Adjusting/Changing Screen Density - myTouch 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Has anybody attempted to adjust the screen density on the MT4G? I've done it before with the Android ROMS on my HD2 and I was thinking that adjusting the density down may have a great effect of the depth and clarity. All the talk in the Desire ROM Thread and how the screen looks just got me thinking.
Anybody that has the location and some instructions that want to toss it out... I will give it a shot.
OR.... I may be way off base.

sicdroid said:
Has anybody attempted to adjust the screen density on the MT4G? I've done it before with the Android ROMS on my HD2 and I was thinking that adjusting the density down may have a great effect of the depth and clarity. All the talk in the Desire ROM Thread and how the screen looks just got me thinking.
Anybody that has the location and some instructions that want to toss it out... I will give it a shot.
OR.... I may be way off base.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have mine running at 190. Most people are running at 200.
instructions are pretty simple with ADB, hopefully you have some experience with it.
adb pull /system/build.prop
open up a text editor and look for "ro.sf.lcd_density=240" change the 240 to desired number and save
adb push build.prop /system/build.prop
reboot
enjoy the additional screen real estate.

Sicdroid let me know your impressions on the mod and I'll be right behind you to try it next
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

Please post questions in Q&A section.

Foo_Blyat said:
Sicdroid let me know your impressions on the mod and I'll be right behind you to try it next
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I set it to 215... 190 was just a little to small. There is a lot more real estate on the screen for sure.
BTW, I used Root Manager instead of adb. Check it out and see what you think. Easy to test and change it back.

I found what I "Believe" to be a sweet spot for me at 220. The clarity and the way it makes use of the screen is great. I will post a MOD post with the info and sceen shots before and after in the Dev Section.
Reconizing pklee for the info of course.

Related

Power Consumption vs. Screen Density

I'm in the middle of doing a major 'power overhaul' and was wondering if scaling the screen density from 240 to 160 would hurt/help my quest.
Attached is the basic density, and of course i try to keep dark colors or white on black themes. Obviously not done yet.
I will say this... In my experience, on my own phones and others (many others at work I have rooted), that task killer will drain you worse than anything.
danaff37 said:
I will say this... In my experience, on my own phones and others (many others at work I have rooted), that task killer will drain you worse than anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I KNEW someone was going to comment on that. And yes not only is that usually disabled (i just flashed new rom and installed that little bugger), but i wouldn't have my fbchat enabled 24/7.
Thanks though.
alcohol120% said:
I'm in the middle of doing a major 'power overhaul' and was wondering if scaling the screen density from 240 to 160 would hurt/help my quest.
Attached is the basic density, and of course i try to keep dark colors or white on black themes. Obviously not done yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but this isn't about ur question lol. But can u tell me how you got your slider that way? And also how u changed battery icon at the top? Please. Lol. And thanks
Sent from my EVO Shift
e240 said:
Sorry but this isn't about ur question lol. But can u tell me how you got your slider that way? And also how u changed battery icon at the top? Please. Lol. And thanks
Sent from my EVO Shift
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, mine is a noob-tweaked version of this:
[ROM]Evo(Shift)Nonsense(2/9)
Its in the EVO Shift 4G Android Development thread.
EDIT:
Noob-tweaked means it came with a LOT of stuff on it. I deleted/added some. Wrapped it up and call it mine.
I dont even have enough posts to thank the dev in his own thread.
alcohol120% said:
I'm in the middle of doing a major 'power overhaul' and was wondering if scaling the screen density from 240 to 160 would hurt/help my quest.
Attached is the basic density, and of course i try to keep dark colors or white on black themes. Obviously not done yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tweaked my build.prop file to reflect 160 density, and haven't noticed any significant battery save.
However (as noted in a previous post), changing the density in our build.prop files as of now seems to cause all sorts of clusterf*** with many HTC apps (people, calculator, mail, footprints, peep). I haven't figured out why that is, and for now I've just replaced them w/ 3rd party apps because I can do without them for the sake of having the LCD density I want lol.
Hopefully one of us lands on the answer of how to mod the build.prop w/o causing numerous HTC FC's in the process.
Agreed with the HTC apps, I went 3rd party too. Most have similar (if not better) functionality. Thanks for actually getting back about my op.
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App
alcohol120% said:
Agreed with the HTC apps, I went 3rd party too. Most have similar (if not better) functionality. Thanks for actually getting back about my op.
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Np.
BTW, I tested out 140-180 densities, and 170 seems to perform the best on our phones in terms of widget responsiveness, while maintaining a clean pixelation. I also keep the brightness @ a cool 20% (unless i'm in bright sunlight). No complaints so far.
Oh, and "contapps" from the Market = what the HTC "People" app should be. Check it out.
pwrmedia said:
Np.
BTW, I tested out 140-180 densities, and 170 seems to perform the best on our phones in terms of widget responsiveness, while maintaining a clean pixelation. I also keep the brightness @ a cool 20% (unless i'm in bright sunlight). No complaints so far.
Oh, and "contapps" from the Market = what the HTC "People" app should be. Check it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually found a thread the other night talking about contapps so i got it and read some reviews on appbrain, just so happened to be fiddling with it all day.

