Show Black Screen - But how, precisely?

[Phred]

The Tv6 manual has a paragraph on switching the monitor of the remote computer to black, but the description given is particularly convoluted, to me.

It goes on to say: '..(Only available if the Disable remote input function has been activated first.)'  Huh?  I can make the remote screen black, but only it I disable access to it..?  "Disable remote input", it says.  Why would I want to activate the disabling of the very device I want access to?  That seems very odd, to me.

In the same paragraph there is 'To guarantee a reliable dark screen, '.  Does this mean that the screen is at first not black, but grey, or transparent?  Does it mean that for a really black black I must install the driver suggested?

Perhaps the manual is a little Deutchglish, but could someone clarify?  Thanks.

(I'm wanting to blank the remote screen when I access it so that all and sundry can't observe what's going on as they walk past.  And I don't want to be switching it off and on electrically all the time.)

[denvco]

I thought I was going nuts when I read the instruction "Only available if the Disable remote input function has been activated first"  Was this a quadruple entendre?  No.  Bad QA all the way around.  I've scoured the internet to find the answer to the riddle and no one has is working - that I can find. 

It's like geek-speak (guilty here)…if you can't dazzle 'em with brilliance, baffle them with Bull---.

Teamviewer:  1) please monitor your forums, 2) Provide clear instructions in your online manual, 3) Construct a sentence that means something, 4) enable the black screen feature or retract your claim that it works.

(And don't get me started on the free-for-personal-use while I tap you in the forehead every few seconds reminding to license something that is free, but I can't license it for personal use, yet I'm reminded to license it.  (grrrrr)

[ERS]

The Tv6 manual has a paragraph on switching the monitor of the remote computer to black, but the description given is particularly convoluted, to me.

It goes on to say: '..(Only available if the Disable remote input function has been activated first.)'  Huh?  I can make the remote screen black, but only it I disable access to it..?  "Disable remote input", it says.  Why would I want to activate the disabling of the very device I want access to?  That seems very odd, to me.

In the same paragraph there is 'To guarantee a reliable dark screen, '.  Does this mean that the screen is at first not black, but grey, or transparent?  Does it mean that for a really black black I must install the driver suggested?

Perhaps the manual is a little Deutchglish, but could someone clarify?  Thanks.

(I'm wanting to blank the remote screen when I access it so that all and sundry can't observe what's going on as they walk past.  And I don't want to be switching it off and on electrically all the time.)

What disabling remote input means is, the remote user will not be able to interfere with what you are doing, not disable what you are doing. So if the end user tries to move the mouse, it will not let them. Only you have control.

As for the black screen, It will not be black at all if the driver is not isntalled, the end user can see what is going on the entire time. Once the driver is installed and the Black screen option is enabled, they cannot see what is being done and cannot interfere until you are finished with the session.

[Phred]

Thanks for your reply, ERS - I missed it when it came in.  I've now opened up 'Additional Options' on this page.
Now with version 7 I'm willing to give this a try again.

[TERMINOLOGY CLARIFICATION: I'm using the expression 'host' to refer to the computer that is allowing access by another user.]
[I'm using the term 'remote' to refer to the helper/remote/distant user who is connecting to the computer hosting a session.]
[This context is in the first instance: I understand that roles can be reversed in-session; let's dismiss that for the time being.]

Okay, so the remote user has no control over the simultaneous host user's actions.  Fine.

The Black Screen - the host computer's screen goes black during a remote control session.
(Somehow I don't think 'Enable black screen if partner input is deactivated' describes the option properly.)
(Who is the 'partner'?  Deactivated actively in a setting?  Deactivated (inactive) by non-use of human controls at the host?  If the remote user stops his activity for a while?)

However - most importantly - where is the driver?
I don't seem to be able to find it anywhere on the site, now.
Since 'black screen' is still an option, I imagine the driver is still provided.
Anyone seem it..?

I'd better rephrase my last statement in my opening post:
(I'm wanting to blank the HOST screen when I access it remotely so that all and sundry can't observe what's going on as they walk past.  And I don't want to be switching it off and on electrically all the time.)

[pmolson]

Hi, Can someone please point me to where I can find the driver (mentioned in this post) so that the remote PC shows black screen? Thanks

[Phred]

It wasn't easy to find but it's integrated now - down in the Advanced Options (the window is scrollable) is an item you can tick for the black screen.
A dialog box pops up asking you if you want to install the driver. If you have admin rights you can do it then.

