Matrox QID User manual

www.matrox.com/graphics
Graphics Solutions for Professionals
User Guide
10876-301-0221
2008.01.11
matrox QID Series
QID • QID Pro • QID Low-profile
ENGLISH

2 Matrox QID Series – User Guide
Overview
Thank you for purchasing a Matrox QID Series (Quad Information Display) graphics card. This
product is a high-performance graphics card that plugs into an expansion slot inside your personal
computer. With a MatroxQID Series card, you can use 4 computer monitors at a time. Also with a
Matrox QID graphics card, you can use TVs instead of computer monitors.
Hardware supplied
Matrox QID and QID Pro
Matrox QID Low-profile PCI and PCIe
Software supplied (for Windows 2000/XP)
! Matrox PowerDesk-SE – to use your Matrox graphics hardware
! Other software – see the CD-ROM Readme file
Matrox QID Series card
(AGP card shown) 2 DVI dual-monitor cables 4 DVI-to-HD15 adapters
Matrox QID Series card
(Low-profile PCI card shown) 1 DVI quad-monitor cable 4 DVI-to-HD15 adapters

Matrox QID Series – User Guide 3
Installation overview
To install your Matrox product:
1 Install the Matrox card – see “Hardware installation”, page 4.
2 Connect your monitors – see “Connection setup”, page 7.
3 Install the software – see “Software setup”, page 10.
Note: IfyourMatroxproductisalreadypartiallyorfullyinstalledonyourcomputer,some
or all the installation information in this guide may not apply to you. However, this
information may be useful if you need to reinstall your Matrox product.

4 Matrox QID Series – User Guide
Hardware installation
This section describes how to install your Matrox card. For information specific to your computer,
like how to remove its cover, see your system manual.
1Open your computer and
remove your existing graphics
card*
If a graphics card isn’t already installed in
your computer, skip to step 2.
a Using Add/Remove Programs in the
Windows
Control Panel , remove any
currently installed display drivers.
Restart your computer for the changes
to take effect.
After your computer restarts, you’re
prompted to install drivers for the new
graphics hardware detected. Click
Cancel .
WARNING: To avoid personal injury and to prevent damage to your computer or Matrox
hardware,turnoff yourcomputer,unplugit,andthenwaitforittocoolbeforeyou install
your Matrox product and touch any of the internal parts of your computer.
While your computer is turned off but still pluggedin, some electrical current is supplied
to the motherboard. This current may prevent newly installed hardware from working
properly.
Also,staticelectricitycanseverelydamageelectronicparts.Beforetouchinganyelectronic
parts, drainstatic electricityfromyour body(forexample,by touching themetalframe of
yourcomputer).Whenhandlingacard,carefullyholditbyitsedgesandavoidtouchingits
circuitry.
Note: Most Matrox low-profile graphics cards ship with standard (ATX) brackets
compatible with most systems. If you have a low-profile system, you may need to change
thestandardbracketonyourgraphicscardtoalow-profilebracket.Formoreinformation,
see “Replacing brackets on a low-profile graphics card”, page 6.
* With multi-display mode, you may be able touse your existing graphics card. ForWindows 2000/XP, see Windows 2000/XP
online help under “Install additional monitors”.

Matrox QID Series – User Guide 5
b Turn off your computer and all peripherals such as your monitor or printer.
c Open the computer and remove your existing graphics card (if any). (If graphics
hardware is built into the motherboard of your computer, you may need to disable it
manually. For more information, see your system manual.)
2Choose an expansion slot
Most computers have different types of
expansion slots. Choose an AGP, PCI, or PCI
Express ×16 (PCIe) slot, depending on the
type of Matrox card you have. If you have a
PCI card, your card supports both 64-bit
and 32-bit PCI slots. Your system manual
should identify the location of each type of
expansionslot in your computer.
(64-bit)
(Back of computer)
(32-bit)
PCI
Express
slots
AGP slot
(×16)
(×1)
PCI
slots
Note: Ifyou’reusingaPCIgraphicscardinaPCI64-bitcompatibleslot,yourchoiceofPCI
slot may affect your card or system performance. For more information, see your computer
manual.
WARNING: Inserting your Matrox card
into the wrong type of slot could damage
your card, your computer, or both.
If youhave a PCI card and the versions
(32- or 64-bit) of your card andPCI
expansion slot are different, only part of
the card’s edge connector (the part closest
to the bracket) orexpansionslot (the part
closest to the back of the computer)
should be used.
×16
×1 ×4 ×8
PCI card
32-bit 64-bit
AGP card
PCI Express x16 card

