Thinkpads Forum

Hi,

I've just bought a wide-screen monitor ("DGM" L-2041W) for connection to my R31. I want to use it to view wide-screen video content that currently shows in letter-box format on a standard monitor (this is just a family computer for TV “watch again” usage).

My problem is that it just stretches the standard display rather than displaying a wide screen format. I’ve re-installed the R31 drivers (vftp1f2k.exe) with no effect. This is not really my area (that may be obvious [I’m in software – someone else can change the light bulbs]) but I’m wondering if the R31 is, hardware-wise, just not able to cope with a wide-screen display?

The manufacturers ( http://www.digimate.co.uk ) have an empty driver download page. When I phoned they told me they don't supply drivers - just plug it in.

This was a cheap offer from Dabs, a return from a former purchaser, so perhaps I now know why it was returned.

TIA

It sounds like you need to adjust the settings under display properties. Try changing it to the native resolution of the monitor. I had to do that when I hooked up my T40 to my widescreen TV.

Thanks virge - that put me on the right track. Having found the manual on the DGM website, I see the resolutions I want (width/height ratio of 1.6) are not available when the monitor is connected to the R31 (they are when connected to another PC).

I assume this is to do with the graphic controller (Intel 82830M)?

Get a Docking Station model 2631.
These come with a variety of P/Ns for different countries power cables, but they are all the same otherwise.
The UK version P/N is 27P4076

These allow you to put in (amongst other things) an external PCI graphics card (with your req'd display settings).
You pick those up on eBay for a song.
And graphics cards are dirt cheap as well.

Thanks for that RealBlackStuff - not sure if 'er indoors will approve of the clutter, though. However, this could tip the balance and convince her we should get a proper multi-media centre.

You should be able to drive a widescreen monitor from the R31.

Go to Display Properties, last tab, Display Setup. Click on the Advanced Settings... button. Click on the Adapter tab. Click on List All Modes... (down at the bottom).

Look for the 16:10 resolutions, probably:

1280 x 800
1440 x 900 <- also likely
1600 x 1024 (rare)
1680 x 1050 <- most likely
1920 x 1200

Try them out until you get one that seems to match the resolution of your monitor.

If you don't see the widescreen resolutions, update your video driver. If you STILL don't see the WS resolutions, check out PowerStrip (http://entechtaiwan.com/util/ps.shtm), that utility can force graphic drivers to use specific resolutions.

Thanks gpvillamil - I'm afraid I may be expecting too much of this old workhorse. I've put it out to pasture to end its days in leisure.