Windows waits until login screen to output to Display

Hello,
I just recieved an alienware x51 desktop and I am experience a problem with trying to access setup during startup. As the title suggests, it waits untill after the loading screens to output onto the monitor, only showing a picture when it reaches the login screen. This posses a problem if I wish to enter into safemode or to work with the BIOS. Just thought that I would research this before it becomes an issue, and google has not been helpfull.

Thank you.

Are you connected via a KVM or straight to the monitor? And what kind of signal?

Can you get into the BIOS by anticipating when you should be tapping the correct key?