VGA/SCART on Linux

[buks]

Can anyone help pelase ?

I have a Windows XP machine connected to a Scart TV. The PC is running PowerStrip and output to the TV is 640x480 (all other resolutions have huge overscan). I have output the settings for the resolution to  a txt file as they contain the linux "modeline" parameters I need.

I boot into Linux (dual boot) using my CRT monitor and changed the xorg.config to include the new modeline paramters from above. The bit I'm not sure on is the HorizSync and VertRefresh values. If I use 15.7 and 27.3 (taken from powerstrip) and restart gdm the X server fails. If I use "HorizSync 31.5 - 37.9" and "VertRefresh 59.9 - 60.1" it works on my monitor but the screen is garbled on the TV.

What settings do I need to get it to display ? I'm assuming that these would be the same for all PAL SCART TV's ?

Many thanks,

Buks

[desmatic]

Can anyone help pelase ?

I have a Windows XP machine connected to a Scart TV. The PC is running PowerStrip and output to the TV is 640x480 (all other resolutions have huge overscan). I have output the settings for the resolution to  a txt file as they contain the linux "modeline" parameters I need.

I boot into Linux (dual boot) using my CRT monitor and changed the xorg.config to include the new modeline paramters from above. The bit I'm not sure on is the HorizSync and VertRefresh values. If I use 15.7 and 27.3 (taken from powerstrip) and restart gdm the X server fails. If I use "HorizSync 31.5 - 37.9" and "VertRefresh 59.9 - 60.1" it works on my monitor but the screen is garbled on the TV.

What settings do I need to get it to display ? I'm assuming that these would be the same for all PAL SCART TV's ?

Many thanks,

Buks

download and install lrmc from http://lrmc.sourceforge.net

./configure --prefix=/usr &&
make &&
make install

then run the command
lrmc 640 288 50 -pal --highplock

add the modeline to your monitor's settings then make it the default resolution for your x setup.  Then you need to disable edid by adding the following line to your driver section

Option      "IgnoreEDID" "1"

under the monitor section use something
   HorizSync   15.5-16
   VertRefresh   45-65

btw, nvidia cards work flawlessly at 15kHz using nvidia's official drivers.  Interlace modes are work perfectly on FX cards or newer.

[buks]

Woah ! Cheers mate. I'll hopefully have a play with this tonight. Many thanks for providing a comprehensive (possible) solution !

I've just checked you homepage too and it looks well impressive regarding the modeline info. Now why didn't that show up when I searched google for "linux modeline tv" ?

I'll post my findings after I've had a play.

cheers again mate !

[buks]

oops - forgot to mention - I'm using an ATi Radeon 9600 not an Nvidia but I assume this wouldn't be a problem ? I had heard that ATi's were better when it came to TV-OUT so thats why I use this card (I originally connected via TV-OUT before I went the VGA SCART way).

[buks]

desmatic,

Tried what you suggested and got a "better" looking screen but its still scrolls wildy etc etc.

Just to reiterate my setup - I am not using TV-OUT (s-video, composite, whatever) I am using a VGA to SCART cable.

I'm also at work at the moment so I can't copy in the modelines your program generated.

what I don't understand is why the modeline from PowerStrip didn't work as it works fine under windows....... unless its generated a completely wrong modeline of course.

[elvis]

what I don't understand is why the modeline from PowerStrip didn't work as it works fine under windows....... unless its generated a completely wrong modeline of course.

AdvanceMAME, PowerStrip and X all use different modeline formats.  You *NEED* to use the format generated by lrmc exactly.  You can't use one string from one system in another without knowing the input format required.

[buks]

elvis,

Thanks for the input but Powerstrip outputs a linux modeline when you copy and paste the settings. I will probably have to copy and paster them into this post along with the one generated from lrmc - can't do this at the moment as they won't let me bring my cab into work

I have to admit to knowing very little about refresh rates etc etc but, seeing that Powerstrip and windows works on my TV I know that theres a setting somewhere that will work under linux.

I'm very grateful for the help so far by the way !

Buks