Mailing List Archive: MythTV: Users

Will these machines give me xorg headaches?

Index | Next | Previous | View Threaded

myth at surr

Jul 5, 2012, 3:59 PM

Post #1 of 10 (635 views)
Permalink

Will these machines give me xorg headaches?

Hello all,

I'm planning on replacing an old MythBox and 'always on' LAN server with
one of the selection here:

http://www.mediacenter-tv.co.uk/slim-line-media-centres.html

The thing I'm worried about is the graphics output and if I'll be able
to configure it.

I have an old BenQ W100 projector which has a native resolution of 480p.
Yes, I know that's rubbish, and I'll get HD when it dies, but it's
perfectly adequate for watching SD films until then.

When I first set up the last machine, I had a NIGHTMARE getting a
workable resolution though to the projector. I had a lot of help on this
newsgroup, and after about 2 months of trial and error I got the nVidia
drivers doing what I wanted them to do. They feed a 720p image to the
projector, which the projector can interpret.

These new machines mostly have integratd Intel graphics cards. Is that
going to give me a headache again??

I temporarily have a Windows XP machine plugged into the projector, and
that doesn't know what to make of it. I've not spent time trying to
solve it as it's only there for a short time, but I'm back to the 16:9
ratio being ignored and the only options available being 4:3.

If it helps to see how good/bad this problem is, here's a link to the
xorg.conf file that gets around the problems with my nVidia card and
lets things display properly:

http://pastebin.com/Eb70dVYV

I'd really appreciate your best guess as to whether those xorg.conf
changes may work with any graphics card, or if they are nVidia dependent.

And while we are on the subject, how does Intel graphics on the
motherboard compare to nVidia's for MythTV use?

Looking forward to your thoughts,
Damian
_______________________________________________
mythtv-users mailing list
mythtv-users [at] mythtv
http://www.mythtv.org/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users

newmank1 at asme

Jul 5, 2012, 11:25 PM

Post #2 of 10 (609 views)
Permalink

Re: Will these machines give me xorg headaches? [In reply to]

On Thu, Jul 5, 2012 at 3:59 PM, Damian <myth [at] surr> wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> I'm planning on replacing an old MythBox and 'always on' LAN server with one
> of the selection here:
>
> http://www.mediacenter-tv.co.uk/slim-line-media-centres.html
>
> The thing I'm worried about is the graphics output and if I'll be able to
> configure it.
>
> I have an old BenQ W100 projector which has a native resolution of 480p.
> Yes, I know that's rubbish, and I'll get HD when it dies, but it's perfectly
> adequate for watching SD films until then.
>
> When I first set up the last machine, I had a NIGHTMARE getting a workable
> resolution though to the projector. I had a lot of help on this newsgroup,
> and after about 2 months of trial and error I got the nVidia drivers doing
> what I wanted them to do. They feed a 720p image to the projector, which the
> projector can interpret.
>
> These new machines mostly have integratd Intel graphics cards. Is that going
> to give me a headache again??
>
> I temporarily have a Windows XP machine plugged into the projector, and that
> doesn't know what to make of it. I've not spent time trying to solve it as
> it's only there for a short time, but I'm back to the 16:9 ratio being
> ignored and the only options available being 4:3.
>
> If it helps to see how good/bad this problem is, here's a link to the
> xorg.conf file that gets around the problems with my nVidia card and lets
> things display properly:
>
> http://pastebin.com/Eb70dVYV
>
> I'd really appreciate your best guess as to whether those xorg.conf changes
> may work with any graphics card, or if they are nVidia dependent.
>
> And while we are on the subject, how does Intel graphics on the motherboard
> compare to nVidia's for MythTV use?
>
> Looking forward to your thoughts,
> Damian

Well, I just replaced a failed nVidia system with an intel setup and
it was far from easy. All told the system was offline (for myth
purposes) for over a month. A big part of my problem was getting the
video modes to work correctly. I have an old SD CRT (480i only) and am
using an HDMI->S-video converter to get a signal to it. I had tried
earlier using a HDMI->component video but had a terrible time trying
to get an interlaced mode working. It sounds like your projector
understands progressive modes so maybe you'll have better luck. I
played around with the new (in 3.3 or 3.4) kernel ability to insert a
custom DSDT to specify the available modes (and thus override that
read from the video output device). I did get it to work, but it was
still better and simpler for me to downgrade my output type to
S-Video. As far as Myth's support of intel, I have VAAPI working fine
with low CPU usage. From what I've read on the list, several others
have tried and failed, but it wasn't all that difficult for me to get
it working; just a few key settings/libraries. The quality with isn't
fantastic but heck I'm still using a 480i display so obviously it
doesn't bother me much!

