New Vaio S - dual HDMI monitors?

I'm really interested in hooking up two 1080p monitors to my new Vaio S. It has one HDMI port and a VGA port. I really don't want to use the VGA because it doesn't look so great at full resolution. Is there any way to achieve this?

 

I'd like to know exactly the same... any way of hooking this laptop up to 2x 1080p monitors without using VGA?

 

No, unless you want to use some sort of display-link (usb) solution.

 

I've been hearing that you can't use the HDMI and VGA ports simultaneously on the SA or SE series. If someone knows otherwise, I'd love to hear it, because the alleged inability to output to two monitors is the only thing standing in the way of my buying an SE.

Thanks.

 

The reason I ask is because I have an old Acer TM8200 running my new 23" Samsung 1080p monitor with the desktop extended to an older 22" 1680x1050 monitor. The new 23" doesn't have a DVI in, so I'm forced to use VGA on that one, while the older 22" monitor has DVI. VGA just doesn't look that great... and the new Vaio S doesn't have a DVI out, so either it's use both the VGA and HDMI or find some kind of way to split them.

Is there a nifty little accessory I can buy which would allow me to do that? Remember, I want to extend the desktop, not just clone it.

 

Use a DVI-->HDMI adaptor. They are pin comaptible both ways (assuming single link DVI - which your monitor should be, unless if it's some crazy 120Hz 3D Vision monitor ).

 

Strange thing is that this is possible in Linux. I'm using 2 monitors on my Sony Vaio SA with one monitor connected to the VGA and one to the HDMI.

On Windows still no luck, although it is technically possible...

 

Thanks for the reply, MrHaas. You tease me with your 'it is technically possible'. It must be a sony configuration change in the bios. I mentioned this at a Sony store and they told me my option was to by a Z series if I wanted multiple monitors. No thanks.

Have you applied the recent bios updates?

 

I haven't applied the bios-updates. Have been trying a little bit more in Windows, but I'm afraid we need to wait till Sony update their drivers with this option.

Happy though it works fine in Linux as that's what I'm using 95% of the time.

 

Not possible on the Z either unless you use the PMD. On the Z2, you can only use the HDMI or VGA ports off the laptop, not both simultaneously (at least not in Windows...and I have no experience in Linux)

 

Thanks, TraderJoe. Really disappointing. Sounds like it is 'by design' that Sony laptops do not support using both ports simultaneously. Likely a violation of Sony's license with Windows, as they are decrementing Windows functionality.

Another user on this thread mentioned that the dock doesn't help. For this one issue, I'd be buying the SE. Terrifically disappointing.

Christopher

 

Let me clarify. The PMD has two video outputs as well (one HDMI and one VGA). Both of those can be used simultaneously, along with one of the ports directly off the laptop (either HDMI or VGA). So you can have a total of 3 external monitors running at the same time. You just can't use both of the video ports on the laptop itself simultaneously (with or without a PMD).

Don't know if this is a licensing issue or not (I doubt it though). I have a video on the Z2 and how it works with external monitors:

My YouTube Video on Z2

 

Dual monitors is the only thing keeping me from buying a VAIO SA, I would prefer on the fly automatic graphics card switching but can live without it. I like the Z, but it is pricey.

I was at a Sony Style store last weekend and the sales rep told me the Z is the only laptop that will support multiple external displays, up to 3 via the PMD.

The S will only support 1, even with the docking bay. Bummer

 

Has anyone found a solution to supporting two monitors with the VAIO S? I have one connected via HDMI and another through VGA on the docking station, it's either one but not both together!

 

If anyone has a solution, I would greatly appreciate it, as well. Thank you =0)

 

Hi guys,
First post here
I am having the same issues, I absolutely need two external monitors (preferably HDMI) with a Vaio SA.
Maybe I found a solution so I post it here, I just ordered some "usb 2 hdmi" converter, it seems to be some kind of little graphic card via usb, but it seems to be recognized by windows and enable enlarging windows desktop, I 'll let you know if it works when I receive it.
I ordered a usb3 one with a usb3 hub, like in the video link under, but from another brand as I am in France.
7 Monitors on Windows 7 with USB 3.0 - YouTube

Ok it's working perfectly !
Full HD without any problem, I don't see any new graphic card, windows says it's an external VGA display but I think it comes from a tweak with the driver because plugged it through display port. The model I have comes from startech.com but there are many others.
At last it's possible to have two numeric video outputs at the same time
Another satisfied customer

 

Sorry for open the topic again...

But i have the same problem...

In Ubuntu this works perfect, but in Windows dont work....

Anyone find new solutions?!

Thanks