Possible to output a video through hdmi while doing something else on comp screen?

[nubbey]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could answer a quick question for me. I currently have my laptop connected to my hdtv (a philips) via hdmi, and it works perfectly--audio and video is mirrored properly.

My question is this: is it possible to play a video file on the TV while I play a video game on the laptop? AKA, can I tell a video player (vlc, wmp, real, etc) to output directly to hdmi, overriding the mirroring, and then go about my own business on the laptop? If so, how would i configure this?

Thanks,

nubbey

Going to also post this under home theater, just to cast a wider net!

 

[mavalpha]

Yes, you can set up dual independent displays with just about any laptop in the past decade. Either your keyboard has a combination (like Fn-key + F4) to toggle modes, or you'll need to go into the Display Control Panel for your video card manufacturer to switch modes.

 

[nubbey]

Awesome, that worked! I used the win7 "extend" option and then carried the window for the video over to the tv screen. However, i'm having audio trouble. Is it possible to play the audio from some programs on one audio device (say the tv), and the audio from something else on another device?

AKA:
HDMI plays windows media player sound

Speakers play itunes, game, etc.

Sorry for being a pest. Thanks for your help!

 

[nubbey]

Ah, got that working also. Windows media player allows you to select an audio device in its options menu.