ATI aspect scaling

Hi there, recently got a new laptop with a widescreen display. However the ATI CCC only has options to either...
scale the image to fill the screen OR use a centred 1:1 display.

This is fine for desktop applications and the like but playing games that dont support the native resolution (1680x1050) means they either end up distorted from a strectched aspect ratio or i have to put up with using a small square in the centre of the screen.

So what do i want to know? Is there any way for me to get fixed aspect scaling (ie stretch the image to fill vertical, while maintaining proper horizontal aspect) either through an extra utility or does ATI's latest 6.7 support this? I am hopefull that it does as i have found this screenshot elsewhere which is *exacly* what i want.
http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/wiki/images/e/e2/Fixed_aspect_ati.jpg

Thanks

 

Ok James I will try to guide you.

First: if you play a game that does not support your native resolution, check www.widescreengamingforum.com. They may have a solution.

Second: if this failes, and you want to play games at normal resolutions that are supported (let's say 1024*768) and you dont want an ugly scretched screen, follow this:

Right mouse click on desktop and go to the Catalyst Control Center. There you can choose the option to show things advanced. Then go to Screens. There you will see your notebook screen.

If it is correct you should see an option like: Strech image to full screen, or Keep the image resolutions and add bars.

If you choose the second option, you will be able to play at 1024*768 without any ugly strechting.

Sorry, I use other language Windows so my terms may be incorrect.

Hope I helped you,

Charlie

 

Your terms are fine, no worries.

However although i understand www.widescreengamingforum.com/ gives solutions for specific games i was looking for a general (read: lazy) fix.

The solution you have described is exactly what i'm looking for but that option is not available in my version of Catalyst Control Center. From your description it sounds like we have very different versions. Possibly as my card, the X1600 is relatively new.
But thanks anyway.

Anyone else???

 

Download the latest drivers and version of the CCC - then you can adjust the settings using the method outlined above. Check the "updating video card drivers" sticky at the top of this forum.

 

So the latest CCC *DOES* have a fixed aspect scaling option? Great.
Cheers guys...

 

Not quite true, for example on Vista you can not install the official CCC on a notebook (at least not on an Acer). Which means you're pretty much stuck with whatever options the notebook manufacturer wants to give you. In Acer's case, this means you can only change resolution and handle external screens, but you can't affect any 3D settings, FMV options, or scaling options.

On XP however, you can install the official CCC over any OEM version and get the full interface and all the options.

 

You can use something called the mobility modder available at driverheaven.net to mod then install the official ATI drivers.