Linux 9.1 - compaq N410C video output

Good Morning,

Everyday, I learn something new about linux,and I try to use this forum as sounding board while I search the subject in parallel.

Problem: Compaq N410C, uploaded fresh with Ubuntu 9.10, trying to project the screen onto video out from the back of the box. Fn F4 when pressed creates momentary lines on the screen and no solid video. I know FnF10 with arrow up and down works fine, so I am guessing the keyboard is configured correctly.
Q: Not familiar with Linux enough to goof around with video setting, how do I check, my setting and would it be capable to do video out?
anyother recommendations most appreciated.


Thanks
jk

 

hi, thanks for feedback. I've been working all day searching the web to figure out this issue and there is a bit more clarity now but no final solution ...

1- Function keys are working. I can control the sound, brightness and now even the video card (yes, very limited- see below).

2- I found ubuntu forum "3d acceleration..." specially to created to address my card "ATI ..RADEON M6 LY..", see
url: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=246746
and I updated xorg.conf as instructed - done

now, on start up, I press FnF4, and data is transfered to tv screen via Video out, laptop monitor goes back. I see the logo, and text output on screen. However at as soon as Ubuntu GUI takes over Video out is shutdown, and laptop monitor is turned back on.


regards
jk

 

(hit thanks button in mistake -)
Does a boot in verbose mode show what point the screen changes from External to internal?

 

good moring BoredOutOfMyMind,
I don't know how to answer your question, "verbose".
If you provide additional direction, I am sure, I can answer you. -0

On the positive side of things I have spent few hours searching the net and have now come up with additional data. FnF4 works and I have Tv-out low resolution 800X600. but it requires reboot to either:
A. Normal usage : set high resolution for lcd but video out is not working or
B. Low res with video out working, and deal with ubuntu error messages.

so, below is a quick description of my journey...
1- download and install atitvout, in many instances this has worked for many, did not work for me.
the command is: sudo apt-get install atitvout
Now visit url: http://who.is.free.fr/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=TvOut
for instructions and command types.

2- Visit ubuntu forum
url: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=246746
it provides instruction on how setup xorg.conf, modifications did not work for me, but since ubuntu's version was so bland, I accepted to run linux box. at this time, I am unable to get Video out working.

3- finally, I can across, url: http://wiki.x.org/wiki/radeonTV
I followed the instructions and modified /etc/X11/xorg.conf ( see attached) and to my surprise the FnF4 was functional and TV was working low res 800x600.


Bugs: Ubuntu does not like the low resolution, and keeps attempting to modify and change the setting. I don't know how to maintain high res for the laptop and low res for video out.
For now, I have three versions of /etc/X11/xorg.conf
1. The Ubuntu std version
2. The high resolution
3- Low res with FnF4 working.
when, I want to project data to TV, I'll have to reboot with the new xorg.conf


I'll attach all just in case someone else has the same problem.

ps: to edit, copy or move /etc/X11/xorg.conf you have to be root

Attachment:
xorg_ub.conf, Ubuntu version as installed
xorg_joe.conf, updated based on modifiaction of step 2
xorg_joe2.conf, final version with active FnF4

regards
jk

 

How to enable Verbose Boot in Karmic Koala Ubuntu

Sounds like you found some great answers. I have to question if you have enough onboard memory to drive the large output.

From Google Cache of CNET Review-

 

Happy Sunday BoredOutOfMyMind,
free -m, resulted in 512K free memory. most of it is used up (99K left). good catch. Iĺl try the high resolution tomorrow and report back with my findings.