[SunHELP] Support for non-Sun monitors?

[Montek Singh]

Hi All,

We are going in for Sun Blade 1000 workstations for our new lab here at UNC.
However, we would like to use non-Sun LCD monitors.  I am not too sure,
though, if the combination would work, so I need some advice from you.  In
particular, we are hoping to get the Expert3D-Lite frame buffers, and the
Viewsonic VM201mb (20.1" LCD flat panel).

I am aware that there are two issues related to compatibility of non-Sun
(=PC) monitors with Sun frame buffers:  (i) appropriate cables and adapters,
and (ii) a match of resolution and sync rates.

There is no problem as far as (i) is concerned.  Regarding (ii), I have not
been able to find all the info regarding sync rates.  In particular, the
Viewsonic monitor seems to support 1600x1200 at 66 Hz vertical sync.  The
frame buffer only seems to support that resolution at 75 Hz, so it seems it
wouldn't work.

However, I have heard that some of Sun's frame buffers can often support
"unlisted" refresh rates, if one were to configure them correctly (lower
level manipulation).  Can someone provide more information on whether this
can really be done, and how?

Else, can you recommend some other LCD flat panel 20" or above compatible
monitor that will display 1600x1200 when hooked up to a Sun?

Thanks much,
Montek

PS:  We are looking to buy Viewsonic because Sun currently does not make
flat panel monitors which can support 1600x1200.  The Sun flat panel monitor
only goes up to 1280x1024.