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Title: Make laptop monitor as auxiliary monitor by using video capture device
Writer: Maroik
Views: 91 Updated: [2023-08-19T15:18:13Z]

To use a video capture device to make your laptop monitor act as an auxiliary monitor for another computer, you can follow these general steps:

  1. Get the Right Hardware: You'll need a video capture device (also known as a capture card or capture dongle) that supports input from a laptop. Make sure the capture device is compatible with your laptop's output ports (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) and the computer you want to use as the main source.

  2. Connect the Capture Device: Connect the video capture device to your laptop's output port (HDMI or DisplayPort). Use the appropriate cables to establish a connection. This setup will allow the laptop's screen to be captured by the capture device.

  3. Install Drivers and Software: Depending on the video capture device you're using, you may need to install drivers or software on both the laptop and the computer that will use the laptop's screen as an auxiliary monitor. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for driver installation.

  4. Configure OBS or Software: You can use OBS Studio (or similar screen capture software) on the main computer to capture and display the laptop's screen. Open OBS, add a "Display Capture" source, and select the capture device as the source. Adjust settings such as resolution, frame rate, and cropping if needed.

  5. Start Capturing: Once everything is set up, start capturing the laptop's screen on the main computer. OBS or the software you're using should display the laptop's screen content as an auxiliary monitor.

  6. Adjust Display Settings: Depending on the software you're using, you might need to configure display settings on the main computer to use the captured screen as an extended display. This might involve adjusting resolutions and arrangement.

  7. Fine-Tune Performance: Depending on the capture device, laptop's capabilities, and the software used, you might need to fine-tune settings for the best performance and visual quality.

Remember that the exact steps might vary based on the specific hardware and software you're using. It's also important to consider the capabilities of the laptop, the capture device, and the main computer to ensure a smooth experience.

Keep in mind that using a video capture device to turn your laptop screen into an auxiliary monitor might introduce some latency, which can affect real-time interactions. It's a good idea to test and adjust the setup to match your needs and preferences.