3 monitors on Vaio Z

[Nils-Fredrik]

Hi,

I got the brand new Vaio Z and before purchase I read that I could connect up to 4 monitors.

I now have 3 I want to connect. But, either - only the monitors connected to the dock is working or only the monitors connected to the laptop directly is working.

Can someone tell me how to get this working?

Thanks.

[gugabackhand]

Hi. If you could tell us the model number, we could then look it up online and check if it has the capability to support up to 4 monitors. 

[Nils-Fredrik]

It's a: VPCZ21V9E

[rich912]

Hi Nils-Fredrik,

This may be where you read about ‘up to four monitors.

http://www.bgr.com/2011/06/29/sony-outs-new-vaio-z-laptop-with-optional-power-media-dock/

If I am reading this correctly this article states that “With Power Media Dock added, VAIO Z can manage up to four displays (including the notebook screen) via HDMI™ and/or VGA output ports”, so it would seem that two of the external monitors will need to be connected to the Power Media Dock and one to the notebook (via HDMI or VGA). Not having seen this model or the Media Dock It’s all a tad confusing but this video tutorial may be of assistance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3qdZ0tm9Dc

Rich

[Nils-Fredrik]

Hi Rich and thanks for your response.

This proofs to me that it's possible to connect up to 3 monitors, as I try to do. But, it does not work for me.

I do as they say in the youtube movie. I connect two screens to the dock and connect the last one to the hdmi port on the laptop.

If I open opp the screen resolution properties in windows 7, the screen is detected and I can set the resolution as if things were ok. The problem is it's still black. If I connect the VGA and switch off and back on signals to all monitors screen shows up (I found this out today, so there is progress). The problem with the vga cable is I get "flimmer" on the screen, so Ideally I would like to see it connected the hdmi port.

All three screens are Benq monitors.

So, I end up with the following questions:

1) How do I get the screen working with the hdmi port

or

2) How do I get rid of the "flimmer" when connecting with the vga cable?

[rich912]

Hi Nils-Fredrik,

I will try and get the answers to your questions from Support. Bear with us as it could take a couple of days.

Rich

[rich912]

Hi Nils-Fredrik,

Please check that the Display Mode is not be selected as the graphics mode (instead choose External Display Mode) and this apparently should sort it out.

To change display mode: Fn+F7 and click on settings then change graphics mode and apply. The screen resolution chosen must be unified for all displays (and supported).

As an aside, although possibly not relevant at this stage, some applications may not work on multiple displays. The external display itself must support this function and of course if you are playing HDCP content the display should support this.

Rich

[Nils-Fredrik]

Hi Rich,

thank you for your response.

If you have a look at: http://aboutfrontend.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Screenshots.pdf you will see the settings I use. When VGA is connected, screen 3 works fine, but when HDMI is connected screen 3 is black.

[rich912]

Hi Nils-Fredrik,

Further investigation is ongoing over at Support but in the meantime can you make sure that your drivers and utilities are up to date.

http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/VPCZ21V9E_B/updates

Rich

[rich912]

Hi Nils-Fredrik,

Can you please try the following:

1. Without connecting any displays: connect docking station to VAIO first.

2. Connect two screens to the docking station (HDMI and VGA).

3. Connect HDMI to VAIO.

4. Choose display mode as Extend Display (Fn+F7), any other mode will not work.

Rich