Hey Yosemite!

efibootmgr and x86_64-unknown-linux-gnu grub managed to get 16 boot penguins across the top of a 4k monitor with room to spare. The secret is the "set gfxmode=3840x2160x32" configuration line in grub.cfg which deploys the kernel's efifb to set the boot resolution. The default is 800x600x32 which explains why 16 penguins will not fit. So far I've been only able to get 4k on bootup using grub.

If someone knows better I am all ears.

Life is good,
Maurice

... Wyrd biþ swiþre, Meotud meahtigra, þonne ænges monnes gehygd.
Fate is stronger, the Lord mightier, than any man's thoughts.
--- GNU bash, version 5.1.16(1)-release (x86_64-lilmikii-linux-gnu)
* Origin: Little Mikey's Brain - Ladysmith BC, Canada (1:153/7001)

Hey Benny!

grub is grub :)

+1

you need to tell x11 to do the same

That has nothing to do with the booting process, and besides that is and was working no matter what boot loader I use. I was hoping to avoid efi boots but it looks like I am doomed if I want 4k boot menus and the such. It's the penguins that really tell the tale.

that will create a new xorg.conf, no ?

How does that help the booting process, especially considering 16 4k efifb penguins? Speaking of which I calculate exactly 30 possible penguins on a 4k monitor assuming they are 128 pixels wide which matches with my observation of the current 16 boot penguins I am seeing on bootup ( 3840/128 = 30 ). Now all I want is a sun36 consolefont for it and my new desktop will truly be awesome. One thing is for sure; a fullscreen console based mplayer (-vo fbdev2) on a 4k monitor looks really, really good. It can play x264 encoded files .. still no x265 support. So far that hasn't mattered but I've heard of a few digital cameras that output x265 and that might be more significant to them.

For the record, 16 boot penguins will also fit in a 1080p (1920 x 1080) monitor with room for 4 more (20 total). The math is a bit different since it looks like 96 pixels wide penguins are deployed at that resolution ( 1920/96 = 20 ). If 720p uses the same width then it can only display 7. Assuming 48 pixel width then only 15 penguins are possible for display purposes. `Tis sad but true. Oh well ... 1080p is noticeably sharper than 720p on 7" monitors.

Life is good,
Maurice

... Unlæde bið and ormod se ðe a wile geomrian on gihðe.
Wretched and hopeless is he who wants to go on lamenting in sorrow.
--- GNU bash, version 5.1.16(1)-release (x86_64-znver1-linux-gnu)
* Origin: Little Mikey's EuroPoint @ (2:280/464.113)

Hey Maurice!

If 720p uses the same width then it can only display 7. Assuming
48 pixel width then only 15 penguins are possible for display
purposes. `Tis sad but true.

No it isn't. You did the math wrong and 720p can actually display 13 96 pixel width penguins 26 48 pixel width penguins which is more thn adequate for our immediate purposes.

Oh well ... 1080p is noticeably sharper than 720p on 7" monitors.

For sure! 1080p is now our barebones minimum. It is definetly noticable on 7" monitors. Yosemite Sam would be proud.

Life is good,
Maurice

... Þing sceal gehegan frod wiþ frodne.
Wise men should hold meetings with the wise.
--- GNU bash, version 5.1.16(1)-release (x86_64-lilmikii-linux-gnu)
* Origin: Little Mikey's Brain - Ladysmith BC, Canada (1:153/7001)

Hey Benny!

grub is grub :)

+1

no hint with this ?

What hint are you looking for? I already posted about grub's gfxmode and the kernel's efifb but if more is required I am sure it is doable. I just need to know what you're looking for.

why keep the booting process fokus ? :=)

Becuase that is where it starts, although it really isn't an issue as far as linux is concerned. However I always like to see the right thing happening as soon as the power is switched on. Now that it is working I am content to move on to better things such as runtime apps. Having said that mplayer is already working so I can't think of what else might be required as far as 4k monitors are concerned.

imho vga and mode is needed in kernel boot options

That shouldn't be a problem. Anyhow I've now tested three different monitors on this setup and they all do the right thing except that a 720p monitor cannot display 16 penguins given the shortage of pixels. 1080p works great with room for 4 more (20 total) in it's native resolution. 4k could use a tad larger consolefont but latarcyrheb-sun32 is readable methinks. It is what I am seeing as I type this reply.

