The incredable shrinking singers display...

[bdayton]

I am having an issue with the singers display window slowly shrinking in size as each new song starts. Seems that as each new song starts and the singers display window re-appears, it is just a little bit smaller than the last one. If left alone, it eventually becomes too small to read. I can, of course, resize it again but, I have to do this 4 or 5 times per show, while the singer is singing. Has anybody else noticed this problem? Or is it just me?

[George]

Are you saying this happens even after you have double clicked on it to "lock" it in place?

George

[admin]

Are you runing a dual display or single?

What version are you reporting. Please be specific. We now have the THIRD release of 2.213 for download. Its Help menu About Hoster... will show 2.213 Release #3, or #2 or just 2.213. Which are you reporting about?

[bdayton]

Originally Posted by admin

Are you runing a dual display or single?

What version are you reporting. Please be specific. We now have the THIRD release of 2.213 for download. Its Help menu About Hoster... will show 2.213 Release #3, or #2 or just 2.213. Which are you reporting about?

You have TWO fix releases out already? Hmmm...? Any fixes involving video problems?

I just have the original 2.213, Got it last week, went out of town for my weekly road-trip, just got back. I'll go and get the latest in the wee hours of the morning. (forced to used dial-up, Broadband not available in my area).

I still have my original video problem that I reported earlier though. When I "full screen", half of the singers display is on my monitor and the other half is on the singers monitor. I double-click to reduce it to a window which I then place on the singers monitor and stretch it out to fill the screen. It works fine that way except that the singers display window get's smaller and smaller as the show goes on.

I understand that the "Display Properties" screen is supposed to show me two monitors but it only shows me one and after re-installing the drivers multiple times, it still refuses to show me two monitors. Even though it recognizes that there is a multi-display adapter installed. (Never been able to get around this).

Oh yes, "Windows 2000 Profesional" with all the service packs and updates. (That I know of).

And Tech support costs money that I don't have.

[nreel]

First of all, get the 2.213 release #3.

Note that, no matter what release you get, when it comes to Resizing and Moving Monitor Windows, you are doing the OPPOSITE of what you are SUPPOSED to be doing.

You are NOT supposed to drag the REDUCED Singer's Window, from the KJ's Display, over to the Singer's Display and, then, resize the Singer's Window to fit the SINGER's Display because, with the version of Hoster that you are using, everytime a song stops playing, the Singer's Window WILL change sizes.

Rather, after starting Hoster in a TWO Display Configuration, to get back to the way it SHOULD be, when a SONG is PLAYING, DRAG the Singer's Window BACK to the KJ's Display...if the Singer's Window will not DRAG, DOUBLE CLICK the Singer's Window, then DRAG it BACK over to the KJ's Display.

Once the SINGER'S WINDOW is on the KJ's Display, RESIZE the Singer's Window to what ever size you like (I usually make it the SAME size as the KJ's Monitor that is located in the upper LEFT) and place the newly resized Singer's Window in the upper RIGHT Corner...out of the way.

Now, with the SONG still PLAYING, double Click the NEWLY Sized and Positioned Singer's Window. Notice that the Singer's Window goes full screen on the Singer's Display.

At this point, you should be able to STOP and RESTART Songs and all Displays will be showing correctly...from NOW ON.

Hope this helps,

Norm

[bdayton]

Originally Posted by nreel

First of all, get the 2.213 release #3.

Picked it up last night. (First opportunity I had).

Originally Posted by nreel

You are NOT supposed to drag the REDUCED Singer's Window, from the KJ's Display, over to the Singer's Display and, then, resize the Singer's Window to fit the SINGER's Display because, with the version of Hoster that you are using, everytime a song stops playing, the Singer's Window WILL change sizes.

Why

Originally Posted by nreel

Rather, after starting Hoster in a TWO Display Configuration, to get back to the way it SHOULD be, when a SONG is PLAYING, DRAG the Singer's Window BACK to the KJ's Display...if the Singer's Window will not DRAG, DOUBLE CLICK the Singer's Window, then DRAG it BACK over to the KJ's Display.

