Can I keep this LCD monitor?

[Mr. Land]

I use a KVM switch to switch my single monitor (a ViewSonic P220f)
between 2 desktop and 1 laptop machine(s). I currently run all
systems at 1280x1024 resolution.

I received a 22" LG LCD monitor as a gift, but I can't seem to get the
resolution configured on either desktop to use it optimally (the
laptop I'm not particularly concerned about.)

These desktops have rather old cards in them: machine "A" has a Matrox
Millenium G450 dual-head card; machine "B" has an old ATI All-In-
Wonder 128 Pro.

The LCD monitor's documentation states that the optimal resolution to
use with this monitor is 1680x1050, but I can't get that choice to
appear on either machine. I seem to be able to get resolutions
"below" and "above" it, though, especially on the Matrox card.

I've used the CD included with the monitor to install the monitor
drivers on both machines. This does seem to change the available
resolutions, but the optimal one never appears.

I can run the LCP monitor at 1280x1024, but the picture is
horizontally stretched so that it uses the entire display surface, and
this results in an unacceptably squashed aspect ratio.

Do my video cards need to explicitly support 1680x1050? Do I need to
upgrade both video cards in order to use this monitor properly? If
that turns out to be pricey, I'll be returning the LCD panel for a
refund.


Thanks for any help.

 

[Frank McCoy]

I use a KVM switch to switch my single monitor (a ViewSonic P220f)
between 2 desktop and 1 laptop machine(s). I currently run all
systems at 1280x1024 resolution.

I received a 22" LG LCD monitor as a gift, but I can't seem to get the
resolution configured on either desktop to use it optimally (the
laptop I'm not particularly concerned about.)

These desktops have rather old cards in them: machine "A" has a Matrox
Millenium G450 dual-head card; machine "B" has an old ATI All-In-
Wonder 128 Pro.

The LCD monitor's documentation states that the optimal resolution to
use with this monitor is 1680x1050, but I can't get that choice to
appear on either machine. I seem to be able to get resolutions
"below" and "above" it, though, especially on the Matrox card.

I've used the CD included with the monitor to install the monitor
drivers on both machines. This does seem to change the available
resolutions, but the optimal one never appears.

I can run the LCP monitor at 1280x1024, but the picture is
horizontally stretched so that it uses the entire display surface, and
this results in an unacceptably squashed aspect ratio.

Do my video cards need to explicitly support 1680x1050? Do I need to
upgrade both video cards in order to use this monitor properly? If
that turns out to be pricey, I'll be returning the LCD panel for a
refund.

You need to get a driver from the video-card manufacturer supporting
that resolution. That's what I did with mine.

For Windows XP, Home-edition, and the ATI card, that would be:
.... Um ... They seem to have discontinued support and updates for the
AIW 128 PRO. ;-{

For Matrox ....
Damn. Same thing seems to be true.

Your cards don't seem to be supported any more.
1680x1050 resolution is relatively recent; just appearing after HDTV
became popular and wide-screen formats jumped over to computer displays.

Generally, I've found the best solution for my LCD display, before I got
the driver properly updated, was to pick 1600x1200 resolution and let
the display do the best it could with that.

It ain't *nearly* as good as native resolution though.
;-{

Well ... OK ... Sometimes it is.
But then the display is just part of the desktop.
If you don't mind scrolling around a bit ....

Usually though, without the proper driver, you get that stretched look
even then.

One thing:
The prices of new video-cards capable of handling that resolution is
*much* less than you might imagine; especially if you don't insist on
the latest-greatest-and-fastest.

The ATI "All-In-Wonder" 2006 edition is still available; and has
downloadable drivers to support that resolution. In fact, that's the
video-card I'm using with mine.

You just have to be certain to remove *all* old ATI software when
installing the new card. Their "ATI removal" program, while helpful,
just does *not* do a complete enough job!

(Ask me for complete instructions ... I've only fought my way through
this about a hundred or more times.) ;-}

Runs about $135.00 US.
http://www.dealtime.com/xPC-ATI-ALL-IN-WONDER-2006-EDITION-100714145

If you don't need the TV-Tuner or super-gaming speed, just about any
modern video card will do; and likely cost considerably less.

Probably less than $100.
Shop your local COMP-USA or even BEST BUY.

 

[Paul]

I use a KVM switch to switch my single monitor (a ViewSonic P220f)
between 2 desktop and 1 laptop machine(s). I currently run all
systems at 1280x1024 resolution.

