i am also trying this, but always "no protocol specified" ..... i am frustated :-( ..
root@beaglebone:/# export XAUTHORITY='ls /var/run/gdm/auth-for-root-*/database'
root@beaglebone:/# export DISPLAY=:0.0
root@beaglebone:/# xrandr --ouptut HDMI-0 --mode 720x480 --rate 60
xrandr: unrecognized option '--ouptut'
Try 'xrandr --help' for more information.
root@beaglebone:/# xrandr --output HDMI-0 --mode 720x480 --rate 60
No protocol specified
Can't open display :0.0
root@beaglebone:/# export DISPLAY=:'0.0'
root@beaglebone:/# xrandr --output HDMI-0 --mode 720x480 --rate 60
No protocol specified
Can't open display :0.0
root@beaglebone:/# xrandr --output HDMI-0 --mode 1280x800 --rate 60
No protocol specified
Can't open display :0.0