OpenLP Display Configuration Problems on Extended Screens

Tobiiii

Dear OpenLP Support Team,

I am reaching out regarding persistent display configuration issues with OpenLP when using an external screen. These issues significantly impact usability during live services, and despite extensive troubleshooting, I have not been able to resolve them.

Issue Summary:

OpenLP does not properly handle external screens when using an extended display setup. The only way to get Openlp to project correctly onto the external 75" Samsung TV is by setting the TV as the system's main display, which severely limits usability. This defeats the purpose of projection since I am unable to manage other tasks (zoom, settings adjustments, using other software or even the flexibility to add images to openlp during the service) without the risk of exposing them to the audience.

Additionally, If the HDMI cable is connected before launching OpenLP, the interface becomes overblown and unusable, making navigation impossible. The only workaround has been to start OpenLP first and then connect the HDMI cable, which is not ideal for a seamless workflow.

Key Problems:
1. UI Scaling Issue on Startup
• If OpenLP is launched while the HDMI cable is connected, the layout is overblown and becomes unusable.
• The only workaround is to disconnect the HDMI cable, start OpenLP, and then reconnect the cable, which is inconvenient.

Forcing the TV as the Main Display to work properly (Major issue)
• OpenLP only recognizes the external screen correctly when it is set as the primary display in Windows.
• This setup makes it improssible to use other applications without the risk of exposing them to the audience, as everything from the laptop is now shown on the TV.
• Ideally, OpenLP should allow the laptop to remain the main display while using the TV solely for projection.
1. Screen Recognition Issues
  • OpenLP does not correctly identify the external screen as a separate projection space unless it is set as the primary display.
  • The “Identify Screens” function does not extend properly to the secondary display.

4. Resolution and Scaling Conflicts
• The external TV defaults to 3840 × 2160 (4K resolution), even after manually setting the TV to 1280 × 720 in both Windows and OpenLP, the software does not consistently project to the TV unless it is the main display.
5. Screen Overlap Issues
• Despite selecting “Extend Display” in Windows, OpenLP partially overlaps onto the laptop screen instead of keeping the projection fully contained on the external display.
• This results in unpredictable behavior, making it difficult to manage live service content efficiently.

Troubleshooting Steps Taken:

I have attempted the following solutions, but none have resolved the issue:
✔ Starting OpenLP first, then connecting the HDMI cable (partial workaround for UI scaling issue)
✔ Manually adjusting screen resolutions (ensuring OpenLP and Windows settings match)
✔ Testing both Full Screen and Custom Geometry settings in OpenLP
✔ Changing scaling options in Windows to match OpenLP settings
✔ Enabling and disabling “Show Presenter Display” in OpenLP
✔ Resetting OpenLP settings and restarting both OpenLP and the system

Expected Behavior:

Ideally, OpenLP should:
✅ Launch with a correct interface layout regardless of HDMI connection status.
✅ Allow the laptop to remain the main display while projecting exclusively to the external screen.
✅ Correctly recognize and extend the external display without requiring it to be the primary screen.
✅ Automatically assign the projection to the correct screen without manual adjustments every time the software is launched.

System Specifications:
• Laptop Model: Acer Nitro V15
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• External Display: Samsung 75” 4K TV (connected via HDMI)
• Operating System: Windows 11
• Openlp version 3.1.7

Since this issue affects live presentations, I would appreciate urgent guidance on resolving it. If this is a known issue, are there any patches, updates, or recommended settings that could help?

Looking forward to your support and a possible resolution.

PaulRowell

There is an OpenLP setting that addresses High dpi screens. Try setting this first. If this doesn't help then look for a post on these forums that I posted detailing a Windows compatibility setting.

You should definitely not have to use the display screen as your main screen and you shouldn't be plugging in your TV screen after you have started OpenLP.

I don't have access to my OpenLP setup currently so I apologise for not being more precise.

Tobiiii

Hi @PaulRowell thanks for the response, I have changed the High dpi settings and that fixed opening openlp with the HDMI cable connected, however I still experience the main issue, Openlp doesn't recognize the screens properly. If you can find your OpenLp setup that will be highly appreciated.

PaulRowell

I won't be back until next week, currently skiing in Switzerland!

nickm

please help i have the same issue, openlp recognizes my main screen as screen 2, the dpi setting only fixed the blow up issue

PaulRowell

We use Windows (both 10 & 11). My display settings at home look like this:
Screen 1 (where the OpenLP interface is shown):

Screen 2 (where the lyrics etc are shown for projection etc):

PaulRowell

I no longer have to use the compatibility setting but use this Advanced -> Miscellaneous Workarounds setting:

Tobiiii

Hi @PaulRowell welcome back from vacation, and thanks for the prompt response.

Just curious, do your system display settings mirror openlp or there is no need for that?

PaulRowell

If the scaling in your Windows settings is 100% then the OpenLP dimensions will match the Windows dimensions. So in my setup the scaling is 100% for both screens because I have changed the display screen to match the screen resolution we use at church (Full HD).

If I change the laptop screen to its native resolution (3200x1800) then Windows uses a 250% scaling and the resolution in OpenLP is reported as 1280x720. (ie the native resolution divide by 2.5)

I have seen some posts where the song words are shown in the top corner of the display or the words don't fit. This is almost certainly due to a mismatch between the theme settings and the display screen resolution as reported by OpenLP.