Different pixel size for external display

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Level 1

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Different pixel size for external display

I am using my macbook with an external display which has a pixel size much larger that the builtin lcd screen on the laptop. The result is, because of the different pixel size and possibly spacing, antialiased font rendering looks absolutely horrible. If I drag any window from the external to the builtin display, it appears perfect under the default macbook lcd pixel pitch, but the same window is horrible under the external display. I suppose the subpixel AA algorithms are calibrated for the specific pixel pitch of my laptop screen, so the external display doesn't look right. Altering the smoothing options seems to have no effect too when I tinker with it.

Any thoughts on what (if any) I can do about this? The external monitor is a Samsung syncmaster 2333HD (1920x1080) and is connected using a mini dvi to dvi standard apple adapter.

macbook 13", Mac OS X (10.5.7)

Posted on May 23, 2009 1:25 PM

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Answer 1

Anton53

Level 2

230 points

May 23, 2009 5:46 PM in response to aduitsis

Can you connect a VGA cable to that monitor to see if it still does that?

I had to settle for a VGA connection with my external as the preferred mini-DVI to DVI is flawed.

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Answer 2

BSteely

Level 5

7,643 points

May 24, 2009 7:28 AM in response to aduitsis

If the monitor is new enough that you can exchange it, you might consider doing so for the Samsung 2343BWX. It has the same 23" diagonal size, and same 16:9 aspect, as the monitor you have but the native format is 2048 x 1152, so the pixel size is closer to that on a notebook.

The other thing you might want to look at with your current monitor is the sharpness setting. Note the starting value of the setting (might be 50) and adjust it plus or minus and see if that helps. You might also try the same with the contrast setting. But always note the starting value so you can return to it should you decide the starting point was the best setting after all.

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Answer 3

aduitsis Author

Level 1

0 points

May 25, 2009 12:50 PM in response to BSteely

Why exchange a perfectly good monitor just because Mac OS X cannot adjust its anti alias settings? You are correct, adjusting the sharpness setting alleviates the problem, but everything gets a little more fuzzy, not just the fonts. So this is definitely not wanted. Writing this reply from linux at 100% sharpness, the picture is crystal clear and the fonts look just great.

Maybe shutting down the internal display could force the computer to switch to an AA setting more appropriate for the 1920x1080 resolution. Anyone knows how to do it?

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