So, I guess my advice is: Good luck! Most likely it will not be plug and play.

Karl
_______________________________________________
mythtv-users mailing list
mythtv-users [at] mythtv
http://www.mythtv.org/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users

myth at surr

Jul 6, 2012, 6:24 AM

Post #3 of 10 (604 views)
Permalink

Re: Will these machines give me xorg headaches? [In reply to]

On 06/07/2012 07:25, Karl Newman wrote:
> On Thu, Jul 5, 2012 at 3:59 PM, Damian <myth [at] surr> wrote:
>> Hello all,
>>
>> I'm planning on replacing an old MythBox and 'always on' LAN server with one
>> of the selection here:
>>
>> http://www.mediacenter-tv.co.uk/slim-line-media-centres.html
>>
>> The thing I'm worried about is the graphics output and if I'll be able to
>> configure it.
>>
>> I have an old BenQ W100 projector which has a native resolution of 480p.
>> Yes, I know that's rubbish, and I'll get HD when it dies, but it's perfectly
>> adequate for watching SD films until then.
>>
>> When I first set up the last machine, I had a NIGHTMARE getting a workable
>> resolution though to the projector. I had a lot of help on this newsgroup,
>> and after about 2 months of trial and error I got the nVidia drivers doing
>> what I wanted them to do. They feed a 720p image to the projector, which the
>> projector can interpret.
>>
>> These new machines mostly have integratd Intel graphics cards. Is that going
>> to give me a headache again??
>>
>> I temporarily have a Windows XP machine plugged into the projector, and that
>> doesn't know what to make of it. I've not spent time trying to solve it as
>> it's only there for a short time, but I'm back to the 16:9 ratio being
>> ignored and the only options available being 4:3.
>>
>> If it helps to see how good/bad this problem is, here's a link to the
>> xorg.conf file that gets around the problems with my nVidia card and lets
>> things display properly:
>>
>> http://pastebin.com/Eb70dVYV
>>
>> I'd really appreciate your best guess as to whether those xorg.conf changes
>> may work with any graphics card, or if they are nVidia dependent.
>>
>> And while we are on the subject, how does Intel graphics on the motherboard
>> compare to nVidia's for MythTV use?
>>
>> Looking forward to your thoughts,
>> Damian
>
> Well, I just replaced a failed nVidia system with an intel setup and
> it was far from easy. All told the system was offline (for myth
> purposes) for over a month. A big part of my problem was getting the
> video modes to work correctly. I have an old SD CRT (480i only) and am
> using an HDMI->S-video converter to get a signal to it. I had tried
> earlier using a HDMI->component video but had a terrible time trying
> to get an interlaced mode working. It sounds like your projector
> understands progressive modes so maybe you'll have better luck. I
> played around with the new (in 3.3 or 3.4) kernel ability to insert a
> custom DSDT to specify the available modes (and thus override that
> read from the video output device). I did get it to work, but it was
> still better and simpler for me to downgrade my output type to
> S-Video. As far as Myth's support of intel, I have VAAPI working fine
> with low CPU usage. From what I've read on the list, several others
> have tried and failed, but it wasn't all that difficult for me to get
> it working; just a few key settings/libraries. The quality with isn't
> fantastic but heck I'm still using a 480i display so obviously it
> doesn't bother me much!
>
> So, I guess my advice is: Good luck! Most likely it will not be plug and play.
>
> Karl
>

Thanks for that Karl, I'm glad I asked!

