Will integrated graphics solutions work for SongShow Plus on Desktop / Notebook / Laptop / All-in-One devices
Applicable SongShow Plus Versions:
This article applies to all versions of SongShow Plus
* Updates correcting this issue may be available. Ensure that you are using the most current build of SongShow Plus from the Download page before proceeding. *
**Special NOTE regarding All-in One devices** All-in-One devices are a hybrid - neither desktop nor laptop/notebook but features from both. This is great for doing general office or home tasks but makes them especially problematic for SongShow Plus regarding graphics and multi-display setup. All-in One devices are NOT recommended for SongShow Plus
NOTE: Integrated graphics can be found on several system types - desktop, server, notebook/laptop or All-in-One devices. The platforms of interest regarding SongShow Plus are the desktop, notebook/laptop or All-in-One devices. The following advice applies to these.
NOTE: It is NOT recommended to use any integrated graphics solutions with SongShow Plus.
The integrated graphics solutions found today are supposed to be fully DirectX compliant (DX9 is required for SongShow Plus) and are supposed to be much improved from the previous generations.
NOTE: Many Intel integrated and discrete graphics solutions and drivers have eliminated native DirectX9 support and may not function as expected. Refer to article DI15 for more details.
NOTE: AMD Ryzen integrated graphics solutions and drivers have eliminated native DirectX9 support and may not function as expected. Refer to article DI16 for more details.
In general, the integrated graphics solutions we have tested in the past lack the proper "horsepower" to effectively run SongShow Plus Professional. These usually perform equivalent to or slightly lower than entry level graphics cards which are not sufficient for SongShow Plus Professional either. In addition, integrated graphics solutions usually share system memory rather than having dedicated video memory thus taking memory away from the Operating System, which can cause other SongShow Plus performance issues. If you find this is the case and you decide to get a system with integrated graphics, you should get extra system memory to compensate for this.
If you plan on running SongShow Plus Basic, a system with integrated graphics may suit your needs as long as it does not fall in the not recommended category.
NOTE: It is NOT recommended to use any integrated graphics solutions with SongShow Plus.
Updating a desktop system with a video card that is sufficient for SongShow Plus Professional is usually a relatively simple task if the system has the required expansion slot available. Consult your system documentation or manufacturer for details on slot availability. Refer to the KB article DI009 regarding Recommended Professional Level Video Cards.
Notebooks/Laptops/All-in One devices are a bit different because they are highly integrated to begin with and are rarely upgradable. There are several devices available that have dedicated video solutions that some users are using for SongShow Plus. These will typically be a bit more expensive than devices with integrated graphics. You will want to look for a device that has a graphics solution in line with recommendations in the KB article DI009 regarding Recommended Professional Level Video Cards.
These devices can also employ elaborate mechanisms for power management and extending battery life. One method of this is to switch between discrete and integrated graphics solutions. This can cause unpredictable behavior is SSP and should be prevented. Refer to the KB article SI17 to force your device to use the add-in graphics rather than the integrated solution.
**Special NOTE regarding All-in One devices** All-in-One devices are a hybrid - neither desktop nor laptop/notebook but features from both. This is great for doing general office or home tasks but makes them especially problematic for SongShow Plus regarding graphics and multi-display setup. All-in One devices are NOT recommended for SongShow Plus
Posting questions to the Forums may get you more detailed information on what devices SongShow Plus users have actually used successfully.
If this article does not resolve the issue, contact the Support Team.
(FAQ28)