___________________ Hz Tool Version 1.0 Get the newest version at: http://hztool.home.ml.org If you have questions then first read instructions and FAQ. If you still have questions, or want to help me improve the program, mail to berglind@usa.net. ____________ Installation Just unzip the archive to a folder of your choice, then run Hztool.exe. You can create a shortcut on your desktop by dragging the Hztool.exe to the desktop with the left mouse-button. Read the instructions and disclaimer before you use the program. ____________ Introduction Hztool is a freeware tool for Windows 95 that lets you set the refreshrate for all resolutions, including the ones that Windows normally doesn't let you use. Together with Quickres from Microsoft it's all you need to easily take control over the refreshrates and resolutions. It was programmed in April/May 1998 by me, Stefan Berglind, because the drivers for my graphics card didn't allow me to easily set the refreshrates for games. It works in all programs that uses Windows routines to change resolution, for example: * Direct 3D games * Open GL programs, i.e. glQuake2 * Windows itself With Hztool you can also edit the properties of your monitor, which allows you to get the most out of it in refreshrates and resolutions. Note that all graphics cards and drivers does not allow you to change the refreshrate, or use special resolutions (for example 960*720). The program gives you freedom to set whatever refreshrates and resolutions you want, but you have to make sure that both the graphics card and your monitor can handle it. Use precaution! __________ How to use Quick start Start Hztool, select the active graphics card in the "driver select"-panel. Click on the resolutions you wish to use, and select their refreshrates. Select (in the "apply to bit-depths" panel) which bit-depths you wish to use the new refreshrates in. Press "save settings", and you're done! You can now change resolution (with Quickres for example) and the new refreshrate should be used. How to set the correct monitor Select in "monitor options" the monitor type which you currently use. Find in your monitors manual the maximum supported resolution, the supported horizontal frequencies (in KHz) and the supported vertical frequencies (in Hz). Type in these values in the corresponding boxes. You can ignore the H/V sync setting, as it normally doesn't care which one you use. Set the other checkboxes (autodetect, energy star and resume) as you prefer. All settings will be saved when you press "Save settings". If you have set all values correctly, Windows (NOT Quickres!) will now not allow you to select an unsupported resolution or refreshrate. How to set refreshrates for different bit-depths Select the active driver. Select which bit-depths you wish to change. Press "Get settings". Set the refreshrates. Press "Save settings". Repeat this for the different bit-depths you wish to change individually. If you want to set the same refreshrate for all bit-depths, then just select them all before you press "Save settings". How to set non-standard refreshrates After you start the program, or press "Get settings" type in the desired refreshrate in the little box. Press "Add". Now the new refreshrate will show up LAST with a * after it in the list-boxes. Save settings. Note that non-standard refreshrates which are not used are not saved. ___________ Tested with * Rendition Vérité V1000 and V2x00: Works with all resolutions except 320*200, 320*240 and 960*720. 320*2xx defaults to 60 or 85 Hz. Support for 56, 90 and 200 Hz via custom refreshrates. * Nvidia Riva 128: Works with all resolutions. * 3Dlabs Permedia2: Works from 640*480 and up. Supports variable frequencies from 56-200 Hz (depending on RAMDAC). Use the Add-button to make a custom refreshrate. ___ FAQ Q: Nothing happens when I change frequency of the current resolution? A: You must press the save-button, and change resolution once to notice anything. Q: The refreshrates doesn't change after I press save and change resolution? A1: You have to select the active graphics driver in the driver window. A2: Make sure you have selected the bitdepth you are using. A3: Make sure your graphics-card supports the selected refreshrates and resolutions. A4: Perhaps your graphics-card store refreshrates in a different way which makes it impossible to change them with Hztool. Q: What does the * after the frequency mean? A: That means that it is a custom frequency, not a standard one. Q: Why do I have more than one driver listed in the driver-panel? A: This is because you previously have installed others drivers. This is normal and does not cause any problems. Q: What does the "75 Hz std" and "v2100 max" buttons do? A: These sets the refreshrates to 75 Hz, and the maximum a Rendition v2100 card can do, respectively. It's just a faster way than setting all resolutions yourself. Q: Will Hztool work under Windows 98? A: Probably. I will make a version that works 100% under Windows 98. Q: Will Hztool work under NT4 or NT5? A: Probably not. I don't use them, so I can't support them. ______ Issues Quickres must be restarted for new resolutions to show up. Not tested under NT. No checking that H/V frequencies or resolutions are valid on the selected monitor. Use precaution! Changing the H/V sync polarity probably doesn't work on many chipsets. __________ Disclaimer This software can be used freely in non-commercial environments. For use in commercial environments contact the author. The software can be distributed freely, as long as it is not sold commercially without permission from the author. However, including this software on CD-ROM, permission has to be given from the author. This software is provided on an "AS IS" basis, without warranty of any kind, including without limitation the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the software is taken by the user. Should the software prove defective, the user and not the software author assume the entire cost of any service and repair.