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    Black Bars in lower res then 1080 on external monitor

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by macmus, Nov 2, 2011.

  1. macmus

    macmus Notebook Geek

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    Hello,

    I usualy use my m11x as a stationary computer, which means I am pluging it to the external 1080p monitor.
    Playing game not always is smooth in 1080p even is low details (witcher 2), that is why I have to lower the resolution.
    However I whenever I do so the image is not scratch throughout monitor, but it's smaller (cause of smaller resolution) with black bars on side.
    Is there a way to fix that ?
    I would like to play in lower res but having "full screen" instead of small box wilth black bars around :(

    my setting:
    23' external monitor LG W2353V
    M11x i5

    Thanks!
     
    macmus, Nov 2, 2011
    #1
  2. hiarieshi

    hiarieshi Notebook Evangelist

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    Set the res in game to 720p

    Set your tv to 720p

    problem solved
     
    hiarieshi, Nov 2, 2011
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  3. macmus

    macmus Notebook Geek

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    i cannot set my monitor to 720..
    how can i do that?
     
    macmus, Nov 2, 2011
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  4. macmus

    macmus Notebook Geek

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    I cannot find this option in monitor setting therefore i think it is something with grafic card setting.
     
    macmus, Nov 2, 2011
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  5. hiarieshi

    hiarieshi Notebook Evangelist

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    yeah to set it

    right click desktop>properties>display then adjust settings
     
    hiarieshi, Nov 2, 2011
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  6. Abor

    Abor Notebook Enthusiast

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    Make sure you have the most up to date intel graphics drivers available.

    Go into the Intel Graphics and Media Control Panel, usually accessible from the task bar via its icon. Go to Display -> General Settings

    Look at the right side, the last option for "scaling". Click custom, adjust the scaling levels, and apply. I think 100% scaling for both horizontal and vertical will eliminate the black bars but depending on your monitor, perhaps a different adjustment will work also.

    HDMI out is handled by the Intel graphics processor and will allow the Nvidia GPU to take over if needed from what I understand. There is no default mode that will HDMI out from the Nvidia GPU specifically though.
     
    Abor, Nov 2, 2011
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  7. Arak-Nafein

    Arak-Nafein Notebook Consultant

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    Adjust your display scaling. Check the settings on your monitor, also check the settings in your Nvidia control panel.
     
    Arak-Nafein, Nov 2, 2011
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  8. GNandGS

    GNandGS Notebook Deity

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    why take a 1080 lcd and run it at 1366? I agree with others - check scaling
     
    GNandGS, Nov 2, 2011
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  9. macmus

    macmus Notebook Geek

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    i have a scaling set to 100.

    Even if I set resultion in windows to 720p the black bards occurs.

    Is it a monitor issue ?
    I don't see any option in monitor setting to screach it.

    I am using HDMI.
     
    macmus, Nov 4, 2011
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  10. Abor

    Abor Notebook Enthusiast

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    Set to 1080 and adjust scaling?
     
    Abor, Nov 4, 2011
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  11. GNandGS

    GNandGS Notebook Deity

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    When I check nvidia ctl panel I have an entry under "Display" titled "Change Resolution" where it shows the monitors detected and I have a "(native)" entry next to my chosen resolution. Lets start there and see what you have. If all is ok and detected properly we can skip.

    Poking around in the nvidia control panel I see:
    "Display"
    "Adjust desktop size and position"
    Scaling and "Size" tabs

    Have a look through the above and see if that is helpful. My settings are "Aspect Ratio" scaling mode, scaling performed on the display, and options for sizing tab disabled or unconfigured.

    In no place do I see an entry for numerical value. There IS a drop down toggle for "Perform scaling on" where you can select GPU or display.
     
    GNandGS, Nov 4, 2011
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  12. macmus

    macmus Notebook Geek

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    the problem is that in Nvidia Control pannel I don't see any scaling option.
    In Intel Grafic pannel is scaling is set to 100/100.

    Where else I can set scaling ?
     
    macmus, Nov 5, 2011
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  13. M11x ftw

    M11x ftw Notebook Consultant

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    These are the only options I have. Not sure where display is.
    examplt.jpg
     
    M11x ftw, Nov 5, 2011
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  14. GNandGS

    GNandGS Notebook Deity

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    here is my control panel.
     

    Attached Files:

    GNandGS, Nov 5, 2011
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  15. GNandGS

    GNandGS Notebook Deity

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    Under "VIDEO" then "Adjust Video Color Settings" do you see your external monitor there or the native 11.6" display? If making changes to HDMI connected panel I would expect to see it here.

    The difficulty is that the R2+ series uses the intel to render if I recall so this may be giving you some issue. I'm using R1 but its the same driver essentially that everyone has access to.

    Maybe try projector mode to HDMI only
     
    GNandGS, Nov 5, 2011
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  16. M11x ftw

    M11x ftw Notebook Consultant

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    My version is 3.9.731.0 and yours is 3.9.730.0. Though I don't remember ever having all those options that you have.
     
    M11x ftw, Nov 5, 2011
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  17. M11x ftw

    M11x ftw Notebook Consultant

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    Mine shows my external 24inch monitor. Still not sure why I am missing like half the nvidia options though :(
     
    M11x ftw, Nov 5, 2011
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  18. GNandGS

    GNandGS Notebook Deity

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    Pretty sure I had these options with the older control panel also (197) but memories fade so let me confirm before wasting your time.
     
    GNandGS, Nov 6, 2011
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  19. GNandGS

    GNandGS Notebook Deity

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    Got a response/guess that might confirm this is an R1 vs R2/R3 config difference. If that is the case then you likely have to manage the scaling in the intel driver.
     
    GNandGS, Nov 6, 2011
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  20. macmus

    macmus Notebook Geek

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    so do u say that R2 does not have scaling option ?
     
    macmus, Nov 10, 2011
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  21. GNandGS

    GNandGS Notebook Deity

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    I'm saying you likely have to use the intel software to control it (or the screen)
     
    GNandGS, Nov 10, 2011
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  22. macmus

    macmus Notebook Geek

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    my intel is on 100/100 and monitor does not have screatch capability...
     
    macmus, Nov 11, 2011
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  23. GNandGS

    GNandGS Notebook Deity

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    Sorry, Not able to contribute more to your issue. If however other screens are ok you will know what your problem is.
     
    GNandGS, Nov 12, 2011
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  24. macmus

    macmus Notebook Geek

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    just would like to know if anyone is using m11x r2 on external monitor succesful with lower resultion then hd and with no bars.

    on d-sub scaling works ok (diffrent laptop) but on hdmi i get black bars.
     
    macmus, Nov 14, 2011
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  25. macmus

    macmus Notebook Geek

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    SOLVED:

    Updateing to latest Intel Drivers solved issue!
     
    macmus, Nov 15, 2011
    #25