Alpha systems graphics


Powerstorm 350 stereo

Configuring Tru64 UNIX AlphaStation systems for optimal stereo viewing

* Check the system configuration
* Install the appropriate graphics driver
* Configure the X server for optimal stereo performance

Check the system configuration

 1. To check that you have a PowerStorm 350 graphics card installed in
    your workstation use "sizer -gt"

    PBXGD-AE indicates that you have a PowerStorm 350.
    PBXGD-AD indicates that you have a PowerStorm 300, which is not
    stereo capable, but uses the same driver.
 2. To check which version of Tru64 UNIX you have installed use "uname -a"

    ==========================
    Output from     Tru64 UNIX
     "uname -a"      version
    ==========================
     V4.0 878         V4.0D
     V4.0 1091        V4.0E
     V4.0 1229        V4.0F
     V5.0 910         V5.0
    ==========================

Install the appropriate graphics driver

You need V1.4 of the PowerStorm 300/350 graphics driver.

Download the driver and install as follows: Contact HP support to obtain
driver (if still available).

 1. Unpack the driver into a temporary directory, e.g.
    cd <temporary directory>; tar xvf <driver kit>
 2. Install the PowerStorm 300/350 driver (as root) thus: setld -l
    <temporary directory>

Configure the X server for optimal stereo performance

To optimise stereo rendering performance at maximum resolution:

 1. Edit /usr/var/X11/Xserver.conf to read as follows:

    args < 
    ! PowerStorm 300/350 Server args start 
          -pn -su -bs -nice -2 -screen 1280x992 -vsync 100
    ! PowerStorm 300/350 Server args end 
    ! -pn 
    >

    Server args are fully documented in the release notes.

 2. Restart the X server (e.g. with /usr/sbin/xsetup).

To confirm that you are using the optimal screen resolution for stereo
use "/usr/sbin/sizer -gr" which should return 1280x992.

Recommended video modes for stereo rendering
===============================================
Resolution     Refresh rate    Max refresh rate
 (-screen)    (-vsync) [Hz]    Compaq P110 [Hz]
===============================================
  1152x864        118, 120           118

  1280x992      75, 85, 90,          100
               100, 110, 120

 1280x1024      75, 85, 90,          100
               100, 110, 120
================================================

Stereo rendering is available at 1280x1024 (omit -screen 1280x992 in
Xserver.conf) but performance will be noticeably impaired.