So here it is. It's a little complex and requires 2 additional applications (both shareware and common), but it definitely works (I am using it).
The additional applications required are:
1. Girder (3.x) - old freeware version attached to this message
2. Ultramon (works with v.2.5, other versions not tested)
For this to work, you must use Girder and the attached MP.GML file to automate the execution of MediaPortal.
What Girder does when you start MediaPortal (NOTE: you must start MediaPortal through Girder!!):
1. enables secondary monitor (i.e. TV) via a command sent to UltraMon.
2. swaps primary and secondary displays again by a command sent to UltraMon.
NOTE (a): this process leaves your icons and start menu on what was originally your primary display (i.e. your computer monitor) so you can continue to use your computer as if there were no changes.
NOTE (b): since the primary and secondary displays are switched, directx acceleration is enabled on your television!
3. launches MediaPortal, switches to fullscreen mode.
What Girder does when you close MediaPortal (again, this must be executed through Girder)
1. closes MP
2. Swaps primary and secondary displays (so your monitor is again your primary display)
3. disables secondary monitor (i.e. kills output to TV).
Known issues:
1. MediaPortal cannot be set to start in fullscreen mode. The automated Girder script puts MP in FS mode, though.
2. When MediaPortal is running, some of your applications may launch to your TV instead of the monitor because at that time the TV is your primary display. However, you can use ultramon to ensure applications open on your monitor.
I have quite a bit of Girder experience, but no computer programming experience. I assume these tasks could easily be executed in a VisualBasic program ......
Good luck!
Ben
The additional applications required are:
1. Girder (3.x) - old freeware version attached to this message
2. Ultramon (works with v.2.5, other versions not tested)
For this to work, you must use Girder and the attached MP.GML file to automate the execution of MediaPortal.
What Girder does when you start MediaPortal (NOTE: you must start MediaPortal through Girder!!):
1. enables secondary monitor (i.e. TV) via a command sent to UltraMon.
2. swaps primary and secondary displays again by a command sent to UltraMon.
NOTE (a): this process leaves your icons and start menu on what was originally your primary display (i.e. your computer monitor) so you can continue to use your computer as if there were no changes.
NOTE (b): since the primary and secondary displays are switched, directx acceleration is enabled on your television!
3. launches MediaPortal, switches to fullscreen mode.
What Girder does when you close MediaPortal (again, this must be executed through Girder)
1. closes MP
2. Swaps primary and secondary displays (so your monitor is again your primary display)
3. disables secondary monitor (i.e. kills output to TV).
Known issues:
1. MediaPortal cannot be set to start in fullscreen mode. The automated Girder script puts MP in FS mode, though.
2. When MediaPortal is running, some of your applications may launch to your TV instead of the monitor because at that time the TV is your primary display. However, you can use ultramon to ensure applications open on your monitor.
I have quite a bit of Girder experience, but no computer programming experience. I assume these tasks could easily be executed in a VisualBasic program ......
Good luck!
Ben