Deploying Heterogeneous Monitor Resolutions Across PCS 7 OS Clients

To operate OS Clients with differing physical monitor resolutions and aspect ratios (e.g., 1920x1200 with 16:10 aspect ratio and 1024x768 with 4:3 aspect ratio) connected to the same WinCC OS Server, deploy independent local OS Client projects rather than using a single shared project layout. Configure each client's local OS Project Editor to match its physical display resolution, allowing WinCC to generate resolution-matched frame pictures (@screen.pdl, @overview.pdl). To display process graphics across different screen sizes without distortion, set 'Adapt Picture' to 'Yes' on the main picture window in @1001.pdl, or design dedicated plant graphics tailored to each aspect ratio.

Aspect Ratio and Resolution Mismatches in Industrial Control Rooms

In industrial facilities upgrading from older control systems (e.g., PCS 7 V7.1 to V8.2), plant managers often encounter mixed hardware environments. Central control rooms receive modern widescreen monitors operating at 1920x1200 (16:10 aspect ratio), while field operator desks retain legacy 19-inch monitors operating at 1024x768 (4:3 aspect ratio).

Operating disparate resolutions against a single WinCC OS Server introduces significant graphical challenges. The aspect ratio of 1920x1200 is 1.6, while 1024x768 is 1.333. If an engineer simply projects a widescreen 1920x1200 screen onto a 1024x768 client, graphics are either cropped, obscured by scrollbars, or compressed into illegible proportions.

Single Server with Heterogeneous Multi-Client Architecture

In PCS 7 client-server architectures, graphic pictures are distributed across servers and clients:

OS Server Role: The OS Server hosts the technological process pictures (*.pdl), tag management, and alarm archives. It packages and serves these pictures to connected clients over the Terminal Bus.
OS Client Role: Each OS Client possesses a local project containing standardized frame pictures (@screen.pdl, @overview.pdl, @1001.pdl, @desk.pdl) generated by the local OS Project Editor.

Because clients run their own local projects, each client can execute the OS Project Editor configured for its specific physical monitor resolution. The frame windows (alarm banner, navigation buttons, work area) automatically adapt to the local display.

OS Project Editor Screen Generation Rules

When the OS Project Editor runs, it builds the screen framework:

Frame Generation: Selects resolution-specific templates from the Siemens installation directory. Choosing 1920x1200 generates wide overview banners, while choosing 1024x768 generates compact toolbars.
Picture Windows (@1001.pdl): In the main working area, plant graphics are loaded into cascaded picture windows. By default, the property Adapt Picture is often set to No. Setting Adapt Picture = Yes forces WinCC to scale the plant graphic dynamically to fill the window, regardless of original design dimensions.

Comparison of Multi-Resolution Deployment Strategies

The table below contrasts strategies for supporting heterogeneous monitor resolutions in a single PCS 7 plant.

Deployment StrategyImplementation MechanismAspect Ratio Handling (16:10 vs 4:3)Graphic Legibility & PolishEngineering Maintenance OverheadSeparate Local Client ProjectsIndependent OS Project Editor resolution per clientHigh: Frame pictures match each physical screenExcellent: Nav bars and alarms scale cleanlyModerate (Configure each client project)Adapt Picture Dynamic ScalingSet Adapt Picture = Yes on picture window in @1001.pdlModerate: Stretches graphic to fit frameGood: Slight horizontal compressionMinimal (Single property edit)Dual Plant Graphic Picture SetsAuthor separate screens for 1920x1200 and 1024x768Perfect: Designed specifically for both aspect ratiosOptimal: Zero visual distortion or clippingHigh: Duplicate process graphics to maintainSingle Forced ResolutionForce all clients to 1024x768 or 1920x1200Poor: Black borders or extreme scrollbarsUnacceptable: Distorts modern widescreen monitorsLow (Default unconfigured state)

Step-by-Step Procedure to Configure Mixed Client Resolutions

Follow this procedure to configure heterogeneous client resolutions connected to a single OS Server:

Configure Local OS Client Projects in SIMATIC Manager:
- Ensure each client is inserted as an independent PC Station with a WinCC Appl. Client.
- Assign OS Server package assignments to all client stations.
Run OS Project Editor on Widescreen Clients (1920x1200):
- Open WinCC Explorer for the 1920x1200 client.
- Launch the OS Project Editor: under Layout, select SIMATIC Standard 1920*1200.
- Click OK to generate widescreen frame pictures.
Run OS Project Editor on Legacy Clients (1024x768):
- Open WinCC Explorer for the 1024x768 field desk client.
- Launch the OS Project Editor: select SIMATIC Standard 1024*768.
- Click OK to generate compact frame pictures.
Enable Picture Scaling on Legacy Clients:
- On the 1024x768 client project, open @1001.pdl in Graphics Designer.
- Select the main picture window object (e.g., PW1 or PictureWindow).
- In Object Properties, set Adapt Picture (Bild anpassen) to Yes.
- Save @1001.pdl in the client's GraCS directory.
Deploy and Download Projects:
- Download the respective client projects to their physical computers and launch runtime.

Verification

Verify multi-resolution functionality across client workstations:
1. On the 1920x1200 client: confirm that overview banners, alarm lists, and plant graphics fill the entire 16:10 screen without horizontal gaps or scrollbars.
2. On the 1024x768 client: confirm that the workspace picture scales to fit the 4:3 monitor without requiring scrollbars to view equipment.
3. Click technological block icons on both clients: verify that APL faceplates open centered and fully readable.
4. Verify that alarms acknowledged on the 1024x768 client immediately synchronize with the 1920x1200 widescreen workstations.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

When relying on Adapt Picture = Yes to compress 1920x1200 graphics onto 1024x768 displays, small font sizes (e.g., 8pt or 9pt text) may become blurred or difficult for operators to read. Always test text legibility on physical 1024x768 monitors from standard operator viewing distances. Additionally, do not shift @desk.pdl coordinates manually unless necessary, as coordinate offsets can cause clipping during faceplate popups.

Engineer FAQ

Can I run OS Clients without local projects in a multi-resolution plant?

No. OS Clients without local projects download the server's master frame pictures directly. In that scenario, all clients are forced to use the server's resolution, resulting in massive scrollbars on smaller monitors.

Why does moving @desk.pdl create side gaps?

@desk.pdl defines the desktop boundaries. Moving it horizontally offsets picture centering. If gaps appear due to aspect ratio differences (16:10 vs 4:3), set the background color to dark gray/black to provide a clean letterbox effect.

Does changing resolution on one client affect the OS Server?

No. OS Project Editor changes in a client project alter only local frame templates; the central OS Server database and server pictures remain unaffected.