Set up a PSUbuntu Monitor

List of monitors and working videomodes

The first thing you should do is set up your monitor to initiate the correct resolution at boot. To determine the correct video mode for your screen, use a tool called ps3videomode. It can be run from a terminal window ([Applications] > [Accessories] > [Terminal]) by typing:


ps3videomode will return a list of supported resolutions, with a number in front to represent the mode:


If you have a “Full HD” monitor with 1920×1080 resolution, use a 1080i or 1080p mode. If your TV is “HD Ready”, use one of the 720p modes (3, 8, 35 or 40).
Testing video modes

To check how a resolution works on your system you need to stop and start the Gnome desktop manager (gdm) between each test. Pressing Ctrl + Alt + F1 will give you a text console in which you enter your username and password (Ctrl + Alt + F7 will take you back to the active GDM desktop).

Now stop gdm:


Set a temporary video using ps3videomode -v and a number, for instance:

or

(both commands represent various 1080p modes. You need to check with the table above which number corresponds with your monitor).

Start gdm using the new videomode with


If you're not satisfied, just hit Ctrl + Alt + F1 again to try another resolution. Remember to stop gdm (sudo /etc/init.d/gdm stop) before trying a new resolution.

Make the resolution permanent

When you have found a decent videomode, make the setting permanent by having Ubuntu load this mode on each startup. In a terminal window, type:


This will start the console text editor nano with an empty file called ps3videomode in the event.d folder. In this file, type:


Replace the 0 with the number key for your videomode.

In nano, save the file with Ctrl + o. Hit enter to confirm. Then Ctrl + x to exit nano.

You should now be able to reboot your system with your resolution of choice.

PSUbuntu forum: Video & Monitors∞