-15-2006, 17:45

Cool stuff. :smile: I'm still evaluating whether I want to go LCD for gagues or go with servor motor kit gagues. Anymore 17" LCDs are cheap. Really depends on what simpit will be my main pit I put the most money into though. I'm taking for granted that I'll have the T-37 pit because of my school resource of the T-37 airframe, but I'm also wanting to do a T-6A or T-6B pit also for my main pit. T-6B cockpit is mostly glass cockpit, so I might go that route. As for projection, I'm going to pick up 3 surplus 1024x768 projectors and use my TripleHead2Go with them. I'll not have overhead or 6-o'clock views though.

I have a projector, but I'm selling it, my original idea was 3 projectors but not enough room to set them up to project on the screens, & I feel that a canopy built out of plywood & 2 X 4's will feel more realistic. As for my gauges I wouldn't mind going with sim gauges with stepper motors but no one seems to have any for sale. I tried Aimsworth but for what ever reason they couldn't deliver them & I had to get a refund. Below is 2 links for F4 glass. If I go this route I will use a 7" monitor like Flareless has. But I need to dsplay 2 MFD's, a HUD, & If I go the F4 glass route I will need a total of 3 7" monitors for gauges, RWR, DED, PFD, possible the idiot panel. Also included link for plug & play HUD, & the 7" monitor I would use if I go F4 glass.:blank:

http://www.viperpit.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1401

http://www.eagle9.nl/redirtest.asp?lokatie=/main/F4_Glass/default.asp

http://www.xenarc.com/product/700y.html

http://www.cyberdome.com/mil/hud.html

BHawthorne

06-16-2006, 18:12

http://www.cyberdome.com/mil/hud.html

I had some email correspondence with Cyberdome today. They don't seem to be too keen on the garage builder crowd. I emailed them back about T-6 tub/instrument panel.

Juggernaut

06-16-2006, 23:13

Here's an updated pic of my current gaming rig with the Matrox TripleHead2Go in action. :thumb:
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/8346/th2g7gk.th.jpg (http://img100.imageshack.us/my.php?image=th2g7gk.jpg)

Hello,

Is that setup showing 1 screen view streched to fit 3 screens OR is it 3 different views being shown on their own individual monitor?

Thanks!
Juggernaut

BHawthorne

06-17-2006, 12:57

Hello,

Is that setup showing 1 screen view streched to fit 3 screens OR is it 3 different views being shown on their own individual monitor?

Thanks!
Juggernaut

1 computer, 1 video card out to TH2G to 3x 17" Samsung LCDs, 1 Screen 145 FOV. If you want a surround screen beta tester, I'm game...hint hint. The TH2G makes the computer see the 3x monitors as 1 big 3840x1024 monitor via hardware. I also have 3x gaming computers that I could chain together for testing purposes.

bingo

07-06-2006, 17:59

Hawthorne
This setup doesn't effect your frame rates?
Bingo

BHawthorne

07-06-2006, 19:29

Hawthorne
This setup doesn't effect your frame rates?
Bingo

Not much on a card like 7800GTXKO, which I have. In lag-spike prone areas I can dip down to 30fps minimum from 60fps vsync, but it doesn't effect my gameplay. Going SLI or 7900 or 7950GX2 would help if you didn't like 30fps. Remember that 1280x1024 maxed out everything is a waste of a top of the line video card. 3x that gets it into the pixel range of HD/XHD gamers which those types of cards are really ment to play on anyways. Anything over 60fps is a total waste even though turning off vsync I can get over 100fps in some areas on DAoC. I play 3840x1024 full time on desktop and in MMO gaming. DAoC, WoW and Eve Online are all fun with surround gaming. I'd never want to go back to single monitor unless it was on something like the Apple 30"...which is not exactly where my budget is atm. :smile:

Various standard CRT and LCD resolutions for comparision
1366x768 = 1,026,048 pixels
1440x900 = 1,296,000 pixels
1280x1024 = 1,310,720 pixels
1400x1050 = 1,470,000 pixels
1680x1050 = 1,764,000 pixels
1600x1200 = 1,920,000 pixels
1920x1200 = 2,304,000 pixels
3072x768 = 2,359,296 pixels (3x Monitors)
2560x1024 = 2,621,410 pixels (2x Monitors)
3840x720 = 2,764,800 pixels (Widescreen 3x Monitors)
1920x1440 = 2,764,800 pixels
2048x1536 = 3,145,728 pixels
3360x1050 = 3,528,000 pixels (Widescreen 2x Monitors)
3840x1024 = 3,932,160 pixels (3x Monitors)
2560x1600 = 4,096,000 pixels

Ones in bold are TH2G resolutions. The 2x monitor ones can also be done by just horizontal-span mode from same video card without need of a TH2G type box.

bingo

07-06-2006, 23:11

BHawthorne

07-07-2006, 04:37

Hawthorne
I'm running an ATI X1900XTX with the omega drivers with an overhead projector with 1024x768 res, when running fs2004 with sliders at about half with traffic at 50% and All scenery ie Global 2004 and Megascenery and megacity and fly tampa I have no problem, but when i set dual Monitor frames rates drop signifantly, and had pondered the thought of getting three Monitors as the projector bulb is another issue,but am concerned about the frame rates, I hate the gliches and shudders but thats the nature of the beast
thanx for your input

I have no real experience with the ATI side of things, so I couldn't give you a concrete answer about that. Also, I have little experience so far with flight simulators, so I'm not sure how much load is on the CPU and GPU vs. games I'm used to playing. I'm not even sure about TH2G compatability with ATI cards either. I'm used to nVidia and MMORPGs and tend to base my experiences off of that.