M11xR2 Want optimus take over when HDMI

How can I make sure that the NVIDIA GPU takes over when I am using the HDMI out port? I would like to access the higher resolutions when plugging into a TV to watch videos. This was easy on the R1 but I have had trouble with the R2. I have updated the NVIDIA driver to no avail.

 

Your M11x R2 will behave the same in terms of the Intel / nVidia graphics switching, regardless of whether you are using an external display via HDMI or using the laptop's display. You do not need the nVidia GPU when outputting video to an HDMI display. The Intel HD Graphics are more than enough for even 1920x1080 (1080p) video playback.

However, if you still insist on forcing the nVidia GPU, you can do it by going to the nVidia Control Panel --> Manage 3d Settings --> Global Settings (tab). Set the Preferred Graphics Processor to "High Performance nVidia processor" and apply settings. Now, everything will use the nVidia 335M GPU by default. Note, that this profile will apply regardless of which display you use. So if you unplug your HDMI cable, your laptop will still operate in this manner until you go back into this control panel and change your settings back to "Auto-select".

 

Ok I have followed those instructions and you are correct I am getting resolutions up to 1920x1080. However, when I plug into my 37 in TV i am getting a black bar around the picture on screen about 1 inch wide. This did not happen on my R1 any reccomendation?

 

You want to fix black bars by adjusting scaling in the driver control panel for whichever card you're using to output to the TV.

 

Thanks, I was able to do that in the intel control panel, In the Nvidia panel there are not options for resolution scaling etc. Is this what everyone else is seeing as well? With the bugs and early nature of optimus it would be nice if the user could have the option to just turn the video card on when needed. I have tried the steps listed above but its seems that I should have to ability to control the resolution through the nvidia control panel.

 

On the R2 video output is always passed to the Intel IGP, even when the 335 is activated. The 335 is there only to do acceleration for gaming or whatever else you might want it for. For this reason image output controls for the IGP are all that are necessary.

 

so it is possible to force the use of the nvidia gpu? I thought it wasn't possible with the R2, thats why so many problems with the optimus/white listing? thx