xorg uses laptop video BIOS 'Panel Size' for external monitors, so apps end up confined to small space in top left of screen
Affects | Status | Importance | Assigned to | Milestone | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
xserver-xorg-driver-ati |
Invalid
|
Undecided
|
Unassigned | ||
xserver-xorg-video-ati (Ubuntu) |
Invalid
|
Medium
|
Unassigned |
Bug Description
Binary package hint: xserver-xorg-core
Removing the xorg.conf and allowing X to determine video settings from the monitor, the following happens (I'll attach a picture shortly):
* xorg correctly uses the external monitor to display GDM
* The monitor runs at the correct resolution (eg, 1600 x 1200), with GDM background colors and wallpapers occupying the whole screen (eg, 1600 x 1200)
* Applications, for example, GDM, or the gnome panel, are confined to a 1024 x 768 area in the top left corner of the screen
* After logging on, non-maximized applications that are placed inside the 1024 x 768 area will maximise to 1024 x 768.
* After logging on, non-maximized applications that are placed inside the 1024 x 768 area will maximise to 1600 x 1200
This has been tested on two separate Hardy laptops, with different hardware and monitors.
The issue seems to be X treating the PanelSize from the video BIOS as an indication of the size of the external monitor, rather than the just the inbuilt one.
Eg, from Xorg.0.log
(II) RADEON(0): Panel ID string: 1024x768
(II) RADEON(0): Panel Size from BIOS: 1024x768
(II) RADEON(0): Added native panel mode: 1024x768
(II) RADEON(0): Added native panel mode: 1024x768
If using an xorg.conf, this can be overridden by modifying xorg.conf and specifying a Panel Size in the Device section:
Section "Device"
Option "PanelSize" "1600x1200"
EndSection
However it would be better if Panel Size simply was not used for external screens.
Changed in xorg-server: | |
status: | Incomplete → Triaged |
Changed in xserver-xorg-video-ati: | |
importance: | Undecided → Medium |
Changed in xserver-xorg-driver-ati: | |
status: | New → Invalid |
Changed in xserver-xorg-video-ati: | |
status: | Incomplete → New |
status: | New → Incomplete |
Changed in xserver-xorg-video-ati: | |
status: | Incomplete → New |
status: | New → Incomplete |
I wonder if this could be another instance of the s-video requiring a monitor quirk.
Can you please attach the output of `xrandr` and `lspci -vvnn`?