Dual screen setup (Home Theater) - automation tips?

Jose Hidalgo · 2025-06-29T12:33:27-0400

Hi everybody

Here's my dual screen setup, the source being my desktop PC:

Screen 1 : 32" monitor (2560x1440, 60 Hz, SDR)
Screen 2 : 85" TV (4K, 144 Hz, HDR) - I don't physically have it yet, but I expect to receive it soon

Screen 1 is ON all the time.
Screen 2 will be ON only for Home Theater purposes.

Both screens will be on different rooms, but everything will be physically connected:

Video: Screen 1 -> DisplayPort / Screen 2 -> HDMI
Audio: Desktop speakers -> analog motherboard output / Home Theater speaker setup -> USB

I'd like to automate things as much as possible, and I wonder if I can achive it through Win 11 or if I need specialized software or automation scripts for this.
Here's what I'd like to do.

As soon as Screen 2 is detected by Win 11:

Screen 1 is disabled by Win 11 (like when using Projector mode - Second screen only) : no video signal, and its contents are displayed only on Screen 2
Since Screen 2 is 4K, everything (desktop icons, taskbar...) needs to be scaled to 150%. That way all my carefully aligned icons should hopefully stay in place.
Default audio output is automatically toggled from my desktop speakers to my Home Theater speaker setup (which is connected to my PC via USB)
HDR is enabled

Once Screen 2 is turned OFF:

Screen 1 is enabled again, and its contents are properly displayed
Scale goes back to 100%
Default audio output is automatically toggled back to my desktop speakers
HDR is disabled

Is there a way to automate all this, so all I have to do is to physically turn Screen 2 ON or OFF? Surely I'm not the only one seeking to achieve this

All good ideas are welcome. Thank you

Jose Hidalgo · 2025-06-29T18:52:32-0400

Small addition: forget about HDR. HDR should only be enabled for HDR content. The 3 other points remain though.

NavyLCDR · 2025-06-29T19:44:23-0400

I would look at maybe doing a separate media player client for the big screen - something like a Raspberry Pi. The desktop computer would be the server. You can remote the Pi from the desktop computer, or use a local remote control for it.

Jose Hidalgo · 2025-06-29T20:00:04-0400

NavyLCDR said:
I would look at maybe doing a separate media player client for the big screen - something like a Raspberry Pi. The desktop computer would be the server. You can remote the Pi from the desktop computer, or use a local remote control for it.

I'm very sorry but that's off-limits. That solution (desktop PC as server) was actually my previous setup, in my previous home. I used it for many years and I didn't like it, for several reasons (some video related, some audio related, some network related) that would be too long to explain here.

In other words, this topic is only about software. All the hardware is already in place and won't be touched. Thank you.

Topgundcp · 2025-06-29T21:17:22-0400

I am assuming that your TV is a smart TV.
Option 1: You can use VLC using wired/wireless to stream your Video/audio content to TV.
Option 2: If you use Google Chrome/Edge. You can cast the content to TV. However, it's only available for certain site such as YouYube with the cast Icon available, else you'd have to buy a Google Chromcast.
Option 3: Get an Amazon Firestick, cost ~$30 then browse for Video/Audio from your PC to play. You will need to set up Network Sharing.
Option 4: This is what I am using: Amazon.com
which you set up as separate display wirelessly. The same way as you intend to setup with HDMI cable. (does not have to be smart TV)

Jose Hidalgo · 2025-06-29T21:26:08-0400

Thanks for your reply. Although I don't get it:

Why would I want to use a wireless HDMI adapter, when I already have a perfectly valid HDMI 2.1 cable running between my desktop PC and my TV? I thought I made that point clear from the start.
Why would I want to stream content to my TV, when my TV is already meant to be physically connected to my PC as a second screen?

Maybe I haven't been clear enough, so don't hesitate to ask. Please consider my TV as a second screen, where my Windows desktop can display perfectly. Also, like I said in my previous post, NO HARDWARE SOLUTIONS PLEASE. SOFTWARE ONLY! Thanks again.

Topgundcp · 2025-06-29T21:38:34-0400

Jose Hidalgo said:
Thanks for your reply. Although I don't get it:

Why would I want to use a wireless HDMI adapter, when I already have a perfectly valid HDMI 2.1 cable running between my desktop PC and my TV? I thought I made that point clear from the start.

Why would I want to stream content to my TV, when my TV is already meant to be physically connected to my PC as a second screen?

Maybe I haven't been clear enough, so don't hesitate to ask. Please consider my TV as a second screen, where my Windows desktop can display perfectly. Also, like I said in my previous post, NO HARDWARE SOLUTIONS PLEASE. SOFTWARE ONLY! Thanks again.

Well, I am giving you different options, but if you are happy with HDMI cable laying on the floor connected to your TV then you don;t need anything else.

suatcini54 · 2025-06-30T04:12:56-0400

Please read this iGPU multi-monitor enablement article for AMD boards: [Motherboard] How to enable iGPU Multi-Monitor to have dual-screen display | Official Support | ASUS Global

Hope this helps.

suatcini54 · 2025-06-30T04:16:25-0400

For Windows side, you have this: How to use multiple monitors in Windows - Microsoft Support

Jose Hidalgo · 2025-06-30T06:43:27-0400

Topgundcp said:
Well, I am giving you different options, but if you are happy with HDMI cable laying on the floor connected to your TV then you don;t need anything else.

Why would you assume I have a HDMI cable laying on the floor? I own my house and ALL my cables (video, audio, USB, Ethernet) are already conveniently hidden through cable trunking. This was taken a couple months ago:

I never requested for help with physical connections. Believe me, I'm more than good. This topic is only about software automation, hence its title. Thank you.

@suatcini54 Thanks, but I didn't ask for a guide on setting multiple monitors. I know how to do that. Again, this topic is about automating software tasks, e.g. automatically switching default audio output. Hopefully somebody finally understands that. Thank you.

Scramjet · 2025-06-30T07:08:08-0400

JMO, I would set it up temporary to work for now with the new SmartTV and when you get the funds buy a new monitor equal to the same resolution and same frame rate so there will be no issues and switching while streaming movies. I also use the Display Port connections.. I do find VLC Player to work best with streaming 4k though. Good luck

Jose Hidalgo · 2025-06-30T07:18:39-0400

But I don't want a new monitor. I don't want a 4K monitor. I don't need a 4K monitor. I have the funds, I just don't want it. 1440p is perfect for me.
Am I speaking a foreign language here? Why is nobody getting what I want to achieve in this topic?? Is this some sort of prank???

suatcini54 · 2025-06-30T08:54:48-0400

Quote {As soon as Screen 2 is detected by Win 11:

Screen 1 is disabled by Win 11 (like when using Projector mode - Second screen only) : no video signal, and its contents are displayed only on Screen 2} Unquote

When I read your above statement in your first post, I must have misinterpreted the situation. Therefore, I sent you the internet links in my post #8. I am sorry for causing you inconvenience.

There are marvelous code writers here in this reputable forum. I don't know what you're asking is doable. All I know is the CHOICE command: Press 1 to send stereo audio and video to monitor; Press 2 to send 11.2 channel Dolby Atmos sound and Dolby Vision to Display device in the other room; Press 3 to use both monitor and display device; Press 4 quit.

I hope you get what you are asking.

Good luck

Dual screen setup (Home Theater) - automation tips?

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