6 Matrox QID Series – User Guide
3Insert your Matrox card
a Position your Matrox card over the
expansion slot you’ve chosen.
b Pushthecard infirmlyandevenlyuntil
it’s fully seated in the slot.
c Secure the bracket of your Matrox card
to the computer frame.
Replacing brackets on a low-profile graphics card
Most Matrox low-profile graphics cards ship with ATX brackets compatible with most systems. The
following explains how to change brackets on your Matrox product.
1 Remove the current bracket
from your Matrox graphics card
byremovingthescrew(
a )ontop
of the graphics card, thenthe
nuts (
b ) on either side of the
monitor connector.
2 Attach and fasten the new
bracket with the two nuts you
just removed.
ATX bracket
Low-profile
bracket

Matrox QID Series – User Guide 7
Connection setup
This section describes how to connect computer monitors to your Matrox product.
To use 4 computer monitors at a time, make sure your monitors support the same monitor settings
(such as display resolution and refresh rates). All your monitors must be of the same type, either
analog or digital.
While using 4 monitors at the same time, certain limitations may apply. For more information, see
“Display information”, page 34.
1Connect your dual-monitor
cables or quad-monitor cable
QID and QID Pro – Attachyour Matrox
dual-monitor cables to the connectors on
the bracket of your Matrox card. Make sure
the connectors are properly fastened.
Note: Windows 2000/XP and DOS – If you want to
useTVoutputwith yourMatroxproduct, youneed
dual-TV-output cables. For more information, see
“TVoutput”,page 13.
Dual-TV-output cable
WARNING: To
avoiddamagingthe
LFH-60 connector
on your dual-
monitorcableoron
your graphics card,
carefullyinsert the connector onyour
dual-monitor cable as straight as possible
into the connector onyour graphics card.
Specifically, inserting the connectors into
eachotheratanangleislikelytobendand
damage the pins on the connector of the
dual-monitor cable.
Dual-monitor
cable

8 Matrox QID Series – User Guide
QID Low-profile PCI and PCIe – Attach
your quad-monitor cable to the connector
on the bracket of your Matrox card. Make
sure the connectors are properly fastened.
2Connect your monitors
If your monitor has an HD-15 connector,
use a DVI-to-HD15 adapter included with
yourproduct toconnectyourmonitorcable
to your dual-monitor cable.
If your monitor has a DVI connector,
connect your monitor cable directly to the
dual-monitorcablewithoutusingaDVI-to-
HD15 adapter.
Make sure all connectors are properly
fastened.
Quad-monitor
cable
HD-15
connector
DVI connector
DVI
connector
DVI-to-HD15
adapter
Note: Monitors are numbered
consecutively based on which connector
eachisattachedto.Numberingstartswith
the
primary display – the one that first
displays information when you restart
yourcomputer.Ifanothergraphicscardis
installed in your computer, display
numbering may be different
.
2
4
3
1
QID and QID Pro QID Low-profile
PCI and PCIe

Matrox QID Series – User Guide 9
Your Matrox card is now installed. Restart your computer and install your Matrox software (see
“Software setup”, page 10).
Note: To connect a digital monitor (a
monitor that uses digitalinput, usually a
flat panel monitor) to your Matrox
product, your monitor must have a DVI
connector.
Some monitors with DVI connectors
support both digital and analog input. If
you’re using one of these monitors with
your Matrox product, make sure it’s configured to use the correct type of input. For more
information, see your monitor documentation.
DVI connector
(DVI-D: digital)
HD-15 connector (analog)
DVI connector
(DVI-I: analog/digital)