[TIP] How To Enhance Screen Quality For Xoom [Updated: 9/5]

The Instructions:
Short, sweet, and straight to the point: So, here's what you do... you will want to download the app called Screen Filter with the market link provided below. After you do that, within the Screen Filter app you will want to drag that brightness bar to say 85.1% and then hit enable. This won't lower your current screen brightness very much so no worries there. You should hopefully notice a difference for the better all around, especially viewing from an odd angle. It helps to reduce that white backlight look you get from a side view. I will typically set the in app brightness to either 85.1%, 75.5%, or 72.5%, and my actual system brightness to 50%. It works quite well without being too bright or too dark. And it goes without draining much, if any battery life. Feel free to try other brightness settings to fit your personal needs.
Try it on other Android devices as well, it works great! The best way to test it out is to use the widget. You can turn it off and on while changing your viewing angle to compare and see the difference for yourself on your homescreens. Forget about a complicated method and get yourself a better screen today with Screen Filter!
Screen Filter Can Be Found Here:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.haxor&feature=search_result
Showing Off Side Angle View:
You will be able to notice that in the after screenshot the green bar across the top of the market app is quite a bit more vibrant and has more of a green color than the before screenshot. And you will also notice that the white back light color will be enhanced as well, giving a better appearance from the side viewing angles. A nifty little quick fix, if you will.
Before:
After:
Screen Filter Known Issues Reported By Users:
*Being completely stock and using the stock system apps seems to be causing some major lag issues (Xoom)
*Cannot seem to click install when you are manually installing an apk without disabling (Xoom)
*Cannot compose emails without disabling (Nexus S)
You can add to this list. If you find anymore issues please post them here and I will add them to my list above. After we gather most/all issues that we are having I will let the dev know what we have found and we can make some positive results for all! Maybe we can even have some new features added in a new release. Once the Honeycomb source gets released and we start getting custom ROMs, expect user interface tweaks such as what you find in Cyanogenmod. Until then, use this. It's the easiest and best tool we have for now.
Note For Screen Filter:
This method may only be effective on the 3G version of the Xoom. It appears that it may not be noticeable as much, if at all on the Wifi model.
Make That High Def Screen Even Higher:
For this you will need to be a root user, and always be sure to have a current Nandroid backup handy just in case.
You will want to download the free app called LCD Resolution (Root). You can find it on the market here. Open the app, and then you will see your current density setting as well a list of density options for you to choose from. The default density value for the Xoom is 160. I do not recommend that you go below 140, as certain screen elements may become misaligned. Just dropping the value down by 10 to 150 makes a nice noticeable difference.
Basically: The default density value for the Xoom is 160. I recommend using either 150, or 140 as your density value and nothing less. I think 150 seems to be right where most people would want their screen to be if they wanted to go just a bit higher def. It makes the resolution a little nicer without going too overboard. After you choose your density setting, don't forget to check the "Always Set on Boot" box. This makes it so much easier so that you will not have to worry about setting this up with every single time you boot. Then hit apply, reboot your Xoom, and then make sure that the settings stick. Done!
Apply one of the density settings I have listed with one of the Screen Filter settings also listed for a nice effect. It's almost as if you have a whole new tablet when you combine the two!
Currently: I am using the 140 density value on my Xoom, and I couldn't be happier!
Default Density Value 160:
Density Value 150:
Density Value 140:
If these tips have helped you out toss me a thanks. If I get more positive feedback I will be adding some more great helpful tips for us Xoomers. Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for a great tip. My Xoom screen look better now. This is why I love to visit XDA everyday.
Will check with Acer A500.
im not really seeing a difference.
patass said:
