Steam BIG picture mode (Multi Display help)

Countcussy

Countcussy

Countcussy

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After a bit of a refresh of an upstairs room, I now have the option to use either my monitor or my LG C3 TV for my PC
The Big Picture mode on Steam seemed perfect for relaxing controller games, where I can slouch on the bed, so I set about configuring.
After initially running into a lot of issues (Games would initially launch on the TV, then I would get a No Signal message on the TV), I narrowed this down to a "Deep colour" setting on the TV.
Did not really understand whether this was better on or off. Is it to do with HDR ?? (Which I don`t use in windows). Anyway, setting it to OFF fixed my game issues.
I set my monitor as my primary display, and the TV as my secondary. Set Big Picture mode to launch on the TV, and was pleasantly surprised how well it works.

However...

When I turn the TV off and return to my main monitor, some windows/options are "Stuck" on the now turned off 2nd display.
The only way I can fix this is to turn the 2nd display (TV) back on, and use the display settings, which are now on the TV, to fix the issue.

I am clearly doing something wrong, and I have NO experience of a multi monitor setup.
Has anybody got Big Picture Mode to work without issue? Or is there a better way to play some of my steam Library on the big TV?
 
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As as I recall, HDMI Deep Colour on an LG C3 is just an HDMI setting to signal to the external device that the TV can receive colour depth higher than 8bit, and also process HDR/Dolby Vision etc.

I wouldn't turn it off.

What you need to do really, is make sure your settings are correct in the Nvidia Control Panel

Here's mine on an LG G2:

zOmd6pdh.png


Mine goes through a Sony HTA9 Control Box first, hence it says Sony LG TV.
 
Oh and are you making sure to exit big picture mode before turning off the TV?

This switches the screens around so that the monitor becomes the primary screen again.
 
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VincentHanna said:
Oh and are you making sure to exit big picture mode before turning off the TV?

This switches the screens around so that the monitor becomes the primary screen again.
Click to expand...
Thank You.

Interestingly, I set my second display to match the resolution of my primary display (2K), and left it at default color settings. Maybe thats what was causing me the issue.
I was in what i call tunnel vision mode and trying not to bring my 4070S to its knees. :D

Thinking about it this morning, I have no idea why I did not let the TV run Native. :confused:

And yes, exiting big picture mode via the settings. The monitor does become primary again. All the icons are there etc. Mouse is focused on the monitor etc.
Opening chrome however puts it on the TV, even though its off. I need to try your settings tonight when I get home. I think that HDMI setting could be the key to this.
I have fixed an issue by breaking another.

Really appreciate the detailed reply. :)
 
Yeah run the monitor at the best settings possible, then change the resolution in the game menu/use DLSS etc.

I have HDR off in windows 11 on my windows desktop monitor, but it's for my LG G2 as it's mainly used for gaming and lots of games need it enabled to 'detect' it can display HDR.

Re: Chrome

Close all Chrome windows (including in task manager)
Open one
Move it to the screen you want it on,
Maximize it.
Close it.
 
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VincentHanna said:
Yeah run the monitor at the best settings possible, then change the resolution in the game menu/use DLSS etc.

I have HDR off in windows 11 on my windows desktop monitor, but it's for my LG G2 as it's mainly used for gaming and lots of games need it enabled to 'detect' it can display HDR.

Re: Chrome

Close all Chrome windows (including in task manager)
Open one
Move it to the screen you want it on,
Maximize it.
Close it.
Click to expand...
Top Man

Thank you.
 
*UPDATE*

With deep colour set on the TV - No Signal.
Choosing the PC setting at native res in NVCP - No Signal.
Setting the TV to 120hz in NVCP - No Signal.

Steam Big Picture mode will only work properly if I duplicate display, not extend. (Though this seems more game dependant.)

Wondering If I got a bad Cable. Bought a CSL 8k@120hz from Amazon. It is however 10m long. Could that be the issue? Its very thick.

Not sure I have another cable long enough to cross the room.
 
Further Update. I can send lower resolutions to the TV with Deep colour on, as long as I keep to 60hz
As soon as I try to hit 120hz, no signal.
Going to have to buy a "Better" cable by the looks of it. It seems I have underestimated the effect of it being 10m.
Every day is a school day.

After a bit of Googling, I REALLY should have mentioned the cable length. :D
 
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VincentHanna said:
5 metres is about the longest for a HDMI 2.1 cable
Click to expand...
Must admit. Felt a little stupid yesterday.

After a little research, which I should have done in the first place, I clearly needed an active or Fibre cable, with some going for as much as £200.

Ordered a Ruipro 10m Gen3 Fibre HDMI cable last night. Was not cheap but got 20% off. It arrived this morning.
All is now good in the world. We have 4k HDR @ 120hz. No Issues. The cable is also nice and flexible.
The C3 really does give a great image.

Other cable is going back. It clearly states 4k @ 120hz. Probably one advert fits all & does not account for the longer versions.

Thanks Again.
 
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