Chapter 8 Configuring video adapters Configuring video adapters and monitors is the process of connecting graphics hardware to your system and modifying the system software to recognize that hardware. Two separate activities are required: 1. Physically install the adapter and monitor, following the instructions in the hardware documentation. 2. Run the Video Configuration Manager to configure the SCO video subsystem software. The video configuration window displays the configured adapters, monitors, and resolutions, together with the function () keys that are associated with each configured video adapter. When you install a new system or add new graphics hardware to an existing one, the X server starts your graphical environment in a default mode for resolutions and colors. You can change this default by running the Video Configuration Manager and selecting a mode supported by your hardware. You can also use the Video Configuration Manager to view existing configurations and test new ones. New and modified video adapter drivers are available periodically. Additional and updated drivers compatible with UnixWare 7 are available through the SCO Compatible Hardware Web Pages, located at this web site: (http://wdb1.sco.com/chwp/owa/hch_search_form). For the new graphics features and drivers included with UnixWare 7, see New features in SCOhelp. This topic describes how to use the Video Configuration Manager to configure video adapters and monitors. It includes: + ``The Video Configuration Manager interface'' + ``Understanding video configuration'' + ``Modifying monitors, resolutions, and function keys'' + ``Testing a video adapter configuration'' + ``Adding a new video adapter'' + ``Removing a video configuration'' + ``Configuring unsupported adapters'' The Video Configuration Manager interface Use the Video Configuration Manager to add adapters to the system, add or modify monitors and resolutions already on the system, and remove adapters from the system. You can start the Video Configuration Manager in either of these ways: + From the CDE desktop, start the SCOadmin launcher by clicking on the menu above the SCO logo, then choosing SCOadmin. From the launcher, open the Hardware folder, then select the Video Configuration Manager. + From the command line, enter scoadmin video. _________________________________________________________________________ NOTE While any user can view the system's video configuration, only those with root or system owner privileges can modify video configuration. If this task is performed in multiuser mode, users currently logged in and running the X server will not see any changes until their next session. _________________________________________________________________________ For more information on using SCOadmin managers, see Administering your system with SCOadmin in the UnixWare 7 System Handbook. Understanding video configuration The Video Configuration Manager derives the configuration choices it provides from three sources: grafinfo(4) files graphics adapter information moninfo(4) files monitor information device files function key information When you run the Video Configuration Manager, it stores your configuration settings in the /usr/lib/grafinfo/grafdev and /usr/lib/grafinfo/grafmon files. On startup, the X server uses the information in these files and the appropriate grafinfo and moninfo files to interact correctly with your system's video hardware. The grafinfo and moninfo files are ASCII text files that are located in subdirectories of the /usr/lib/grafinfo directory. These files describe the attributes of the graphics adapters and monitors that are supported by the Graphical Environment. The grafinfo files use the name of the particular adapter they describe and an .xgi extension (for example, f1280+va.xgi); the moninfo files use the name of the particular monitor they describe and a .mon extension (for example, 8514.mon). The Video Configuration Manager reads the function key (or devices) files at system startup to associate ``virtual terminals'' with function keys. These text files are located in the /usr/X/lib/vidconf/devices directory and contain the device driver names for all the programmed function keys on the console ( through ), as well as the device driver name for the console itself. The console driver is used when the system is running in single-user mode. See also: + ``About function keys and video configuration'' + ``Understanding resolutions'' + ``Searching for adapters'' + ``Understanding multi-monitor configuration'' About function keys and video configuration In multiuser mode, each function key on the SCO system console corresponds to a different graphical environment. To achieve this ``virtual terminal'' capacity, each function key is associated with a different device driver. For example, is associated with /dev/vt01, is associated with /dev/vt02, is associated with /dev/vt03, and so on up to . Each function key controls a different UNIX login session, so you can configure each session as if it were a different graphical system. In single-user mode, because access is restricted to a single user, all of the function keys are controlled by the console device driver and only one login session using console is available. _________________________________________________________________________ NOTE The console is a special virtual terminal that will not run the X server. If you invoke the X server on vt00 by running startx(X1M), it will start on the next available virtual terminal. _________________________________________________________________________ Essentially, video configuration consists of creating links between a graphics adapter, a monitor and resolution (for example, Orchid Fahrenheit 1280 Plus, and MAG MX17F at 