If I play safe and go to one of the machines that has onboard nVidia
graphics (and cross my finger that the display works), then those
machines have:

- Intel Core 2 Atom processors (rather than the Intel i3 iCore on the
higher models) and
- 1 TB 2.5" 3GB/s HD (rather than 1 TB 3.5" 6GB/s HD).

Are those two items up to the task of an 'always on' home network server
and running the main MuthTV FE/BE?

Thanks
Damian
_______________________________________________
mythtv-users mailing list
mythtv-users [at] mythtv
http://www.mythtv.org/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users

nick.rout at gmail

Jul 6, 2012, 4:13 PM

Post #4 of 10 (600 views)
Permalink

Re: Will these machines give me xorg headaches? [In reply to]

On Sat, Jul 7, 2012 at 1:24 AM, Damian <myth [at] surr> wrote:
> On 06/07/2012 07:25, Karl Newman wrote:
>>
>> On Thu, Jul 5, 2012 at 3:59 PM, Damian <myth [at] surr> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hello all,
>>>
>>> I'm planning on replacing an old MythBox and 'always on' LAN server with
>>> one
>>> of the selection here:
>>>
>>> http://www.mediacenter-tv.co.uk/slim-line-media-centres.html
>>>
>>> The thing I'm worried about is the graphics output and if I'll be able to
>>> configure it.
>>>
>>> I have an old BenQ W100 projector which has a native resolution of 480p.
>>> Yes, I know that's rubbish, and I'll get HD when it dies, but it's
>>> perfectly
>>> adequate for watching SD films until then.
>>>
>>> When I first set up the last machine, I had a NIGHTMARE getting a
>>> workable
>>> resolution though to the projector. I had a lot of help on this
>>> newsgroup,
>>> and after about 2 months of trial and error I got the nVidia drivers
>>> doing
>>> what I wanted them to do. They feed a 720p image to the projector, which
>>> the
>>> projector can interpret.
>>>
>>> These new machines mostly have integratd Intel graphics cards. Is that
>>> going
>>> to give me a headache again??
>>>
>>> I temporarily have a Windows XP machine plugged into the projector, and
>>> that
>>> doesn't know what to make of it. I've not spent time trying to solve it
>>> as
>>> it's only there for a short time, but I'm back to the 16:9 ratio being
>>> ignored and the only options available being 4:3.
>>>
>>> If it helps to see how good/bad this problem is, here's a link to the
>>> xorg.conf file that gets around the problems with my nVidia card and lets
>>> things display properly:
>>>
>>> http://pastebin.com/Eb70dVYV
>>>
>>> I'd really appreciate your best guess as to whether those xorg.conf
>>> changes
>>> may work with any graphics card, or if they are nVidia dependent.
>>>
>>> And while we are on the subject, how does Intel graphics on the
>>> motherboard
>>> compare to nVidia's for MythTV use?
>>>
>>> Looking forward to your thoughts,
>>> Damian
>>
>>
>> Well, I just replaced a failed nVidia system with an intel setup and
>> it was far from easy. All told the system was offline (for myth
>> purposes) for over a month. A big part of my problem was getting the
>> video modes to work correctly. I have an old SD CRT (480i only) and am
>> using an HDMI->S-video converter to get a signal to it. I had tried
>> earlier using a HDMI->component video but had a terrible time trying
>> to get an interlaced mode working. It sounds like your projector
>> understands progressive modes so maybe you'll have better luck. I
>> played around with the new (in 3.3 or 3.4) kernel ability to insert a
>> custom DSDT to specify the available modes (and thus override that
>> read from the video output device). I did get it to work, but it was
>> still better and simpler for me to downgrade my output type to
>> S-Video. As far as Myth's support of intel, I have VAAPI working fine
>> with low CPU usage. From what I've read on the list, several others
>> have tried and failed, but it wasn't all that difficult for me to get
>> it working; just a few key settings/libraries. The quality with isn't
>> fantastic but heck I'm still using a 480i display so obviously it
>> doesn't bother me much!
>>
>> So, I guess my advice is: Good luck! Most likely it will not be plug and
>> play.
>>
>> Karl
>>
>
> Thanks for that Karl, I'm glad I asked!
>
> If I play safe and go to one of the machines that has onboard nVidia
> graphics (and cross my finger that the display works), then those machines
> have:
>
> - Intel Core 2 Atom processors (rather than the Intel i3 iCore on the higher
> models) and
> - 1 TB 2.5" 3GB/s HD (rather than 1 TB 3.5" 6GB/s HD).
>
> Are those two items up to the task of an 'always on' home network server and
> running the main MuthTV FE/BE?
>
> Thanks
> Damian
>