10 Matrox QID Series – User Guide
Software setup
This section describes how to install Matrox software for Windows
2000/XP
.
You may need administrator rights to install certain software. For
more information, see Windows documentation or contact your
system administrator.
1Install display driver
Windows detects new hardware when you restart. If Matrox display drivers haven’t been
previously installed, Windows prompts you to install a display driver. Follow the on-screen
instructions. There are two display driver versions available for your Matrox QID Series
product:
! Version 1.x (SE): Supports multi-display with 4 displays in stretched mode only with a
maximum single display resolution of 1600 × 1200. This version also supports TV
output for all Matrox QID Series graphics cards.
! Version 2.x (SE): Supports multi-display with upto 4 displays in stretched and
independent modes with a maximum display resolution of 1600 × 1200. This version
doesn’t support TV output.
(The Matrox Windows 2000/XP display drivers are respectively in the
Win2kXP_1x and
Win2kXP_2x folders of your Matrox installation CD-ROM.)
Note: ThisguidehasreferencesthatarespecifictotheMatroxinstallationCD-ROM.IfyourMatrox
product wasn’t packaged by Matrox (for example, if it was included with your computer), your
product may not include this CD-ROM.
If youdon’t have this CD-ROM, certain references in this guide may not reflect the software you
have. For more information, see other software documentation provided by your system vendor.
Note: Windows XP SP2 (Service Pack 2) – Windows may install a Matrox display driver
unsupported by your product when your Matrox product is detectedas new hardware. If
you aren’t prompted to install a display driver,
DON’T RESTART your system. Install the
display driver on your Matrox installation CD-ROM beforeyou restart.
If you do restart your computer, see page 18 for more information on reinstalling your
display driver.

Matrox QID Series – User Guide 11
2Install optional software
After your computer has restarted, insert (or reinsert) the Matrox installation CD-ROM in
your CD-ROM drive – the CD-ROMinstallation program automatically starts.
*
This
programshows youalistofitemsyoucaninstall andinformationyoucanaccess. Followthe
on-screen instructions.
3Configure your monitor settings
To take full advantage of your graphics card, make sure the monitor settings for the main
monitor are supported by
all 4 monitors (or TVs) connected to your graphics card:
a Right-click your Windows desktop background, then click Properties " Settings "
Advanced " Monitor .
b If “ Hide modes that this monitor cannot display ” is available, make sure it’s enabled.
Under
Screen refresh rate , select the highest refresh rate listed.
c Click OK " OK .
For more information on Windows monitor settings, see Windows documentation.
4Set up your display software
UseMatroxPowerDesksoftwaretochangecertaindisplaysettingsoraccessMatroxfeatures.
To access PowerDesk, double-click its icon ( ) on your Windows taskbar. To see the
PowerDeskiconinWindows XP, youmay needtoclickthe
Show hidden icons button ( )
on your Windows taskbar.For more information on how to use Matrox PowerDesk, see the
online help.
5Adjust your display resolution
Depending on the version of your display driver, your multi-display setup changes when
using a low display resolution (for example, 800 × 600) in stretched mode.
! Version 1.x (SE): While using a low display resolution, this version uses clone mode
(instead of stretched mode) for all your displays.
! Version 2.x (SE): While using a low display resolution, this version uses single display
mode (instead of stretched mode) for your main display.
* If Windows doesn’t automatically start the setup program, you can start it manually from the root folder of the CD-ROM.
WARNING: If incorrect software monitor settings are applied, some monitors can be
permanently damaged. For more information, see your monitor manual.

12 Matrox QID Series – User Guide
To set your display resolution:
a Right-click your Windows desktop background, then click Properties " Settings .
b Move the Screen area (Windows 2000) or Screen resolution (Windows XP) slider.
c Click OK or Apply for your changes to take effect.
Note: For the latest display driver and user guide for your product, check the Matrox
Technical Support Web site (www.matrox.com/graphics/support). A more recent display
driver may support more features and may offer increased capabilities (such as higher
display resolutions).

