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Summary of Contents for Digital Tigers SideCar MMS Series
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Digital Tigers SideCar MMS Series SideCar PlusTwo MMS SideCar PlusFour MMS Thank you for your purchase of this To ensure your successful use of this product, please carefully follow this important installation and user guide. Digital Tigers SideCar.
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However, Digital Tigers, Inc. assumes no liability for its use. ™Digital Tigers, the Digital Tigers “tiger” logo, SideCar, SideCar PlusTwo, SideCar PlusFour, LaunchPad, Stratosphere and Tiger ATV are trademarks of Digital Tigers, Inc. Other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Chapter 1 - Introduction... 2 The SideCar concept... 2 The best of both worlds: multi-monitor power, notebook mobility... 6 The Digital Tigers product family ... 8 Chapter 2 – Supported display configurations ... 9 SideCar PlusTwo MMS ... 9 SideCar PlusFour MMS ... 10 DVI vs.
SideCar shown with its notebook interface PC Card*, which is inserted in the notebook and cabled to the SideCar. The SideCar concept Digital Tigers SideCar is a portable notebook computer accessory that up to four extra monitors from a Windows XP or Windows 2000...
SideCar PlusTwo MMS Standard configuration (add up to two displays; Windows XP / 2000) Extended configuration (add three displays; Windows XP only*) *Most Windows 2000 notebooks cannot address the #2 external monitor as an independent display, but can use the #2 external monitor as a mirror (clone) of the notebook display. In this case, there are three external displays, with the #2 display mirroring the notebook LCD (which can often be turned off or closed).
SideCar PlusFour MMS Standard configuration (add up to four displays; Windows XP / 2000) Extended configuration (add five displays; Windows XP only*) *Most Windows 2000 notebooks cannot address the #2 external monitor as an independent display, but can use the #2 external monitor as a mirror (clone) of the notebook display. In this case, there are five external displays, with the #2 display mirroring the notebook LCD (which can often be turned off or closed).
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The power of multi-monitor workstations Multi-monitor workstations enable professionals from video editors to financial traders to work with a huge “virtual desktop”. Productivity is greatly increased when needed information is always visible. Video and audio editors can work with large timelines, media bins and preview windows simultaneously.
The best of both worlds: multi-monitor power, notebook mobility With the SideCar, the power of a multi-monitor workstation can be brought to a notebook computer. This enables such flexible work arrangements as: Multi-monitor primary workstation, with detachable notebook For those who need a powerful multi-monitor workstation for their primary work, but who want to be able to take their data and applications everywhere they go in a convenient notebook package.
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For those who need to set up multi-display workstations in several locations, such as video editing on location, client presentations, client work sessions, business executive presentations, trade show demonstrations, and more. (Digital Tigers also offers shipping cases and carry-on luggage to enable transport of such mobile multi-monitor workstations.) 7- I...
The Digital Tigers product family The SideCar MMS series is part of the Digital Tigers family of mobile expansion systems for notebook computers. Digital Tigers products include: SideCar systems, which enable notebook computers to support up to four additional monitors LaunchPad mobile video editing expansion systems –...
Chapter 2 – Supported display configurations SideCar PlusTwo MMS The SideCar PlusTwo MMS enables your notebook to drive two additional displays, for a maximum total of three or four displays, depending on your configuration: Display #1: The notebook LCD screen Display #2: One external display connected to the notebook external monitor port.
Three External Displays (Windows XP*) *Most Windows 2000 notebooks cannot address the #2 external monitor as an independent display, but can use the #2 external monitor as a mirror (clone) of the notebook display. In this case, there are three external displays, with the #2 display mirroring the notebook LCD (which can often be turned off or closed).
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Four External Displays (Windows XP, Windows 2000) Five External Displays (Windows XP*) 11– S UPPORTED DISPLAY CONFIGURATIONS...
Display types and connections It is important to understand some basic differences among display types and connections, so that you can match the right display with the right port or adapter. There are three major categories of computer displays: Flat-panel LCD or plasma displays CRT computer monitors Computer display projectors All of these display types can be attached to your SideCar.
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SideCar MMS using its Y-cables and VGA adapters. Standard flat-panel monitors supporting TV input. RCA composite video is supported by the SideCar MMS series only when the SideCar is attached via a PCI interface to desktop PCs and docking stations. S-video Higher quality than RCA composite video.
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SideCar MMS series. See chapter 12 for more about flat-panel display features and options. You can also visit the Digital Tigers Web site and use our online display database spanning hundreds of models. 14– S UPPORTED DISPLAY CONFIGURATIONS...
