windows 7 - Is it possible to retain multi monitor settings when one monitor is "unplugged"?

07
2014-07
  • Anthony

    Background Info

    I recently completed a new 'Home Theater' setup in our new house. In the living room I have a TV and sound bar, and in my office on the other side of the wall I have my PC (running Plex), PS3, Xbox 360, and the router. I installed some new faceplates and ran an HDMI cable, USB cable, and cat6 cable between the rooms. In my office I have the PC, PS3 and x360 connected to a 3-to-1 HDMI splitter, which then runs to the living room TV.

    My issue is that I can get everything setup nice to use multiple monitors on my PC, get Plex setup to automatically run on the TV when it starts up, and all that sort of stuff. However, if I switch the HDMI Switch to the PS3, it effectively 'unplugs' the TV as a monitor from my PC, and when I switch back it's like a new monitor has been connected and doesn't retain any of the previous settings. This is especially frustrating for Plex/XBMC and Steam Big Picture which don't remember to startup on that monitor.

    My Question

    Is there a way to retain all of the mutli-monitor settings for the TV even when it is effectively unplugged? My only other option is to buy and run another HDMI cable through the wall to dedicate to the PC, and use the other one to switch between the PS3/X360. That would work fine, but I would rather not spend the money if I don't have to.

    Thanks!

    • Answers
  • techie007

    Nope, at least not without 3rd party utilities; you are seeing the expected behaviour of Windows.

    Check out this SU question: Save window locations of applications, and/or Google for a utility that can save and restore window/icon potions on command. There's quite a few out there that do it, including (possibly) your display driver's utilities.


    • Related Question

    Windows 7 multiple display issue (HDMI from PC to TV - No Signal)
  • joesavage

    I've recently decided that with my new nvidia GeForce 8400 GS graphics card that supports HDMI - I could do what I've always wanted to do, set up a multiple monitor system. I used an HDMI cable from/to my TV and then a DVI to my side monitor. Unfortunately nothing seemed to happen - it didn't recognise any monitor or TV on my computer, and my TV simply said "No Signal". I've tried a LOT of things to try and get this to work (as listed below) and am absolutely desperate to fix it.

    Things I've tried/tested:

    • Tested the cable for another use (and it worked fine).
    • Tested the connection with a small very new TV on which the extended display worked
    • Tested the connection with a "regular" semi-modern TV on which it didn't work (and obviously it doesn't work on my intended display either).
    • Updated graphics drivers.
    • After a lot of trial and error got it finding my display and thinking it's outputting to it's fine, however I still get "No Signal" and can't see what it's trying to display.
    • Used Phoenix and monInfo (and regedit) to EDID patch the monitor when I got the situation above. This seemed to make no difference (still got "No Signal")
    • Tried other HDMI cables just incase.

    Could anyone give and tips, advice or anything to try and help me out?


    • Related Answers
  • Chris Dishong

    Many TVs do not support HDMI from a computer, and simply only support VGA-in.