1024x768), and a function key. In most cases, you will use the same configuration for every function key. However, there are situations when you might want to have different graphical environments attached to different function keys. For example, you might want to use fewer colors at a higher resolution, or more colors at a lower resolution. Or, you might have more than one graphics adapter and monitor attached to your system. For more information about virtual terminals, see the keyboard(7), vtlmgr(1), and newvt(1) manual pages. See also: + ``Assigning function keys'' Understanding resolutions The first time the display manager runs in a new graphical environment, either a newly installed system or one with new graphics hardware, the X server attempts to create a default resolution of 800x600 with 256 colors using a compatible accelerated graphics driver. If an accelerated driver is not available, the server will attempt the default resolution (800x600 with 256 colors) using the SCO VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) driver. This driver is compatible with many contemporary graphics adapters. If your adapter cannot be configured with the VESA driver, the X server defaults to standard IBM VGA mode. After the initial login, you can continue to use the default, or run the Video Configuration Manager to select another resolution supported by your hardware. Some resolutions only work if you have enough video adapter memory. Make sure you have at least the minimum DRAM or VRAM to support the desired number of colors at the specified resolution: Memory requirements for color support at specified resolutions ________________________________________________________________________ Resolutions Colors 16 256 32K/64K 16M 16M (4 bits) (8 bits) (15/16 bits) (24 bits) (32 bits) ________________________________________________________________________ 1600x1200 N/A 2MB 4MB 6MB 8MB 1280x1024 1MB 2MB 4MB 4MB 6MB 1024x768 .5MB 1MB 2MB 4MB 4MB 800x600 .5MB .5MB 1MB 2MB 2MB 640x480 .5MB .5MB 1MB 1MB 2MB _________________________________________________________________________ NOTE Some drivers may require memory above these minimum levels for off-screen memory. Refer to your video adapter documentation for additional information on memory requirements. _________________________________________________________________________ If you select resolutions of 1024x768 or higher, you may need to determine if your monitor works in interlaced or non-interlaced mode at these resolutions. Consult your monitor's documentation regarding supported resolutions. _________________________________________________________________________ WARNING Although your video adapter supports the resolutions listed, your monitor may not. Do not select a resolution that is higher than the maximum resolution supported by your monitor. Selecting a resolution that is too high can cause double or jumbled images to display on the monitor; it can also severely damage your non-multi-synch monitor. If this occurs, try selecting a lower resolution or a lower scan rate frequency. _________________________________________________________________________ Searching for adapters When you use the Video Configuration Manager to modify or add a configuration, it attempts to autodetect installed adapters. The search is usually successful, and you are prompted to confirm the adapter that is found. In some cases, usually involving older adapters or installations on ISA machines, autodetection might fail and you must select your adapter from the list. _________________________________________________________________________ NOTE If you do not know the name of your graphics adapter, use the VideoHelp(X1M) utility, which displays names from the adapters on- board memory. _________________________________________________________________________ Understanding multi-monitor configuration SCO systems provide limited support for ``multi-monitor'' configuration, also known as ``multi-headed'' configuration. Multi-monitor support means you can display one graphical environment on two (or more) monitors, thus increasing your graphical work space. To determine if your adapter will support multi-monitor configuration: + Ensure that your graphics adapters support multi-monitor configuration and have no hardware conflicts. They must not use the same I/O ports or base addresses. Your graphics adapter documentation may indicate if your adapter supports multi-monitor (or ``multi-headed'') configuration. Install each adapter individually to verify that the graphical environment functions properly. + Consult your adapter documentation to ensure that VGA can be disabled. _________________________________________________________________________ NOTE UnixWare 7 systems support up to 32 monitors on one system, but for the purposes of this procedure we will assume the user is installing only two. You must complete the configuration process for each installed adapter, monitor, and resolution. _________________________________________________________________________ To set up a multi-monitor configuration: 1. Once you have verified that both adapters work, and you have ensured that there are no hardware conflicts, install the adapters in the system and proceed with multi-monitor configuration. 2. Install the monitors. 3. Configure the first adapter, using the normal procedure. 4. While configuring the second adapter, select Multi-monitor configuration -- specify function keys from the Function Key Setup window. 5. From the Specify Function Keys window, select the function key(s) that you want to control the multi-monitor environment. 6. Finish the normal configuration procedure for the second adapter. 