Karaoke Forums

Video cards on older laptops (and older versions of the Windows OS) didn't support "extending" your desktop to a second display. They still had a VGA output that allowed you to connect an external monitor or projector to the laptop and it would receive the same signal as the laptop's display. This was to allow for presentations and such. Microsoft introduced extended desktop with Windows 98 (and Windows 2000 for those previously in the NT world). However, it took quite a while before video cards started supporting it. It wasn't until Windows XP that it really took off. So there are lots of laptops out there with a VGA output but no extended desktop support.

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DJ Tony
Let It Rip Karaoke

Ah . Thanks Tony......I only really got into computers after about 2002 so never used an OS before Windows 98.

You can get a USB to VGA adapter for around $50 from monoprice. You would still need the other adapter to split off to S-video or composite rca.

I also found on monoprice for $65 (out of stock) an ethernet to DVI adapter! Any computer on the network could use that display (one at a time!) This could work it the venue has wifi and the router is within reasonable cabling distance to the TV (which would need DVI/HDMI)

As the solutions get more interesting they also get more expensive! A used laptop which actually has dual screen capability may be cheaper. It 'should' be possible to use both the s-video and external VGA and laptop display all at the same time with the two external displays mirrored as an extended desktop - probably a pain to set up in windows though.

- Jonn

Thanks for all the great input. I found that I do have dual monitor capability. Just needed to connect and then reboot. Works like a charm! Tried it with another computer monitor attached. I also found a converter for about $30 to convert the VGA to composite and s video. This, I think, is just what I need. Will let you know how it works when it gets here.

I also found what looks to be a killer external hard drive with a military drop rating (not sure if that means ok for iud's in a humvee). Not real expensive either. Should be here this week and will report back.

Received my VGA to TV converter and it works great. Just had to find my old USB hub as it also is powered from USB and I only have two available. Allows me to extend VGA while also converting to composite or S video.

I also got my hard drive. It's a Transend 320GB which should cover me for a while. I hooked everything up last night and, with the hub, it works great. I ordered 2GB of RAM but it's running now with 512MB. Just don't think it would run video in the background.

Thanks to everyone who helped me on this one.