Discoveries on Vaio SA/SB/SC Switchable Graphics

Yeah sorry jeremy I meant to reply. So with a fresh install you are not getting any screen flicker/flashing/blanking when unplugged or plugged in? Any flicker/flashing/blanking when coming out of standby?

I may PM you with some registry entries to export for me if you are willing.

Correct, as I put in the warning I cant really say for certain. I am not sure whether Sony released updates or the Vaio Update software will install properly after this. Assuming the AMD portion of the driver is newer than the one installed I would assume the Sony update would work as normal. I'm not sure how the Vaio Software update works so if it is just by driver version detection it should be fine.

EDIT: Switchable graphics drivers are usually identified by the dGPU portion which in this case is AMD/ATI. This is because they install using a single INF which to Windows looks like a single driver. This is where I am not 100%: With the update we are essentially leaving the full Sony package in place and are updating the AMD and Intel portions separately. The AMD portion should be more or less the same just updated but I am not certain how the Intel side will be handled. My primary concern on the Intel side is uninstalling. I am going to look into this more now and I will post an update.

The AMD driver for updating is stock, I assume it works because everything required for switching is already in place. This is the reason it wont work if you remove the Sony drivers by doing so you have removed the settings required for switching.

The Intel driver have been modified to include the settings needed for switching (taken from the INF of the Sony SA/SB/SC drivers.) There has been no other customization done to these drivers. I will be posting a how-to with the settings and changes required for the Intel INF soon.

 

Would a compromise approach help with the uninstalling problem?

1. Uninstall everything.
2. (Re)Install stock Sony driver.
3. Install modded driver(s) on top of stock drivers.

This should ensure you start with a clean slate every time.

Are there driver cleaners for Intel and Ati? Running these after step 1 should help too.

 

Nautis: I'm up for anything, short of you asking to export anything (and yes, I mean anything) out of my Desktop/Docs folders (work , and no, I'm not the paranoid one who set the rules...).

 

since edit button doesn work

I'll note, I did install the event service and the Vaio CP from a SA notebook that had Win7Pro (in the SA/SB/SC owners thread, we found that was the distinction between a more advanced control panel and a basic control panel).

 

Working on something.. stay tuned.

 

Just installed your updated drivers on a *relatively* clean install, and I don't get any flickering when I plug in/unplug the power cable. All works great, good work and thanks!
I might do another install to compare benchmark results properly, but initial comparisons are good - fps in tf2 for instance is up by 10-15 I think.
Also, with the new intel drivers, openGL is no longer broken, meaning they can be used properly for lighter games.

 

Nautis, the inf-File mentioned in my PM, could it possible be the key to the driver package on our new z?

 

Oh.. now that I think about it I guess I lied when I said I didn't add anything extra to the Intel drivers. I forgot that I updated a couple sections for better compatibility with some games and 3d apps. I will have to explain a bit more about this but essentially the Intel drivers sort of have application profiles. The sections I updated I took from a couple other Intel drivers. I will try to explain more when I can.

Good stuff. I think I know what was causing the flickering/flashing/blanking. Glad to hear that it solved a bit of the OpenGL issues and has a bit better performance.

--All--

To spoil what I am working on... I have a full driver package that I am putting the finishing touches on. The drivers are the same version as the upgrade packages in the first post. I have integrated the Intel seperates in with the AMD/ATI drivers so it will act like a standard switchable driver. It can be installed clean or by upgrading. It does not require test mode to be set or driver signing. It should make an excellent base for future releases. I am very excited about it.

One thing I am a bit on the fence about is that right now everything is built in to the driver package.

The package right now includes:
-AMD/ATI & Intel drivers*
-Application Profiles (11.8 CAP2)
-Stream SDK
-AVIVO
-Catalyst Control Center 2*
-Catalyst Install Manager*
-Drag'n'nDrop Transcoding
-Hydravision
-OpenCL
-PowerXpress Profiles*
-WMV Decoder

Most of these can be chosen to install by choosing custom when installing. The ones with the * after them are recommended or required.

