AVWizard hates me--bizzarre graphic behavior

[Crash]

I've been picking tidbits here and there from different posts, and trying every possible listed fix multiple times and in different orders for the past week or so with no luck.  I've found the "transparency" error a few times, the blank screen while trying to get AVWizard to work (and pressing 1-5 and 6-0 did nothing but produce more beeps); and right now I managed to get the AVWizard to run through with the vesa driver, but once I installed the latest nVidia drivers I loose my video.  I can boot up and see the splash screen but once the orbiter starts to load I loose my video signal.  I assume at that point that the orbiter is operating normally, I just don't have video.

My setup:  I have a hybrid that I'm trying to setup for the first time, using a nVidia 8600gts DVI output.  Right now that output is going from the gpu's DVI to a VGA adapter then to the back of the TV via VGA.  I will be using a DVI to HDMI once I get an adapter/cable, but at this point I want to just see it work before I spend any more money.

Any ideas?

[sdogg1m]

Yep!

If you are using the DVI connector then hit the number 1 key on your keyboard when you receive a black screen.

Refer to this page if you need any additional information: http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/AVWizard#How_A.2FV_Wizard_Starts

[Crash]

Like I mentioned in the OP, I already tried that with no avail.  What did end up working for me was an S-video out, I just have MASSIVE clipping/tearing on the edges.  The DVI to VGA didn't work no matter what button I pushed.  I'll be upgrading soon to a DVI to HDMI, and when I do that we'll see if I have any problems. 

[totallymaxed]

Like I mentioned in the OP, I already tried that with no avail.  What did end up working for me was an S-video out, I just have MASSIVE clipping/tearing on the edges.  The DVI to VGA didn't work no matter what button I pushed.  I'll be upgrading soon to a DVI to HDMI, and when I do that we'll see if I have any problems. 

The 8600 card needs a lot of manual config at the moment as the AVWizard does not handle the config correctly. It is possible to get them working with some manual config and there are several threads here where people have done that.

However I would suggest that you simply get yourself a 6200TC or a 7300 card as these work out of the box using the nVidia driver that ships in LinuxMCE-0710.

All the best

Andrew

[Crash]

I appreciate the input Andrew, I've been looking for a guarantee from someone about a less expensive card that works out of the box but hadn't gotten one yet.  Can you confirm that both of these cards will run UI2 w/alpha?  And what about HD content?

But just FYI, you may be interested to know Andrew, that with nVidia's latest release of their new GTX200 series cards they updated the drivers for all OS's.  After running the basic install of the latest nVidia drivers, my 8600gts is working beautifully in UI2 w/alpha!

The only reason I ask about other cards is because I'm actually borrowing the 8600 right now, and instead of buying that card off my friend for one price, I'd rather get a new, less expensive card.  I just wanted to make sure it would do all I intend to have it doing before I purchase anything.

Thanks!

crash

[sdogg1m]

Crash sorry I didn't read before but I may have stumbled on a solution.

I had a similar problem a didn't read before and did a massive work around for installing new Nvidia drivers.

Check out Reply #9 on this thread

http://forum.linuxmce.org/index.php?topic=5364.0

Follow the instructions exactly and let me know if that works.

[Crash]

I actually got the whole system to work using the workaround from that thread early this week.  It's a pain, but not too bad, and well worth it. 

Thanks,

-crash