Depends on your need for transcoding, commercial detection, HLS etc
_______________________________________________
mythtv-users mailing list
mythtv-users [at] mythtv
http://www.mythtv.org/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users

myth at surr

Jul 7, 2012, 8:24 AM

Post #5 of 10 (590 views)
Permalink

Re: Will these machines give me xorg headaches? [In reply to]

On 07/07/2012 00:13, Nick Rout wrote:
> On Sat, Jul 7, 2012 at 1:24 AM, Damian <myth [at] surr> wrote:
>> On 06/07/2012 07:25, Karl Newman wrote:
>>>
>>> On Thu, Jul 5, 2012 at 3:59 PM, Damian <myth [at] surr> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Hello all,
>>>>
>>>> I'm planning on replacing an old MythBox and 'always on' LAN server with
>>>> one
>>>> of the selection here:
>>>>
>>>> http://www.mediacenter-tv.co.uk/slim-line-media-centres.html
>>>>
>>>> The thing I'm worried about is the graphics output and if I'll be able to
>>>> configure it.
>>>>
>>>> I have an old BenQ W100 projector which has a native resolution of 480p.
>>>> Yes, I know that's rubbish, and I'll get HD when it dies, but it's
>>>> perfectly
>>>> adequate for watching SD films until then.
>>>>
>>>> When I first set up the last machine, I had a NIGHTMARE getting a
>>>> workable
>>>> resolution though to the projector. I had a lot of help on this
>>>> newsgroup,
>>>> and after about 2 months of trial and error I got the nVidia drivers
>>>> doing
>>>> what I wanted them to do. They feed a 720p image to the projector, which
>>>> the
>>>> projector can interpret.
>>>>
>>>> These new machines mostly have integratd Intel graphics cards. Is that
>>>> going
>>>> to give me a headache again??
>>>>
>>>> I temporarily have a Windows XP machine plugged into the projector, and
>>>> that
>>>> doesn't know what to make of it. I've not spent time trying to solve it
>>>> as
>>>> it's only there for a short time, but I'm back to the 16:9 ratio being
>>>> ignored and the only options available being 4:3.
>>>>
>>>> If it helps to see how good/bad this problem is, here's a link to the
>>>> xorg.conf file that gets around the problems with my nVidia card and lets
>>>> things display properly:
>>>>
>>>> http://pastebin.com/Eb70dVYV
>>>>
>>>> I'd really appreciate your best guess as to whether those xorg.conf
>>>> changes
>>>> may work with any graphics card, or if they are nVidia dependent.
>>>>
>>>> And while we are on the subject, how does Intel graphics on the
>>>> motherboard
>>>> compare to nVidia's for MythTV use?
>>>>
>>>> Looking forward to your thoughts,
>>>> Damian
>>>
>>>
>>> Well, I just replaced a failed nVidia system with an intel setup and
>>> it was far from easy. All told the system was offline (for myth
>>> purposes) for over a month. A big part of my problem was getting the
>>> video modes to work correctly. I have an old SD CRT (480i only) and am
>>> using an HDMI->S-video converter to get a signal to it. I had tried
>>> earlier using a HDMI->component video but had a terrible time trying
>>> to get an interlaced mode working. It sounds like your projector
>>> understands progressive modes so maybe you'll have better luck. I
>>> played around with the new (in 3.3 or 3.4) kernel ability to insert a
>>> custom DSDT to specify the available modes (and thus override that
>>> read from the video output device). I did get it to work, but it was
>>> still better and simpler for me to downgrade my output type to
>>> S-Video. As far as Myth's support of intel, I have VAAPI working fine
>>> with low CPU usage. From what I've read on the list, several others
>>> have tried and failed, but it wasn't all that difficult for me to get
>>> it working; just a few key settings/libraries. The quality with isn't
>>> fantastic but heck I'm still using a 480i display so obviously it
>>> doesn't bother me much!
>>>
>>> So, I guess my advice is: Good luck! Most likely it will not be plug and
>>> play.
>>>
>>> Karl
>>>
>>
>> Thanks for that Karl, I'm glad I asked!
>>
>> If I play safe and go to one of the machines that has onboard nVidia
>> graphics (and cross my finger that the display works), then those machines
>> have:
>>
>> - Intel Core 2 Atom processors (rather than the Intel i3 iCore on the higher
>> models) and
>> - 1 TB 2.5" 3GB/s HD (rather than 1 TB 3.5" 6GB/s HD).
>>
>> Are those two items up to the task of an 'always on' home network server and
>> running the main MuthTV FE/BE?
>>
>> Thanks
>> Damian
>>
>
> Depends on your need for transcoding, commercial detection, HLS etc
>

