DPI scaling issue in app


meridius

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I can't seem to get the best out of this app (DaVinci Resolve) in my new laptop as it's blurry with the setting I have made (System (Enhanced)), which was recommended by a user in another post online. However the text size is much larger and generally more readable which is what I want.

In the default 'Application' setting the text size is clear but way too small.

Other users of the app seem to have problems with this. BTW I have no problems with this app in another laptop.

I cannot untick the Program DPI as it is greyed out. Any ideas? See attached photo...

Screenshot 2022-03-06 013150.png
 
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Windows 11 Home Single Language (21H2)

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Just guessing, but it's probably grayed out because you have a custom scaling set in settings-display-scale which would override the settings with the app itself.
You can try going to settings-display-graphics. Select your app from the list, click options. Play around with the settings there to see if it helps.
If that doesn't work you will have to set scaling to default (which will affect your entire system) in order to un-gray the options with the app.
 

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You are right. This is the custom setting for my new Asus TUF Dash F15 laptop in Windows, likely set up by Asus:

W11_CustomScaling.png

I'm not sure I'm going to experiment with Custom Scaling for now, in other words change the Asus defaults, but I did try here but with no luck:

S_DSP_GR_06.03.2022.png

My initial suggestions were from here: How to Change UI Text Size in DaVinci Resolve - Allavio I think however this may be an Asus settings and DaVinci Resolve issue combined. It does not have an impact on some video tests I have done with it in terms of output quality for either HD or UHD which is the most important thing.

I have also installed a large monitor linked to the new laptop but it is another old piece of hardware from 2011 that is likely due for replacement!

BTW I installed an older version of Microsoft Word and the newer Adobe Reader DC on Windows and there do not appear to be any scaling issues with them.
 

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In your first screenshot,. where it shows 100-500, there is nothing entered there - that is why it shows 100-500. You enter a single value and then the check mark becomes white (for your dark background) and if you click it, then there is an "X" at the far right letting you remove the custom setting.

No X == nothing is set there.
 

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The reason I haven't experimented with this is due to the above warning in that screenshot.

The standard scaling in System > Display is set to 125% (Recommended) by Asus. I just tried 150% and I'll see how it goes...
 

My Computers

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    Windows 11 Pro
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If you do set it, it give you the option on the main system > Display window to remove and immediately log out (which this setting requires in order to take effect / remove effect) in a one-click button solution. Unless you make the value so large that the window cannot be displayed (which can happen, so it is best to start small and move incrementally up as needed) You'll be fine.

However, if you suspect it is an ASUS setting, there also has to be a way to alter that, either via the main System > Display or else via an ASUS application somewhere on the system.
 

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I once had a scaling issue on another computer and made a mistake and ended up at a PONR (Point of no return). This is why I am so cautious. My other Toshiba laptop has no problems with the same video editing app.

I have actually attached a monitor to my laptop which helps in spite of the fact that it is ten years old I need a new one. Perhaps seeing as this is an Asus laptop it would be more compatible with an Asus monitor: Monitors - All series|ASUS Global and being on the computer for long hours would end up being a little more enjoyable.

If I don't get anywhere with this problem I will contact Asus support...
 

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    Windows 11 Pro
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    Windows 10 Pro
Compatibility is more about what your hardware can support versus manufacturer. Assuming compatibility is better because two devices are from the same OEM is fallacious. That being said, though, whatever works for you is what works for you. As I mentioned, if you take small steps at a time, and don't try changing 17 different settings at once, you'll be in a good position to avoid your previous PoNR issue. This applies to all sorts of troubleshooting and configuration - make incremental steps so you can evaluate exactly what has changed and back out if need be.

For example - from the System --> Display page, you have pre-set DPI Scaling values that can be set - on a per-monitor (per-display, really) basis. But that one you have a screenshot of is system wide, so it will affect all displays simultaneously. It's something to consider if you are using a multi-monitor setup. If you're not, then (currently) the point is moot, as affecting the one display that you are using is, obviously, affecting all displays.

Finally, the best thing to do is to revert back to the way it was before, removing the DaVinci app specific scaling that you've set, then take a screenshot of the app to show exactly what the problem is. Your OP states that it is blurry, but the text is unreadable - DPI scaling affects the entire UI, icons, menus, etc. whereas another setting, specifically for text, may be your better option. But a screenshot would go a long way, as we cannot see your machine and the problem(s) that it is exhibiting. Once we do, a lot more understanding of the issue will lead to better support.

Also, one very real reason that this may be occurring is that, on your older machine, the native resolution for the display of the device was sufficient for DaVinci to use, but modern devices have displays that run at much higher resolutions, and one that might not be suited for use with DaVinci. Again, here, a screenshot would much more clearly illustrate what exactly is going on, and help in the troubleshooting process.
 

