This project will have you putting together a tiled display wall and logically joining all the screens together.

To do this project, you will need to have successfully completed:

• Linux/*BSD Desktop Install

You will need:

• at least 2 computers (with a basic Linux install, Debian tends to stay out of your way more than Ubuntu)
• each computer equipped with a dual-head video card
• four LCDs (two driven by each computer)
  • arranged the LCds into a 2×2 matrix

The concept of a Video Wall (better called “Tiled Display Wall”) is the perfect visual example of High-Performance Computing. Taking multiple independent units, each with a given ability, and allowing them to work together to create a new unit that is more capable than the sum of its parts can be an impressive feat.

But, unlike doing so on a cluster, a tiled display wall can demonstrate these concepts to those not as familiar with such concepts.

The process of performing this project will include roughly the following:

• get X up and running on both machines
  • get dual head operation up for both heads
• obtain Xdmx (you may have to grab this file from a Debian Etch system, even if you're running a more modern release)
• configure Xdmx (be mindful of screen offsets with respect to monitor panes)
• run it, along with other bits (Window Manager, if desired)
• demonstrate the connected nature of the monitors