Displayport to Mini Displayport in?

Hi everyone,
I'm currently using a 27" iMac from late 2009, and I've gathered from multiple threads/posts/bits and pieces of information that the 27" iMac can function as a stand alone monitor in target mode.
At the same time, I'm considering building a PC, and would like to save on space throughout my workspace by using my iMac as its monitor. From what I understand, to use it as a standalone monitor, it has to go through the Mini displayport, and instead of fiddling with adaptors, I was wondering if it was possible to get a video card that supported DP out, and through the use of a DP to Mini DP cable, allow the PC to use my iMac as its monitor.
Can anyone confirm that this method is viable? As I'm still in the early stages of considering building a PC, it'd be nice to know what my options are.

This is indeed possible. Many sources have recommended that as the best way to attach a PC to the iMac because then your PC can drive the iMac's display at its native resolutions. A PC with a different standard of video output requires a converter and then your maximum resolution on the iMac is usually restricted to 720p.
Dah•veed

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27: iMac Apple Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter quits working post-firmware

I iMac Apple Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter suddenly quit working after I installed Apple's latest iMac display firmware update. This is an Intel Core i5; the monitor is an LG Flatron 24" Wide, and when it powers up it says "no video input" and goes into power-saving mode. No amount of replugging cables helps, but the monitor works fine on other computers.
The Displays control panel just shows one monitor, and clicking Detect Displays does nothing.
I suspect Apple's Display Firmware Update. My installer log shows the following, but the problem only happened today after the latest update:
6/1/10 9:45 AM 27-inch iMac EFI Firmware Update 1.0
6/1/10 9:45 AM 27-inch iMac Display Update 1.0
6/4/10 11:47 AM 27-inch iMac SMC Firmware Update 1.0
6/4/10 11:47 AM 27-inch iMac Display Update 1.0
6/5/10 7:29 AM 27-inch iMac Display Update 1.0
I have automatic updates disabled, but after each update I would see more firmware updates ready, but caution leads me to never install more than one of these at a time, and then to wait a while to see if anything bad happens. The odd thing is that the Display Update 1.0 seems to have been installed three times in this course of events. Alas, there appears to be no way to uninstall a firmware update.
Here is the System Profiler Graphics/Displays output:
Chipset Model: ATI Radeon HD 4850
Type: GPU
Bus: PCIe
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 512 MB
Vendor: ATI (0x1002)
Device ID: 0x944a
Revision ID: 0x0000
ROM Revision: 113-B9110C-425
EFI Driver Version: 01.00.383
Displays:
iMac:
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Pixel Depth: 32-Bit Color (ARGB8888)
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Built-In: Yes
Connection Type: DisplayPort
Display Connector:
Status: No Display Connected
It says the Mac sees no display connected, and the display gets no video signal. Since the adapter is an active device (it has powered electronics to convert DisplayPort signals to DVI signals) I suppose it could have just coincidentally died. But that seems unlikely given that the thing worked perfectly just before the last firmware update.
Does anybody have similar experience, or better yet, a fix?

Unfortunately the Apple Knowledge Base does not give much information about this update. Such has how to tell if it has been successfully installed. I suspect that because it keeps recurring in the install log that it has not been installed successfully as yet. Are you receiving this update through Software Update? Can you locate the installer for this update? It maybe located in Apps/Utilities.
Some firmware update installations can be interrupted/corrupted by attached devices. If you find the update's installer on your iMac, I suggest that you detach all external devices from the iMac, use an Apple USB keyboard & mouse if available, follow the instructions carefully and install the update manually. If you do not locate the installer I suggest downloading manually from the link below and installing it.
The Knowledge Base article mentions that your iMac should also have a Graphics Firmware Update. I suggest that you download and install that as well.
27-inch iMac Display Firmware Update 1.0
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL998
27-inch iMac Graphics Firmware Update 1.0
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL984
Dah•veed

Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter flickers

I have 2 Samsung SyncMaster 23 in, HD Displays connected to my Mac Mini. The Display connected via the Mini DP to VGA adapter flickers erratically. This started happening after installing the latest upgrade of OSX Mountain Lion. I called Apple support, they gave me a list of steps to try to fix the problem, which I followed to the letter, to no avail. The problem is annoying, to say the least. I tried to find out if there was a firmware update for the adapter, but I am running the latest firmware (1.03).
I would appreciate any help to solve this issue.