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DVI ends of the Y-cable to support VGA connections. TV output is not supported by the SideCar MMS series except when the SideCar is attached via a PCI interface to a desktop PC or notebook docking station. Supported display combinations per Y-cable splitter include:...
Chapter 3 - Hardware setup 1. Unpack all SideCar components. You should have: SideCar chassis Power supply transformer and AC power cord PC Card* notebook interface card; also known as PCMCIA card or CardBus interface (shown below left) 1-meter SideCar / computer interface cable – connects SideCar to PC Card (or to PCI adapter) Y-cable dual-DVI display breakout cable(s) (shown below right) o One breakout cable is supplied with the SideCar PlusTwo MMS.
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2. Locate and position monitors at the work location. You may use DVI or VGA displays (see previous chapter for further explanation). Digital DVI displays 1280 by 1024 resolution. Analog VGA displays to 2048 by 1536 resolution. 3. Turn off the monitors and gather together the ends of the monitor input cables to the location where you will place the SideCar.
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8. Turn on the monitors. 9. Plug one end of the supplied 1-meter notebook interface cable to the Digital Tigers PC Card (shown in step 1) or PCI interface, and tighten thumb screws securely. 10. Attach the other end of the 1-meter interface cable to the SideCar chassis (port at rear).
1. PCI bridges — You will install one or more PCI to PCI bridges (automatic procedure). Always accept automatic installation of these bridges when prompted by 2. SideCar chassis — You will install Digital Tigers SideCar chassis drivers from your installation CD that allow the SideCar to be recognized by your Windows XP/2000 notebook computer.
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Stage 1. Install PCI to PCI bridge During various stages of the installation, Windows will detect one or more devices called a “PCI to PCI bridge.” Such as: “DEC 21152 PCI to PCI bridge” or “PCI standard PCI to PCI bridge.” PCI bridges are part of the logical connection between your notebook and the SideCar.
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Windows 2000 / Stage 1: Install PCI to PCI Bridge 21- W XP/2000 INDOWS DRIVER INSTALLATION...
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22- W XP/2000 INDOWS DRIVER INSTALLATION...
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Stage 2. Install SideCar chassis driver (PC Card version only*) 1. After restarting your system (as prompted by Windows after installing a PCI to PCI bridge), insert the SideCar installation CD. 2. A setup program should launch. (On notebooks with autorun disabled, browse to the CD and launch Setup.exe from the root directory of the CD).
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24- W XP/2000 INDOWS DRIVER INSTALLATION...
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Restart your computer after Setup completes. (Clicking “Yes” at the closing dialog box will automatically restart your computer.) Leave your SideCar CD in the drive for the next steps. 25- W XP/2000 INDOWS DRIVER INSTALLATION...
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Next, Windows should detect the first SideCar MMS display controller and alert you with a “Found New Hardware Wizard.” Note: The SideCar MMS series contains multiple display controllers. These can be installed in succession without restarting your computer. The procedure is the same for each controller and attached monitor.
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The wizard will show you a progress screen while it searches for drivers. 3. The dialog box reports: “Please select the best match for your hardware from the list below.” The default option, English, is selected. If you wish to install in English, leave “English”...
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Wait while the drivers are installed. Your screen may flicker at times during this process. 5. The dialog box reports: Click “Finish.” Windows XP / Stage 4: Install monitors If your monitors are attached to the SideCar and powered on, a dialog box like this may open: Accept the default option “Install the software automatically...
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Windows 2000 / Stage 3: Install SideCar MMS display drivers 1. Windows 2000 will open these alerts: 2. Click “Next” to continue. 3. The dialog box reports: Ensure that “Search for a suitable driver for my device (recommended)” is selected, then click “Next”.
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4. The dialog box reports: Ensure that “CD-ROM drives” is checked, then click “Next”. 5. The installer finds the driver. The dialog box reports: If you wish to install in English, click “Next” and skip to step 7. If you wish to install in French, Italian, German Spanish, click the checkbox “Install one of...
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On the following screen, choose your preferred language and click “Next.” (All users) The dialog box reports: Click “Yes” to continue. 8. The drivers will begin to be installed: Late in this process, your screen may flicker briefly, and then you will see the following completion confirmation: 9.
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Windows 2000 / Stage 4: Install monitors You may be prompted to install your monitor(s). If so, follow the default prompts and accept automatic installation. Windows 2000: Install remaining SideCar MMS controllers and monitors Repeat stages 3 and 4 until all controllers and monitors are installed. Then advance to chapter 5 to activate and configure your monitors.