Following the installation routine you have to invoke a two-step process that isn't readily apparent in the phrasing used in the instructions: you have to tick 'Disable remote input', I think it is - that's the remote computer where you're NOT.  The host.  Then the 'Show black screen' option has to be ticked; it may happen automatically following 'Disable...', or you may have to do it yourself.

I had it working for a while but them Msft offered an 'Acer' update for my Dell screen.  Ever since then I haven't been able to get it to work.  More to check... so I don't know how good the driver is at the moment.  YMMV.

NB: The Disable and Show settings are NOT sticky by 'remote computer': you have to set them at each session.  Don't forget.  :-|

[matt]

NB: The Disable and Show settings are NOT sticky by 'remote computer': you have to set them at each session.  Don't forget.  :-|

In team Viewer, open the Computers and contacts 'side bare'
Select your 'partner', right click and select properties

Open advanced options

Bottom right  'Remote Input' drop down box >> select 'Disable Remote input and show black screen'

OK should save

[pmolson]

Guys, will I have to do this on the target pc or mine? Thx again!

[pmolson]

I've tried what you guys said on the target PC (please confirm that that's where I should set it up), and I've checked "enable black screen, if partner input is deactivated" under "Advanced Setting for connections to other computers", but nothing happened... I don't get a prompt to install anything!!! what Am I missing? If all fails, can someone please post this driver and/or email it to me? Also what if the target pc has an older version of TV will it still work? THX

[matt]

NB: The Disable and Show settings are NOT sticky by 'remote computer': you have to set them at each session.  Don't forget.  :-|

In team Viewer, open the Computers and contacts 'side bar'
Select your 'partner', right click and select properties

Open advanced options

Bottom right  'Remote Input' drop down box >> select 'Disable Remote input and show black screen'

OK should save

That would be in Team Viewer on the machine where you are physically at, the one that you are logging in FROM.

You can do this without being connected to the 'host'
If you do this then all 'host' connections should be as you define in the settings.

[pmolson]

It's NOT working for me!!! Please help....As I've said earlier, I don't get a prompt to install a driver!!! Does anybody have this driver??? THX

[izogfif]

It's NOT working for me!!! Please help....As I've said earlier, I don't get a prompt to install a driver!!! Does anybody have this driver??? THX

Please, post a screenshot of what you see on that prompt. Or, at least, re-type the text that asks you to install that driver.

[Phred]

NB: The Disable and Show settings are NOT sticky by 'remote computer': you have to set them at each session.  Don't forget.  :-|

In team Viewer, open the Computers and contacts 'side bare'
Select your 'partner', right click and select properties
Open advanced options
Bottom right  'Remote Input' drop down box >> select 'Disable Remote input and show black screen'
OK should save

I had just watched the Hannibal Lecter movie 'Red Dragon' before I read your reveleation about partner properties, Matt, and it was as much a surprise as the movie's final twist!!
What a find!!
No indication that it was a control; no suggestion that it was a settable object, a button.
You're not a Tv programmer, are you? Tres insightful.

Now for pmolson: it's not a matter of 'getting' the driver these days, it seems - it's integrated and installed upon need. My experience has been the prompt; if you're not getting one them perhaps the system thinks you already have it.  Are you doing this, pmolson, as an administrator? Normally we wouldn't be operating as an admin (would we...?), but for this driver admin rights are sure to help.

FWIW, in spite of all these discoveries and revelations, my machines WON'T DO black screen!  I mentioned before that it worked a couple of weeks ago, but after a Windows Update for Acer and now Dell monitors (I have a Dell U2711), it no longer works.  You may be suffering from the same problem: i.e. driver IS installed, but it isn't working.  Somehow, I'm suspicious of the driver's quality.  

Let's hope that Tv engineers come by these forums some time soon...

[matt]

The manual >> http://www.teamviewer.com/en/res/pdf/TeamViewer7_Manual_RemoteControl_EN.pdf

On page 12 of 76 as per the written page number on the bottom of the page (I just searched 'Blank screen' in the pdf document) says

Note: To guarantee a black screen, you can install a driver once. If you disable the display on the remote computer, the Show black screen dialog box will appear. To install the driver, click the Continue button.

Seems pretty straightforward to me.

Just tried it, and installed the driver on the remote computer (the host) from the one I was sitting at

[Phred]

Oh.  I'm trying to be friendly, matt.
What you quote IS pretty straightforward, but it's not what I'm referring to.
Perhaps you might like to have a re-read.