The question is... Should I include all of this or not? Most of the extras can be downloaded and installed separately. AVIVO, WMV Decoder, & OpenCL may be worth leaving in though.

Dunno sort of on the fence.. what is everyones opinion?

The INF is the primary thing I work on. The one in the package I sent is almost identical to the Sony one for the Z2. I have found out a lot more about the AMD/ATI installer while investigating tonight. I will take a better look at things for the Z2 tomorrow, I have some ideas.

-6AM and haven't been to bed yet... cya tomorrow all.

 

After returning from the office i´ve read your last post nautis and i´m very happy about it! Maybe there is a chance to get functional drivers soon, both for old z and new on

In my opinion the packages with * should be included, the others are optional - maybe a little information about where to get them is enough?

Thanks again for your work! If there is a new package for testing let me know

 

My opinion is - to have only the barebones requirements and leave optional things to individual users to install themselves.

 

Could you please describe the procedures of your "installation of updated drivers on a *relatively* clean install"? I would like to try that as well.

 

Hi Nautis,
Quick question - if we create a restore point, then install these updates driver packages, can we use system restore to go back to the original Sony state? have you tried this?

OT: have you tried updating the intel wireless driver? I think because of the h/w switch, Sony has modified them. If the wifi driver could be updated the same way, it'd be a boon to 1080p widi. I'd like to delve into that if I can understand how to modify the INFs.

 

Restore point should work fine. I haven't since it is my GFs comp.

The upgrade really should have no adverse effects. The only thing I was questioning was if any registry entries or files would be left over with uninstalls (I dont like things being messy). The AMD/ATI installer seems to handle things pretty elegantly.
-

AFAIK I have the latest version installed on my GFs SC. Let me take a look.

 

ehhhh... just download the latest one. For your SC, it means the WiMAX driver, and NOT the WiFi driver, has to be installed first. Otherwise, MiFi doesn't enable (or whatever it's called - I just went through this yesterday!), and Intel Wireless Display doesn't work. I havne't found a way to enable the button on the SC to work, yet (and it's different from the SA/SB!! I know from direct comparison in the shop!), but that's not too important to me.

 

I didnt quite follow. downloaded which latest driver and from where? from sony or intel's website?

the wireless on/off on the SC works correctly with the stock drivers. widi works perfectly too. I am only interested in updating the intel wireless driver to the latest version as required by the latest version of widi for 1080p streaming to work.

 

latest from Intel, of course

And the latest drivers from Nautis, too.

 

This order:
Intel® Wireless Display — Software and drivers for Intel® Wireless Display

except do the WiMax driver first. 1080p works fine, here

Also WiDi Widget, which allows me to read the wiki plot lines of movies before I finish watching them -.- (iPad is now useless )

 

hey Nautis, I dont understand, are you working in software switchable or just "download update driver package for you SA.SB.SC"? I was thinking, do you believe the hardware switch exerts some sort of priority over software, I mean, perhaps it's stronger coded so that software will not work with the vaios which have a hardware switch?

 

So other than the hardware switch for wirless on/off, everything else is working after the wireless udpate?

btw, have you tried widi protected content?

 

Protected content? Like a bluray? No, I haven't.

Also, the wireless switch still works for me (though I don't use WiMAX, so that is never enabled in the software), in terms of WiFi-N on/off.

 

Oh. I guess I mis-read your post earlier. I thought you said the switch doesnt work for you after updating to the new wireless drivers.


ya streaming even dvd (protected content) is important for me, so if that works, it'll be great to upgrade.

 

btw, did the wireless update include a firmware update to the ptv2000?
if so, was it all smooth?

 

To update everyone on the full driver package I am working on. In testing I ran into a couple of problems installing the drivers from scratch. I am working out these issues before I release this package as I want it to be as hassle free as possible. Until then many people have reported success with the upgrade proceedure listed in the first post. MY main laptop (VGN model Vaio Z) has been on the fritz rescently with the keyboard finally starting to die. I have ordered a new Z1 which is due to be delivered this week. I do most of my modding work on this machine due to the fact that the SA/SB/SC is my girlfriends. So right now work has pretty well stopped until I get this new machine.

