Screen ratios give black picture (1 Viewer)

martijn_online

Portal Member
June 15, 2006
18
0
The Netherlands
Area: Media Portal Program
MediaPortal Version: 0.2.0.0 (2006-07-03)
MediaPortal Skin: MCE
Windows Version: Windows XP (SP2)
.NET CLR Version: 2.0.50727
DirectX Version: 4.09.00.0904 (9.0c)
Audio Codec: -
Video Codec: -
CPU Type: Intel Celeron - 2.93GHz
Memory: 255 MB
Motherboard: Gypsum (MSI)
TV Card Model: -
TV Card Type: -
TV Card Driver: -
Video Card Model: Nvidia Geforce 7300 GS (256 MB)
Video Card Driver: 91.31_winxp2kmce_international_whql
Video Card Resolution: 800x600
Video Render Type: -
Audio Card Model: Realtek High Definition Audio
Audio Card Driver: -
Synopsis::

No full screen video with internal player (Divx, MPEG etc) if 'exclusive directx mode'' is on.
If ''exclusive directx mode'' is turned of the screen is from time to time disturbed (tearing?)
Other apps like Windows media player & Classic Media Player have no problems witg Full screen mode
MP had nog blank video screen if the screen mode is turned from Normal to Original (right click on screen, change the screen size).
Installed the latest NVIDIA driver.

Experiences from other users

See https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/viewtopic.php?t=14126&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Screen ratio settings en XML files

I tried several things with the screen calibration like others did. It is difficult to write down all steps. But I describe the main steps and a working situation (see below).

Changing the over scan values

I have a screen resolution of 800x600 (for television).
First I had a calib812x612.xml file and a calib812x612.xml.bak
I tried several things, for example changing values manuely and setting the calibration settings by using the MP UI (Settings in the main menu).
I found out: when changed the over scan values by making the view some pixels smaller then full screen was available. For example: top-left 1,1 and bottom-right 1,1

Changes not stored?

But after closing MP en starting it again I had to change the values again (are they not stored or are they overruled or overwritten?)

Then I decided to delete the calib* file so MP had to regenerate them again.

Calib files deleted --> new files

After starting MP not a new calib* file was generated but some screenCalibration800x600* files (a new name??)

New set of files files: 812x612

After setting the over scan values (using the MP UI) again I had full screen video. But after restarting MP I had to do it again. And MP had generated new files again: screenCalibration812x612.*
OK so MP decided to create a new set of files with a resolution of 812x612. If I entered the Calibration UI it is telling me the resolution is 812x612

I did a calibration again and it looks like MP showed good quality full screen moving pictures.

This I confusing for me. I have now several calibration files in the MP directory:

screenCalibration800x600.fs.xml
screenCalibration812x612.xml
screenCalibration812x612.xml.bak

I restarted the PC full screen was working OK again.

Working situation

The content of the screenCalibration800x600.fs.xml file:

<xml>
<profile>
<section>
<entry>0</entry>
<entry>0</entry>
<entry>10000</entry>
<entry>10000</entry>
<entry>-1</entry>
<entry>1</entry>
<entry>1</entry>
<entry>798</entry>
<entry>598</entry>
<entry>10000</entry>
<entry>562</entry>
</section>
</profile>

screenCalibration812x612.xml:

<xml>
<profile>
<section>
<entry>0</entry>
<entry>0</entry>
<entry>10000</entry>
<entry>10000</entry>
<entry>-13</entry>
<entry>1</entry>
<entry>1</entry>
<entry>798</entry>
<entry>598</entry>
<entry>10000</entry>
<entry>562</entry>
</section>
</profile>

screenCalibration812x612.bak.xml:

<xml>
<profile>
<section>
<entry>0</entry>
<entry>0</entry>
<entry>10000</entry>
<entry>10000</entry>
<entry>-1</entry>
<entry>1</entry>
<entry>1</entry>
<entry>798</entry>
<entry>598</entry>
<entry>10000</entry>
<entry>562</entry>
</section>
</profile>

More info

Other MP users did also experience these problems and did some testing and created log files. See https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/viewtopic.php?t=14126&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

My conclusion

- If the defined screen does not fit in the outer bounderies if the screen it will remain black in ''exclusive directx mode'' (in combination with some hardware?)
- When you try to set the Screen ratio settings the settings are not stored or are overruled.
- MP calculated a new resolution and created a new set of calibration files that are used instead of the original ones. It is not clear why MP thinks the resolution has become 812x612 after changing some values. I why is it so difficult to store the values without getting new ones?
 

ronilse

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  • July 19, 2005
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    Hi,
    The thread & problem you referred to should be solved (localize problem).
    Your problem seems to be because you use MP in window mode & have it to wide compared to your screen resolution 800x600, try to make the window smaller & test again.