I received a 22" LG LCD monitor as a gift, but I can't seem to get the
resolution configured on either desktop to use it optimally (the
laptop I'm not particularly concerned about.)

These desktops have rather old cards in them: machine "A" has a Matrox
Millenium G450 dual-head card; machine "B" has an old ATI All-In-
Wonder 128 Pro.

The LCD monitor's documentation states that the optimal resolution to
use with this monitor is 1680x1050, but I can't get that choice to
appear on either machine. I seem to be able to get resolutions
"below" and "above" it, though, especially on the Matrox card.

I've used the CD included with the monitor to install the monitor
drivers on both machines. This does seem to change the available
resolutions, but the optimal one never appears.

I can run the LCP monitor at 1280x1024, but the picture is
horizontally stretched so that it uses the entire display surface, and
this results in an unacceptably squashed aspect ratio.

Do my video cards need to explicitly support 1680x1050? Do I need to
upgrade both video cards in order to use this monitor properly? If
that turns out to be pricey, I'll be returning the LCD panel for a
refund.


Thanks for any help.

The description of the G450 here, draws a distinction between the two
output connectors. The "Primary" connector is rated up to 2048x1536.
The "Secondary" is only 1600x1200.

http://www.targetpc.com/hardware/video/matrox_g450/

I'd try and help you, by pointing you to the Matrox user forum, but the
idiots at Matrox have shut it down. I don't mind a company stopping new
postings from appearing, but erasing all the contributions on the forum
means a ton of useful info is lost to future Matrox users. Matrox still
appears to have Tech Support, so perhaps they can help you.

For ATI, if you get desperate, you can try Powerstrip from Entechtaiwan.com .
You can download a trial version, and use if for a while. Powerstrip is a
tool that supports custom resolutions, and works best with ATI and Nvidia
plug-in cards. Due to lack of standards and available info, laptop chipsets
or integrated desktop graphics are not supported. Entechtaiwan has a few
technical articles on their "forum", which can help in using the tool or
understanding its limits.

"Custom resolution primer"
http://www.entechtaiwan.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=24

(Index of FAQ pages)
http://www.entechtaiwan.net/forums/viewforum.php?f=7

If you have exhausted all the possibilities, there is probably a $50
video card available somewhere that you can use.

HTH,
Paul

 

[Yes Baby]

I use a KVM switch to switch my single monitor (a ViewSonic P220f)
between 2 desktop and 1 laptop machine(s). I currently run all
systems at 1280x1024 resolution.

I received a 22" LG LCD monitor as a gift, but I can't seem to get the
resolution configured on either desktop to use it optimally (the
laptop I'm not particularly concerned about.)

These desktops have rather old cards in them: machine "A" has a Matrox
Millenium G450 dual-head card; machine "B" has an old ATI All-In-
Wonder 128 Pro.

The LCD monitor's documentation states that the optimal resolution to
use with this monitor is 1680x1050, but I can't get that choice to
appear on either machine. I seem to be able to get resolutions
"below" and "above" it, though, especially on the Matrox card.

I've used the CD included with the monitor to install the monitor
drivers on both machines. This does seem to change the available
resolutions, but the optimal one never appears.

I can run the LCP monitor at 1280x1024, but the picture is
horizontally stretched so that it uses the entire display surface, and
this results in an unacceptably squashed aspect ratio.

Do my video cards need to explicitly support 1680x1050? Do I need to
upgrade both video cards in order to use this monitor properly? If
that turns out to be pricey, I'll be returning the LCD panel for a
refund.


Thanks for any help.

1680/1050 = 1.6 ratio

1280/1024 = 1.25

you need to select the available highest resolution which equals ratio
1.6...........otherwise the image will distort.

 

[DaveW]

Those computers sound a little long in the tooth to be upgrading their video
cards to the degree necessary to achieve 1680 x 1050 Resolution, as is
REQUIRED by the LCD.

 

[DJT]

1680/1050 = 1.6 ratio

1280/1024 = 1.25

you need to select the available highest resolution which equals ratio
1.6...........otherwise the image will distort.

I just went thru a similar problem. I bought a widescreen LCD which
wanted 1440*900.
Using the Analogue cable I had a similar problem to you.
Using the DVI cable I got the correct resolution.
The problem with using DVI cable is that my other computer has
Analogue only and my KVM only works on Analogue

I hope this helps

DJT