Once the WIDI drivers are all up to date I believe it also prompts to update the firmware. AFAIK I have all updates on both firmware and driver side working, the switch works as does the WIDI button with the workaround I used at the bottom of the first post.

 

I didn't get a firmware update, it was the unit that was included in the BB online SC bundle.

EDIT: do you get a prompt for the firmware update?

 

Yeah I have actually recived two firmware updates since first getting and updating the drivers for the SC from bestbuy. When I get home I will have to see which version it says.

I have tested How to Train Your Dragon BluRay and it worked, using my Sony HDTV as a secondary display. Had meant to update you guys before on this, sorry.

 

the intel page itself shows that and WiDi version above 2.0.39 should have firmware update. and the BB SC widi version was 2.0.37 (I think, as per sony's drivers page) and the ptv200 firmware version is lesser than what the intel page says.

 

How did you receive them? did you get a notification upon connecting or you checked for them manually?

 

Oh cool. btw, did you stream at 1080p? And did you use powerdvd as the player? or something else?

 

I am trying to remember if I forced the firmware update the first time or not. I honestly cant remember. I know it has promted me twice though after connecting. I am fairly certain the firmware is up-to-date with the latest (2.0.39).

When testing bluray I used powerdvd and let the move start and play for a minute. Confirmed surround sound was properly working et all.

The following is what I should have installed:
1.) WIDI Software Update - 2.1.42.0 (w/firmware update)
2.) PROSet/Wireless Software and Drivers - 13.5.0
3.) HD Graphics (Modified Driver Update) - 2476 (see first post for info and warnings)

EDIT:
Updated the first post. Prettified it and added links to the AMD Media Codec Packge, Hydravision, Application Profile Update, and WiDi updates.

 

Ok, I installed the latest widi update. This is the order.

a notification popped up within the widi app itself saying a new version is available. I installed that. When I connected, it popped up a notification that a newer firmware for the ptv2000 was available. The installation went flawlessly.

The current firmware version pop image is attached. The latency is very less now!

 

Good to see. The latency was the first thing I noticed. It was much more usable. FYI, There is almost no latency if you sit the notebook on top of the Netgear box.

 

In your first post, where you mention how to create the symbolic link - it'd be useful to mention that if UAC in ON, you need to start that program by right-clicking and choosing administrator. Or else no link is created.

 

Ahh.. I leave UAC disabled to test drivers so I didn't know. Sorry about that. Added to the first post.

 

Going to be testing leaked 11.9 shortly. Ill let you all know how it goes.

EDIT: Looks like the switchable graphics area is functioning with 11.9. Problem is priority still goes to the switch. So basically it doesn't matter what you set in the switchable graphics area, it will always jump right to whichever mode the switch is set to. I need to find a way to disable this.

 

exactly. I tought that was the problem. Probably a strong mechanism against software switching. Go into it nautis please.

 

Just solved the little annoyance of having the new context menu item -- Configure Switchable Graphics --

Very easy, takes only a moment.

Download and run -- http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/shexview-x64.zip

It has no install and is clean of viruses, I just scanned it.

Find the entry labeled, "SimpleShlExt Class" It may have an icon that resmbles the ATI logo.

Right click and hit "Disable Selected Items"

Restart explorer by either rebooting or in task manager ending the "explorer.exe" process and restarting it through the File > New Tasl (Run...) Command.

And the result is a fixed and clean context menu! Let me know if this works for anyone else. The version of the program I linked is 64 bit --

 

^^ or for those who don't like downloading more stuff onto their computers...


delete this key via regedit

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\ACE

There is another key you can delete to get rid of the Intel IGP option items (which often cause a one second delay on the first time opening the right click desktop menu), but I don't remember, since I deleted them already.

 

Right. I should have probably posted the above info. Both are great ways of removing the context menu items. I would rather have them not install in the first place though.