Chapter 5 - Monitor activation and configuration This chapter guides you through the activation of your SideCar monitors. You must first install the required drivers (Chapter 4) in order to activate your monitors. Using Display Properties 1. Right-click on the Windows desktop, and select “Properties”.
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If you still see only one or two monitors, reinstall drivers (previous chapter) and try again. If you still see only one or two monitors, review the troubleshooting steps in this documentation and contact Digital Tigers support if necessary.
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3. Select the lowest number SideCar monitor (click on the monitor with your mouse). The following is the resulting screen in a six-monitor example: The lower half of the dialog box will display the properties for this monitor: Display: You should see a description such as, “Plug and Play Monitor on Digital Tigers SideCar MMS”.
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4. Click the checkbox “Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor.” 5. Determine the maximum resolution of your monitor (available from your monitor vendor’s documentation). You should not attempt to operate your monitor above its maximum resolution. In most cases, Windows will recognize your monitor and offer you only those resolution options that are compatible with your monitor.
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(Windows 2000 only) Windows will report: Click “OK” to close the alert. 10. One of your monitors should now activate. (If not, confirm that both monitors are powered on and are attached to the SideCar.) Simultaneously, your notebook will display the pop-up dialog box: Click “Yes”...
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12. Click “Apply” when done. Display Properties should look similar to this (SideCar PlusFour MMS version): 13. Position the actual (physical) monitors on your work space as preferred. You can choose any arrangement, with the notebook LCD placed anywhere in the sequence. 14.
Using the notebook external monitor port If your notebook has its own external display port available for use, you may wish to connect a display to it and activate it as well. This enables the following Windows XP configurations, with the notebook external monitor port driving monitor #2: The notebook external display is usually only an independent display under Windows XP.
Chapter 6 - Putting the SideCar to work: key tips Please follow these key tips for successful daily operation of your SideCar. Power-up sequence It’s critical to follow the proper power-on sequence with your notebook, SideCar and displays. If you don’t, the SideCar may not function until you start over with the proper sequence. First, be sure all cables are connected properly, as described in Chapter 3 (Hardware setup).
Use care when attaching the dual-monitor Y-cables Your displays attach to the SideCar via two dual-monitor Y-cables. The SideCar connectors for these Y-cables are called LFH-60 connectors (see photo below). They are the industry-standard connectors for multi-monitor breakout cables. The pins on the LFH-60 connector of the Y-cable are closely spaced and easily bent, which can result in one or more displays becoming non-functional until the problem is corrected..
Avoid “Suspend” and “Hibernate” methods of shutdown Most notebook computers offer the ability to shut down while saving open programs, through Windows “suspend” and “hibernate” shutdown options. These shutdown methods are not supported with the SideCar. They may work with some notebooks, but the most reliable method for shutdown is to power off the notebook and SideCar completely.
Chapter 7 - User options for multi-display ease of use ► Designate a new primary monitor ► Move or auto-hide the Windows Taskbar ► Use QuickDesk / PowerDesk utilities ► Enlarge and speed up the mouse pointer User options You may want to change some Windows settings to optimize your multi-monitor workspace. This chapter discusses three popular options (which can be combined): Designate a new primary monitor Move the Windows...
Secondary monitors do not have these attributes by default. Notably, secondary monitors normally do not use hardware video overlay, which may degrade your ability to display best- quality motion video on these monitors (or prevent motion video from appearing at all). Designate a new primary monitor Follow these steps to designate a new primary monitor: 1.
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2. Click the “Settings” tab. 3. By default, your existing primary monitor is the #1 display, which is normally your notebook LCD display. See in the example above that this display (Mobility Radeon, the notebook’s graphics controller) has the item “Use this device as the primary monitor” checked and grayed out.
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5. Click the checkbox, “Use this device as the primary monitor”. Clicking the checkbox will cause it to gray out (below). 6. Click “Apply” to accept this change, then “OK” to close the dialog box. 46- U SER OPTIONS FOR MULTI DISPLAY EASE OF USE...
Move or auto-hide the Windows Taskbar You may want to move the Windows Taskbar to a different monitor, to make it more convenient to use in your multi-display setup. In addition you may want to “auto-hide” the Taskbar to maximize screen area for applications stretched across multiple monitors. Moving the Taskbar To move the Taskbar: 1.
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Auto-hide the Taskbar The Taskbar occupies the bottom area of one display under Windows XP/2000. In a multi-display desktop, the usable desktop area for applications is thus less on one monitor than on others. For many users, this works fine – certainly the ability to have the Taskbar always visible can be a convenience.
