display issues in Ubuntu
 

I'm currently using Ubuntu 11 with Gnome desktop. I have it set up to have a regular VGA monitor as well as my HDMI tv, but on the tv, all the edges are cut off so if I have a window set to fullscreen, I can't see any of the controls. Is there any way to change the settings on the size of the display? the tv won't let me change it and I can only get one option for screen size in the display settings in Ubuntu. There is also a problem with the image being squashed (everything too thin/tall).
I'm willing to try other desktop environments or even distros, but will need a tutorial site if installation is as complicated as Arch Linux (tried it once and failed)

It sounds to me like the resolution on the TV is incorrect. In your setup, are you using the TV as an additional monitor (e.g. extended desktop) or as the primary monitor? Is it an HDTV? If so, 720p/i or 1080p/i? This will determine what to set the resolution to.

Cheers,
Dave

Could be the settings for the scan of the TV. If over-scan is active change it to "direct" or "native".

I have them plugged into the same video card, so I assume it's an additional monitor. The only setting I can find is the one that allows you to turn the monitors on and off and adjust which monitor is on top/side of the other (automatically makes top/left the primary monitor, and the default of them on top of each other cannot be returned to if you pull one off the other)

the tv is an older widescreen and the only display options are 540p or 1080i and SVM (high/low/off) and none of these seem to change anything

I've never heard of "540p". Are you sure it's not 480p, which is basically standard definition? 1080i should display using 1920x1080, but you'll have to see if that works for you. You should not have the displays overlap in your display manager, and you should be able to adjust the resolutions on each display independently of each other. If you can't, then you need to look for a driver and/or software package for your video card for the o/s that you're working on. If you can't find one, then the hardware isn't supported and you'll have to look for an o/s that is supported or a video card that is supported on that o/s. You should simply be able to right-click in the center of the display to pull up a menu to adjust your resolution. It's very likely that the ideal resolution for each display/monitor is different. Hope this helps...

I think I am going to have to find a new os, do you have any reccomendations on one that's easy to play with these settings? I'm looking primarily to play movies.

Sounds like that is probably nVidia-settings you are using, but more info would be nice.

What video card are you using, have you installed any 3rd party drivers, and what TV is it connected to?

OMG..dont tell me that ubuntu has started using stupid, pointless 'XXXp' instead of real resolutions.....

'540p' is non-standard. Its normally 960x540 (half of 1920x1080).

how do I go about downloading a driver in Ubuntu/Gnome?

540p is a tv setting, it's a Toshiba "cinema series HD"
I can't find any menu for changing the settings in the computer since the display menu won't give me any options for adjusting the size (it will give alternate sizes for the computer screen, just not the tv)

I'm serious about putting a different operating system. I'm sick of the limited ability to customize in Gnome

You have to check the manufacturer's website for available drivers. I suspect that you will need the associated software package which will contain a graphical display manager to achieve your desired setup.

[QUOTE=tosety;4657446]how do I go about downloading a driver in Ubuntu/Gnome?

Depends on the version. BTW, its ubuntu 11.04 or 11.10, not just 'ubuntu 11'. I'd guess that you are using ubuntu 11.04 with the 'classic gnome' desktop, in which case the driver tool should be found at-

System-> Administration-> Additional Drivers

You may not beable to install any drivers, depending on your hardware.

Not offically. Its always best to use resolution sizes with computers anyway. 960x540 is more accurate than 540p.

I was hoping for something with the full mdoel number, like 'Cinema Series HD 57HDX82'.

Some TVs that are capable of 1920x1080 or 1280x720 will only display smaller resolutions like 1024x768 and 800x600 from HDMI, DVI or VGA inputs.

Try unity, you'll run back to gnome screaming. No, I'm not a gnome user. ;)

You dont have to install a different OS to get a different desktop. You can install different desktop enviroments in ubuntu.

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/xfce

Try Xfce, Lxde, maybe KDE 4.X, fluxbox and anything else that you think might work for you. Which ever one you like best, use, and remove all the other desktops you dont want.