Display configuration: a new version of displayconfig-gtk is necessary

[Pjotr12345]

In Hardy, there is a useful tool for manually correcting a wrong screen resolution: displayconfig-gtk. This is very useful, because the automatic detection of displays doesn't always function properly.

However, in Jaunty and Karmic there is no such tool anymore. We only have gnome-display-properties now, and that application doesn't allow manual correction of the automatically detected display type.

Sometimes the automatic detection of the display fails in Jaunty and Karmic (a regularly recurring problem on the Ubuntu forums), and then a new version of displayconfig-gtk would have been very handy...

Therefore I request the xorg developers, to make displayconfig-gtk available for Jaunty and Karmic (or if that's not feasible anymore, for Ubuntu 10.04).

[heir4c (heir4c+)]

I agree.
It was a easy and useful tool. You can choose the resolution and refresh rate and type of the monitor. Not every time he see what monitor you have and than its useful to have this tool. I have 2 CRT monitors, IBM G50 and Sampo AlphaScan 411. There are good monitors and work after all that years still very good.
With displayconfig-gtk it's easy to configure 2 screens.
Even the same for the graphic drivers. you can try out other drivers to now what work best with the card.
And yes, you can use the terminal with commands and options and etc, but that's not always easy for beginners.
So, for the new LTS:
I want it back! :-)

[Removed by request (removed1016696)]

Absolutely true. I would like to see it back, in addition to the current configuration tools :)

[Thijs (thijsvandergugten-deactivatedaccount)]

Computers are abled to autodetect monitors, but you always have to be abled to change it by yourself. Computers can make a mistake.

[Jordy van Heeswijk (jordyvh)]

Thijs +1
Though autodetection may often work as expected, an 'emergency tool' is quite useful.
Otherwise you'd have to manually configure XOrg.conf when autodetection fails, and that may scare off inexperienced Linux users.

[Pjotr12345 (computertip)]

Why are the xorg developers silent on this issue? Please respond in this thread....

That's what Launchpad is for, after all: the dialogue between bug reporters and developers.

It's definitely an issue that need to be addressed.

[Bryce Harrington (bryce)]

> Why are the xorg developers silent on this issue?

I was out on paternity leave the month of september. Also keep in mind we get hundreds of bug reports against X.org every week; I'd like to respond to every one personally but that would take far more time than I actually have.

> Therefore I request the xorg developers, to make displayconfig-gtk available

While I did help on maintaining displayconfig-gtk in Hardy, X.org does not actually maintain GUI configuration tools, rather that is the jurisdiction of GNOME/KDE/etc. displayconfig-gtk was proposed for addition to GNOME, but they refused it in favor of developing their own applet. Thus, any missing features in the current applet that displayconfig-gtk could do, is rather a wishlist bug against the applet. I don't know if/when they will fix it, but if this issue really bothers you I'd encourage you to talk to GNOME or even send in your own patch to them (if you do, take a look at xkit which has some logic for manipulating xorg.conf files.)

As far as resurrecting displayconfig-gtk, it would require a fairly massive reimplementation work to make it support Xrandr. This is outside the scope of xorg, and a WONTFIX from the displayconfig-gtk project since it is no longer being maintained.

[Pjotr12345 (computertip)]

@ Bryce Harrington:

First of all, congratulations with paternity... :-)

On the issue: I will try to take this matter up with Gnome. Will you support me there?

[Mathi (mathiraj)]

i use xubuntu. probably gnome/kde have gui tools for xrandr. but not xfce. please revive this much needed tool

[BavarianPH (bavarianph)]

I whole heartedly concur with this group.

One of the things that kept me from Ubuntu for years, was the lack of good graphics / video capability.

Graphics / video has got to be one of the three most important issues in the use of most computers.

The visual sense is more needed and relied on then any other.

One of my biggest struggles with Jaunty and now Karmic is resolutions, refresh rates and video speed.

Why even bother to upgrade to Karmic if video / graphics are not improved.

I have lost anything over 1024x768 dpi and 75 Hz refresh rate.

I can actually see my monitor flickering at 75 Hz, which not only hurts my eyes but also makes me tired, causes

me to slow down in my work on PCs. Most other OSs get me to 1600x1200@60 1024x768@85!

I have yet to see a bug report or answer that would resolve this extremely important issue.

Literally 1000s of Ubuntu Jaunty and Karmic users are affected.

So, developers, please, get in the Ubuntu circle and do the video / graphics Ubuntu magic dance, to fix this!

Thank you very much,

stage left,

BavarianPH

<email address hidden>

P. S.: I believe in YOU, I know you can do it!

Ubuntu forever!

[BavarianPH (bavarianph)]

Today's (Wed. Oct. 14, 2009, ~lunch time) upgrade / update for

Karmic beta (re)installed an applet under Accessories called:

"Resolution Switcher."

It can reside on the panel just like the "Display" applet.

A left click opens resolution options & a "Configure Display Settings."

That is a move into the right direction (I believe previous Ubuntus had

similar applets.).

To fully benefit from this option, it would be nice to tie this applet into

the main resolution & refresh engine, to be able to manually choose

from higher resolutions & refresh rates beyond the limitations set by

the video drivers.

A fail-safe is already in place, in case the chosen refresh frequency or

resolution is beyond the true capabilities of the Monitor & Graphics card.

If the hardware is unable to handle the settings it will reset in 20 seconds

via the "Resolution Switcher," & 30 seconds via the "Display" applet.

To somewhat limit the absolute maximums, "inf" like scripts from the OEMs

could be plugged into these applets or the video engine (which I know are

already in existence for most major brands). Ubuntu .conf scripts will do.

To have automatic probing of acceptable settings is great

but to be able to tweak these for maximum performance for gamers &

others requiring higher settings is superb.

You're probably saying: "You are preaching to the quire." -

I wish I had the skills & ability to help with this.

Alas, I am no mathematician or computer science master.

Maybe YOU're all way ahead of me, I just don't know it's coming.

I applaud YOU're efforts, & am cheering YOU on! (a positive shout)

BavarianPH,

eagerly & impatiently awaiting the next update / upgrade.

Ubuntu forever!

[Julian Kranz (juliankranz)]

Same here, I really miss displayconfig-gtk - please bring it back or implement the missing feature (i.e. manual override of the resolution/rate limitations) in the new applet.

[Sebastien Bacher (seb128)]

the use of displayconfig has been dropped, closing the bug