LinuxCommandLibrary

xvidtune

Adjust X server video mode settings

SYNOPSIS

xvidtune [-show] [-next] [-prev] [-fgeom] [-matte <color>] [-geometry <WxH+X+Y>] [-display <host:display.screen>] [-sync] [-psync] [-vsync] [-clock <clock>] [-o <offset>]

PARAMETERS

-show
    Shows the current video mode settings. Provides a visual representation of the timing parameters.

-next
    Selects the next available video mode.

-prev
    Selects the previous available video mode.

-fgeom
    Forces geometry in the command line

-matte <color>
    Specifies the matte color to use for test windows. Accepts standard X color names or hex values.

-geometry <WxH+X+Y>
    Specifies the geometry of the test windows. W is width, H is height, X is the X offset, and Y is the Y offset.

-display <host:display.screen>
    Specifies the X display to connect to. Defaults to the value of the DISPLAY environment variable.

-sync
    Sync values to current settings in the server.

-psync
    Sync positive values to current settings in the server.

-vsync
    Sync vertical values to current settings in the server.

-clock <clock>
    Force to set clock

-o <offset>
    Force to set offset

DESCRIPTION

xvidtune is a tool for fine-tuning video modes in the X Window System.
It allows users to adjust parameters like horizontal and vertical sync rates, clock speeds, and timings to optimize the display output for their specific monitor.
This is particularly useful for older monitors or when using custom resolutions not automatically detected by the X server.
xvidtune interacts directly with the video driver to modify these settings in real-time.
However, incorrect settings can damage your monitor, so caution is advised.
The tool provides interactive controls to adjust parameters and test the effects of changes.
The results of adjustments can be saved to an X configuration file to persist across system reboots.

CAVEATS

Incorrect video mode settings can potentially damage your monitor. Use caution and consult your monitor's documentation before making changes.
It's advisable to save the current configuration before experimenting.

SAVING CONFIGURATION

After making desired changes, xvidtune provides an option to save the new configuration to an xorg.conf file or a similar configuration file used by your X server.
Ensure that the saved configuration is compatible with your system and monitor.

KEYBOARD CONTROLS

xvidtune uses keyboard controls to adjust parameters.
Consult the program's interface or online documentation for a list of available keyboard shortcuts.

HISTORY

xvidtune was developed as a tool to allow users to fine-tune video modes in the X Window System.
It was particularly important in the past when monitor auto-detection was less reliable.
While modern systems often handle video mode configuration automatically, xvidtune remains useful for specialized cases or when dealing with older hardware.

SEE ALSO

xrandr(1), xorg.conf(5)

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