I've been using dual 20" computer monitors for my tax work and still been having problems reading small text. With dual monitors and a two head video card I can have emails/PDF's etc on one monitor and my tax program on the other monitor so it's easy for me to enter data in the tax program from the other monitor.
As a test I grabbed my old Sony 32" 720P HDTV that I've been using for music stuff and hooked that up to my tax computer and it looks decent, much larger text but since it's like 10 years old a bit blurry but in concept yes, I would love to use a big monitor like that.
Prices are so cheap now on 4K TV's I can get a great 32" for like $200 or something. Is it possible using overlays or another tech trick to have one big monitor act like two? Another possibility is to use a true computer monitor like this one instead of a 4K HDTV:
A television with picture-in-picture, or pip, can display two pictures on one screen. The issue is one picture is primary and occupies about 3/4 the screen while the secondary picture is smaller and occupies the other 1/4 of the screen. Most televisions with pip lets you select which quadrant the secondary picture occupies. The secondary picture can also be turned on or off.
You can get software to split a 4K into 4 1920x1080 desktops. You can also use windows magnifier in full screen mode, then use ctr+alt and mouse wheel to zoom in/out
Your comment about Windows magnifier got me checking into what Windows has and I found something. Win 10 has a feature called Snap. Hit the Windows key + L or R arrow key and whatever window is front snaps to the L or R in half screen size. Pick another app or window, do the same thing for the other side. Works great but...Not exactly with my tax program. You can open multiple sub windows with it for data entry, I got one of those windows to snap but not others. That's major progress, I think I can make this work, I'll keep messing with it.
It didn't occur to me that Windows itself would have something like this, thanks for the suggestion.
You can also get snap to work merely by dragging a window toward either side. But the resulting shape is higher than wider, so I don’t know how well it might work here.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I think I'm figuring it out. The data entry screens are floating and resizable by dragging the edges. If I open one of those, put the mouse inside it and click once to "activate it" then use Snap it works great. I was trying to snap the home page of the program thinking that would handle all the sub windows. I'm still missing something about using the mouse for that instead of the Windows key but it doesn't matter. Problem solved and I'm going to order a new 4K 32". And of course, now I'm geeking out on all the different options they can have. When I buy any computer related gear it's with an eye towards dual use, business and music. Thanks for the replies.
Another trick is to select a window, hold the Windows key down and tap the left arrow, causing that window to take the left half of the display, then do the same to move a different window to the right half
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Thanks, I figured that out too. If I don't maximize the main tax program then all the child windows snap exactly like Rharv said. My old 32" Sony is 720P and not that good for text but still works ok as TV but I don't need that so I'll take it to Goodwill.
I researched the new 34" Ultrawide monitors and they have built in software that does all kinds of things, resizing PIP, split the monitor into 4 discrete windows, or simply split screen like I need. I ordered one from Amazon and it should be here in a few days, I'll write some comments on it here.
Like you I've been using a 60" 4K for my computer monitor in the living room and I stream some shows and movies too. A 4K makes a great monitor but I've tried using it for some of my tax work and while I can do it I find a dedicated computer monitor is a bit better for that.
Are Goodwills taking donations right now? I have a driveway full of stuff waiting for them to open back up. I can't see throwing good stuff in the trash just because I don't need it any more.
A followup. I got a new LG 34" Ultra widescreen and holy crap, is it awesome! Wow, I had no idea I would like it so much. I didn't get the one I posted the link for because I found out the stand isn't height adjustable but the higher model of LG is. This is it:
A bit more expensive but it's worth it. I sit at my desk at the usual 3 feet from the monitor and it's so wide if I have any one program full screen both edges are basically out of my field of vision but when I use two programs running half screen it's perfect! I measured both halves and they measure 20.5" diagonal and are a bit wider than tall.
It's a very high resolution monitor and the text and everything else is extremely sharp even being that close to it. It is great for watching movies too, I watched a couple YouTube shows on it and it looks great. I'm not a gamer but I can see the appeal for that too. Watching a movie on that thing is a bigger widescreen experience than me sitting in the living room in front of my 60" 4K HDTV. I estimated it's about equivalent to me using an 75" in the living room.
One of the review vids I watched on YT is done by a guy like most of us here. He uses it for business and music. After he demo'd it using some spreadsheets and his email client like I do, he then switched to Sonar and music programs. For that he used it's own software that allows for multiple floating windows that can be configured anyway you want. I haven't even tried the built in software yet.
I like it so much I may wind up buying a second one for the studio. Being shut in the house for weeks has actually saved me money because I normally go out to restaurants a lot but that's not happening and of course not much driving either so no gasoline buying so I may as well buy something like this and have some fun with it. Plus of course, it's a legit write off.
Speaking of a home studio I read that while live performance is dead right now music related buying is booming. Sweetwater said their sales are up over 50%. I guess there's always a silver lining somewhere.
EDIT
Hahaha... So easy to get tripped up by the most obvious things. I just downloaded and installed the latest software for this monitor. It's split screen controls are pretty cool and while I was playing with them it hit me. My business computer has special software on it allowing me to log into my office computer at my desk in LA. This monitor software is installed on my local machine which has nothing to do with my office machine when I'm logged in. DUH!! If I really want to I can call our IT company on Monday and see if they're willing to install the monitor software.
At least the Windows Snap function works great so no problem and I can have all the fun I want with this monitor when I'm NOT logged into the office.
This is interesting Bob. I've long thought about a 21:9 format monitor, but have heard some programs might reduce the height of the screen image or not display it at all. Have also heard that some programs are not programmed for this format. What's been your experience with BIAB and RB?
Don't worry about that, all programs I've used display fine, no stretching or distortions. And, you just made me do a proper test of what some music programs look like. I don't have any of that installed on the machine I have the monitor hooked up to but I took the PG hard drive and did the basic install with it. Biab and RB look great side by side in a split screen, there's no reason Studio One or any other DAW wouldn't look good too next to Biab. I took some pics with my phone but there's always a delay before they show up in my Google Photos so I can copy them and add them to a post here. I'll do that when they're ready.
Tangential, but this discussion of splitting the screen made me try using a second monitor. I'm liking it. My favorite example is my music notation program, zoomed in, on the higher resolution monitor, then the mixer on the other lower-resolution monitor. Cool. So I can see the appeal of trying to emulate that on one very high resolution monitor.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Here's the pics. I can only show Biab and RB because this is not my music computer all I did was plug in the PG hard drive and do the basic install. The first one is showing the monitors software app that gives you all the different screen configurations you can use. The second one is Biab and RB side by side and the third one is a shot of my continually messy desk that gives you an idea of how big this thing is.
Btw, I have another pic I didn't bother posting of RB full screen. Nothing changes as far as the text or any type of skewing, all it does is snap to the left and the tracks continue to the right so you just get a longer track view.
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
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-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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