Multiple X server output

Khannie

I have an asus pundit barbones system. Here's a pic of the back of it:



As you can see, there are multiple video outputs; VGA, DVI, S-Video and TV-OUT.

What I'd like to know is this: Could I have 2 X-Servers running and output different pictures to my TV and a monitor at the same time? (specifically I want the VGA or DVI output to be sent to a projector).

If that's not possible, would it be possible to switch between them without a reboot?

The video card is an integraged ATI 9100-IGP.

I'm easy about which distribution I use to achieve this.

Thanks.

niallb

You should be able to run both TV and monitor, with either the same
or seperate desktops. You shouldn't need a reboot.

You could even add a second keyboard and mouse on USB,
and make them the input devices for the TV, allowing both
screens to run independently, but that's probably overkill!
Most distributions will have tools that might set up the dual
display, and I think KDE has a built in tool too.

I've always ended up doing it by hand, and it can be finicky.

ATI have a proprietary linux driver which I believe includes
a configuration tool which might be your best bet.

Good luck with it.
If you get it, post your xorg.conf!

NiallB

Khannie

Nice one. Thanks niallb. No keyboards or mice allowed. This puppy's going in the sitting room. I have the hauppauge remote though. I'll probably reserve some keystroke to switch resolutions.

I'll certainly post the xorg.conf if I get it running. No bother.

niallb

Khannie wrote:

No keyboards or mice allowed. ...
I have the hauppauge remote though.
I'll probably reserve some keystroke to switch resolutions.

The remote is handy.
Consider adding a bluetooth adapter to one of your USB sockets.
It won't add much cost.
Many mobile phones have a bluetooth remote feature,
and at least with my K750i, the builtin profile called "desktop"
comes up as a second mouse in X, controlling the pointer
with the joystick. You can also set up a remote profile for
an application. I have one for amarok as the PC is on the far side of the living room wall, and I can bluetooth through the wall to change tracks, or even
browse the net on the TV.

Bluetooth could also be used to transfer photos from phones into
a slideshow on the living room PC.

Take a look at geexbox.org.
It's a custom tiny distro full of good ideas for a TV oriented PC.
I'd recommend downloading the geexbox-generator file,
adding your own media to the cd directory, and remaster
with the included script to get an idea of what it can do.
Remastering also lets you tell it about your remote.

Have fun with the project.
NiallB

Khannie

I was thinking about using the psp over wifi to vnc into it for stuff like that. It's innocuous and attractive enough to leave lying around the living room. My mobile is old and crap and I've no intention of upgrading it now that I have the psp for media / entertainment. Nice idea though for those with a newer phone.

SouperComputer

Khannie wrote:

I was thinking about using the psp over wifi to vnc into it for stuff like that. It's innocuous and attractive enough to leave lying around the living room. My mobile is old and crap and I've no intention of upgrading it now that I have the psp for media / entertainment. Nice idea though for those with a newer phone.

Is this ASUS your new MythTv rig Khannie?

Geexbox, jeexe I havnt used that in three years. Must have a look and see what its like.

I think with the whole PVR thing on fire, most people are going for GB-PVR and MythTV for their HTPC needs.

Khannie

It is yeah souper. I haven't reinstalled myth on it since the wipe (other thread). I'm not sure if the PVR's drivers were causing issues too, so I'm gonna leave that out for a while (not that I have the time anyway ). I'm currently just using it for the projector in the living room. The mrs. loves the ubuntu games.