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 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & 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 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & 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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
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