    The working one fs = fullscreen was made when you runned MP in full screen.

    Regards
    Roy
     

    martijn_online

    Portal Member
    June 15, 2006
    18
    0
    The Netherlands
    Dear Roy,

    the option 'Start MediaPortal in fullscreen mode' is turned on. Does this mean it runs not in Window mode?
    I did not change this setting while testing.

    This is a part of the MediaPortal.xml:

    <section name="general">
    <entry name="startfullscreen">yes</entry>
    <entry name="minimizeonstartup">no</entry>
    <entry name="minimizeonexit">no</entry>
    <entry name="autohidemouse">yes</entry>
    <entry name="mousesupport">yes</entry>
    <entry name="hideextensions">yes</entry>
    <entry name="animations">yes</entry>
    <entry name="autostart">yes</entry>
    <entry name="baloontips">yes</entry>
    <entry name="dblclickasrightclick">no</entry>
    <entry name="hidetaskbar">yes</entry>
    <entry name="alwaysontop">yes</entry>
    <entry name="exclusivemode">yes</entry>
    <entry name="enableguisounds">yes</entry>
    <entry name="screensaver">no</entry>
    <entry name="startbasichome">no</entry>
    <entry name="country">NL</entry>
    <entry name="internetaccess">yes</entry>
    <entry name="useVMR9ZapOSD">no</entry>
    <entry name="scrollspeedhorizontal">5</entry>
    <entry name="scrollspeedvertical">5</entry>
    <entry name="turnoffmonitor">no</entry>
    </section>

    Regards,
    Martijn
     

    ronilse

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  • July 19, 2005
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    Hi,
    The screenCalibration812x612.xml it's from a windowed calibration (alt + enter = toggling full/wind) & not a fullscreen calibration, if you use MP in fullscreen delete the screenCalibration812x612.xml & screenCalibration812x612.xml.bak.

    You are using MP on primary screen?

    You did a clean install of MP into a clean folder(no old files)?

    Can give exact description on how to reproduce it, which screen etc. ?

    Regards
    Roy
     

    martijn_online

    Portal Member
    June 15, 2006
    18
    0
    The Netherlands
    Dear Roy,

    There is only one TV attached, no additional monitor/screen.

    I think there where old files in de MP folder during the previous tests.

    So I did a clean installation: now I have removed the MP directory manually after removing the software by using the Control Panel.

    I did several tests: 1 to 7.
    During some tests I generated log files.

    Tests 1 - 7:

    1) initial test
    - Remove MP by using Control Panel
    - Delete file structure in Program Files
    - Run Installation Setup of MP again
    - Run MP Setup to do initial settings: Full screen mode
    - ENtered setup again to set movie directory
    - Run test tool to clear log files
    - Starting MP en opening Movie player to start AVI movie
    - Blank screen
    - Back to previous screen
    - Exit MP
    - Generated log file snapshot (see martijn_online1.zip)
    - Checked existence of calib* file in MP directory: none

    2) setting calibration
    - clearing logfiles
    - Starting MP
    - Enterering Settings option / GUI
    - ENtering Calibration - Settings calibration
    - MP is telling resolution is 812x612. Offsets are zero
    - Settings offsets to 1,1
    - Goto movie player and start movie: blank screen
    - Exit MP
    - Generated logfiles (see martijn_online2.zip)
    - Checked existence on calib files: ScreenCalibration812x612.xml exists

    3) manual setting

    - cleared log files
    - opened calib file ScreenCalibration812x612.xml
    - changed values:

    <entry name="overscanwidth">810</entry> --> set to 799
    <entry name="overscanheight">610</entry> --> set to 599

    - Starting MP
    - Try to play movie: OK!
    - Generating logfiles (see martijn_online3.zip)
    - Checking calib files: same file and content

    <entry name="overscanwidth">799</entry
    <entry name="overscanheight">599</entry>

    4) no offset / overscan

    - changed calib file so there is no offset

    <entry name="overscanleft">0</entry>
    <entry name="overscantop">0</entry>
    <entry name="overscanwidth">800</entry>
    <entry name="overscanheight">600</entry>

    - testing movie in MP: OK!

