---
name: "s3switch"
section: "8"
platform: "linux"
package: "s3switch"
version: "0.1-1+b1"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/s3switch"
---

# s3switch(8)

manage the output devices on an S3 Savage chip

## NAME

s3switch - manage the output devices on an S3 Savage chip

## SYNOPSIS

**s3switch** \[-q\] \[crt\] \[lcd\] \[tv\] \[both\] \[ntscj\|ntsc\|pal\]

## DESCRIPTION

The S3 Savage chips have the ability to send their output to a variety of different devices.  The Savage3D can display to a standard CRT or to a TV.  The Savage4 and Savage2000 can display to a standard  CRT or through a digital interface to an LCD panel.  The Savage/MX and Savage/IX can ship to any two of those three.

The *s3switch* utility is used to select the devices to be used, and the format of the TV signal.  When invoked with no parameters, *s3switch* displays the devices currently attached, and which of those devices are  currently active.  Supplying one or more of the words *crt,* *lcd,* or *tv* makes those devices the active devices.  The word *both* is a shortcut for the combination of *crt* and *lcd.*

To change the format of the TV signal, specify either *ntscj,* *ntsc* or *pal.* These words will be silently ignored on systems where a TV is not attached or not possible.

The case of the keywords is unimportant; *LCD* and *lcd* are equivalent.

*S3switch* always displays the current state of things just before it exits, unless the *-q* option is given, in which case, it operates quietly.  Note that only the Savage4 and Savage2000 are able to detect the presence or absence of the various devices; the rest just assume everything is attached. *S3switch* must be run as root.

*S3switch* will not allow you to activate devices which are not connected, on those chips that are able to detect this.

## AUTHOR

Tim Roberts (timr@probo.com)

## SEE ALSO

**[X(1x)](/X/1x.md),** **[Xserver(1x)](/Xserver/1x.md)**