Full screen video blocking main monitor

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Level 1

19 points

Full screen video blocking main monitor

I've talked with AppleCare folks and it seems full screen on extended monitor in QT is a fact of life, but VLC didn't cause the same problem. I have a new mac and just finished connecting extended monitor and OOPS!! VLC now does the same!

As far as I know now, the iMac still works fine in VLC.

Does Apple have a reason for this?

Does anyone know how to keep the main dock, etc. active while a video plays full screen on the extended monitor?

Thanks.

Bill

Mac mini (Late 2012), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3)

Posted on Apr 26, 2013 10:21 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

--A--C--

Level 2

308 points

May 16, 2013 2:02 AM in response to bill299

Hi Bill,

I have the same setup as you:

Mac Mini late 2012 i7 2,6 16GB RAM

OSX 10.8.3

Dual monitors (samsung)

I am able to play a video with VLC on the second screen, while continuing doing anything I want on the main screen.

This is how to do it:

Open a videofile with VLC.

By default it opens on the monitor you used the last time before quitting VLC.

If the window opens on the main monitor, drag it to the extended monitor.

(Make sure it's not overlapping two monitors)

Now: Menu > Video > Fit to screen (⌘3)

Your main monitor should stay as it is (not turning black like in full screen mode).

You can switch apps now, do anything you like, the video should continue playing on the other screen.

Hope this was helpful, or am I misunderstanding the problem?

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Answer 2

bill299 Author

Level 1

19 points

May 15, 2013 9:54 PM in response to bill299

Follow up:

I took my MINI and monitors to the Apple store in Augusta for a OnetoOne session. They had no fix. A crutch was suggested: Use a 3rd party app Cinch which sorta goes full screen without killing the rest of the computer. That works, but not well. It keeps going away and is hard to get restarted.

I talked to a senior support tech on AppleCare and she sent my request to Engineering. They asked her to walk me through some tests on two macnines (iMac and Mac Mini) No fix. We'll see if they come back with any more suggestions.

It seems odd that I'm the only one to whom this is an issue.

:-) Bill

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Answer 3

bill299 Author

Level 1

19 points

Apr 26, 2013 11:03 AM in response to bill299

This is getting very disappointing!

Now, I notice that full screen blocks the 'other' screen no matter what app I take to full screen. In the iMac, only QT had that problem. Here, it is ALL apps.

Full screen just should not block the other monitor! That makes the computer a one thing at a time operation. Sounds like 1986 all over again.

That was not a problem in Win7. In fact there dragging a window to the upper middle of the screen (in either monitor) took it to full screen leaving the other one alone. Taking a window to the left or right side of the monitor took it to exactly half the monitor.

I'm committed now. Not going back to Windows! Just spoiled about some nice things I would love to still have.

:-(

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Answer 4

bill299 Author

Level 1

19 points

May 16, 2013 6:09 AM in response to --A--C--

Tahnks A C

Yes, you understand the problem accurately.

It is interesting we have the exact same Apple products, and use them the same way. I have Dell monitors.

Your recipe to go to 'fit to screen' is a good way to get almost there. I probably will accept that as normal. The new way to display things on screens with absolutely no boarder is so modern. The fit to screen still leaves control bars above and below.

The app 'Cinch' does the same by dragging, but is very flacky about staying active. I would like to have it always active, then it works similar to Win7.

After using PC for 27 years, I'm kinda set in my ways. I am also very ticked at Microsoft. My migration to Apple is rewarding, while requiring some compromises.

This kind of forum is a very welcome experience.

"THANK YOU" TO ALL!!

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