Thanks. That is a rather old video but the concepts are solid.

@@rbarlow absolutely but the concepts were new to me. 👍

Can you tell I was an engineering student in college? A little geeky but thanks for appreciating it😁

@@rbarlow :-) You are in similar company. I was/am the same. Thanks again!

Sim 737 Pilot the problem with the ultra wide is that since it is a single wide angle view it will still have distortion as you approach the edges of the monitor. This was my issue with NVIDIA surround using three monitors as a single wide view. To see this effect see my video on multi view setup. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l518mbui1c-ReWw.html Go to about 5:20 to see that portion IMHO the FPS loss is worth it for the accurate view. I have to admit as a RL pilot I would rather reduce graphics settings to maintain a good FPS and keeping a geometrically accurate view. I understand that some simmers are more interested in seeking as close as possible to a photorealistic view and can accept the view edge distortion.

@@rbarlow I agree with you. Id rather have the geo accurate view and decrease settings as needed to keep the fps acceptable. Based on your video, I'm now leaning toward 3 monitor setup.

Bob Gilchrist ...yes, it can be adjusted in PlaneMaker. If you need specific help let me know via PM so we don’t tie up Russ’ channel.

I have a GTX1070 using HDMI cables attached to DisplayPort sockets using adapters.

Russ Barlow I only have a single GTX 780Ti and the display port output is hosed, forcing me to use HDMI. Time for a new video card anyway. The three curved TVs arrived, but one of the side 49" sets came damaged...so I will have to wait a little bit longer to start playing around. P. S. I got a matching Samsung curved 55" for the front display instead of three 49's.

As I said in the video, there is only one spot in space that gives the correct geometry for all three ( or more) monitors in a multi screen set up. The effects can be mitigated by making the screens as larger as possible so that the percentage of distance from the “sweet spot” is a smaller relative value. This is similar to like your two eyes, which are not both in the ideal position, but are close compared to the distance to the screen so the error is not obvious. To avoid this, collimated optics are used in the airline simulator visual display system so that the out the window (OTW) scene is seen by both pilots at a distant focus rather than at the focal distance of a projection screen. This is achieved through an optical system that allows the imagery to be seen by the pilots in a parabolic mirror that has a vertical curvature, the curvature enabling the image to be seen at a distant focus by both pilots, who then see essentially the same OTW scene without any distortions. Since the light arriving at the eye point of both pilots is from different angles to the field of view of the pilots due to different projection systems arranged in a semi-circle above the pilots, the entire display system cannot be considered a collimated display, but a display system that uses collimated light. Ref en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collimated_light

Thank you for the thorough and quick reply! I'll read more about these focal effects that you mention.

One thing I forgot to ask about -- an alternative to the collimated light display. Would it be better in the two-pilot home cockpit scenario if two views were mapped -- one for each pilot (from each seat's view perspective) -- and the views would be switched back and forth depending on who was pilot in command? For that scenario, is there any way to adjust the FOVs with the correct offsets and differences for each monitor (i.e. different FOVs for each) to get an immersive and realistic view for at least the PIC when s/he's flying? Sorry if my questions are a bit basic, but I sometimes have trouble imagining the geometries involved. Thanks again!

Alex's Flying Club I I’m afraid there’s just no perfect solution but trying to set up the different monitors for different eye positions would be worse. You could simulate the effects by setting up your eye in a position that subtends the same horizontal and vertical angle as your larger monitors would and then moving your eyes left and right in the scale amount to see how the view changes. The effect that n the forward view is not really that noticeable. Yes he side monitors are where each pilot

Russ Barlow thanks much for the reply Russ, I'll be sure to let you know how it goes, and do the math on the layout. I even wonder now if those TVs are constant radius or some compound curve.. Anyways I'm just about ready to pull the trigger on the 3 TVs, new yoke, and possibly a new computer just for the primary X-Plane installation.

TV monitors are ordered Russ; 2 matching Samsung 49" curved sets, and the companion curved model in the 55" size for the front view. An ASUS 21:9 ultra wide computer monitor will be for the gauge panel. Wish me luck!

Let me know how it works

Russ Barlow hi Russ, the third and last TV is arriving tomorrow! They look pretty good, but I've just been watching some X-Plane KZfaq videos on them so far. I'll try to get the radius on them for your reference. Can I email you offline?

finally got a build thread started Russ! forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/118220-overly-ambitious-tbm-850-cockpit-build-brunner-yoke-g1000-4-large-screen-tvs-dash-panel-multiple-pcs-etc/

Yes you need to use plane maker in xplane

Thomas Nilsen if you did this it would be equivalent to a single large screen to calculate the ideal eye point. Then you would have to calculate the actual FOV for the two side monitors based on the geometry of the setup. The bigger forward view would help by moving back the ideal position but the total field of view (FOV) will be less. There still will be only one ideal eye point though. The only solution for a multiplace cockpit is very large screens or a large projected curved screen. It really doesn't solve the problem but as the size gets larger(and ideal viewing distance) the error becomes less evident. Actually even our two eyes cannot both be in the ideal position but since the distance between our eyes is small compared to the monitors size it is not really noticeable. Good luck.