7. After you finish configuring the last installed adapter, you must configure your graphical environment to use the added screens. See your graphical environment documentation in SCOhelp for more information. _________________________________________________________________________ NOTE If you configure a second video adapter in multi-monitor mode on some function keys and as the primary adapter on other function keys, configure the primary function keys first. If you configure the multi-monitor function keys first and then configure the remaining function keys for the primary video adapter, the multi- monitor configuration will be changed to be the primary adapter. _________________________________________________________________________ See also: + ``Understanding video configuration'' + ``About function keys and video configuration'' Modifying monitors, resolutions, and function keys Use the Modify window to: + change a configured monitor + change a configured resolution + add a new resolution + test a new resolution + configure console function keys Display the Modify window by selecting Modify in the main Video Configuration Manager window, or double-click on the item you want to modify. _________________________________________________________________________ NOTE You can also test a new adapter configuration before modifying an existing configuration. _________________________________________________________________________ See also: + ``Understanding video configuration'' + ``About function keys and video configuration'' + ``Understanding resolutions'' + ``Understanding multi-monitor configuration'' Changing the configured video monitor To change the monitor: 1. Select the monitor to change, then click on Modify in the main Video Configuration Manager window. 2. Select either ``Monitor Not Configured'' or the monitor you want to change and click on Change Monitor. 3. Select your new monitor from the Monitor Configuration window and click on OK. The monitor list includes all the monitors supported for use on your SCO system. Use the scroll bar to move up and down in the list; in character mode, type the first letter of the monitor's manufacturer. _________________________________________________________________________ NOTE If you do not find your monitor in the list, choose the ``Other ...'' selection that most closely resembles your own. _________________________________________________________________________ Changing a configured resolution To change a resolution: 1. Select the resolution to change, then click on Modify in the main Video Configuration Manager window. 2. Click on Change Resolution, then select the new resolution. 3. Select the new resolution in the Resolution Selection window, then click on OK. _____________________________________________________________________ WARNING Ensure that the resolution you select is appropriate for your monitor; see ``Understanding resolutions'' for more information. _____________________________________________________________________ 4. Assign function keys as described in ``Assigning function keys''. Adding a resolution To add a new resolution: 1. Select a resolution, then click on Modify in the main Video Configuration Manager window. 2. Click on Add Resolution. 3. Specify the new resolution in the Resolution Selection window, then click on OK. _____________________________________________________________________ WARNING Ensure that the resolution you select is appropriate for your monitor; see ``Understanding resolutions'' for more information. _____________________________________________________________________ 4. Assign function keys as described in ``Assigning function keys''. Assigning function keys After you choose a monitor and resolution, you must assign one or more console function keys () to them. This creates a link between the particular graphics adapter, monitor, and resolution, and the assigned function key, as described in ``About function keys and video configuration'' + To assign all function keys to the selected monitor and resolution, select Assign all function keys and click on OK. This is the option most users choose. + To assign specific function keys to the current adapter, monitor, and resolution, select Specify function keys and click on OK. + If you are configuring a second adapter and monitor and want to display applications on both monitors at the same time (using the same function key), select ``Multi-monitor configuration - specify function keys'' and click on OK. See also: + ``Understanding multi-monitor configuration'' + ``Understanding video configuration'' + ``Running programs simultaneously with multiscreen displays'' in the UnixWare 7 System Handbook. Assigning specific function keys If you elected to specify function keys in the Function Key Setup window, you will see a Specify Function Keys window. When it appears, select the function key or keys you want to associate with the current adapter, monitor, and resolution, then click on OK. If you are unsure about the current adapter and resolution, look in the ``Current selection'' field at the top of the window. See also: + ``About function keys and video configuration'' Testing a video adapter configuration When you add or change resolutions, you have the opportunity to test the new resolution. When you select Test... and click on Continue after the information message, you see a test pattern. If the pattern displays normally, click on OK to configure the resolution; if not, select a different resolution. _________________________________________________________________________ WARNING If you selected settings that are incompatible with your hardware (for example, you selected the wrong video adapter), you might not be able to read the display after ending the test or you may lose the ability to reset the display to a normal state. If you cannot read your display after ending the test, press the , , and keys at the same time to exit the X server. If you still cannot read your display, you must reboot your computer to reset the display. Be sure to warn any users logged into your system before rebooting. _________________________________________________________________________ Adding a new video adapter To add a new video adapter: 1. Start the Video Configuration Manager. _____________________________________________________________________ NOTE You can also test a new adapter configuration before adding it to your system. _____________________________________________________________________ 2. Click on Add Adapter. 