latitude D531 lcd projector for presentation (ubuntu gutsy)

Question

I am running ubuntu 7.10 (gutsy) on my Dell latitude D531. All known issues are solved (the ubuntu forums are wonderful), but there is one remaining (nasty) problem. I bought the computer in the hope of using it in a presentation to an International conference next week -- but I cannot get the external lcd projector to work under ubuntu (VISTA is fine [sigh]). When I run from the live CD, the one used to install ubuntu, things are fine. Fn-F8 acts as a simple toggle between the laptop screen and the lcd projector. It's not perfect (no option to mirror the laptop and see the smae thing on both devices), but it proves the hardware is working, and that things can work under linux. Sadly, once you install 7.10 ubuntu, things no longer work. With Gutsy installed and all current patches applied, but with no other changes at all -- including restricted drivers -- Fn-F8 appears to do nothing. If you restart xorg/gnome by CTL-ALT-backspace, and/or reboot and start with the lcd projector plugged in, both the laptop screen and the lcd projector come up with a blank screen (at least they are mirrored :-). The same is true once the fglx restricted driver is installed. I have yet to try to S-Video output, although a friend with a D531 says that works for him.

Does anyone have any ideas/suggestions? I'd really like to show my dell running linux at the conference.

Thanks

johnwren · Answer

Replying to my own message. The S-video port works under ubuntu, and can be used to connect to the lcd projector. However, I would still like to get the 'vga' 15 pin connector to work.

johnwren · Answer

Replying again to my own post. Recent changes to unblacklist some of the frame buffer modules (see post at: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=667271) appear to have got the external vga port working -- providing the device connected on the port is on at the time you boot the system. Fn-F8 is still ineffective, but I think I now have two work-arounds with the problem of using an lcd projector on my Dell D531.

johnwren · Answer

My previous post may be misleading. I can still connect an lcd display to the vga port, but equally cannot get an lcd projector working. It may be that the framebuffer changes had nothing to do with the situation. I really need an engineer or someone who can explain what the difference is between a 'passive' lcd screen (which works fine) and an lcd projector [in terms of the input it expects to see on the cable]. Can anyone in the Dell community offer some comment on this? thanks

MattinTucson · Answer

I'm having the same problem, only I am at an international conference and present tommorow! I really find it hard to believe the presentation display mode has been disabled in this way. This is a core functionality of a laptop, and should have a more acceptable workaround.

Unbuntu 7.04, Inspiron E1505, GeForce Go 7300

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latitude D531 lcd projector for presentation (ubuntu gutsy)

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