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Thanks a lot for your very useful pointers.

I'm not going to give you a complete answer now because I am going to spend the next few hours reinstalling my os.

However:

1. I had an external monitor attached to my laptop with a cheap VGA to USB-C converter. Not a good idea.

2. When I tested the two screens together having one on and the other off was much better rather than having the laptop and external monitor on at the same time. When I only had the monitor on, DaVinci Resolve was quite good in terms of text size and screen quality.

3. I will look at all the default settings in the Display section of Settings in W11 after I reinstall.

4. I had some screen flickering on the laptop during a Zoom meeting tonight. Perhaps it was nothing or a problem with me fiddling about with the display settings during it.

5. I attach two screenshots from Right click on App > Properties > Compatibility > Change high DPI settings > High DPI scaling override > Override high DPI scaling behaviour > Scaling preferred by: Application - Too small (and) System (Enhanced) - Unclear.

Anyway I am preparing for my reinstallation now which will hopefully not draw me in to the early hours of the morning!

1.DPI Scaling Application (Default).png

2.DPI Scaling System (Enhanced).png
 

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I'm updating you on my progress with this problem.

I reinstalled Windows 11 as in my last post.

One of the problems relating to the flickering screen as in my previous post may have been that I did not tighten the connection between the VGA connector and the VGA to USB-C adapter so the connection was loose but there may have been other problems including a loose power supply connection to the external monitor.

Today I had a little static on the outside monitor side of my laptop. I have now removed my plastic shoes and probably need to split up the wiring around the back of the laptop a little

The main part-solution to this for the video editing app text size problem was to Right click desktop > Display settings > 'Show only on 2'.

'Show only on 2' is the old external monitor but the text size in this app for the video editing application is fine for me (see attached screenshot if it is clear and accurate enough).

DVR Size Display 2 (11.03.2022).png

So while the text size of this app is still small on Display 1 (the laptop screen), it's fine on Display 2 (the external monitor). This fits my purposes at the moment even though the monitor is an old Samsung B1930N which has a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Ideally I should buy a new up to date external monitor but the old one will do for now.

These are my following display settings for both displays:

Display 2 Settings (External Monitor)
Scale: 100% (Recommended)
Display Resolution: 1366 x 768 (Recommended)
Refresh Rate: 59.79 Hz (automatically adjusted by Windows 11)

Display 1 Settings (Laptop)
Scale: 125% (Recommended)
Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Recommended)
Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
 

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  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
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    Windows 10 Pro
Right, so the issue is that it is a resolution thing that makes it too small for you to be able to use.

Instead of relying on DPI scaling, which, as I mentioned before, scales all parts of the UI, and which when enabled makes things look blurry when the text is readable, try this instead (when using your native laptop screen):


HTH
 

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    Windows 11 23H2 Current build
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    AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
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    MSI MEG X570 GODLIKE
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    2x Eve Spectrum ES07D03 4K Gaming Monitor (Matte) | Eve Spectrum ES07DC9 4K Gaming Monitor (Glossy)
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    3x 3840 x 2160
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    3x Samsung 980 Pro NVMe PCIe 4 M.2 2 TB SSD (MZ-V8P2T0B/AM) } 3x Sabrent Rocket NVMe 4.0 1 TB SSD (USB)
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    Fractal Design Define 7 XL Dark ATX Full Tower Case
    Cooling
    NZXT KRAKEN Z73 73.11 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler (3x 120 mm push top) + Air 3x 140mm case fans (pull front) + 1x 120 mm (push back) and 1 x 120 mm (pull bottom)
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  • Operating System
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    Dell Latitude E5470
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-6300U CPU @ 2.40GHz, 2501 Mhz, 2 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
    Motherboard
    Dell
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) HD Graphics 520
    Sound Card
    Intel(R) HD Graphics 520 + RealTek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell laptop display 15"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 * 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 128GB M.2 22300 drive
    INTEL Cherryville 520 Series SSDSC2CW180A 180 GB SATA III SSD
    PSU
    Dell
    Case
    Dell
    Cooling
    Dell
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3S (shared w. Sys 1) | Dell TouchPad
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    Dell
    Internet Speed
    AT&T LightSpeed Gigabit Duplex Ftth
This is a good suggestion. I tried it for both displays, the laptop and the external monitor, with one on and the other off when the test was being done and this only worked for Microsoft Word 2007 (yes I am still using it) but not for the internal GUI of DaVinci Resolve.

Nevertheless, as mentioned in my previous post, DaVinici Resolve is scaling properly at the default settings above when Display 2 (the external monitor) is on on its own, but I am sure this problem is annoying many users of this product as I have seen it mentioned in a few posts on online, including the brand specific one.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro

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