Life is good,
Maurice

... Eþel byþ oferleof æghwylcum men.
Home is very dear to every man.
--- GNU bash, version 5.1.16(1)-release (x86_64-znver1-linux-gnu)
* Origin: Little Mikey's EuroPoint @ (2:280/464.113)

Hey Benny!

its long time since i have see the penguins on gentoo

Same situation here although it didn't really matter as far as working 4k graphics are concerned.

gentoo splash screens and wallpapers want the penguins to live
aswell

I am sure it could ( does? ) work. I'll see what I can find out later.

you only need kernel boot initramfs to enable it with the mode=
and vga=

It doesn't work here as those only supply standard resolutions. 4k is not an option.

want all in fb0 ?

Sure why not? However xorg still works and "mplayer -vo vdpau -fs movie.mp4" gives a fullscreen 4k on xorg that is worthy of note. I assume other graphically inclined applications will also work.

i only have a display port monitor at fullhd, 4k is nice and
expansive :=)

Yes it is. For the cost of a half decent 28" 4k monitor I can easily purchace two top-of-the-line 1080p monitors. As for the 7" monitors I have, the 1080p is definetly the better compared to the 720p. The smallest REAL 4k monitor I can find is a 12" and they want far too much money for it, almost twice the price of the 28" one I now have.

Four of them? I am going to have to pass on that.

I am glad I did this as now I know and am content to have one working 4k monitor but I am unlikely to replace it with another. 1080p is more than good enough for my usage for graphics, and is far cheaper. That is my recommendation at this point in time.

Life is good,
Maurice

... Oft sceall eorl monig anes willan wræc adreogan.
Often must many a warrior suffer misery because of the will of one person. --- GNU bash, version 5.1.16(1)-release (x86_64-znver1-linux-gnu)
* Origin: Little Mikey's EuroPoint @ (2:280/464.113)

Hey Benny!

if i get a 10 meter long hdmi cable i could test it

is it 4k ? I imagine something that size would make a difference compared to 1080p. I don't have a TV, nevermind a 4k one, so you're on your own on this particular experiment.

and still have usb c ports to be used as monitors ports :=)

Exactly the same for the AsRock 4x4.

screens can be transportable, hehe

I am thinking more about in vehicle type applications, such as onboard boat computers.

so you miss firmware ?, or just a asus pn50 ? :)

I've got too much stinkin' firmware and no asus anything. The asrock 4x4 is what is supplying the 4800U which matches your asus pn50.

also links -g https://localhost/mypicture.jpg :)

I use fbi for stuff like that. I prefer links as a purely text based web browser. Also I disable gpm mouse so that cutting text from links to a different console is doable. That is far more productive than staring at meaningless graphics. ;-)

i have a 49" android tv, cheap :=)

I don't know about android ones, but all the 4k TVs around these parts cost at least 3 times what a 1080p monitor does and is unlikely to fit into a mobile situation such as an in vehicle computer.

but it is expansive if it just a monitor, hmm

The 4k I have is just a monitor. It is not noticeably better than a like sized 1080p monitor and is at least twice the cost.

rasberry pi 7" touch screen ?, i have one of them, still
planning on create something with it

I've seen those. Personally I don't like touch screens but I do see them everywhere these days so apparently it is just me who avoids them.

yes it nice, olso on hollydays :=)

:-) I like your spelling of holidays.

Life is good,
Maurice

... Scearp scyldwiga [sceal] gescad witan worda ond worca.
A sharp warrior must know the difference between words and deeds.
--- GNU bash, version 5.1.16(1)-release (x86_64-znver1-linux-gnu)
* Origin: Little Mikey's EuroPoint @ (2:280/464.113)

Hello Maurice!

17 Jun 2022 14:36, Maurice Kinal wrote to Benny Pedersen:

if i get a 10 meter long hdmi cable i could test it

is it 4k ? I imagine something that size would make a difference compared to 1080p. I don't have a TV, nevermind a 4k one, so you're
on your own on this particular experiment.

atleast google tv dont mind using it as 4k for netflix content at 4k :=)

and still have usb c ports to be used as monitors ports :=)

Exactly the same for the AsRock 4x4.