im not really seeing a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The difference is there. Try viewing from different angles instead of straight on and compare. I added my own screenshots of my Xoom just now and you should be able to see a nice difference from the before and after. This method really helps the side viewing angles a lot by reducing the white backlight that causes the screen to distort when not looking directly down on it. But it looks really great all around, not just from the side.
so what do i put the system brightness at? and what do I put the screen filter percentage at?
incrediblenotinstock said:
so what do i put the system brightness at? and what do I put the screen filter percentage at?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can customize and set it to whatever you like. Me, for normal usage I like to use 50% for the system brightness and 85.1% for the Screen Filter brightness. I think it works quite well this way without being too dark or too bright. I use this setting on both my Xoom and my OG Droid.
I see what your saying, the viewing angle is alot better now, thanks OP
wow, makes a huge difference for me, thanks
How does it impact battery usage at the 50/85?
Brolloks said:
wow, makes a huge difference for me, thanks
How does it impact battery usage at the 50/85?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really does not impact the battery life very much if at all. In fact it possibly might save a little bit of battery life if anything. I've been using this setup for months and it has been working great.
my home screen n browser seems laggy when using it. Anyone has the same issue with me?
omnia1994 said:
my home screen n browser seems laggy when using it. Anyone has the same issue with me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep...real laggy. Uninstalled
omnia1994 said:
my home screen n browser seems laggy when using it. Anyone has the same issue with me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. interesting. I use it all the time without any kind of problem. What launcher and browser are you using? And are you stock or rooted?
I'm using both Adw Launcher and Launcher Pro depending on my mood and they both work great with Screen Filter enabled.. no lag of any kind. And my browser of choice is always Dolphin HD and it also works without any lag. I'm on a rooted 3.1 Xoom with the latest tiamat kernel. Maybe I can help solve the problem?
i am curious why one would jack their screen brightness up to 85% in the first place, 33% gets a perfectly view able screen indoors. Not to mention the savings wrt battery life.
Kokanee483 said:
i am curious why one would jack their screen brightness up to 85% in the first place, 33% gets a perfectly view able screen indoors. Not to mention the savings wrt battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 85% is for filter not brightness.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
omnia1994 said:
my home screen n browser seems laggy when using it. Anyone has the same issue with me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, nice for off angles but for sure adds all types of lag. Bonse stock 3.1 no root. Factory launcher... isn't their a color control like what's available for the Nexus S? You would think with the screen wash out complaints someone would have come up with an answer by now.
Just tested another app. Really liked the effect on off angles so I'm searching the market for other stuff. There is another app called back light filter. It alowsyou to adjust the Alpha levels along with individual colors. Have to tinker to find the best fit but no home screen lag.
lstrike said:
Just tested another app. Really liked the effect on off angles so I'm searching the market for other stuff. There is another app called back light filter. It alowsyou to adjust the Alpha levels along with individual colors. Have to tinker to find the best fit but no home screen lag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tested this app before and it's so so. Most users will want something easy to use without much tinkering or setup. It works pretty well through, but it could use some more features, it lacks a widget, and there is no notification bar icon for fast access. Good comment though. Maybe the people who are completly stock everything should give this a go since they are reporting lag issues.
I don't see any difference.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
diablo2224 said:
I've tested this app before and it's so so. Most users will want something easy to use without much tinkering or setup. It works pretty well through, but it could use some more features, it lacks a widget, and there is no notification bar icon for fast access. Good comment though. Maybe the people who are completly stock everything should give this a go since they are reporting lag issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you on the simplicity of the app in the original post. If the developer can dial out the lag it is definately the best tool for screen filtering on the xoom. I just wish the OEMs would provide simple calibration tools for screens.