Thanks much! Unfortunately, there is no room for a curved projection screen. So I'll probably fit as large screens as I can (3x 42-48") and live with the compromise. In any case, I plan to fit a number of hardware instruments with physical buttons, as well as multiple instances of air-manager to create the cockpit (737NG). So it will still be quite immersive I think. For me, the most enjoyable part is the system programming and monitoring. Scenery comes second. :)

Use passive DP to HDMI adapters for the DP ports. A 1070 can run three monitors and a single touchscreen but not with more than mid level graphics settings. The new RTX3070 looks like a great value when they become more available. For the CPU clock speed is more important than number of cores ...

@@rbarlow What CPU clock speed do you recommend ? Thanks

same theories apply but I think curved is a problem. X-Plane at lease projects an image that is made for a flat screen. I will not be correct on a curved screen but may not be that noticable. Problem is that the curve has a radius. Unless you chose a field of view whose correct view distance coincident with the screens curve radius it will "possibly" look bad. Certainly not peefect.

Hi Russ, what do you think about the new 49" Samsung curved R1000... I am thinking on a 4 screens setup for a 2 men cockpit 1/1 of a A330

claude-serge Seron great question because my question was actually geared towards this exact monitor.

Bigger is better since you have more room to accommodate a cockpit. If you want to set the side monitors back 60 degrees on each side you get a 180 degree FOV which is great but yo would have to have your eye pretty close to the front monitor.you can use the formulas in the video to work the distances out. I have 3 - 49” monitors and wish I had used 55”. They are pretty affordable now.

@@rbarlow Thank you for such a quick reply! Okay I think I'll get 3 55" TV for flight sim! Have a good night!

Jack Y that setup has three 49” 4K monitors but only can run them at 1080p . It has an i7-4770K cpu and a GTX 1070. It has since been upgraded to a i7-8700 and GTX 1070ti. I am running a 4th monitor with Air Manager for a panel on the same computer. That way I can drag pop out windows fro X-Plane go place in my Air Manager Panel. You should be able to do this with your setup but remember some graphics settings like number of objects is CPU limited. I’d get 55” monitors if your room size can support it since the prices on TVs are cheap now and size DOES matter regardless of what your girlfriend says. The further the monitor is away(bigger monitor) the less you will need 4K.

Russ Barlow Thanks so much for replying. I’ve measured up my room and I think I’d be risking a divorce if I go over 32”, so that’ll have to do for now! It’ll still be a step up and I can find a pretty cheap (in the UK) IPS model which I think would work well - the ViewSonic VX3276-MHD-2. Hopefully when we move into a bigger place I can get three 55 inch TVs, and maybe even a second PC to push them pixels!

Thomas Briscoe You can set the Field of View to whatever you like in the graphics tab of the Settings. Another option might be to physically move the eye point backward. I think the default key is either period or comma.

james Higgins... my monitors are Vizio 49 inch 4K televisions. I think the 4K is overkill now considering the state of graphics cards. I would suggest the largest 1080p TVs you can afford and fit into your room. My only caution is that you be sure that the input lag on your TVs is not a problem. I use research from www.rtings.com/tv. who rates TVs for video gaming

Mr. Ros - Gamer BR 49” 4K but setting are 1920 x 1080 because graphics cards cannot handle 3 4K monitors

@@rbarlow Mr Russ. Are these 49" 4K monitors or TVs? Also, these don't look like ultrawide.

Ilija labovic it was X-Plane11 graphics settings

Russ Barlow could you send me a screenshot of where you entered? I was not able to find anywhere for bezel correction

Ilija labovic I am not near a computer but on graphics settings is an area for each monitor. You have to scroll down under each and click the + to expand the settings. Then set the visual offsets and field of view as discussed in the video.

Use the formula from 8:29 in the video and use 70 degress instead of 90. D= W / ( 2 * tan( 70/2)) so D= W/(2* tan(35)) tan(35) = 0.70 so D= W/1.4 or D= 0.714W so if your 55" monitor probably has a width of about 48" so the proper viewing distance from the screen is about 34.3" If the side monitors are raked back at 70 degrees each the distance to each monitor should be the same. I found 60 degrees worked better for me since I used 49" monitors. I think you can probably get by with 70 degrees FOV using 55" screens. That gives a 210 total FOV which will allow looking slightly (15 degrees) behind the wing line(lateral axis). I put my screens on rolling stands so I can change the angles as desired. Let me know how it works and send a few pictures.

Thanks Russ! I’m setting them up now and will let you know.

Russ, you're right, 70 works great. I do have many other questions and was wondering if you have a website or Discord channel where guys like me, and all your loyal followers could connect and share ideas, thoughts and configurations? I ask because I recently setup a DISCORD server focusing on BRUNNER HARDWARE and have met a number a great guys willing to share their experiences in a much more productive fashion than what forums provide. The same is needed for those of use with multi-PC multi-screen networked setups. KZfaq is great but not very efficient for helping one another in an efficient and personal environment. Have you given any thought to Discord? I would really like to talk to you about network setups, and anyone else desiring the same. Thanks.