Thanks for that Nick,

I'm feeling like I'd really to buy one of the higher powered machines,
but they all have onboard intel graphics rather than nVidia.

Can anyone tell from the lines of my xorg.conf file (posted earlier) if
the changes that work or specific to nVidia drivers or if they simply
configure the output in a way that any display driver would find fine?

Here's the link to my current xorg.conf file, which works fine on my
BenQ W100 projector:

http://pastebin.com/Eb70dVYV

I REALLY don't want to spend �600 on a machine that wont even give me a
16:9 display (or worse, and signal that the projector can interpret at all!)

Thanks
Damian
_______________________________________________
mythtv-users mailing list
mythtv-users [at] mythtv
http://www.mythtv.org/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users

marklgoldberg at gmail

Jul 7, 2012, 12:33 PM

Post #6 of 10 (592 views)
Permalink

Re: Will these machines give me xorg headaches? [In reply to]

newbury at mandamus

Jul 7, 2012, 8:08 PM

Post #7 of 10 (585 views)
Permalink

Re: Will these machines give me xorg headaches? [In reply to]

On 07/06/2012 02:25 AM, Karl Newman wrote:
> On Thu, Jul 5, 2012 at 3:59 PM, Damian <myth [at] surr> wrote:
>> Hello all,
>>
>> I'm planning on replacing an old MythBox and 'always on' LAN server with one
>> of the selection here:
>>
>> http://www.mediacenter-tv.co.uk/slim-line-media-centres.html
>>
>> The thing I'm worried about is the graphics output and if I'll be able to
>> configure it.
>>
>> I have an old BenQ W100 projector which has a native resolution of 480p.
>> Yes, I know that's rubbish, and I'll get HD when it dies, but it's perfectly
>> adequate for watching SD films until then.
>>
>> When I first set up the last machine, I had a NIGHTMARE getting a workable
>> resolution though to the projector. I had a lot of help on this newsgroup,
>> and after about 2 months of trial and error I got the nVidia drivers doing
>> what I wanted them to do. They feed a 720p image to the projector, which the
>> projector can interpret.
>>
>> These new machines mostly have integratd Intel graphics cards. Is that going
>> to give me a headache again??
>>
>> I temporarily have a Windows XP machine plugged into the projector, and that
>> doesn't know what to make of it. I've not spent time trying to solve it as
>> it's only there for a short time, but I'm back to the 16:9 ratio being
>> ignored and the only options available being 4:3.
>>
>> If it helps to see how good/bad this problem is, here's a link to the
>> xorg.conf file that gets around the problems with my nVidia card and lets
>> things display properly:
>>
>> http://pastebin.com/Eb70dVYV
>>
>> I'd really appreciate your best guess as to whether those xorg.conf changes
>> may work with any graphics card, or if they are nVidia dependent.
>>
>> And while we are on the subject, how does Intel graphics on the motherboard
>> compare to nVidia's for MythTV use?
>>
>> Looking forward to your thoughts,
>> Damian
>
> Well, I just replaced a failed nVidia system with an intel setup and
> it was far from easy. All told the system was offline (for myth
> purposes) for over a month. A big part of my problem was getting the
> video modes to work correctly. I have an old SD CRT (480i only) and am
> using an HDMI->S-video converter to get a signal to it. I had tried
> earlier using a HDMI->component video but had a terrible time trying
> to get an interlaced mode working. It sounds like your projector
> understands progressive modes so maybe you'll have better luck. I
> played around with the new (in 3.3 or 3.4) kernel ability to insert a
> custom DSDT to specify the available modes (and thus override that
> read from the video output device). I did get it to work, but it was
> still better and simpler for me to downgrade my output type to
> S-Video. As far as Myth's support of intel, I have VAAPI working fine
> with low CPU usage. From what I've read on the list, several others
> have tried and failed, but it wasn't all that difficult for me to get
> it working; just a few key settings/libraries. The quality with isn't
> fantastic but heck I'm still using a 480i display so obviously it
> doesn't bother me much!
>
> So, I guess my advice is: Good luck! Most likely it will not be plug and play.