3. The Video Configuration Manager automatically detects many adapters and presents any detected adapters on the graphics adapter list instead of the complete list of supported adapters. To configure a detected adapter, select it from the list and continue with Step 5. 4. To configure an adapter not on the autodetected list, click on the Configure adapter not listed above button and continue with the configuration process. When the graphics adapter list displays, select the graphics adapter that you want to configure, then click on OK. The displayed list includes all of the supported adapters and adapter chip sets. Use the scroll bar to move up and down in the list; in character mode, type the first letter of the adapter's manufacturer. ______________________________________________________________________ NOTE If you do not know the name of your graphics adapter, use the VideoHelp(X1M) utility, which displays names from the adapters on-board memory. _____________________________________________________________________ 5. Add a monitor to the new adapter configuration by selecting ``Monitor Not Configured'', then clicking on Monitor. 6. When the monitor list displays, select the new monitor, then click on OK. The monitor list includes all the monitors supported for use on your SCO system. Use the scroll bar to move up and down in the list; in character mode, type the first letter of the monitor's manufacturer. For more information, see ``Changing the configured video monitor''. 7. Specify a resolution by selecting ``Resolution Not Configured'', then clicking on Resolution. 8. Select the new resolution in the Resolution Selection window, then click on OK. For more information, see ``Changing a configured resolution''. _____________________________________________________________________ WARNING Ensure that the resolution you select is appropriate for your monitor; see ``Understanding resolutions'' for more information. _____________________________________________________________________ 9. Assign one or more function () keys to the adapter/monitor/resolution combination. This creates a link between the particular graphics adapter, monitor, and resolution, and the assigned function key, as described in ``About function keys and video configuration'' + To assign all function keys to the selected monitor and resolution, select Assign all function keys, then click on OK. This is the option most users choose. + To assign specific function keys to the current adapter, monitor, and resolution, select Specify function keys, then click on OK. + To use multiple monitors simultaneously, select Multi-monitor configuration - specify function keys See also: + ``Configuring unsupported adapters'' + ``Understanding video configuration'' Removing a video configuration To remove a complete video adapter configuration: 1. In the main Video Configuration Manager window, select the adapter, monitor, or resolution of the video system to remove and click on Remove. 2. When the Remove window appears, click on OK to confirm the removal of the entire configured video system. _________________________________________________________________________ CAUTION Unless you have more than one configured resolution, removing the associated monitor or the only configured resolution removes the entire selected graphics configuration. _________________________________________________________________________ Configuring unsupported adapters If your graphics adapter is not on the list of supported adapters and is not compatible with the VESA driver: + Check your adapter's documentation to see if it is compatible or uses the same chip set as a supported adapter. If your adapter is compatible, select the supported adapter. + If the system is able to determine that the adapter in the system is compatible with the VBE (Video BIOS Extension) 1.2 or 2.0 standard, you will be able to select VESA VBE mode. This driver will operate the adapter in high resolution modes without acceleration. + If your adapter is not compatible with one of the supported adapters or chip sets, and does not support VBE mode, try selecting the IBM VGA adapter using 640x480 with 16 colors. This will usually get your graphics system up and running, but it does not provide access to higher resolutions or any enhanced capabilities of your graphics adapter. _________________________________________________________________________ NOTE You may also be able to adjust an existing grafinfo file to fit your graphics adapter. However, if you copy a compatible grafinfo file and try to adapt it, you may have to supply details about your adapter not commonly found in adapter user documentation (for example, the coordinates of off-screen memory). Further information about developing graphics drivers and grafinfo files can be found in Developing NFB graphics adapter drivers, which is included with the Hardware Developer Kit. _________________________________________________________________________ See also: + ``Understanding video configuration'' + ``Adding a new video adapter''