Matrox QID Series – User Guide 13
TV output
With your Matrox product, you can use TV-output cables
(sold separately) instead of multi-monitor cables to view or
recordyourdisplayswithTVsorvideorecorders.Ifyouhavea
regular Matrox product, you need dual-TV-output cables. If
you have a low-profile product, you need a quad-TV-output
cable.TopurchaseMatroxTV-outputcables for your product,
see the Matrox online store (http://shopmatrox.com). This
section describes how to use the
TVoutput feature.
Connection setup
1Turn off computer
Windows2000/XP– To shut down your computer, click Start " Shut Down " Shut down "
OK , then turn off your computer.
2Replace your multi-monitor
cables
a Disconnect any computer monitor
connected to your dual-monitor cables
or to your quad-monitor cable.
b Detach any multi-monitor cable from
your Matrox card.
c Attach your dual-TV-output cables or
quad-TV-output cable to your Matrox
graphics card.
TV-output cable
(Dual-cable shown)
WARNING: Don’tchange monitorconnections while your computer is turnedon. While
yourcomputeristurnedon,itmaybeusingmonitorsettingsthatarespecifictothecurrent
monitor connections.
If a display device (monitor, TV or video recorder) is connected while your computer is
using settings intended for another display device, the display of the new device may be
garbled or unusable. Some devices may be permanently damaged if incorrect settings are
used.
Dual-TV-
output cable
Dual-monitor
cable

14 Matrox QID Series – User Guide
3Connect video output
To connect to a TV or a video recorder, you’ll
need a composite video (RCA) or S-video
cable.
If your video device (a TV or a video
recorder) didn’t come with one of these
cables, these types of cable are available at
most electronics stores. The type of cable
you use depends on what your video device
supports. Many video devices support
composite video connections, and some
higher-quality video devices support
S-video connections.
For each TV or video recorder, you want to
connect to your Matrox product:
a Attachoneendofyourcompositevideo
or S-video cable to the appropriate
connector on your TV-output cable.
b Attach the otherend to the VIDEO IN
*
connector on your TV
†
or video
recorder.
c Before viewing or recording video output directly from your computer, make sure your
TVorvideorecorderis setuptouse
line input. For example, if your TV has a TV/VIDEO
switch,setit to
VIDEO ;orifyourvideorecorderhasa TUNER/LINE switch,setitto LINE .
Optionally,ifyouusethecompositevideo and S-video connectorsonyour TV-outputcable,
you can directly connect two different video devices at the same time.
To view
and record output from the same Matrox video connector, you can connect it to a
videorecorderandconnectthevideorecordertoaTV.Formoreinformation,seeyourvideo
recorder and TV manuals.
* Thelabels onyourdevicesmaynotbeconsistentwithwhat’sinthisguide.Differentmanufacturerssometimesusedifferentlabels
forthesametypeofcontrolsandconnectors. Forexample,the
VIDEOIN connector on your TV may be labeled VIDEO 1 (or VIDEO
2
). To match labels, see the documentation for your video devices.
† If your TV only has an antenna or cable TV connector, you can use an
RF modulator to connect it to your Matrox card. RF
modulators are available at most electronics stores.
TV or video
recorder using
S-video
Composite
video(RCA)
cable S-video
cable
TV or video recorder
using composite video
Dual-TV-
output cable
(Note: Using the Matrox composite
video and S-video connectors at the
same time is optional.)

Matrox QID Series – User Guide 15
4Connect audio output
Typically,theaudiooutputfromacomputer
comes from speakers connected to your
computer. Ifyou prefer, you can hear or
record the sound output from your
computer using the same TV or video
recorder you connect to your graphics card.
To do this, you need an audio cable with a
stereo jack on one end and two RCA
connectors on the other end. If you don’t
have this type of cable, you can buy oneat
most consumer electronics stores.
a Plug the stereo-jack end of the audio
cable into the
LINE OUT
*
()
connector on your computer.
b Plug the other end of the cable into the
left (
L ) and right ( R ) AUDIO IN
connectors of your video device. For
more information, see your sound card
manual.
SCART information
Some video devices in Europe only have SCART connectors. This type of connector includes video
and audio, whereas composite or S-video connectors include only video.
Ifyourvideodevices
only haveSCARTconnectors,youneedSCARTcablestoconnecttoyourMatrox
product. If you want to use SCART cables, contact your Matrox representative.
* If your computer has no audio LINE OUT connector, you can use its SPKR (speaker) connector instead. In this case, all your
computer sound output goes to thevideo device you connected to.
TV or video
recorder
Audio
connectors

