Mac Pro :: Using Mini Displayport To DVI, HDMI Or Displayport?
Oct 28, 2009
I have an ATI Radeon 4870HD graphics card which has a Mini Displayport and a Dual-Link DVI port.
I'm connecting this to two Dell U2410 which each have a Displayport, HDMI ,DVI and VGA ports.
I can connect one of the monitors straight to the DVI port, but what should I do with the other? I can't find a Mini Displayport to Displayport adapter for sale in the UK. But there are Mini Displayport to HDMI adapters and Mini Displayport to DVI adapters available.
Also, would it be best to have both monitors on the same connection? If i go the HDMI route should I buy a DVI to HDMI adapter for the other port? Or have both on DVI? Will there be a visible difference between the monitors if they're not on the same type of connection?
I'm gonna get the new MBP 13" really soon, and I'll need the Mini DisplayPort to VGA and to HDMI cables. Where, besides Apple Store, should I get these cables?
I have trying to get my laptop hooked up to my tv, using the apple mini displayport to DVI -> belkin DVI to HDMI cable setup (as recommended by the dude int eh apple store - which i knew and planned on doing anyway :P).
anyway, when i first plugged it in to the tv in my hotel room it worked, 1080p, then stopped .. then randomly worked again after a few ties. Once I got home i hooked it up to my sharp aquos 42 and worked fine, then after it was unplugged and tried to get it working again, it basically just.. wouldn't - i don't get a picture/signal on the tv, no options in the display cp , nor does the screen go blue when it normally finds a monitor/tv. i've tried plugging it in both ends, restarting, turning tv off/on, everything to no avail. I know the dvi-hdmi cable works, used it from a windows desktop to make sure. the mini displayport to DVI works for DVI 100% of the time into one of my monitors.
as mentioned it had worked at first on and off..., and now i cant get it working on my 1080p tv, nor the 720p one that's in my room, neither of them get a picture/signal; no options in display control panel either, or the quick display flash to blue. Furthermore, sometimes when unplugging the dvi cable from the tv i get the laptop screen flash, as when it picks the device up initially.
I never got my emailed invoice from apple when I bought the cables in in SF during macworld so I cant just return it to apple I'm sure.
any ideas would be greatly appreciated, please help this is making me go crazy... worked and now nothing no matter what i try. Oh, also tried on another, new user to see if it was a weird setting that got saved.
I know that there's already at least two threads on this, but one seems to be geared towards just one specific converter, and the other is almost 1000 posts long, so what I wanted to do here is to make a thread which is a comprehensive comparison between the available adapters.
MBP 13" (Late 2011) --> Moshi MDP to HDMI Adapter --> iogear 4x1 HDMI Matrix --> LG 24" LED DIsplayÂ
Xbox 360 and Tivo are also on HDMI MatrixÂ
I dock the MBP with all my cabling, close it, and use a Wireless Apple Magic Mouse and Wireless Apple Keyboard with it. If I switch to port 2 or 3 on the matrix, the MBP will sleep. I have installed both smartSleep and InsomiaX to try and prevent this from happening. The MBP needs to run 24/7, even if that might be damaging. To mitigate heat issues I run smcFanControl to change the minimum speed of the fan to a higher level. The Xbox 360 and Tivo access music on this Mac, and so if it is sleeping; it kind of defeats the intention I am going for here. The iogear has no possible way of signalling the MBP to sleep. Also a Gefen HDMI Detective is not a reasonable fix. Also FWIW: This happens even if I physically unplug the cable, not just if I switch the port on the matrix. Kudos to the first person who finds a permanent fix for this issue. Â
tl;dr - Prevent Macbook Pro from sleeping on Mini-DisplayPort disconnection.
I just got a new MBP, and I like to use my notebooks connected to my HDTV for movie watching and some occasional gaming. I was looking around at cables (mostly at monoprice) and no one seems to have a mini displayport -> hdmi cable that will carry the audio signal.
The specification sheet for Apple's new line of MacBook Pro notebooks states that HDMI output is possible using an optional Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, hinting that Apple could release a first-party solution [Update: New ports support audio output].
The bullet point is included under the "Pure digital video output" section of the technical specifications for Apple's new MacBook Pro machines. It advertises the functionality as: "HDMI output using Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter (optional)."
Apple does not make a first-party Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, and there is no sign of one yet on the Apple store. Existing third-party options have been available since early 2009 for under $20. Such cables allow Macs to be connected to nearly any HDTV with HDMI for video output.
Apple does sell first-party Mini DisplayPort adapters that convert the output to VGA and DVI. Both items cost $29 direct from the hardware maker.
In March, AppleInsider exclusively reported that Apple has created in its internal labs a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI connector. The alleged hardware was said to include technology that would allows Macs shipping with an updated Mini DisplayPort spec to channel both video and audio through the Mini Display port to the HDMI adapter, rather than just video.
