In another post I got a little off topic trying to probe minds for thoughts on Linux HDTV Modelines. So I am making this new post to continue that probe.

My thoughts on the matter were this... Since DVD players, XBox, Cable STBs and whatnot can be plugged into a TV via component cables and "just work" why can't a computer be connected and "just work"?

The discussion lead me to the realization that each video card is different, so the output is not always the same. I notice a lot of discussion on Modelines says you need to know details about your video card AND the TV you are connecting it to, but if DVD players, etc "just work" that must mean that the TV's accept a standard signal input. This leads me to believe that calculations of modelines can be based soley off of the computer (my thought is just the video card, dot clock or whatever). Can anyone back me up or shoot down my idea?

If one can find the standard settings for an HDTV input, and knows modelines and how they work, then an application could be built to calculate modelines automatically. I was thinking of tackling this myself, but I for one do not know the HDTV standards, and also do not know modelines almost at all. If anyone else thinks this is possible and would like to brainstorm, let me know.

~Matt