Once the SINGER'S WINDOW is on the KJ's Display, RESIZE the Singer's Window to what ever size you like (I usually make it the SAME size as the KJ's Monitor that is located in the upper LEFT) and place the newly resized Singer's Window in the upper RIGHT Corner...out of the way.

Now, with the SONG still PLAYING, double Click the NEWLY Sized and Positioned Singer's Window. Notice that the Singer's Window goes full screen on the Singer's Display..

Worked fine till the last paragraph. When it went full screen, the top half of the singers window appered on the KJ's display and the lower half of the singers window appeared on the singers display. (Which has been the root of my problem all along.... I just didn't know it).

Originally Posted by nreel

At this point, you should be able to STOP and RESTART Songs and all Displays will be showing correctly...from NOW ON.

Hope this helps,

Norm

I am greatful for the assistance Norm but, as I indicated before, my root problem is a video card that refuses to install correctly. But, that still dosent explain the behavior of the singers display window slowly reducing in size as the show goes on. I was just wondering if anybody else had noticed it.

[nreel]

I see why you are moving and using a RESIZABLE Singer's Window in this way...to get something that is correct on the Singer's Display.

But the Root cause is your Video Card that is not displaying properly to the Second Display and not Hoster malfunctioning.

When used in the way that I explained above, yes...I have noticed that, when a Song stops Playing and, the Singer's Window jumps back over to the KJ's Display, the Singer's Window, does, get smaller and smaller, and, is resizable at that point.

So, it doesn't matter where you MOVE the, now resizable Singer's Window (either resizable Manually or resizes On its Own)...anywhere on the KJ's Display or, back, onto the Singer's Display...the Singer's Window is in a resizable state and can be resized Manually and may resize on its own.

Since the Singer's Window only changed size, on its own, on the KJ's Display, which is when a Song WAS NOT Playing, this is of no consequence because, when a Song starts Playing, Hoster sends the Singer's Window, automatically, from the KJ's Display to the Singer's Display...FULL screen and Non-resizable (LOCKED POSITION), at that point, which is why NO ONE else sees the Singer's Window "Shrinking," between Songs, on the Singer's Display...unless you position the Mouse on the Singer's Display and double-click the Singer's Window to make it resizable, in which case one can resize it manually or it may change size on its own.

Everyone else is using Hoster with a LOCKED Singer's Display...you are using Hoster to display the Singer's Window in an UNLOCKED state...that is "why."

I'm still trying to understand the ROOT problem.

What Brand of Video Card do you have?
What resolution is set for your Second Display in your Video Cards Display Properties?

Hope this, further, explains why no one else is seeing what you are seeing.

Norm

[bdayton]

Originally Posted by nreel

I'm still trying to understand the ROOT problem.

What Brand of Video Card do you have?
What resolution is set for your Second Display in your Video Cards Display Properties?

Norm

My Video card is the ATI Radon All-In-Wonder 7500. I purchased it because it was available at the computer store and was on the recomended list for use with Hoster.

I have attempted all manor of resolutions and colors but right now, it's set to 640x480 and high color 16 bit.

If I could just get the blasted thing to install corectly, I wouldn't have these problems. :( But it refuses. :(

[George]

BDAYTON
The first thing I questioned after you first posted was whether you were 'locking " the singer's display. I hope after all the discussion on the subject we can assume you are properly "locking " the singer's display.

Something that has not been mentioned is whether you are in EXTENDED DESKTOP or CLONE mode. I've never tried using CLONE mode because the EXTENDED DESKTOP is the mode that must be used for the program to function properly. Therefor I don't know what would be the result using Clone mode.If you are seeing anything on the remote tv/monitor other than just the backgroung wallpaper when you first set up, it's in the wrong mode. You should not see any shortcuts, toolbars, etc.