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Windows XP: auto-hide the Taskbar 1. Right-click on an unused area of the Taskbar, select “Properties”. 2. Under “Taskbar appearance”, select the checkbox “Auto-hide the taskbar”. 3. Click “OK” to apply the change and close the dialog box. Note: to turn off the auto-hide feature, simply return to this dialog box and uncheck the “Auto hide”...
QuickDesk / PowerDesk utilities (window / dialog box positioning) The SideCar MMS includes Matrox QuickDesk / PowerDesk utilities that improve the convenience of working with your multi-monitor desktop. Features of these utilities include controlling where dialog boxes and program windows appear – so alert messages from your programs appear where you want them, and programs open in your preferred monitors.
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Use CenterPOPUP CenterPOP may be the most important utility. It controls where dialog boxes and message boxes from applications and Windows appear. By default, CenterPOP is turned off, which means that dialog boxes may appear across the “seam” between monitors in a multi-display desktop. We strongly recommend that you use one of the CenterPOP option “In mouse pointer display”, which causes dialog boxes to open in the screen where your mouse pointer is –...
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Combining the “Save/Restore” and “Open program windows” options The two preceding options may be combined, but users should note that their actions when combined may produce unexpected results. You can test these effects using a simple program such as Windows Notepad. When both of the preceding options are selected, the following scenarios illustrate the resulting behavior: Program is opened in default display, then closed.
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Snap to display… Another helpful option is the ability to “snap” windows to screen edges when their borders are dragged within a certain range of the screen edge. The range can be as close as 1 pixel or as far as 50 pixels.
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Change language for QuickDesk / PowerDesk menus The SideCar installation offered you a choice of language for display utility menus and help files. You can change that choice at any time, among English, French, German, Spanish and Italian. 1. Open the QuickDesk menu from the Taskbar (click on the blue icon): 2.
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Extensive help is also available via the QuickDesk menu: 1. Open the QuickDesk menu from the Taskbar (click on the blue icon): 2. Select “Help”, then “PowerDesk Help”. 3. This opens the following Help dialog box: QuickDesk features are discussed under “Matrox QuickDesk menu”. Note: The Help dialog box also offers help for selected advanced Display Properties topics.
Support from Matrox If you have further questions about these Matrox utilities, please contact Matrox support via the following dedicated support email address, mmssupport@matrox.com. (Reference your product as the Matrox G450 MMS.) Note that this support email is a Matrox no-charge premium service for professional customers such as yourself who have purchased a Matrox MMS-powered product.
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4. Click the down arrow under “Scheme” to explore alternative mouse pointer options: 5. Choose any of the options to see a preview of that scheme’s pointer style and size. Here are some examples, with the preview pointer on the right, and the original pointer to the right of the preview pointer: 57- U SER OPTIONS FOR MULTI...
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6. When you have found a pointer scheme you like, click the “Apply” button to activate that pointer. Don’t close the dialog box yet. (Don’t click “OK”.) 7. Move the pointer around your displays to see if you like it. Roll over links (e.g., in Web pages) and application buttons, to get a feel for the pointer in use.
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Windows 2000 “Motion” tab: Speed – Move this slider to adjust the speed at which the pointer moves on your screen. Changes are previewed immediately (without clicking “Apply”). You may find that you prefer moving the slider toward “Fast” to make it easier to move the pointer across your large, multi-screen desktop.
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Windows XP “Pointer Options” tab: Motion – Move this slider to adjust the speed at which the pointer moves on your screen. Changes are previewed immediately (without clicking “Apply”). You may find that you prefer moving the slider toward “Fast” to make it easier to move the pointer across your large, multi-screen desktop.
Chapter 8 - Disable the notebook display Some users may wish to disable their notebook display when using SideCar monitors. Reasons to disable the notebook display include: Preference to use only large desktop flat-panel displays or CRT monitors size on the desktop (to a achieve a nearly seamless multi-monitor experience) Preference to use only remote monitors or projectors or business presentation) Preference to use an external keyboard...
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3. Click “Apply” to accept the changes, then “OK” to close the dialog box. 4. Now when you return to Display Properties / Settings in the future, you should see a dialog box similar to this: 62- D ISABLE THE NOTEBOOK DISPLAY...
Reactivate the notebook LCD display 1. Click on the #1 monitor in this dialog box. 2. Click “Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor”. 3. If you want to re-designate the notebook LCD as the primary monitor, click “Use this device as the primary monitor”.
Chapter 9 - Advanced options Adjust display color and contrast Advanced users may wish to adjust the default color and contrast settings of the SideCar display controllers. This may be important to match printed output, rectify monitor deficiencies, or to compensate for environmental lighting conditions.