A word of warning: do NOT attempt to shift back to an intel setup after
using an nvidia setup with nvidia driver without precautions. The nvidia
installer replaces a few libraries with its own. Although the installer
has an 'uninstall' switch, the replaced libraries are NOT saved. The
install is in fact, one way.

If you extract the setup from the installer (NVIDIA....run -x) you can
inspect the resulting files and see what will be removed. You can then
save those somewhere. Considering how easy it would be to script I have
NO idea why nvidia fails to do it. They are working on earning that
middle finger.

The other route is to just do a complete re-install. You may or may not
approach this with deep feelings of dread and angst. If you have and use
helper scripts, this may not be a problem,

As usual YMMV,

Geoff

_______________________________________________
mythtv-users mailing list
mythtv-users [at] mythtv
http://www.mythtv.org/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users

huffcslists at gmail

Jul 7, 2012, 8:27 PM

Post #8 of 10 (576 views)
Permalink

Re: Will these machines give me xorg headaches? [In reply to]

On the road, so I can't look up the other thread myself, but this is a
prime example that ought to be passed back to the NVIDIA developer that was
asking for ideas/things that they could do to improve their driver package.

myth at surr

Jul 9, 2012, 10:42 AM

Post #9 of 10 (550 views)
Permalink

Re: Will these machines give me xorg headaches? [In reply to]

> On Thu, Jul 5, 2012 at 3:59 PM, Damian <myth [at] surr> wrote:
> > Hello all,
> >
> > I'm planning on replacing an old MythBox and 'always on' LAN server
> with one
> > of the selection here:
> >
> > http://www.mediacenter-tv.co.uk/slim-line-media-centres.html
> >
> > The thing I'm worried about is the graphics output and if I'll be
> able to
> > configure it.
>
> Why not get one of the media centers with Intel graphics and add a
> silent Nvidia card?
> In 50 Hz land (marginally in 60 Hz land) a GT440 like this should work:
>
> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121469
>
> I've had good luck switching Nvidia cards and retaining the old setup,
> possibly with
> changing the connected monitors and making it use a custom EDID if the
> card will
> not grab the EDID. You can save the EDID on the old setup and use it
> if you have to.
>
> I have had several systems with on board graphics and just disable
> that and use a Nvidia card and save a lot of headaches. I've swapped
> Nvidia cards
> and used the same drivers and was up and running in a few minutes.
>
> Good Luck,
>
> Mark
Good idea,

When I choose the machine, I'll make sure that there's room to add a
nvidia card if things don't go to plan. Then I can just buy one if I
have problems with the onboard intel graphics.

