Performance problem ATI second screen (1 Viewer)

[Cepheus]

MediaPortal Version: 0.2.1.0
MediaPortal Skin: default
Windows Version: Win XP Pro SP2
CPU Type: AMD XP 3200+ (Barton)
HDD: Samsung PATA 250 GB
Memory: 1.5 GB
Motherboard: MSI K7N
Motherboard Chipset: nForce 2
Motherboard Bios: latest
Video Card: Asus Radeon 9600 XT
Video Card Driver: latest ATI
Sound Card: Terratec Aureon 5.1
Sound Card AC3: Terratec Aureon 5.1
Sound Card Driver: latest from Terratec
1. TV Card: none yet ;-)
1. TV Card Type:
1. TV Card Driver:
2. TV Card:
2. TV Card Type:
2. TV Card Driver:
3. TV Card:
3. TV Card Type:
3. TV Card Driver:
4. TV Card:
4. TV Card Type:
4. TV Card Driver:
MPEG2 Video Codec:
MPEG2 Audio Codec:
Satelite/CableTV Provider:
HTPC Case:
Cooling:
Power Supply:
Remote:
TV:
TV - HTPC Connection:

Hi,

I have a ATI graphic card which can show desktops on two devices parallel (like all new graphic cards). So I have a TFT on the DVI exit and the beamer on the VGA exit. On the beamer, as you might guess, I want to show Media Portal and on the TFT you should have the possibility to work (email, ...). In the Catalyst Control center I set the TFT to primary and the Beamer to secondary diasplay. Basically everything works fine, but as soon as MP is on the Beamer (or only parts of it) the CPU goes to 100 %. As a workaround I can set the Beamer as primary, and then the CPU is normal when showing MP on the Beamer. The reason why I want the TFT as primary is, because the windows bar and desktop icons should be seen on the working PC and you cna see them onyl on the primary screen.

I tried watching a DVD with Media Player Classic and there the CPU didn't got to 100 %, if it was on Beamer as secondary. So I guess it's a problem with MP.

Any ideas?

Thanks Rainer.

 

[FlipGer]

Hi,

its a problem of Windows. MP uses DirectX to render its GUI. Unfortunately MS does not support hardware acceleration of DirectX applications on the secondary screen. So everything has to be done by the CPU not the GPU. This also counts for DirectX games.

So you have to switch your displays. Make the beamer primary and your TFT secondary.

HTH,
Flip.

 

[Cepheus]

That doesn't really solves my problem but it definitly explains the cause . I guess I will switch them, but I will miss the launch bar and desktop icons on my TFT

 

[FlipGer]

Hi,

perhaps this tool helps:
http://www.realtimesoft.com/ultramon/tour/smart_taskbar.asp

In latest nVidia drivers you also have the ability to move the taskbar to the desired screen. Perhaps this is also possible with ATi.

HTH,
Flip.

 

[mrman]

Perhaps this thread will help: https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/showthread.php?t=13501

 

[Cepheus]

Tnx. I found a free tool: http://www.mediachance.com/free/multimon.htm