PAL Compatibility Tip for LCDs
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 2:35 am
This is kind of the dumbest thing I just figured out but it might be helpful to others...
If you're going to use vsync_adjust=1 or 2, and want to view some PAL content on a flat panel, try setting video_mode_ntsc and video_mode_pal. Even if you are using the same "resolution" for both modes!
Example, using a 1080p panel?
video_mode_ntsc=8 ;1920x1080@60hz
video_mode_pal=9 ;1920x1080@50hz
This bizzarely made some of my displays work better with PAL, rather than just relying on video_mode=8.
A Sony x850c 4K TV can read both modes, but scrolling is jerky on mode 8, and silky smooth on mode 9. (It is a 120hz TV so that might be related.)
An old cheap VGA/DVI 1080p flat-panel, in mode 8 the screen/scanning is misaligned and the edge of the screen appears in the middle, but in mode 9 its completely perfect with smooth scrolling.
A modern 60-hz LG 4K monitor (with freesync only over DP), in mode 8 you get jerky scrolling, in mode 9 you get a black screen.
The short of it is, letting Mister adjust the refresh rate alone won't always yield the same results as supplying different video mode lines. Give this a try if you're trying to find a display that will show your PAL content in its original refresh (or even at all...)
If you're going to use vsync_adjust=1 or 2, and want to view some PAL content on a flat panel, try setting video_mode_ntsc and video_mode_pal. Even if you are using the same "resolution" for both modes!
Example, using a 1080p panel?
video_mode_ntsc=8 ;1920x1080@60hz
video_mode_pal=9 ;1920x1080@50hz
This bizzarely made some of my displays work better with PAL, rather than just relying on video_mode=8.
A Sony x850c 4K TV can read both modes, but scrolling is jerky on mode 8, and silky smooth on mode 9. (It is a 120hz TV so that might be related.)
An old cheap VGA/DVI 1080p flat-panel, in mode 8 the screen/scanning is misaligned and the edge of the screen appears in the middle, but in mode 9 its completely perfect with smooth scrolling.
A modern 60-hz LG 4K monitor (with freesync only over DP), in mode 8 you get jerky scrolling, in mode 9 you get a black screen.
The short of it is, letting Mister adjust the refresh rate alone won't always yield the same results as supplying different video mode lines. Give this a try if you're trying to find a display that will show your PAL content in its original refresh (or even at all...)