Video Resolution issues...

[swerdfigera]

Hello, this is my first post here. I've actually been somewhat lurking here for a long time now without actually registering. I generally find the answer eventually and never seem to have to ask a question directly that someone else hasn't already asked. But this issue is getting rather frustrating hours later, so here it is.

I've built a new computer to hook up to an HDTV in my living room (1080i)...running Fedora 12 XFCE spin (installed not live).

The video settings are defaulting to 720x480 'at' 60Hz. <...it won't let you enter at sign until 15 posts>

Checking Right-Click > Applications > Preferences > Display ... only shows that one setting for the resolution.

I've read about xorg.conf, but that doesn't seem to apply here. When I installed system-config-display there was an xorg.conf ... I have since had to reinstall XFCE again and on the second attempt noticed that doesn't exist (unless I actually install system-config-display). Also I tried downloading the Radeon drivers from <not allowed to show address - less than 15 posts>...which caused fedora to crash on start-up every time (which is why I'd been forced to reinstall).

On the first install I played around with xorg.conf and noticed that it never had a "Modes" section. I added it in with "1920x1080" by logging in as root and using mousepad, but it was still ignored completely (understandably for the reason above that I'd found later, since it only actually shows for system-config-display).

The TV is a 1080i panasonic CT-30WC14/CT-30WX54/CT-34WX54 (manual doesn't specify), but it is intended to act as an "HDTV Monitor". I don't know if that helps any.

My video card is an ATI Radeon HD 4350 Series. I'm using HDMI.

Anyone who can shed some light on this, I thank you in advance.

[meton_magis]

Have you installed the ATI drivers? I don't know much about ATI, but I could not get my compy working with my TV until I installed the nvidia driver, the open source nouveau driver did not work. Dont know why, it just didn't take nicely. this was also using HDMI.

[swerdfigera]

Yes, the ATI drivers were the ones I tried to install. Those were the drivers that, once installed, when I restarted it would never get past the "F"edora symbol and would freeze on start-up there. It is an HD Radeon, so I tried the ATI ones, but it isn't nvidia so I don't think the resolution (excuse the pun) will be the same.

It's weird, I have it at 720x480, and that's the only option. It's also very clear that it's not using the GPU at all, since I can't even get that Nexuiz or Enemy Territory - Return to Castle Wolfenstein to get past completely lagging right from the main screen, even with the lowest possible settings. I tested both to eliminate the fact that one may have unrelated issues to cause the slow-down. But no, both go so slow, it's like watching a movie at a few frames a second. When I move the mouse it won't even appear there until seconds later.

I have a Celeron D dual-core 2.4 GHz and the ATI Radeon HD 4350 card, so these games shouldn't be too much trouble for the machine...so definitely has to be something like that.

[devils casper]

Which Graphics Driver are you using? Have you installed ATI Proprietary Driver?
Execute this

su -c /sbin/lspci | grep -i vga
grep -i driver /etc/X11/xorg.conf

Post output here.

[meton_magis]

Sorry, I'd love to help you, but I'm know nothing about ATI.

sorry, best of luck to you.

[swerdfigera]

Thanks anyway, meton_magis . And here's the response I get:

$ su -c /sbin/lspci | grep -i vga
Password:
01:00.0 VGA compatible controller: ATI Technologies Inc RV710 [Radeon HD 4350]

$ grep -i driver /etc/X11/xorg.conf
grep: /etc/X11/xorg.conf: No such file or directory


... yeah, as I noticed before, I only noticed an xorg.conf file exists when I installed the system-config-display on my first try.

[devils casper]

Create new xorg.conf file :
Contents :

Section "Device"
	Identifier	"Configured Video Device"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
	Identifier	"Generic Monitor"
	Option		"DPMS"
	HorizSync	30-71
	VertRefresh	50-160
EndSection

Section "Screen"
	Identifier	"Default Screen"
	Device		"Configured Video Device"
	Monitor		"Generic Monitor"
	DefaultDepth	24
	SubSection "Display"
		Depth		24
		Modes		"1280x1024" "1024x768" 
	EndSubSection
EndSection

Section "ServerLayout"
	Identifier	"Default Layout"
	Screen		"Default Screen"
	InputDevice	"Generic Keyboard"
	InputDevice	"Generic Mouse"
EndSection

I have used Generic Refresh rates in Monitor Section and these rates work fine with most of Monitors. Check Monitor's Manual and replace HorizSync and VertRefresh rates with supported values, if possible.
Change Modes ( Resolutions ), if necessary.

[swerdfigera]

It's an HDTV. Shouldn't I use 1920x1080? And do I put it in /etc/X11/ ?

[devils casper]

Yes. Try adding 1920x1080 in Modes line.

		Modes		"1920x1080" "1280x1024"

[swerdfigera]

I did that with the 1920x1080 and 720x480 that it usually is, and placed the new xorg.conf file in /etc/X11, now I'm back to freezing on start-up at the Fedora symbol! What do I do?

Maybe it's just me, but it looks like a clearer frozen screen lol

EDIT: Thank god my netbook still can get on here.