Damian

myth at surr

Jul 9, 2012, 10:45 AM

Post #10 of 10 (550 views)
Permalink

Re: Will these machines give me xorg headaches? [In reply to]

> On 07/06/2012 02:25 AM, Karl Newman wrote:
>> On Thu, Jul 5, 2012 at 3:59 PM, Damian <myth [at] surr> wrote:
>>> Hello all,
>>>
>>> I'm planning on replacing an old MythBox and 'always on' LAN server
>>> with one
>>> of the selection here:
>>>
>>> http://www.mediacenter-tv.co.uk/slim-line-media-centres.html
>>>
>>> The thing I'm worried about is the graphics output and if I'll be
>>> able to
>>> configure it.
>>>
>>> I have an old BenQ W100 projector which has a native resolution of
>>> 480p.
>>> Yes, I know that's rubbish, and I'll get HD when it dies, but it's
>>> perfectly
>>> adequate for watching SD films until then.
>>>
>>> When I first set up the last machine, I had a NIGHTMARE getting a
>>> workable
>>> resolution though to the projector. I had a lot of help on this
>>> newsgroup,
>>> and after about 2 months of trial and error I got the nVidia drivers
>>> doing
>>> what I wanted them to do. They feed a 720p image to the projector,
>>> which the
>>> projector can interpret.
>>>
>>> These new machines mostly have integratd Intel graphics cards. Is
>>> that going
>>> to give me a headache again??
>>>
>>> I temporarily have a Windows XP machine plugged into the projector,
>>> and that
>>> doesn't know what to make of it. I've not spent time trying to solve
>>> it as
>>> it's only there for a short time, but I'm back to the 16:9 ratio being
>>> ignored and the only options available being 4:3.
>>>
>>> If it helps to see how good/bad this problem is, here's a link to the
>>> xorg.conf file that gets around the problems with my nVidia card and
>>> lets
>>> things display properly:
>>>
>>> http://pastebin.com/Eb70dVYV
>>>
>>> I'd really appreciate your best guess as to whether those xorg.conf
>>> changes
>>> may work with any graphics card, or if they are nVidia dependent.
>>>
>>> And while we are on the subject, how does Intel graphics on the
>>> motherboard
>>> compare to nVidia's for MythTV use?
>>>
>>> Looking forward to your thoughts,
>>> Damian
>>
>> Well, I just replaced a failed nVidia system with an intel setup and
>> it was far from easy. All told the system was offline (for myth
>> purposes) for over a month. A big part of my problem was getting the
>> video modes to work correctly. I have an old SD CRT (480i only) and am
>> using an HDMI->S-video converter to get a signal to it. I had tried
>> earlier using a HDMI->component video but had a terrible time trying
>> to get an interlaced mode working. It sounds like your projector
>> understands progressive modes so maybe you'll have better luck. I
>> played around with the new (in 3.3 or 3.4) kernel ability to insert a
>> custom DSDT to specify the available modes (and thus override that
>> read from the video output device). I did get it to work, but it was
>> still better and simpler for me to downgrade my output type to
>> S-Video. As far as Myth's support of intel, I have VAAPI working fine
>> with low CPU usage. From what I've read on the list, several others
>> have tried and failed, but it wasn't all that difficult for me to get
>> it working; just a few key settings/libraries. The quality with isn't
>> fantastic but heck I'm still using a 480i display so obviously it
>> doesn't bother me much!
>>
>> So, I guess my advice is: Good luck! Most likely it will not be plug
>> and play.
>
> A word of warning: do NOT attempt to shift back to an intel setup
> after using an nvidia setup with nvidia driver without precautions.
> The nvidia installer replaces a few libraries with its own. Although
> the installer has an 'uninstall' switch, the replaced libraries are
> NOT saved. The install is in fact, one way.
>
> If you extract the setup from the installer (NVIDIA....run -x) you can
> inspect the resulting files and see what will be removed. You can then
> save those somewhere. Considering how easy it would be to script I
> have NO idea why nvidia fails to do it. They are working on earning
> that middle finger.
>
> The other route is to just do a complete re-install. You may or may
> not approach this with deep feelings of dread and angst. If you have
> and use helper scripts, this may not be a problem,
>
> As usual YMMV,
>
> Geoff

Thanks Geoff,

My plan is a completely clean install. Not importing anything into
MythTV. Starting again from scratch.

I've kept a copy of the xorg file just in case I have problems with my
awkward projector. There's always a chance that the display could 'just
work', but I'm certainly not expecting that based on my past experience.

Damian
_______________________________________________
mythtv-users mailing list
mythtv-users [at] mythtv
http://www.mythtv.org/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users

Index | Next | Previous | View Threaded

Interested in having your list archived? Contact Gossamer Threads