+1

screens can be transportable, hehe

I am thinking more about in vehicle type applications, such as onboard boat computers.

+1

so you miss firmware ?, or just a asus pn50 ? :)

I've got too much stinkin' firmware and no asus anything. The asrock
4x4 is what is supplying the 4800U which matches your asus pn50.

+1

imho its a diffrent with is how much power is used to do it

also links -g https://localhost/mypicture.jpg :)

I use fbi for stuff like that. I prefer links as a purely text based
web browser. Also I disable gpm mouse so that cutting text from links
to a different console is doable. That is far more productive than staring at meaningless graphics. ;-)

super

i have a 49" android tv, cheap :=)

I don't know about android ones, but all the 4k TVs around these parts cost at least 3 times what a 1080p monitor does and is unlikely to fit into a mobile situation such as an in vehicle computer.

i like to say get a hdmi monitor at 4k or even 8k without any tuner at all, then add newest google tv chromecast cheapest to it this is cheaper to get the newest std stream and smart tv, if i find one that is just a monitor i will get it

but it is expansive if it just a monitor, hmm

The 4k I have is just a monitor. It is not noticeably better than a
like sized 1080p monitor and is at least twice the cost.

add a google tv to it, you will like the remote control at least :=)

rasberry pi 7" touch screen ?, i have one of them, still
planning on create something with it

I've seen those. Personally I don't like touch screens but I do see
them everywhere these days so apparently it is just me who avoids
them.

not my fault then, but i understand you still with it

yes it nice, olso on hollydays :=)

:-) I like your spelling of holidays.

* x11-libs/libfakeXinerama
Available versions: ~0.1.0
Homepage: https://github.com/Xpra-org/libfakeXinerama
Description: Fake library to override default libXinerama and expose custom screen dimensions
License: MIT

dont know if this is at any help for the penguins ?


Regards Benny

... too late to die young :)

--- Msged/LNX 6.1.2 (Linux/5.18.9-gentoo-dist (x86_64))
* Origin: gopher://fido.junc.eu/ (2:230/0)

Hey Benny!

atleast google tv dont mind using it as 4k for netflix content
at 4k

And from what I've seen, it isn't any better than 1080p, or at least on a 28" 4k monitor it isn't.

imho its a diffrent with is how much power is used to do it

Not much according to the brag sheet. Almost half the wattage of a 6 core i5 doing the same job(s). Also I have it mounted on the back of the 4k monitor so it isn't taking up any additional real estate on my physical desktop. It is more than a lttle cramped to say the least. So far I think it is worth it other than the fact that a 24" 1080p would have been just as good and cheaper. I must admit I really like what I see so far.

i like to say get a hdmi monitor at 4k or even 8k without any
tuner at all

Agreed. That is what I have now except 28" which is as small as it gets as far as regular desktop systems are concerned.

* x11-libs/libfakeXinerama
dont know if this is at any help for the penguins ?

Not for the boot penguins. Anyhow I have it working now using a efi capable grub. I still haven't heard any alternative solutions.

Bottomline is that in order to get all 16 penguins on bootup, the minimum resolution is 1080p. You will lose 3 penguins at 720p. At 4k there is room for exactly 30 penguins. I am guessing 60 on an 8k monitor. You tell me.

Life is good,
Maurice

... Maþþum oþres weorð, gold mon sceal gifan.
One treasure deserves another; gold should be given away.
--- GNU bash, version 5.1.16(1)-release (x86_64-znver1-linux-gnu)
* Origin: Little Mikey's EuroPoint @ (2:280/464.113)

Hello Maurice!

07 Jul 2022 16:46, Maurice Kinal wrote to Benny Pedersen:

atleast google tv dont mind using it as 4k for netflix content
at 4k

And from what I've seen, it isn't any better than 1080p, or at least
on a 28" 4k monitor it isn't.

you will see bigger diffrent on bigger screens, atleast i think it is so

imho its a diffrent with is how much power is used to do it

Not much according to the brag sheet. Almost half the wattage of a 6 core i5 doing the same job(s).

i5 is using more electrical power to do jobs imho, same reason i begin to scratch old hardware that is designed to use so much power that it needs cooling to compute PI

Also I have it mounted on the back of
the 4k monitor so it isn't taking up any additional real estate on my physical desktop.

i would like to do the samme with my 49" 4k android tv, like the youngsters room :)

It is more than a lttle cramped to say the least.
So far I think it is worth it other than the fact that a 24" 1080p
would have been just as good and cheaper. I must admit I really like what I see so far.