Update: ArsTechnica confirmed that the new Mini DisplayPort supports both audio and video output on the new MacBook Pros. However, Apple also reportedly said it has no plans to release its own HDMI adapter.
The Mini DisplayPort became a part of Apple's LED Cinema Display, MacBook and MacBook Pro lines in late 2008. It replaces DVI video with a much smaller port. The new 27-inch iMac, introduced last October, only supports DisplayPort input. Unlike the Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI connectors common on previous generation Apple products, the port is capable of driving resolutions up to 2560x1600, which is commonly used on 30-inch displays.
Though the Mini DisplayPort technology was originally created by Apple, in 2009 the Cupertino, Calif., company agreed to license the interface to the Video Electronics Standard Association for its own DisplayPort standard. Prior to the agreement, Apple had to license its technology itself and made the standard free, as an incentive for rapid adoption.
Last November, the Mini DisplayPort standard created by Apple was officially adopted by VESA, which is also finalizing the DisplayPort 1.2 standard, which will double the technology's bandwidth capabilities to 21.6GB/s.
Last week, a new patent application suggested Apple is creating a new proprietary cable that could simultaneously transmit both USB 3.0 and DisplayPort data through one cable. The described technology would offer more functionality and greater data transfer rates via smller cable connector form factor.[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]
i just bought the macbook alu. w/ the mini displayport, i tried to plug it directly to my samsung 1080p hdtv with the Mdport to vga cable but the tv didnt display anything. so i searched the web to find other solutions (Mdport to dvi -> dvi to hdmi cable), but for me that means buying 2 other cables so i was wondering if i could use this route: mini displayport to vga -> vga/dvi-i adapter -> dvi-i/hdmi cable -> 1080p hdtv? with this example, i would have to buy only the dvi-i/hdmi cable since I already have the vga/dvi-i adapter (my old MSI 6600gt one) so hows that sound? thx for giving me the answer ASAP cause I need to make a surprise presentation for my boy!
I want to run a hdmi signal over a long distance and was going to use a cat5 cable but can't find a mini displayport to cat5 converter or a hdmi to cat5 converter. I'm not sure this is even possible, but don't know why it wouldn't be because you can stream HD content over the internet using cat5. And a long cat5 cable is a lot cheaper than hdmi cables and extenders.
I got a mini displayport to dvi adapter for my macbook pro 13". Then I have one of those dvi to vga converters (URL) that i used to use w/ my old desktop.
Will that work ok on top of the displayport to dvi adapter? I tried it on my tv (which only has vga and hdmi, no dvi) and it recognizes the display but I only get a black screen. I've had problems setting the tv up properly in the past, so it could just be the TV. I wanted to rule out it being the vga adapter though.
I need to get a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter for my new MacBook Pro, but I know there are much cheaper ones about than the ones Apple sells.
Ideally, I'd like a single cable (rather than an adapter to plug a seperate VGA cable into) for a little less clutter on my desk, but if there's no decent solution I'll go with the adapter. I know most people recommend (URL), but I'm in the UK.
I just recieved my Mini DP to DVI adapter so that I can use my second 23" Apple display. I just upgraded to ATI Radeon HD 5770 so now I have 1 DVI and 2 mini DP. I want to run 1 display off of the DVI and 1 off of the Mini DP. Both displays work with the DVI port but neither of them work on the Mini DP with the adapter.
I know that I need to upgrade to Snow Leopard for the ATI Radeon HD 5770 to fully function. I am waiting for the upgrade to arrive in the mail. Do I need to be running Snow Leopard for the Mini DisplayPorts to work at all or is there something I can fix before the upgrade?
I have a new MBP 13", and I was wondering is it possible to use a Mini DisplayPort to DVI -adapter and a DVI-VGA adapter combined? Or is it just the safest way to buy both of the Mini DisplayPort -adapters (to DVI and VGA) separately, even though I would have an extra DVI to VGA adapter.
I recently purchased a Mini Displayport to HDMI adapter and 30' HDMI cable to connect my iMac to my 42" Panasonic TV. It worked at first, and then suddenly didn't. I believe I upgraded from OS 10.6.7 to 10.6.8 in between it working and not, could that be the problem? I know the problem is not the cable as I tested it with my XBOX. I don't have a way of telling whether or not it is the adapter itself though though. When it plug it in, there is no blue screen on the iMac like there was at first. When I click 'Detect Displays' nothing happens.
Info: iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8), 12Gigs RAM, Late 2009 21.5"
I am wanting to connect my MacBook Pro, which has a mni displayport, to my TV. My TV is still of the CRT variety, but supports component video (R, G, B RCA connectors). Has anyone has any luck doing this?