Assuming the program is properly locked and you are in EXTENDED DESKTOP display mode, if it is the video card not installing properly, what error messages are you getting, if any, or what other programs are you having trouble with, if any?

The ATI Radeon 7500 was the recommended card used during the initial Beta testing of Hoster, and is a very reliable card IF IT WAS MADE BY ATI. Does the box yours came in say MADE BY ATI or POWERED BY ATI? Those POWERED BY ATI have been known upon occassion to be problematic. The difference is that ATI allows other manufacturers to purchase the rights to use some ATI patents in the manufacture of video cards and market them as POWERED BY ATI. They generally do not come up to the standards of those actually built by ATI, and are usually sold much cheaper that the ATI built product.

Just another couple of possibilities.

George

[Beavis]

Originally Posted by bdayton

My Video card is the ATI Radon All-In-Wonder 7500. I purchased it because it was available at the computer store and was on the recomended list for use with Hoster.

I have attempted all manor of resolutions and colors but right now, it's set to 640x480 and high color 16 bit.

If I could just get the blasted thing to install corectly, I wouldn't have these problems. :( But it refuses. :(

is your video card built by ATI or powered by ATI ??? it makes a big difference !! do you have all the updates from ATI's website ??

[MTUSUPPORT]

Bob,
Go to www.ati.com and get the latest driver updates for this board.

[bdayton]

Originally Posted by BEAVIS

is your video card built by ATI or powered by ATI ??? it makes a big difference !! do you have all the updates from ATI's website ??

It says "Built By ATI"

I thought I had the latest drivers, (I did at one time), but it seems that they put up a new one about 2 minths ago, when I wasn't looking. Of course, I downloaded it and....... No Help.

[bdayton]

Originally Posted by MTUSUPPORT

Bob,
Go to www.ati.com and get the latest driver updates for this board.

Everything that I know to download and install updates for has been done but the problem persists. it "IS" in extended desktop mode but still shows me only 1 monitor on the display propertys screen. Even though it recognizes that there are multiple monitors installed.

I am now seriously considering re-formatting my HD and re-installine everything from scratch but I am FEARFULL of your anti-piracy routines. I dont know how they will respond to such an action. I they think I am trying to pirate Hoster, it might take days to get it fixed and loosing so much as a day, will likely put me out of business for good.

Can you clue me on how to SAFELY do this?

[jdavia]

it "IS" in extended desktop mode but still shows me only 1 monitor on the display propertys screen.

You need to set the display for dual screen in Properties/ settings. It is too difficult for me to explain, but if MTU hasn't, may someone jump in. If it isnt your card of the display driver, then it could be something listed below. (I hope not)

Don't act so fast as to delete your drive yet, until you do some checking.
Your problem sounds like a system resources one, and nothing to do with Hoster or the ATI card.
It may be hard for someone not knowing your particular computer to pinpoint the cause, because it can be so many.

How much memory do you have?
The use of the computer before using Hoster, The amount and type of other programs installed.
How much of your hard drive is allowed to be used for excess memory
Are other programs running silently in the background?
Do you have too many songs installed on an uncompressed drive?
Or is your drive almost full?
Does your screen shrink when you use any other program?
Do you have some icons on your desktop as copies and not as shortcuts?
A lot of questions, I know, but should be checked.
Something must be hogging the space on your drive, making less room for Hosters songs to display effectly on the full screen, therefor I suppose something in the OS reduces the window to display the file.
Check all of the above, I think any single one of them can cause what you experience.

[bdayton]

Originally Posted by jdavia

You need to set the display for dual screen in Properties/ settings. It is too difficult for me to explain, but if MTU hasn't, may someone jump in. If it isnt your card of the display driver, then it could be something listed below. (I hope not).

There is no option available to set the display to dual screen. (That I can find). I followed the directions to the best of my ability and that particular setting option is not mentioned.

Originally Posted by jdavia

Don't act so fast as to delete your drive yet, until you do some checking.