40 cm from the screen it should not be bigger, thats why it should be small, its more or less a joke to use 4k and small screens if not playing games :)

i like to say get a hdmi monitor at 4k or even 8k without any
tuner at all

Agreed. That is what I have now except 28" which is as small as it
gets as far as regular desktop systems are concerned.

super

* x11-libs/libfakeXinerama
dont know if this is at any help for the penguins ?

Not for the boot penguins. Anyhow I have it working now using a efi capable grub. I still haven't heard any alternative solutions.

would you share the grub config for this ?

Bottomline is that in order to get all 16 penguins on bootup, the
minimum resolution is 1080p.

fair

You will lose 3 penguins at 720p.

all is not free

At 4k there is room for exactly 30 penguins.
I am guessing 60 on an 8k
monitor. You tell me.

when i get one :=)


Regards Benny

... too late to die young :)

--- Msged/LNX 6.1.2 (Linux/5.18.9-gentoo-dist (x86_64))
* Origin: gopher://fido.junc.eu/ (2:230/0)

Hey Benny!

you will see bigger diffrent on bigger screens

We did a sample usb stick (h264 movie) to a 42" 1080p and it looked great. This is a neighbour's smart tv. As far as booting to it I haven't done and have no plans to but I imagine that could make a difference if it were a large 4k screen. I have absolutely no plans to buy one just to find out so it looks like you're the goto guy.

would you share the grub config for this ?

Yes. Did you want the whole thing (/boot/grug/grub.cfg) or/and just how I generated/installed it? If I am not mistaken it was on a archlinux wiki that I first stumbled across a reference to it. I'll see if I can find it again as it proved to be very helpful. Also I need to eventually bring this znver1 up to speed as it kickstarted this process for me. It's default monitor is a 7" 720p. I like it even for movies but only use the console framebuffer for that as there are no xorg apps/libs at the moment and probably will never be.

This weekend I plan to be lazy so probably later this week.

Life is good,
Maurice

... All'alba vincerò! Vincerò! Vincerò!
--- GNU bash, version 5.1.16(1)-release (x86_64-znver1-linux-gnu)
* Origin: Little Mikey's EuroPoint @ (2:280/464.113)

Hello Maurice!

10 Jul 2022 00:01, Maurice Kinal wrote to Benny Pedersen:

you will see bigger diffrent on bigger screens

We did a sample usb stick (h264 movie) to a 42" 1080p and it looked great.

42" is just still not big screens, around 200" is :=)

This is a neighbour's smart tv. As far as booting to it I
haven't done and have no plans to but I imagine that could make a difference if it were a large 4k screen.

in japan one did a 16K 150" screen with aqurium pause fish in :)

jellous here

I have absolutely no plans
to buy one just to find out so it looks like you're the goto guy.

+1

would you share the grub config for this ?

Yes. Did you want the whole thing (/boot/grug/grub.cfg) or/and just
how I generated/installed it?

that file says imho do not edit this file ? :=)

but yes i can figure out it anyway

If I am not mistaken it was on a
archlinux wiki that I first stumbled across a reference to it.

yes, in gentoo its grub source file to edit is /etc/default/grub

grub2-mkconfig reads options from this one to create the grub.cfg above

I'll
see if I can find it again as it proved to be very helpful. Also I
need to eventually bring this znver1 up to speed as it kickstarted
this process for me. It's default monitor is a 7" 720p. I like it
even for movies but only use the console framebuffer for that as there are no xorg apps/libs at the moment and probably will never be.

i just like to see the penguins here if possible as your test say it works :)

This weekend I plan to be lazy so probably later this week.

no plans for tour de france here, so much other to do


Regards Benny

... too late to die young :)

--- Msged/LNX 6.1.2 (Linux/5.18.10-gentoo-dist (x86_64))
* Origin: gopher://fido.junc.eu/ (2:230/0)

Hey Benny!

