the question is simple, but apparenlty all i can find is for the exact
opposite of what i need.
I have a pc with 4 graphics cards set up to be a 4-monitor system.
the cards are not bought yet, so we are not yet limited by their
output (VGA/DVI/TV).
now if i connect the system to 4 separate monitors that mounted in a
square (quad) position, everything is fine. but what i want to do
instead is keep the functionality of having a 4-monitor output system
but only one display (LCD) in front of me.
Basically i want to apply the video Quad processor concept they use in
security and monitoring systems to a PC. those systems allow you to
switch from one screen to another all have all 4 show up
simultaneously.
My question is:
a) what hardware do i need to do this (budget is about $500 but flexible)
b) can this be done with software only? is there any OS that has
something like this built in and i don't need 4 graphics cards in the
first place?

basically i want this system to monitor stock markets so resolution is
not very critical and all the computer needs to do is be online.

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Clarification of Question by yzman-ga on 31 Oct 2005 14:43 PST

windows powertoys' Virtual Desktop Manager is almost exactly what i
need: 4 desktops, and the option to "quad" all 4 on the same screen
and maximize the one you click on it.
but the problem with Microsoft's V.D.M. is that when you go to quad.
it only displays a screen capture of each screen that does not update
automatically and thus does not work for me.
any software out there that is below $100 that does the same thing but
updates screens in real time (or with some lag)
thanks

This might do it. 

http://www.enlightenment.org/Enlightenment/DR16/

Google search: X "show multiple desktops"

Microsoft PowerToys for Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

Virtual Desktop Manager is part of the Powertoys
Manage up to four desktops from the Windows taskbar with this PowerToy.

You can split your desktop into a 4 way grid which may be beneficial.

This is free and may be what you are looking for.

Jason

Seems to me that software would be the easiest way to do this. 

Most surveillance software has the ability to mix and match camera
inputs, and display a number of them on your screen at the same time.
I would have a closer look at the software available, and see if there
are any solutions that fit your price range- something like
http://www.video-insight2.com/ perhaps.

As far as a switch goes, it is fairly easy to find a switch for 4
video inputs -> 1 output (something like
http://www.thesourcecc.com/estore/Product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=AVSelectors&product=1508252
but with one more input), but I am not aware of any affordable way to
combine 4 VGA or DVI outputs, much less display all 4 on one monitor
simultaneously.

Your best bet is probably software: When you need all 4 displays,
extend your desktop to all four monitors; when you only need one,
disable the other 3, and display however many cameras you like through
your surveillance software.

I worked at a CCTV company as the lead tech for a couple of years. You
need a video multiplexor. Problem, they are standard NTSC signal,
which is crap resolution and video quality, I am not sure if the make
digital multiplexer,  I googled it, didnt pull up much. Good luck!

Any Linux system supports multiple "virtual monitors", each having
applications running on them, it is possible to stack them as 2x2 or
even 8x4 or anyhing you may need. You can switch virtual monitors by
clicking on an icon that represents the monitor or by keyboard
shortcuts, Microsoft also has powertoys that runs on any windows os
that supplies the same functionality.