Can't use both displays while using Media Center

[hostelo]

Hi.

I just wanted to ask, why is while I have media center maximized in my extended display (Plasma TV) I can't use my other monitor while watching a movie or in the media center.

When I try to drag the mouse over to my PC Monitor it does not go.

This only happens while Media Center is Maximized which is always because that is what I use the Plasma for.

I wanted to be able to be watching a movie on the plasma and use the computer with the other monitor a the same time.

Please Help.

 

[krvic]

Check out The Maxifier - The Maxifier

It will do what you want to do. Great program.

 

[Qdos]

The Maxifier is in BETA for Windows7 and whilst it works, it's also buggy. It looks like the final build will be promising - assuming Microsoft don't fix this horrible WMC bug when releasing SP1...

It does not intercept WMC windows when you are reviving the program from a screen minimize operation, it only intercepts the program and takes control from a startup situation (and if you've got recordings scheduled, or running in the background, it's not a very good idea to force a full program interupt and restart!)

 

[z3r010]

The way I get around this is pressing alt+tab after starting media center then moving my mouse to one of my other displays.

 

[smarteyeball]

Similar method to the above, but I just tap the WIN key and then click on my second monitor.

 

[Qdos]

Tapping the Win key does indeed work...

However if you're recording anything have you noticed the results?

 

[smarteyeball]

Can't say that I have mate as I never record. It doesn't appear to affect the frame buffer for FF/Pause, so i suspect not.

Now I'll have to give it a go and see to make sure

 

[z3r010]

Cant say I've noticed anything, but then again I don't record very often.

 

[smackheadz]

Hi.

I just wanted to ask, why is while I have media center maximized in my extended display (Plasma TV) I can't use my other monitor while watching a movie or in the media center.

When I try to drag the mouse over to my PC Monitor it does not go.

This only happens while Media Center is Maximized which is always because that is what I use the Plasma for.

I wanted to be able to be watching a movie on the plasma and use the computer with the other monitor a the same time.

instead of maximizing try dragging the screen.

 

[smarteyeball]

Tapping the Win key does indeed work...

However if you're recording anything have you noticed the results?

Cant say I've noticed anything, but then again I don't record very often.

I just did a quick check and it didn't affect either the frame buffer or a recording.

The only downside is that to change channels etc you have to 'lock' back into MC to do it. A simple mouse over would indeed be nice.

 

[Qdos]

It's caused gaps of two or three seconds in my recorded material...

 

[z3r010]

It's caused gaps of two or three seconds in my recorded material...

Not on mine, It may be caused by your low spec PC.

 

[Qdos]

It's caused gaps of two or three seconds in my recorded material...

Not on mine, It may be caused by your low spec PC.

I'd say it's more likely to be a low spec, botched, incarnation of WMC in Windows7, because the PC was built for video editing and is far more powerful than needed to cope with anything WMC is potentially capable of LOL.

Odd that this behaviour doesn't happen under 3rd party TV/PVR software, nor that this was an issue under XP-MCE either

Just do a search for the number of forum posts where people are complaining about locked cursor behaviour in WMC when the operating system is supposed to be able to support multiple displays...

 

[AngelProcesser]

Qdos, your foresight in specifiying a 'built for video editing' (for Windows 7) before Vista was released does not appear to be working out very well...re-download from the actual manufacturer and update ALL, yes ALL, your drivers and begin with the chipset, then video, then audio, making sure to reset your BIOS to defaults first and ensuring any unused onboard devices are disabled. Reboot after each step, regardless of whether or not prompted. I am not experiencing your issue, so I cannot blame WMC for it. I also have not installed any third party media apps with the exception of Winamp - remove any and all first...Please let us know your results.

 

[hostelo]

when I click the windows key it shows up but then goes back to wmc

well this sucks

 

[Qdos]

Qdos, your foresight in specifiying a 'built for video editing' (for Windows 7) before Vista was released does not appear to be working out very well... <snip>

How would you know? I've never discussed any problems with video editing on here in relation to the specs and board I've listed - and nor do I see the point of your Vista mention, the hardware concerned in the specs wasn't bought or assembled prior to Vista being released... :sarc:

 

[AngelProcesser]

I'd say it's more likely to be a low spec, botched, incarnation of WMC in Windows7, because the PC was built for video editing and is far more powerful than needed to cope with anything WMC is potentially capable of LOL.

Have I misquoted you? The Vista note refers more to your lack of mentioning Vista (as opposed to XP).