16 Matrox QID Series – User Guide
Software setup
If a TV or video recorder is connected to your Matrox product, you can use TV output mode to view
orrecordyour display onyourTVor videorecorder. (To connect videodevicestoyour computer, see
page 13.)
TV settings have lower resolutions and refresh rates than typical computer monitor settings. Lower
refresh rates may result in more noticeable flicker.
Windows2000/XP– ToadjustTVsettings,accessthe Multi-DisplaySetup dialogboxforyour
Matrox product (see “Set up your display software”, page 11).
DOS– To change TV standard, insert your Matrox installation CD-ROM. Run the PBIOSWin
program from the
Sysutils folder on your Matrox CD-ROM. Click Change TV Standard and
select the correct TV standard, then click
OK . For more information on how to use this
program, see the
Readme filein the Sysutils folder.
Note: TwoTVstandardsaresupportedforTVoutput.TheNTSCstandardisusedinNorth
America and Japan, among other places. The PAL standard is used in most of Western
Europe and in China, among other places.
IfanincorrectTVstandardisselectedinMatroxsoftware,theoutputfromyourcomputer
may not appear or record properly on your TV or your video recorder. To find out what
standardyour TV or video recorder supports, see its documentation.

Matrox QID Series – User Guide 17
Troubleshooting
Basic procedures
This section explains basic procedures that are referred to by some troubleshooting itemsin this
guide.
Restarting in VGA mode
Windows 2000/XP – What follows is information on how to restart your computer in VGA mode .
1 Click Start " Shut Down " Restart " OK * to restart your computer. (* Depending on
your versionandconfiguration ofWindows,thispart ofthe stepmaynotbenecessary.)
Ifyourprimarymonitoris unusable,seeyoursystemmanualfor informationonhowto
restart your computer using a hardware control.
2 Before Windows starts, press [F8] for the Windows startup menu to appear. (If [F8]
doesn’t work, instead try pressing and holding [Ctrl] before Windows starts.)
3 Select “VGA mode”, then press [Enter].
Graphics – Main troubleshooting
This section addresses possible problems that could prevent you from using your computer.
Problem Computer doesn’t display information or boot after Matrox card is
installed
1
Cause Your Matrox card may not be properly installed.
1
Solution Make sure your Matrox card is properly installed. Specifically, make sure the card is firmly
inserted in its expansion slot and that all connections to it are firmly in place. For more
information, see “Hardware installation”, page 4.
2
Cause There may be unsupported graphics hardware in your computer.
1
Solution If an unsupported graphics card is plugged into an expansion slot, remove it.
2
Solution If graphics hardware is built into your computer motherboard, your system may not have
automaticallydisableditwhenyouinsertedyourMatroxcard.Checkyoursystemmanualfor
instructions on how to disable your computer built-in graphics hardware.

18 Matrox QID Series – User Guide
3
Cause Your computer BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) may not be up to date. For more
information on your computer BIOS, see your system manual.
1
Solution Reinstall yourpreviousgraphicscardand,ifpossible,updateyourcomputerBIOS.This can
usually be done with software from the manufacturer of your computer. Contact your system
vendor or manufacturer to get a BIOS update for your computer.
To get the correct BIOS update, you may need to know the serial number your computer
displays when it restarts. (This number is usually in the lower-left corner of the display.)
Problem Wrong color balance, screen image off-center, or no picture at all
1
Cause Windows XP Service Pack 2 – Windows Service Pack 2 has installed a version of the Matrox
display driver that doesn’t support your Matrox product.
1
Solution YouneedtoinstalladisplaydriverthatsupportsyourMatroxproduct.Toreinstallthedisplay
driver, you first need to restart your computer in VGA mode (see“RestartinginVGAmode”,
page 17).WhileinVGAmode,installtheMatroxdisplaydriverontheinstallationCD-ROM
provided with your product. If no CD was provided with your product, see the Matrox
Technical Support Web site (www.matrox.com/graphics/support) to download a display
driver.
2
Cause Your monitor video controls may be improperly set.
1
Solution Adjust your monitor controls (brightness, contrast, andso on). Formore information, see
your monitor manual.
3
Cause Your monitor may not be properly connected.
1
Solution Make sure your monitor is properly connected to the correct connector on your Matrox
graphics card (see “Connect your dual-monitor cables or quad-monitor cable”, page 7).
2
Solution Make sure the monitor power cable is firmly in place.
4
Cause If display problems occur after the startup screen of your operating system, your software
monitor settings may be incorrect.
1
Solution Make sure correct software monitor settings are selected.
If your primary display is still usable, see “Configure your monitor settings”, page 11.
Otherwise, see the next troubleshooting item.

