Question1: 9800 Pro refresh hz in BIOS/DOS when TV-out is connected

[Tony DiMarzio]

I've discovered that when the TV-out is used (actually... when the s-video
cable is plugged into the vid card), the system BIOS, along with DOS,
Windows3.x, or anything for that matter that is not using a ATI specific
driver like win9x,XP,2k,Linux... will be using a 60hz refresh rate. This was
immediately obvious to me as 60hz looks even worse at low resolutions
(320x240 etc).

The default resolution should be right around 70hz I believe, which is much
easier on the eyes. Now, if I disconnect the s-video cable from the vid
card, then the problem goes away. 60hz turns to 70hz in pre-OS w/ driver
overwritten refresh rate states. However, it is very annoying to have to
plug in the cable whenever I want to use tv-out and disconnect when not
using. I have not had this problem with other tv-out enabled cards like gf2
and voodoo3.

Is there anyway to fix this or has anyone seen this? I imagine it would have
to be some sort of 9800 BIOS hack to over-ride the default refresh rate when
tv-out is connected.


________________________________
Windows XP (2600-Professional) w/ SP1
Tbird 1400@1470 [14x*105fsb] AYHJA
A7V133 1.05@1007 (Jumperless Mode)
Via 4-in-1-438a Final
Thermalright Ax-7, YS-Tech 80mm 3-pin 48.5 CFM, 3300 RPM, 37 dba(RPM and CFM
adjustable)
512mb (2 x (Performance Series Micro BGA- PC-166 (2/2/2) - 256))
ATI Radeon 9800 Pro (Catalyst 4.1) (C-378mhz / M-337.5mhz) OC to
(C-398.25mhz / M-351mhz) (411.75/357.75)
SbAudigy 5.1 (PCI-Slot 3)
3COM 3C905C-TX (PCI-Slot 2)

60gb IBM 60gxp primary/master
120gb Western Digital WD1200JB primary/slave
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48x/24x/48x plextor (PX-W4824A) secondary/slave

LianLi PC-6070 *Silent* Aluminum Mid-Tower Case | 2x80mm intake fans, 1x80mm
exhaust fan
PowerMax 470watt Aluminum Power Supply

 

[Ben Pope]

I've discovered that when the TV-out is used (actually... when the s-video
cable is plugged into the vid card), the system BIOS, along with DOS,
Windows3.x, or anything for that matter that is not using a ATI specific
driver like win9x,XP,2k,Linux... will be using a 60hz refresh rate. This
was immediately obvious to me as 60hz looks even worse at low resolutions
(320x240 etc).

Right. But if you're not using a specific driver, you can;t expect to use
specific features (such as dual head), right?

The default resolution should be right around 70hz I believe,

60Hz is the default refresh.

which is
much easier on the eyes. Now, if I disconnect the s-video cable from the
vid card, then the problem goes away. 60hz turns to 70hz in pre-OS w/
driver overwritten refresh rate states. However, it is very annoying to
have to plug in the cable whenever I want to use tv-out and disconnect
when not using. I have not had this problem with other tv-out enabled
cards like gf2 and voodoo3.

Is there anyway to fix this or has anyone seen this? I imagine it would
have to be some sort of 9800 BIOS hack to over-ride the default refresh
rate when tv-out is connected.

I'm not entirely sure what you wish to do. If you're not using a driver,
you can't really expect to use the dual head stuff. Having a video mode on
the monitor output and having a different video mode on the secondary
display (TV) requires use of a driver.

Are you in a coutry that use PAL, SECAM OR NTSC? PAL is 50Hz, NTSC is 60Hz.

Ben

 

[Tony DiMarzio]

I thought I had explained myself clearly.. but apparently not. First... I'm
in good ol' PA, so using NTSC. But NTSC has nothing to do with what I'm
talking about because I'm not using the TV. The problem is the monitor
refresh rate. The following is about as easy as I can put it:

1. plug s-video cable into 9800 pro (doesnt mean I'm using the tv-out
feature.. all it means is the cable is plugged in for when i want to use it
in windows.
2. reboot and enter system BIOS.
3. Check your monitor refresh rate. (It will be 60hz).
4. Enter DOS.
5. Check your monitor refresh rate. (It will be 60hz).

Now..... repeat steps 2-5, except this time unplug the s-video cable from
the 9800. You'll notice that 60hz has turned to 70hz. That is what I was
referring to as the default refresh rate in the previous post. You countered
with "60Hz is the default refresh". In many cases, yes, 60hz is the default
refresh. But not in the system BIOS, POST, or DOS/win3.x. The default
refresh there is around 70hz. Try it for yourself and you'll see.