Interesting stuff on 11.9. Have the Switchable Graphics option in the ATI control panel by default. It of course doesn't function properly because the SPEED/STAMINA takes precedent. I have been able to also enable the dynamic switching options in the control panel. Both of these can be seen in my second post of this thread. There is also an option to choose which switchable graphics switching option to use manual or dynamic. Dynamic at this point doesn't switch. Interestingly it seems to disable the Sony switching software. When switching back to manual after having been switched to dynamic the Sony switching component stays off (disabling the SPEED/STAMINA switch) and allows the ATI based approach to function correctly.

Gonna keep digging.

 

Perhaps I'm a unique case, but that entry never existed for me. I had already explored that route but to no avail. That Shellex tool allows you to remove the Intel options as well.

Edit -- the Intel IGP entry is "GraphicsShellExt Class"

 

Updated the first post with registry imports for disabling the desktop context menu items. Download unzip run .reg file of your choice. I will look into adding one for Rotation, though that may be a bit more difficult.

EDIT:Working on adding anchors for direct linking of specific sections in the first post with index. Testing 11.9 packages both separates & full.

 

I believe you are close to finding a solution for dynamic switching nautis! keep the good work!

 

apart from intel WiDi, was there any other benefit of upgrading the intel proset driver?

 

Nautis,
I assume the INF is text (readable). could you put up a diff of the stock and your version?

 

Didn't really test the difference. Nothing special that I have noticed.

Of course. In fact the diffs are part of my "How to mod" that I am working on for the SA/SB/SC.

I will make 3:
Intel Modified <-> Sony
Nvidia Standard <-> Sony
Community Modified Full Set <-> Sony

This way anyone wondering can checkout how a standard set looks, The important modifications for the Intel INF, And see how the INF needs to be changed when updating the full set.

 

I´ve recieved no answer yet for my official email to sony usa, sony europe and sony asia for the bad and old video driver for the new z. So all my hope is on your work

 

Hi:

First, I wish to say how grateful I am for this driver . I just purchased a new notebook with switchable graphics, and the only game I play is sims 3. It worked fine with Intel Card installed, but with my AMD 6630 M the sims faces were deformed. With your AMD driver I can now play my game! Thank you so much. I was referred to you by a nice poster in the Sony Drivers forum after no one else responded for days. It is so disappointing they do not seem to offer much support for their new product.

I have a question though.

I install the first driver listed at the first page 11-8_mobility_vista_win7_64_dd_ccc_ocl and it worked great.

However, when I try to install: Vaio+Z2+-+Intel+2476+-+Intel+Only I get the error: "This computer does not meet mininimum requirements for installing this software"

I own Sony Vaio VPCCA17fx.

Is it necessary to install the intel driver? It works ok as is, but I didn't want it to be a problem or anything.

Thanks!

 

Only the intel driver is modified, because of the switching technology used int the Sx series. If the AMD driver works fine for you, I dont think you need to install the Intel one. Perhaps the error is because your model is the VAIO CA and the Intel one has been modified to work with the Sx series. But Nautis will be in a better position to answer this.

 

iirc, didn't the CA line use the normal AMD switchable (without a hard switch)?

 

Glad the AMD /ATI driver worked for you. Believe it or not that is a standard driver from AMD/ATI so in the future you should be able to download standard mobility drivers from them and update them like you have these, just make sure you do an UPGRADE and do not uninstall your existing driver.

Analyzer123 is correct the Intel driver linked in this thread has only been modified for the Sx series and does not have the hardware id strings for any other notebook. It will not work for the CA.

The drivers should be more or less the same its just the hardware id strings and some specific configuration settings in the INF that are usually different. From what I have seen thus far AMD/ATI separates out their switchable components which is why I am able to make separate driver packages, its also why upgrading is possible with the standard mobility driver.

 

Nautis, you probably already know this, but I noticed (after finding out the AMD switchable context menu option was called "ACE"), that there is a folder named "ATI.ACE" in the x86 program files folder...

I never noticed one in my previous ATi GPU setups, though this may simply just be the powermizer stuff.