Matrox QID Series – User Guide 19
Problem After the startup screen, or after display settings are changed, the
screen image is garbled or unusable
(blank screen, rolling or overlapping screen images)
1
Cause Analog monitors only – The Matrox display driver may be trying to use settings your
monitordoesn’tsupport.Thiscanhappenifamonitorwasneverselectedinthesoftwareand
the display resolution was changed to one your monitor doesn’t support, or if the monitor
connected to your computer was changed without it being changed in the software. One of
your monitors may not support the monitor settings of the main monitor.
1
Solution Make sure the correct monitor is selected in Windows.
Windows 2000/XP –
1 If your primary display is unusable, restart your computer in VGA mode (see“Restarting
in VGA mode”, page 17).
2 Right-click your Windows desktop background, then click Properties " Settings .
3 Movethe Screen area (Windows2000)or Screen resolution (WindowsXP)sliderdown
to its lowest setting, then click
OK .
4 Restart your computer normally.
5 Make sure the correct monitor is selected in Windows (see “Configure your monitor
settings”, page 11).
6 If necessary, restore your original display settings (see steps 2and 3).
2
Cause Files on your systemmay have been deleted or corrupted.
1
Solution Remove, then reinstall Matrox software:
WARNING: If incorrect software monitor settings are applied, some monitors can be
permanently damaged. For more information, see your monitor manual.
Note: In multi-display mode, all the monitors connected to your graphics card use the
monitor settings of the main monitor (the monitor connected to connector
#1 of your
Matroxproduct).Makesureyou’reusingmonitorsettingssupportedbyallyourmonitors.
Note: Before removing software, make sure you have all the necessary files to reinstall
softwarethatmaystill beneeded.Also,makesurethedisplaydriveryoureinstallsupports
all Matrox products in your computer.

20 Matrox QID Series – User Guide
Windows 2000/XP –
1 If yourprimary display is currently unusable, restart your computer in safe mode or
VGA mode (see “Restarting in VGA mode”, page 17).
2 To remove Matrox software:
a Click Start " Settings * " Control Panel " Add/Remove Programs (double-click*)
" Matrox PowerDesk-HF and Driver " Change/Remove " Yes . (* Depending on
your version and configuration of Windows, this part of the step may not be
necessary.)
b Click No if you’re asked to restart your computer.
c Click Matrox PowerDesk-SE " Change/Remove " Yes .
3 Restart your computer.
4 AfterremovingMatroxsoftware,installthelatestdisplaydriverforyourMatroxgraphics
card. You may also need to reinstall other Matrox software.
Graphics – Extra troubleshooting
The following are extra toubleshooting items related to graphics hardware.
Problem Can’t use Windows, Windows reports a configuration error, and/or
can’t install or uninstall display driver
1
Cause The problem may be specific to the motherboard in your computer.
1
Solution There may be a software update available for your motherboard. To find out what
motherboardmodelyourcomputerisusing,seeyoursystemmanual.Formoreinformation,
contact the maker of your motherboard or computer. Many motherboard or computer
manufacturers have software updates available on their Web site.
2
Cause Files on your systemmay have been deleted or corrupted.
1
Solution Remove, then reinstall Matrox software. For more information, see page 19.
Note: Windows2000/XP– Youmayneedadministratorrightstoremovecertainsoftware.
For more information, see Windows documentation.
Note: Windows 2000/XP – You may need administrator rights to install certain software.
For more information, see Windows documentation.