Output to external monitor from laptop: UltraStudio Mini?

Hi,

I just wanted to check the currently recommended method of using an external monitor with a Windows laptop. Do I need an UltraStudio Mini Monitor?

Thanks.

Hello,

Mini monitor would be one possibility.
Just to make sure: You want to use the second monitor just as a viewing device, or as an extension for the GUI (dual Screen)?

Another possibility is the Intensity Shuttle. All depends a bit on the connectors you want to use.

Thanks for the response. Yes, I want to use it as an extension to the GUI. I use a Deck Link on my PC but I'm going to be without that for quite a while. I've had another look at the Ultrastudio Mini, and it seems that is thunderbolt only. I guess that means my only option would be the intensity shuttle.

Is the functionality provided by the shuttle the same as the UltraStudio Mini/Deck Link?

I'll double this.
What if I want to use external monitor as a grading monitor (I want to see on full screen how the final picture looks). What would be the smallest device to use (from notebook to monitor)?

OK, clarification:
Your laptop should have some kind of external videoport, be it HDMI or Displayport. Normally you should be able to connect any monitor to that, configure Windows to extend the display, and choose "dualscreen" in the DaVinci menus-> Workspace. It should recognize the second monitor.

In that configuration you can select "Cinema viewer" out of the menu or just press "CTRL-F" to get a fullscreen view on one monitor.

If you want to connect a dedicated grading monitor, then you need some of the mentioned hardware.
For the Ultrastudio mini Monitor you need a thunderbolt connector, the Intensity will work with either thunderbolt or USB3, you need to choose when buying, USB3 is a bit cheaper.

The limitation of the Intensity shuttle is the missing SDI ports.

I hope that sheds some light, feel free to look at the products page at the Blackmagic website.

I wouldn't trust any monitor for color if it's not connected via a proper I/O device (like the UltraStudio Mini).

Roger