I have found mini DisplayPort to DVI-I adaptors and DVI-I to component video adaptors. Will connecting the two between my Mac and my TV provide me with a working solution?
I have the standard 13" aluminum macbook, and I was looking into getting the 'Mini DisplayPort to VGA' adapter to connect my 22" Samsung monitor. On the Apple website, I have seen nothing but horrible reviews about the connection cable, saying that it exclusively does not work with Samsung brand monitors and TV's. On the other hand I only see good things about it connecting to other devices and monitors.
Can anyone shed any light on this? It's already ridiculous that i have to pay the 30$ price for this cable just to use an external monitor, the least I can do is know that it will for sure work.
I had to send my iMac 27" in for repairs and now I cannot connect the VGA to Mini DisplayPort adapter into the iMac. The other connections work (e.g ethernet and USB) but it looks the the Mini DisplayPort is off alignment with the aluminum enclosure. I know I'm not going crazy because it connected before I had to send it in.
I'm looking for one of these because i am trying to use dual monitors with my iMac 21.5", i have seen these on ebay but they all say 'Mini DisplayPort to VGA for Macbook', will it work with my iMac too.
Since video/graphics out is achieved through graphics cards with dvi ports...
surely a card with mini displayports would make exisiting mac pro's compatible with apple's new LCD displays?
Am i wrong?
Would this be difficult to do for a graphics manufacturer to do (forgetting that this obviously would be a card aimed mainly at Apple users and probably not worth the effort....)?
I got the Aluminum MacBook late 2008 version and as most should know that the macbook comes with a Mini-Display Port. Today i went to buy a Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter because all my monitors at home have the DVI slot. I hooked it up and everything works fine as it should be. But next week i have a presentation to do in University and apparently my uni only have the VGA slot available, so therefore i want to know if it would work by hooking up my macbook with the Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, then use a DVI-D to VGA adapter and finally a VGA cable to the Projector for the presentation?
I am trying to get my projector to display movies, tv, etc. from my MBP. I got the Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter but it doesn't seen to recognize any connections going out to the projector. It does not come up with the "mirror the display" option in the displays section of the system preferences. Is there a way to troubleshoot the Mini DisplayPort to see if it's working? I downloaded the firmware patch with the Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter hooked up to the projector but it was unable to install it since it said that the Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter was not detected! I'm thinking that there may be a malfunction to the Mini DisplayPort... Is there any way to check it? I tried 2 different VGA cables. The only thing left would be an issue with the adapter.
I have a couple end users who have the newer MBP's with 30" monitors using the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter. A number of them are experiencing issues with small, roughly 1" long by 1 pixel high, horizontal lines that flash intermittently. Has anyone else experienced this? Know of a solution?
Apple appears to be distributing a new firmware update that will attempt to address flickering and blank video issues on the latest generation of MiniDisplay Port-equipped Macs connected to external displays using the company's Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter.
The Cupertino-based company is believed to have been working on the update since last fall when early adopters of the new unibody MacBook Pros began experiencing issues when connected to an external display, where the display would sporadically lose signal for a few seconds and flick back on.
Since then, it appears that external display issues have spread to a variety of other new Macs equipped with Mini DisplayPorts, in particular the new Mac mini. There are quite a few threads (1, 2, 3, 4) on the Apple support discussion boards pertaining to similar issues, though not all involve problems when using the Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter.
For those users who are connected to an external display via the Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple is quietly distributing an 11.2MB "Mini DisplayPort to VGA Firmware Update" over Software Update that will reportedly update the firmware on the adapter itself.
"This firmware update addresses intermittent flickering and compatibility issues such as no video on some external displays when using the Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter on your Mini DisplayPort enabled Mac," the company says in a brief set of release notes. "The Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter firmware update will be downloaded to the Utilities folder and will automatically launch to update the firmware on the Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter."
In order to trigger the update, Apple says the Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter must be plugged into your Mac and a compatible VGA display. The company also says that the Mac's power adapter must be plugged into a power outlet if the Mac is a notebook.
It should be noted that as of press time, there was no mention of the firmware update on Apple's website and only a couple of users have reportedly seen the update turn up in Software Update, mainly those located overseas. [ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]
I know there have been a couple other threads on this from a couple months ago but I need to bring this back up... has there been a final verdict that the reason the mini displayport doesnt support audio is due to a hardware limitation or a software limitation?
Im about to buy my first macbookrpro and I want to link it up to my 24inch monitor. Ive seen the Mini DisplayPort DVI Adaptor on apples website but it looks so short like 3-4 inches. Im not sure how anyone could comfortably link up their mbp to their monitor with that. I just want to be able have my mbp sit near my monitor on my desk, not the other side of the room. Can anyone tell me how long the cable actually is?