Stop using lcd density line in ics!!!

I know that the most common way people have been switching between phone and tablet modes in AOSP builds of ICS is by changing the lcd density. Well, I'm here to tell you that there is an easier way to do it, and it doesn't create weird looking out-of-aspect-ratio artifacts in certain apps (like Google Music in portrait orientation in tablet mode).
So, in your build.prop, instead of using the traditional ro.sf.lcd_density= line, you can remove that entirely, and use:
ro.build.characteristics=
and after the "=" just put either tablet or phone.
That's it! Easy peasy!
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
I know that the most common way people have been switching between phone and tablet modes in AOSP builds of ICS is by changing the lcd density. Well, I'm here to tell you that there is an easier way to do it, and it doesn't create weird looking out-of-aspect-ratio artifacts in certain apps (like Google Music in portrait orientation in tablet mode).
So, in your build.prop, instead of using the traditional ro.sf.lcd_density= line, you can remove that entirely, and use:
ro.build.characteristics=
and after the "=" just put either tablet or phone.
That's it! Easy peasy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip mate
That was added in CNA v5 and i think it created problems and was changed back in v5.1.
Fyi, tablet mode changes the dpi to 160, at the moment i use 200 because 160 is a tad bit small for me.
Good tip tho, interested to see if it creates any issues with Imilika v8..
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
Great tip, although this really belongs in the "General" section.
Expect more from someone with almost a thousand posts...
sundazetoo said:
That was added in CNA v5 and i think it created problems and was changed back in v5.1.
Fyi, tablet mode changes the dpi to 160, at the moment i use 200 because 160 is a tad bit small for me.
Good tip tho, interested to see if it creates any issues with Imilika v8..
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly
If you didn't create it... this belongs in general...
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
I know that the most common way people have been switching between phone and tablet modes in AOSP builds of ICS is by changing the lcd density. Well, I'm here to tell you that there is an easier way to do it, and it doesn't create weird looking out-of-aspect-ratio artifacts in certain apps (like Google Music in portrait orientation in tablet mode).
So, in your build.prop, instead of using the traditional ro.sf.lcd_density= line, you can remove that entirely, and use:
ro.build.characteristics=
and after the "=" just put either tablet or phone.
That's it! Easy peasy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically you keep the DPI @ 320 & change the above parameter to tablet?
Will this give me the tablet like two panes in settings, gmail & google play?
Screen shot please, and stop crying about this brlongs here ore there. Cry babys
daddymatt said:
If you didn't create it... this belongs in general...
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spot On
Thread Moved To General​
prgopala said:
So basically you keep the DPI @ 320 & change the above parameter to tablet?
Will this give me the tablet like two panes in settings, gmail & google play?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically ICS has 2 modes, tablet mode and phone mode. To my understanding this is dependent on the dpi, anything lower than 213 dpi will display ICS in tablet mode i.e. 2 panes on most apps. Apparently 160 dpi is the official tablet mode..and i think 320 dpi is the standard phone mode. I currently run mine in 200 dpi and most apps show 2 panes.. I am sure there is a better explanation somewhere
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
sundazetoo said:
That was added in CNA v5 and i think it created problems and was changed back in v5.1.
Fyi, tablet mode changes the dpi to 160, at the moment i use 200 because 160 is a tad bit small for me.
Good tip tho, interested to see if it creates any issues with Imilika v8..
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far, I haven't had any issues with Imilka's build. Then again, the stock keyboard still looks funky in portrait tablet mode, but that's nothing new. Everything else works perfectly.
More than anything, this fixes things like tablet portrait Google Music recent's.
sundazetoo said:
So basically ICS has 2 modes, tablet mode and phone mode. To my understanding this is dependent on the dpi, anything lower than 213 dpi will display ICS in tablet mode i.e. 2 panes on most apps. Apparently 160 dpi is the official tablet mode..and i think 320 dpi is the standard phone mode. I currently run mine in 200 dpi and most apps show 2 panes.. I am sure there is a better explanation somewhere
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely... i don't think just changing the build characteristics parameter to 'tablet' will give you true tablet mode...I guess it will help in apps like music etc where the controls are screwed up in tablet mode...did you try it btw, i mean keeping the DPI below 213 & setting the characteristics to tablet and then check the music app for e.g.
Can sum1 tell me plz ...
what shud i edit in build.prop in order to run gameloft games ...
bcz for default setting it sayz
" your device not compatble blah blah and request for refund "
Using ICS STUNNER ROM
Can ne1 help me out wid dis thing or wts the workaround for this ???

Webtop ROM

I saw a developent post in general android hacking and developing that said "to port the ROM of your choice choose the resolution needed for your device." Is there anyway that the Atrix could be forced to run a CM based ROM that is made for 1366x768 rather than 960x540; this would prevent the horrible pixilation problem in HDMI mirroring for the lapdock... Just a thought.
good to know man thank you for lighting us jeffreygtab
mikoyano said:
good to know man thank you for lighting us jeffreygtab
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think I understand your reply...
I think it is possible, you could even mod it to set the resolution when you want but it may require a reboot for each resolution change (Or not... The Asus PadFone does it on-the-fly after all), but the remaining problems are : Will it boot correctly ? Can we use the HDMI output as main output to bypass the screen ?
That's a good matter for a productive talk.
I'm not a dev, nor do I have the time to juggle learning and finals, regardless. Is it possible to create a lapdock ROM like this? It'd be great if someone could input. Thanks.
I had a look but don't see the thread. Any chance you can post a link?
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2
jjwatmyself said:
I had a look but don't see the thread. Any chance you can post a link?
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1941239
There you go nacka.
I would appreciate this as well. Right now lapdock looks ugly.
jeffreygtab said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1941239
There you go nacka.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so the purpose of that thread is to qualify a rom to port. They are saying to choose a ROM whose source resolution matches the target device screen resolution. I don't know if this will help to eliminate screen scaling. I think what we need is a method to force the HDMI to become the primary display. The Screen Standby app has some work in development that may make this possible one day.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2

