Microsoft Surface RT Videos (Reviews, Tips, Apps)
- Thread starter vgjfelix
- Start date
VGA connection is analog, and is different from HDMI connection (digital). In my experience, you're pretty much limited to 720p and 1080p for HDMI. As mentioned, Metro requires 1024x768 minimum (and 1366x768 for snap). Ask any netbook (1024x600) owner.
The solution would be to either swap out the large display for a 1080p model, or continue using it as an extended (2nd) display.
To move apps between displays (using "extended" display setup), suggest trying Winkey+PgUp/PgDn as mentioned in this link,
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/multiple-monitors#1TC=t1
There are other relevant key combos here in this complete shortcuts listing, search on "monitor"
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/keyboard-shortcuts
The solution would be to either swap out the large display for a 1080p model, or continue using it as an extended (2nd) display.
To move apps between displays (using "extended" display setup), suggest trying Winkey+PgUp/PgDn as mentioned in this link,
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/multiple-monitors#1TC=t1
There are other relevant key combos here in this complete shortcuts listing, search on "monitor"
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/keyboard-shortcuts
Last edited:
Grats on getting it to work. I have three questions.
1. From your YouTube video, it looks like it stretches the square TV picture onto the monitor. Is this true? It's a pet peave of mine to see $1000's of "high resolution" new tech with better picture quality, blah blah blah and then we are all forced to watch videos and pictures with people's faces stretched giving us the impression that every show is an off-shoot of "The Biggest Loser". Is this how the HDMI out on the Surface shows pics, vids, etc?
2. Does the Surface recognize and work with ad-hoc networks? Specifically for WiFi tethering with a smart phone?
3. Does the Surface's IE notify smartphone networks when tethering to bring up the "You must pay $$$ for HotSpot" window? Or are there other options for browsing the internet with Windows RT?
Thank you for your videos and time.
Answer below
1. From your YouTube video, it looks like it stretches the square TV picture onto the monitor. Is this true? It's a pet peave of mine to see $1000's of "high resolution" new tech with better picture quality, blah blah blah and then we are all forced to watch videos and pictures with people's faces stretched giving us the impression that every show is an off-shoot of "The Biggest Loser". Is this how the HDMI out on the Surface shows pics, vids, etc?
It was definitely stretching the images because you could see on the table I had massive borders because of the 1024x768 resolution. However, on the TV which is 1360x768 it was stretching the image to fit (so probably by about 30%). I'm not that knowledgeable with monitors and resolutions to be honest; I've only just got it working for one thing. There probably will be some settings to fix this (maybe use a VGA cable, better TV than mine, quick registry edit hack) but for now I'm just glad I have it working. I will be doing more videos about this in the future when I find out more
2. Does the Surface recognize and work with ad-hoc networks? Specifically for WiFi tethering with a smart phone?
I think so yes. I am going to do a video on this soon
3. Does the Surface's IE notify smartphone networks when tethering to bring up the "You must pay $$$ for HotSpot" window? Or are there other options for browsing the internet with Windows RT?
Don't know to be honest. I would say very unlikely. It will probably treat it like any other wifi network. The key really is to limit the data usage at the source (i.e. the smartphone) so, for android, something like 3gwatchdog will watch how much data you are using.
Also be aware that I'm from the UK where I think data tariffs on phones seem to be difficult. We usually get a data allowance and we can use it however we want, tether or not.
1. From your YouTube video, it looks like it stretches the square TV picture onto the monitor. Is this true? It's a pet peave of mine to see $1000's of "high resolution" new tech with better picture quality, blah blah blah and then we are all forced to watch videos and pictures with people's faces stretched giving us the impression that every show is an off-shoot of "The Biggest Loser". Is this how the HDMI out on the Surface shows pics, vids, etc?
It was definitely stretching the images because you could see on the table I had massive borders because of the 1024x768 resolution. However, on the TV which is 1360x768 it was stretching the image to fit (so probably by about 30%). I'm not that knowledgeable with monitors and resolutions to be honest; I've only just got it working for one thing. There probably will be some settings to fix this (maybe use a VGA cable, better TV than mine, quick registry edit hack) but for now I'm just glad I have it working. I will be doing more videos about this in the future when I find out more
2. Does the Surface recognize and work with ad-hoc networks? Specifically for WiFi tethering with a smart phone?
I think so yes. I am going to do a video on this soon
3. Does the Surface's IE notify smartphone networks when tethering to bring up the "You must pay $$$ for HotSpot" window? Or are there other options for browsing the internet with Windows RT?
Don't know to be honest. I would say very unlikely. It will probably treat it like any other wifi network. The key really is to limit the data usage at the source (i.e. the smartphone) so, for android, something like 3gwatchdog will watch how much data you are using.
Also be aware that I'm from the UK where I think data tariffs on phones seem to be difficult. We usually get a data allowance and we can use it however we want, tether or not.
One other thing about video out over hdmi.
If you turn off your Surface RT screen, as in, use the TV as a monitor and have the surface screen off, you get 1080p.
I do this when I want to watch a movie at home. I simply plug in my logitech unifying receiver into the USB port and use my TV as the monitor and browse the internet or watch movies on the TV.
It also makes the colors better for some reason when you use just one display source.
Good Surface Review
Check out this Surface Review. I think it is does a good job of giving it an unbiased review.
TechOutcast
Check out this Surface Review. I think it is does a good job of giving it an unbiased review.
TechOutcast
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1Hi all,
I am starting a series of videos that will look at every aspect of the Surface RT tablet. I do reviews on different aspects of the device, basic tutorials to learn how to use the device and app reviews on the best, most useful and free apps.
I have previously done very successful videos on the Asus Transformer Prime (150 videos) and the Nexus 7 (100 videos) but I see this as being my biggest project to date since Windows 8 is such a radical departure from previous version that I'll be posting many videos as I learn new and interesting things. Here are a few videos just to give you a flavour of my work.
I am literally scratching the surface (every pun intended) of this device and will be kicking out a couple of videos everyday for a good few weeks. I'll be updating this thread regularly. I hope you find them useful, entertaining and informative.
Thanks in advance,
vgjfelix1Answer below
1. From your YouTube video, it looks like it stretches the square TV picture onto the monitor. Is this true? It's a pet peave of mine to see $1000's of "high resolution" new tech with better picture quality, blah blah blah and then we are all forced to watch videos and pictures with people's faces stretched giving us the impression that every show is an off-shoot of "The Biggest Loser". Is this how the HDMI out on the Surface shows pics, vids, etc?
It was definitely stretching the images because you could see on the table I had massive borders because of the 1024x768 resolution. However, on the TV which is 1360x768 it was stretching the image to fit (so probably by about 30%). I'm not that knowledgeable with monitors and resolutions to be honest; I've only just got it working for one thing. There probably will be some settings to fix this (maybe use a VGA cable, better TV than mine, quick registry edit hack) but for now I'm just glad I have it working. I will be doing more videos about this in the future when I find out more
2. Does the Surface recognize and work with ad-hoc networks? Specifically for WiFi tethering with a smart phone?
I think so yes. I am going to do a video on this soon
3. Does the Surface's IE notify smartphone networks when tethering to bring up the "You must pay $$$ for HotSpot" window? Or are there other options for browsing the internet with Windows RT?
Don't know to be honest. I would say very unlikely. It will probably treat it like any other wifi network. The key really is to limit the data usage at the source (i.e. the smartphone) so, for android, something like 3gwatchdog will watch how much data you are using.
Also be aware that I'm from the UK where I think data tariffs on phones seem to be difficult. We usually get a data allowance and we can use it however we want, tether or not.