Russ, I recall having a spreadsheet where I could enter my monitor size and the eye distance was calculated automatically. I can only assume you sent it to me but I can no longer find it. Would you mind providing a link to download it? Thanks

I noticed that too but only after looking at the. Video. I think that monitor is set differently. I will investigate.. Thanks.

Yes a Nvidia GTX1070 which has 4 output ports.

Obviously if the four TVs form a single view there will only be a single point that yields a perfect view. The math works for any number of screens. Just sit centered and perpendicular to all four screens. Say you want a 160 degree total FOV with 4 monitors. The lateral offsets of the monitors from left to right. -80, -40,40,80 all with a 40 degree FOV minus bezel correction. The monitor rake back angles would be the same as the lateral offsets but no bezel correction for those. Use the same formulas to calculate the ideal eye distance. BTW trying to place the pilots eye not centered in the monitors array… in this case in the inside edges of the middle two monitors will create the effect of flying or taxiing in a crab. Very annoying and noticeable especially on landing or taxi where the centerline is obvious.

Very straight forward. Just install Air Manager on the second computer and the Air Manager plugin on the first computer with the Sim. If they are on the same network they will connect. Check out the Sim Innovations Wiki for step by step details.

I know what you mean. I got a degree in Aeronautical Engineering just because I loved airplanes since I was a small boy

Pretty simple with XP. You obviously need two licenses for XP and three if you want a panel with a popped out window fro XP like the G1000. On the network tab in XP set panel PC set as the Master and the two scenery PCs as External Visuals. I would put the center three monitors on your strongest pc and your far left and right on a second PC. You could set the FOV to about 45 on ach monitor( minus the bezel adjustment ) and set the horizontal offsets on center three monitors to. -45,0, 45 and the left and right to -90,90. Be sure you eye is centered and perpendicular to all five monitors. May need 55” monitors to get your sim inside this arrangement depending on what you panel consists of.

@@rbarlow Thank you!

It can work but the geometry gets a but more complicated since the different Fields of view in the smaller monitors. you will need to take that into account to make things look right, Also since XP does not allow vertical adjustment of the eye position on each monitor but only the vertical angle you will need to be sure the side monitors are centered vertically on the center monitor so the horizon line will match up . Since 20" and 43" TV are about the same cost, I would just match the three monitors sizes. I also highly recommend they be identical make and model since the color/contrast/response times and the look can be hard to match with different TVs.

Russ Barlow Great, thank you.

Good point and I do use the VC some.

Did you ever figure it out? Was it practical?

@@harpoon_bakery162 yes. I had to delete the file ... inside.. x plane/output/ preferences/ a file named screen or window positions.. then go thru the setup of window positions again. No biggie.. but yes worth it. Hard on pc.. but view is great.

My TV screens are 49” diagonal 4K but operated at 1080p

I think XP11is slightly easier and much better than FSX out of the box. See this video as it might help in selecting which simulator kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eapjgMqenqe0oY0.html

That is an old video but it was three visuals on one computer and the panels running Air Manager on a second networked computer. Look at some of my more recent videos for newer details

Matthew Holevinski there is only one “sweet spot” where the physical view of the screens match what is displayed on the screens. I think physically moving your head would undo that match especially for the side screens. The only display system that provides accurate views from various cockpit locations is a collimated mirror setup ( read about here. www.christiedigital.com/emea/simulation/simulator-projector-systems/solutions-for-simulation-projection/3d-collimation. )

First, a curved screen still requires proper geometry and there is only one optimum eye position to see the geometrically correct view. As for curved screens and projectors there are several reasons these setups are problematic. 1- projectors also have resolution limits so the field of view is limited so multiple projectors are needed. Three projectors for good resolution 180-210 degree total field of view. 2- the projectors must be mounted overhead requiring a high ceiling and keystone correction. Depending on the geometry of the cockpit your setup may create shadows on the screen. 3- it is difficult to keep all three projectors aligned at various temperatures since tiny movements are exaggerated when projected 4- in all but the most expensive laser projectors the image will appear duller and less bright than a TV image 5- the overlap areas between projectors have to be blended to look consistent with the non overlapped areas. This is difficult to get perfect. 6- building a good and geometrically accurate curved screen is somewhat difficult 7- finally, all sims ( except XPLANE pro) support a planar projection designed for flat screens. It must be corrected by some third party, fairly expensive third party software like Fly Elise to get an accurate image to project on a cylindrical screen. Mapping the image can be time consuming and may require frequent recalibration. All in all LCD TV screens are way easier to set up and use despite accepting the bezels and other limitations. Cheaper too considering the price of TVs now. VR offers the alternative to both screens and projectors and the view is always geometrically perfect.