I have been fighting this display problem for ..... Approaching 1 full year. I hardly think that I am "Acting so fast". Re-installing the operating system has cleared up numurous problems for me in the past. No guarentees but, nothing else has worked either.

Originally Posted by jdavia

Your problem sounds like a system resources one, and nothing to do with Hoster or the ATI card.

I have not accused Hoster or MTU. (I still remain open minded about the card).

Originally Posted by jdavia

How much memory do you have?

523,808 kb

Originally Posted by jdavia

The use of the computer before using Hoster, The amount and type of other programs installed.

The HD was re-formatted and the operating system was installed from scratch just prior to installing Hoster for the first time. With the exception of a file transfer program, (WinMX), all other applocations on the computer are karaoke related but, only Hoster runs durring a show.

Originally Posted by jdavia

How much of your hard drive is allowed to be used for excess memory

"Excess Memory"? I'll go out on a limb and presume that you are refering to Virtual Memory. Total Virtual Memory is 1,799,960 kb and the page file is 1,276,152 kb

Originally Posted by jdavia

Are other programs running silently in the background?

Um? It's Windows.

Originally Posted by jdavia

Do you have too many songs installed on an uncompressed drive?
Or is your drive almost full?
Does your screen shrink when you use any other program?
Do you have some icons on your desktop as copies and not as shortcuts?
A lot of questions, I know, but should be checked.

No.
No. Only 1 disk, 28 Gig of free space or, 40% free
No. Hoster is the only program I have that is designed to use multiple screens.
No. All were placed there by installation programs. (Operating system, Hoster install, etc..)

Originally Posted by jdavia

Something must be hogging the space on your drive, making less room for Hosters songs to display effectly on the full screen, therefor I suppose something in the OS reduces the window to display the file.
Check all of the above, I think any single one of them can cause what you experience.

I Appologize if some of my answers come off as Snide or "Skuck-up" but, having been a computer programmer for right at about 20 years now, my experiance tells me that it is highly unlikely that a near-full HD, (Which I don't have anyway), could be the cause of a failed Video card install. (I have learned to never say "Impossible", but..... Hmmmm)

[jdavia]

I copied this information from the internet .
Is it or is it not a dual screen card?

Basic Information

Description: Radeon 7500 All-In-Wonder VE Video Card (64MB, PCI, 2D/3D w/TV-Out)
Manufacturer: ATI
Lowest Price: $145.00
User Rating: (4.50 / 5.00) - (Read 2 Reviews)
Detailed Specifications
Type of Video Card: 2D/3D Video w/TV Support
Color Depth at Maximum Resolution: 16.7 Million Colors (32-bit)
Functionality: Video Capture
Interface Type: Video - 15 pin High-Density D-shell (VGA), Video - 4 pin mini-DIN (S-Video)
Refresh Rate at Max Resolution: 75 Hz
Resolution: 1024 x 768 (XGA), 1280 x 1024 (SXGA), 1600 x 1200 (UXGA), 2048 x 1536, 800 x 600 (SVGA)
Slot/Port Type: PCI
System Type: PC
Video Chipset: ATI RADEON
Video Standard Supported: NTSC (analog)
Installed Video Memory: 64 MB
Memory Technology: DDR-SDRAM (DDRRAM)

[S. Parks]

It is, I own the very same card.

[George]

DITTO

Works great.

[jdavia]

Any comments on other things I mentioned previously. Do you see the tv montor and the computer in the display window in Display/Settings, so you can select one or both? I ask because you have the same card and he see only one.
I have a ATI 9000 so my settinge might be different from his, so I can't help with the 7500.

[jdavia]

I gave all these causes as possible solutions. Because on my other computer when I run PhotoShop, and open several images at the same time for editing, the program can handle it for a while. But eventually the screens start to get smaller as you experience.

Are you letting windows set your visual effects or another choice.
Properties/Advanced/performance/settings. Go deeper to Visual effects/Advance. Mine is set to "Adlust to best performance". and in Visual effects/Advance, "Programs". To use the greater share of processor run time, and share of memory.