Two separate monitors on 1 VGA connector?

willietherock

I've
2 VGA connector type monitors
1Dell Inspiron with 1 VGA connector at the back, Win XP.

I want to set up the monitors as separate so that I can move stuff from one monitor to the other ect.
I've tried a VGA splitter to connect both monitors to the computer but they are both coming up as identical screens and the computer cannot identify them as two separate monitors but as just one single monitor.
Is there a way to remedy this?

Kenny Logins

You need a graphics card with two independent outputs.

willietherock

There is a HDMI connector right next to the VGA connector athe back of the computer.

Is this independent output?

Would one of these converters work if it is?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/1-5M-HDMI-Male-Converter-Cable/dp/B003X97FLW/ref=pd_sim_ce_4

or this has better reviews
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cable-Matters-Plated-Premium-Adapter/dp/B007SM7O2U/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1359835277&sr=1-1

Kenny Logins

I think it might, try plugging it in to a TV and see if you have two screens available.

coylemj

willietherock wrote: »

There is a HDMI connector right next to the VGA connector athe back of the computer.

Is this independent output?

Would one of these converters work if it is?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/1-5M-HDMI-Male-Converter-Cable/dp/B003X97FLW/ref=pd_sim_ce_4

or this has better reviews
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cable-Matters-Plated-Premium-Adapter/dp/B007SM7O2U/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1359835277&sr=1-1

The first one is an adapter which will do nothing and it will not work, it even says so in the description. VGA is an analog signal and video only, HDMI is digital and can encompass video and audio. An adapter will not convert the signal.

The second 'adapter' claims to be able to convert the signal from digital to analog with no external power, I can't see how this can be achieved.

If you want to take a HDMI output signal and send it to a monitor which has a VGA port for the input signal, you will need a converter, not a cheapo adapter.

Kenny Logins

coylemj wrote: »

Those are adapters which will do nothing and they will not work by themselves. VGA is an analog signal and video only, HDMI is digital and can encompass video and audio. An adapter will not convert the signal.

If you want to take a HDMI output signal and send it to a monitor which has a VGA port for the input signal, you will need a converter, not a cheapo adapter.

The second one is a converter...

GreenWolfe

coylemj wrote: »

Those are adapters which will do nothing and they will not work by themselves. VGA is an analog signal and video only, HDMI is digital and can encompass video and audio. An adapter will not convert the signal.

If you want to take a HDMI output signal and send it to a monitor which has a VGA port for the input signal, you will need a converter, not a cheapo adapter.

The second link says it's active, I use an item very similar to that with my Raspberry Pi. I wouldn't put any faith in the claimed HDCP support though.

Tails142

Yeah - you can't have two different screens run off the one output port. Or at least, you will only be able to have them show the same thing.

You will probably be able to run two desktops using a screen on the HDMI port and a screen on the VGA port, you should post your graphics card model to get better advice.

Do either of your monitors have a HDMI or DVI input, you can get a HDMI to DVI adapter easily enough... think HDMI to VGA will be a bit more expensive.

brownej

coylemj wrote: »

The first one is an adapter which will do nothing and it will not work, it even says so in the description. VGA is an analog signal and video only, HDMI is digital and can encompass video and audio. An adapter will not convert the signal.

The second 'adapter' claims to be able to convert the signal from digital to analog with no external power, I can't see how this can be achieved.

If you want to take a HDMI output signal and send it to a monitor which has a VGA port for the input signal, you will need a converter, not a cheapo adapter.

The HDMI standard reserves one of the HDMI pins (pin 18) as a 5V power line capable of delivering 50ma, so long as the graphics cardio set up for it and is compliant with the standard.
The second adapter claims to have an IC doing the conversion which is possible as there's loads of those chips out there. HDCP can be maintained if the chip has the HDCP keys which it should have. £15 seems very cheap though as those ICs are expensive. It is on sale reduced from £50 so it looks genuine enough.
I'd say go for it. It should work if the converter is what it claims to be.

willietherock

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately Amazon won't ship here.
Need some advice as to which is the best pick from ebay from these

1. active model
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/1080P-Gold-Plated-HDMI-to-VGA-M-F-Active-Adapter-for-Raspberry-Pi-Model-B-/170941259628?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Video_Cables_Adapters&hash=item27cce49f6c

2. cheaper. No mention" active"
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/HDMI-Input-to-VGA-Adapter-Converter-For-PC-Laptop-Notebook-DVD-Black-/310401797735?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Video_Cables_Adapters&hash=item4845638e67

3. cheapish
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Input-HD-HDMI-to-Output-VGA-Audio-Cable-Converter-Adapter-for-PC-DVD-TV-Monitor-/221181650713?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Video_Cables_Adapters&hash=item337f742719

Kenny Logins

Amazon do ship here....

Wait. Where are you?

bonzodog2

willietherock wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately Amazon won't ship here.
Need some advice as to which is the best pick from ebay from these

1. active model
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/1080P-Gold-Plated-HDMI-to-VGA-M-F-Active-Adapter-for-Raspberry-Pi-Model-B-/170941259628?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Video_Cables_Adapters&hash=item27cce49f6c

2. cheaper. No mention" active"
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/HDMI-Input-to-VGA-Adapter-Converter-For-PC-Laptop-Notebook-DVD-Black-/310401797735?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Video_Cables_Adapters&hash=item4845638e67

3. cheapish
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Input-HD-HDMI-to-Output-VGA-Audio-Cable-Converter-Adapter-for-PC-DVD-TV-Monitor-/221181650713?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Video_Cables_Adapters&hash=item337f742719

Assuming you are in Ireland, consider ParcelMotel https://www.parcelmotel.com/, using their Antrim address

willietherock

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Amazon do ship here....

Wait. Where are you?

Rep of Cork!
These specific items don't ship here unfortunately.

bonzodog2

Those 3 ebay links are all UK sellers, so they should ship to Antrim. ParcelMotel have 4 locations near Cork city. 1st 2 deliveries are free.