ICC/ ICM color profiles Matching colors between computer screens and printed output is a considerable challenge, given the radically different principles behind color production in illuminated color (used by computer monitors, using the RGB process) and most printed material (which use the CMYK process). In addition, there are a wide variety of computer monitors (such as CRTs and LCDs, with many variant models offered) and printers (ink jets, color laser printers, dye sublimation printers, professional presses, etc., with many variant models of each type).
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6. Click “Add” to load the new color profile you will supply. 66- A DVANCED OPTIONS...
Chapter 10 - Monitor options The SideCar MMS series can be used with nearly any analog (SVGA) or digital (DVI) monitor. Digital DVI displays are supported at screen resolutions from 640 by 480 up to 1,280 by 1,024. Analog displays are supported at resolutions from 640 by 480 up to 2,048 by 1,536 resolution.
There are undoubtedly at least several monitors on the market that meet this criteria. However, in extensive testing by Digital Tigers, we have been most pleased by the current NEC line of digital flat panel monitors – specifically the NEC MultiSync LCD1880SX.
You may want to consider such a mounting plate a requirement prior to purchase of your monitors. Digital Tigers will be offering a range of monitor arm and mounting options. Please visit our Web site (http://digitaltigers.com) for more information.
Chapter 11 - Frequently asked questions (FAQs) Does this product support Macintosh or other Windows versions besides Windows XP and Windows 2000? No. However, alternative SideCar products do support Macintosh. What combination of DVI (digital) and analog (VGA type) monitors does the SideCar support? The SideCar PlusFour MMS supports up to four DVI (digital) monitors or analog (VGA- type) monitors, in any combination.
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(You may need to change all the SideCar displays to the same setting.) Don’t use this application on the displays where the cursor disappears Use a notebook certified by Digital Tigers for compatibility Upgrade to a newer version of the application...
2. Windows XP: Double-click “Add/Remove Programs” Windows 2000: Double-click “Add or Remove Programs” 3. Select each “SideCar” and “Digital Tigers” item from the list 4. Click the “Change/Remove” button for that entry 5. Click “Yes” in response to the confirmation dialog box 6.
LFH connectors. LFH connectors are the industry-standard connector for multi-monitor breakout cables. The SideCar MMS series uses LFH connectors to attach the two Y-cable (dual monitor) display breakout Notebook compatibility Notebook compatibility is usually determined by the notebook’s CardBus controller.
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cables. When this Y-cable male LFH connector is attached to the SideCar chassis female LFH connectors, adjacent pins (particularly at the edges and corners of the pin grid) on the Y-cable connector can very easily be bent and forced into adjacent holes on the female connector on the SideCar chassis .
Technical Support You may contact technical support via email at support@digitaltigers.com, or by calling 1-866- PC-VIDEO (866-728-4336). Outside the U.S., call 1-404-240-9293. Please review the Troubleshooting steps and FAQs prior to contacting support. When contacting support, please provide the exact details of your notebook type. For issues regarding Matrox QuickDesk / PowerDesk utilities and other Matrox display utilities, please contact Matrox support via the following dedicated support email address, mmssupport@matrox.com.
Operating systems supported: • Microsoft Windows XP • Microsoft Windows 2000 Notebook computers supported: • Please see the Digital Tigers Web site (http://digitaltigers.com) for certified notebooks Notebook interface: • CardBus PCMCIA PC Card (supplied) • 1-meter interface cable (supplied) Display types supported: •...
Combined Windows desktop resolution: Side-by-side monitors 2 monitors 1024 by 768 1536 by 768 resolution standard monitors 1280 by 1024 2560 by 1024 resolution standard monitors Combined Windows desktop resolution: Four monitors stacked two on two 1024 by 768 2048 by 1536 resolution standard monitors SideCar chassis specifications:...
Chapter 15 - Index anti-virus programs...70 applications choosing preferred displays for application windows ...50, 51, 52, 70 default display for application windows ...43 financial trader desktop...5 home and office multi-monitor workstations.6 mobile multi-monitor workstations ...7 multi-monitor workstation, with detachable notebook...6 save/restore window positions when programs are opened/closed...51, 52 video editing ...
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-- suspend and hibernate ... 70 snap windows to edge of display ... 53 specifications ... 76 support context-sensitive help ... 54 Digital Tigers support ...19, 75 FAQs (frequently asked questions)... 70 Matrox support...56, 75 troubleshooting installation problems... 73 suspend ... 70 Taskbar ...43, 47, 48...
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