    5) generate calib file

    - deleted calib file in MP directory
    - testing movie in MP: blank screen again
    - closed MP
    - check calib file: none
    - starting MP again and do screen calibration
    -- without changing values (MP is believing resolution is 812x612, offsets are 0,0)
    - test movie: blank
    - check calib file: is generated

    6) change screen ratio

    - Cleaning logfiles
    - Starting MP
    - Testing movie: blank
    - Richt click on screen
    - Original: OK, I see the movie
    - Other screen options (like Normal, Zoom etc): blank screen
    - Exit MP
    - Generated logfiles (see martijn_online6.zip)

    7) Work around

    - changing calib file manually:

    <entry name="overscanleft">0</entry>
    <entry name="overscantop">0</entry>
    <entry name="overscanwidth">800</entry>
    <entry name="overscanheight">600</entry>

    - Test movie: OK
    - Richt click on screen to test other modes
    - Original, Normal, Zoom etc: OK!


    Logfiles

    Test ZIP files are corresponding with the tests above.
    For example martijn_online6.zip contains logfiles of test 6.

    --

    Regards,
    Martijn
     

    ronilse

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    Hi,
    For some reason MP thinks you are running in windowed mode, or get the wrong width from your screen primary driver.

    I have the same version of driver as you but no problems with that, I have even overscanned my desktop to fit my CRT (old I know).

    Have you tried to reinstall the graphic driver or use an older one?
    (don't find your logs, in the above post)

    Regards
    Roy
     

    martijn_online

    Portal Member
    June 15, 2006
    18
    0
    The Netherlands
    Dear Ron,

    Because of the problem I did an upgrade of the NVIDIA driver to version 9.1.3.1.

    First I used the driver that was on the CD of the video card.
    hard.

    I did a roll back to the older one (8.2.6.5) and did some tests:

    - roll back of driver
    - reboot WinXp home
    - I removed the calibration file from test 7 (work around)
    - started MP
    - test video movies: all modes blank except in 'Original mode'
    - Exit MP
    - Restored with work around calibraton file
    - And 'voila': working again

    I fixed the problem with the logs -> see previous posting.

    See logfiles of test 2:

    - MP thinks resoltion is 800x600, that is OK

    8-7-2006 12:20:41 D3D: Client size: 800x600 - Screen: 800x600

    - later on MP tried to load the fs version of the calibration file (which is not on the system):

    8-7-2006 12:20:50 Main: Loading windowmanager
    8-7-2006 12:20:50 load ScreenCalibration800x600.fs.xml

    - I see also the MP program is turning on the Windowed mode sometimes:

    8-7-2006 12:20:57 Main: DX exclusive mode: False
    8-7-2006 12:20:57 Main: Goto windowed mode: True

    Why?

    - I think this is the calibration setup part:

    8-7-2006 12:21:07 window:MediaPortal.GUI.Settings.GUISettingsMovieCalibration init
    8-7-2006 12:21:07 xml:skin\MCE\videoOSD.xml image id:350 width:0 height:0 gfx:-
    8-7-2006 12:21:40 Windowmanager:goto previous window
    8-7-2006 12:21:40 window:MediaPortal.GUI.Settings.GUISettingsMovieCalibration deinit


    Regards,
    Martijn
     

    ronilse

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    Hi,
    This is something weird, as you can see in the log.
    The settings are for some reason reloaded again with a new screen size, this screen size it's read from windows DirectX & nothing that MP can set.

    Do you use any kind of software to resize when in DirectX?

    Have you set anything special in nvidia panel for DirectX?

    If you want, you can in calibration change just one thing @ time (delete the old calibration files) to find out what's causing this resize issue. I can't reproduce it here & the devs haven't seen this happen before, so all you tell us will help :)

    Thanks for testing
    Regards
    Roy
     

    martijn_online

    Portal Member
    June 15, 2006
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    0
    The Netherlands
    Hi,

    I did not make any special setting. I have looked at the NVIDIA control panel but I doent know what to try or to change.
    I eve installed he Microsoft DirectX control panel component: bu I have

    I did only change te size of the screen on the TV (1): but is is not changing the nr. of pixels but it changes te output format on TV (to be sure these Start menu is not below the border of the TV screen).

    I run the DXDiag tests: all OK. This program tells the resolution is 800x600 @ 60Hz

    What tests should do?
    For example:

    - delete calib file
    - run MP
    - change noting
    - exit MP
    - create log files

    Do this again but changing the top-left corned in the calibration GUI
    etc

    Regards,
    Martijn

    1) NVIDIA driver offers options for zooming and moving the screen
     

    ronilse

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  • July 19, 2005
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    Hi,
    Yes that was what I meant:
    What test should do?
    For example:
    "
    - delete calib file
    - run MP
    - change noting
    - exit MP
    - create log files"

    & test one thing @ the time & check whats causing it to behave like this

    Regards
    Roy
     

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