42" is just still not big screens, around 200" is :=)

28" is as big as it gets here (4k). I am thinking smaller. Offhand 10" or 12" if the right one(s) can be found. In the meantime a 4k efi boot to the 28" is my current toy on a nvme disk.

yes, in gentoo its grub source file to edit is /etc/default/grub

For graphic boots I have the below in /etc/default/grub;

GRUB_GFXMODE=auto
GRUB_GFXPAYLOAD_LINUX=keep
GRUB_TERMINAL_OUTPUT="gfxterm"

The "GRUB_GFXMODE=auto" option will detect and use the native resolution of the monitor, currently 4k. I did try both 1080p and a 720p monitors on the same system with it successfully detecting and booting the correct resolution in time to display all the boot penguins it can on the top line. For both 4k and 1020p all 16 penguins are displayed just like the doctor ordered.

For the record a SSD sata drive also works but it incorrectly identifys it as hd0 when there is an nvme disk and should be hd1. I think this might be a bios issue but have yet to find a fix other then to not use the sata interface for booting.

i just like to see the penguins here if possible as your test
say it works :)

Yes it does. For a 4k monitor I think a 12 core (two threads per core) would look the best. :::evil grin:::

Life is good,
Maurice

... Wa bið þam þe sceal of langoþe leofes abidan.
Woe it is for the one who must wait in longing for the beloved.
--- GNU bash, version 5.1.16(1)-release (x86_64-znver1-linux-gnu)
* Origin: Little Mikey's EuroPoint @ (2:280/464.113)

Hello Maurice!

11 Jul 2022 05:21, Maurice Kinal wrote to Benny Pedersen:

42" is just still not big screens, around 200" is :=)

28" is as big as it gets here (4k).

+1

I am thinking smaller. Offhand
10" or 12" if the right one(s) can be found. In the meantime a 4k efi boot to the 28" is my current toy on a nvme disk.

+1

yes, in gentoo its grub source file to edit is /etc/default/grub

For graphic boots I have the below in /etc/default/grub;

GRUB_GFXMODE=auto
GRUB_GFXPAYLOAD_LINUX=keep
GRUB_TERMINAL_OUTPUT="gfxterm"

The "GRUB_GFXMODE=auto" option will detect and use the native
resolution of the monitor, currently 4k. I did try both 1080p and a
720p monitors on the same system with it successfully detecting and booting the correct resolution in time to display all the boot
penguins it can on the top line. For both 4k and 1020p all 16
penguins are displayed just like the doctor ordered.

it shows no penguins here, might need more kernel boot line options ?

For the record a SSD sata drive also works but it incorrectly
identifys it as hd0 when there is an nvme disk and should be hd1.

imho this is udev ?

I think this might be a bios issue but have yet to find a fix other then to not use the sata interface for booting.

reorder boot bios devices can change fysical dev names in os :=)

i just like to see the penguins here if possible as your test
say it works :)

Yes it does. For a 4k monitor I think a 12 core (two threads per
core) would look the best. :::evil grin:::

more work is need for me to make it work


Regards Benny

... too late to die young :)

--- Msged/LNX 6.1.2 (Linux/5.18.10-gentoo-dist (x86_64))
* Origin: gopher://fido.junc.eu/ (2:230/0)

Hey Benny!

it shows no penguins here, might need more kernel boot line
options ?

Are you using grub's x86_64-efi target? You might have to specify it with "--target=x86_64-efi" to grub-install. On mine it is now the default ... and it works with only the additions to /etc/default/grub as previously shown.

For the record a SSD sata drive also works but it incorrectly
identifys it as hd0 when there is an nvme disk and should be
hd1.

imho this is udev ?

No. It happens before udev is mounted. I'll probably return to this later but for now I just have it booting to the nvme. Just trying to keep it simple.

Yes it does. For a 4k monitor I think a 12 core (two threads
per core) would look the best. :::evil grin:::

more work is need for me to make it work

Get uefi working and it'll be a lot less work.

Life is good,
Maurice

... Wes þu a giedda wis, wær wið willan, worda hyrde.
Be ever wise in speech, watchful against desire; guard your words.
--- GNU bash, version 5.1.16(1)-release (x86_64-znver1-linux-gnu)
* Origin: Little Mikey's EuroPoint @ (2:280/464.113)