Advice required on PC spec to run Hoster

[Yorkie]

Because MTU do not "export" there portable computers outside the U.S
(and I don't blame them.. given all the extra work this entails) we have decided to have our own built .. Laptops would not be a good idea in the enviroment and setting of our establishments..We have "copied" the same specs that MTU use in there portable computers...BUT... before we can go ahead and purchase the Hoster software, can anyone help with advice on the "graphic card" issue.. I have read in these forums that MTU use the "made by" A.T.I 9200 series card.. what I would like to know is.. how does the dual display work.. (our techie is'nt sure and I have not been able to find anything on the internet about it ) i.e, is it in the software/drivers supplied with the card.. or do we need vga to dvi cables.. or.. Wot

any help will be gratefully appreciated....

CHEERS STEVE

[songpony]

The dual-display is a feature of the card. It allows for the desktop (what is seen on your monitor) to be extended to a second display. This will let the singer see the song lyrics full-screen on their display (TV) while you see the Hoster program and your computer desktop on your display (computer monitor). This setting is selected from within Control Panel, Display on your computer. If you don't have a dual-display card, you and the singer will see the same thing, which will cause you problems.

[Beavis]

what MTU means, is built by ATI not Powered by ATI. this is important.

also before installing hoster, make sure you have all the windows updates except the video card, get them from ATI's website.

[admin]

Originally Posted by songpony

The dual-display is a feature of the card. It allows for the desktop (what is seen on your monitor) to be extended to a second display. This will let the singer see the song lyrics full-screen on their display (TV) while you see the Hoster program and your computer desktop on your display (computer monitor). This setting is selected from within Control Panel, Display on your computer. If you don't have a dual-display card, you and the singer will see the same thing, which will cause you problems.

Good answer!

One modification. It won't "cause problems", it will reduce your flexibility as the show Host. When you have two displays, while the singer is performing, you can be adding new songs to the Playlist.

Then, when they stop performing, you can work your audience between songs instead of having to find the next disc, load it in your CDG Player, etc. It's one of the most powerful features of Hoster... multi-threaded so you can do two things at once.

[songpony]

Thanks for the clarification - that's really what I meant by "cause you problems". Just wouldn't be a fun scenario to have to work under.

[Garry A. Leslie]

Hello Yorkie,
I am using a Shuttle SN41G2 with its own board FN41.
www.shuttle.com
It has built in Nvidia Geoforce MX400 VGA, with dual channel, and Sound.
I have had boards with built-ins before and was always wary, but both sound and graphics are excellent.
I use a Corsair matched pair of 256mb memory, but Twinmos and Crucial also work well.
The installation CD does all the setting to view a monitor for your viewing and a screen for the singers. It has a TV and monitor port on the back.
My CPU is 2500XP and the board is jumperless so most of the fixing is a doddle.
Its water cooled fan system is as quiet as a mouse.
You can pick a Shuttle up as a barebones system for just over 100 pounds ($185.00) on Ebay, maybe less if you're lucky.
Add your CPU and memory, transfer your hard drive and CD
player, install Hoster and you're away with the mixer.
You'll wonder how you ever ran a show before!
Regards from Chester, Cheshire.
Garry.

[lmcmains]

I am also using the Shuttle SN41G2. I bought it as a barebone from Tiger Direct and built it myself. I have 512 m memory running 2 120 gb hard drives with a Plextor 712a drive. I have been using it for about 2 years now and haven't had any trouble with it. I would never go back to using disc's I have about 15,000 kma files and 7,000 mp3 files (in case I DJ a party). I also have my files backed up on a external drive.

[Yorkie]

Many thanks for all the advice on my request for help regarding the graphic card issue... We have purchased the A.T.I 9200 cards and our first portable computer should be up and running this wekend (so I'm told )
We had already purchased the "barebones computers" and had everything installed barring the graphic card, but I am very gratefull for all your input,help and advice. Once again many thanks...

Best Wishes.... STEVE...