[Q] LCD Density on Stock

Anyone mess around with LCD Density on stock/FORCE Rom, I usually am always on AOSP and most of the roms have a built in LCD changer which I always use- usually actually just the normal Slimbean density. But I've been missing showing off some of the TW features to friends but I can't stand how massive everything is on stock. Like to go down to 360 at least. Any recommendations on the safest/best third party app on changing the LCD density, or is that not chill to do on Stock TW, not sure of the limitations of it and what not!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Looking for the same! DO NOT USE
"LCD Density Modder" was a little buzzed a week after owning the s4 and didnt read the comments. It ended up bricking my phone. Thank God for my 14 day exchange policy!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
sprint_dobbs said:
Looking for the same! DO NOT USE
"LCD Density Modder" was a little buzzed a week after owning the s4 and didnt read the comments. It ended up bricking my phone. Thank God for my 14 day exchange policy!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up! I'm not sure on the technical details of it, on my S3 I never had a TW rom that changed LCD density so I'm thinking it may have something to do with that?
Just looking for a definite confirmation or not if it is possible! And oh wow that's definitely lucky! Don't mess up the new one ;P
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
inlineboy said:
Anyone mess around with LCD Density on stock/FORCE Rom, I usually am always on AOSP and most of the roms have a built in LCD changer which I always use- usually actually just the normal Slimbean density. But I've been missing showing off some of the TW features to friends but I can't stand how massive everything is on stock. Like to go down to 360 at least. Any recommendations on the safest/best third party app on changing the LCD density, or is that not chill to do on Stock TW, not sure of the limitations of it and what not!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't done it yet on the S4, but you can usually modify your build.prop file located in /system/ There is a setting for density there. Or you can try out XPOSED framework, but last I checked, they hadnt gotten it to work with the S4 yet. Just tread lightly as modifying the build.prop density will likely make stock apps(phone,contacts,etc) not scale properly.
ACoolGuy said:
I haven't done it yet on the S4, but you can usually modify your build.prop file located in /system/ There is a setting for density there. Or you can try out XPOSED framework, but last I checked, they hadnt gotten it to work with the S4 yet. Just tread lightly as modifying the build.prop density will likely make stock apps(phone,contacts,etc) not scale properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I know I could manually edit my build.prop but I'd rather not mess around with anything myself
Yeah I'm pretty sure Xposed is out for the S4 yet.
I'm just looking to see if anyone has had an success themselves changing the density on Stock TW, and as I've always been wary (I have never even used) of density changing apps, was looking for if anyone had any success or experience with doing so.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
im looking for the same thing... i would like to give TW a chance but i just cant deal with how big and clumsy everything feels/looks to me
Accidentally used LCD Density Modder
So I tried to use the LCD Density Modder app before I read not to and now I appear to be bricked. Does anyone know of any way to undo it without doing a factory reset?
have you not tried rom toolbox? it has a build prop editor built in....you wont get to scale your apps but if something goes wrong and you start getting force closes you can easily go back in an change it....just make your modifications in incriments of like 25 or 50 untill you start having issues then back it off to a point where you were good just like on AOSP. 360 of course being the lowest you can go on the s4. also if your worried about editing your build prop you can get holo launcher.....it has an option to scale your apps icon size so your not actually changing lcd density.also has a nice AOSP feel if thats what your used to.
I'm bricked
I'd love to try ROM Toolbox at some point, but right now my problem is that my phone doesn't work. When I boot it up, I see the boot screen, then it goes black, and a few minutes later the blue LED turns on and stays lit and phone starts getting pretty warm. I don't have a custom recovery, but I even tried a factory data reset using the built-in recovery mode and that didn't work so now I'm at a loss. I'm wondering if anyone else has had the same problem and/or knows how to fix my phone.
I used JRummy's build.prop and it worked like a charm. Down at the bottom you will see density. Default is 480 but I like 420 or 400 personally but you can change it however you like. Cheer's!

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