Thank you for your message.
1. Both monitors only have VGA input.
2. The other adapter, Mini-DVI to VGA has always worked properly.
3. The Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter is an Apple original product I bought at an Apple store. I bought 2 adapters.
4. Actually I have 2 Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapters: The one I use with my Mac Mini, and another adapter I use to connect my Mac Book Pro to a Panasonic projector.
5. I have tried using both adapters, and the flickering problem is present using either adapter.
6. I believe the flickering problem is definitely something that needs to be addressed and solved by Apple. The adapter is its product, and should work as advertised, no matter what version of OSX I am running. Please remember that there was no flickering before I upgraded to the latest OSX Mountain Lion.
7. I do not believe buying an adapter from another manufacturer, as you suggest, would solve the problem.
Thank you for your help.

How to connect a 2009 Cinema Display with mini DisplayPort to modern card

Hello:
I am ready to install a new NVidia Quadro K5000 for Mac in my not so old Mac Pro 4,1 (2009). I already installed Mountain Lion (10.8.3) as required. The problem is that the Mac Pro came with a Led Cinema Display which apparently only can be connected with a mini DisplayPort plug and the graphics card only have DVi and DP 1.2. I tried to find an adapter but the ones I have find are minidp male to DVI female and obviously I need a minidp female to DVI or DP female.
I will appreciate any help.
Alex Sierra

The fifth and sixth item on this page are DisplayPort male to Mini DisplayPort female "Extension cables". Under US$6 plus shipping from a reputable seller:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10246#1024602

Thunderbolt display: devices not discovered after using Mini DisplayPort–to–VGA adapter

I have an interested problem related to using my MacBook Air in clamshell (closed) mode, connected to a Thunderbolt display. The problem appears to be related to moving my MacBook air between my office and my home.
At the office, I use the MacBook Air with an external VGA display, connected via the Mini DisplayPort–to–VGA adapter. At home, I use the MacBook Air together with a Thunderbolt display. An Apple USB keyboard is also connected to the display.
Mini DisplayPort–to–VGA adapter implicated
The following sequence of events causes the problem to occur:
Use the MacBook air (open) together with a VGA display, connected via a Mini DisplayPort–to–VGA adapter (depicted at right);
Put the MacBook Air to sleep by closing the lid, and disconnect the Mini DisplayPort–to–VGA adapter (I am not sure if the order of these two steps is significant—I usually perform them almost simultaneously when packing up my MacBook Air and getting ready to leave the office); and
With the MacBook Air still closed, connect it to a Thunderbolt display with a connected USB keyboard.
At this point, I would expect to be able to wake up the MacBook Air by tapping on the space bar of the keyboard. However, what I have observed is that this does not wake the MacBook Air.
I can wake the MacBook however by moving or clicking a Bluetooth mouse that is paired with the MacBook Air.
At this point, although the MacBook Air is awake, and the display is working, the USB keyboard connected to the display still does not work. This is the problem, in a nutshell.
Unplugging the USB keyboard from the display, and plugging it back in causes the MacBook Air properly to identify the keyboard.
I used Apple System Profiler to save a list of identified devices at two points in time:
Immediately after waking the MacBook Air by moving the Bluetooth mouse (at which point the USB keyboard was not working); and
After unplugging and plugging in again the USB keyboard (at which point the USB keyboard worked fine).
Many devices are enumerated in the second list that are missing from the first. For example:
Keyboard Hub@fe110000 <class IOUSBHubDevice, id 0x1000378ef, !registered, !matched, inactive, busy 3 (37993 ms), retain 6>
AppleUSBHub <class AppleUSBHub, id 0x1000378f2, !registered, !matched, inactive, busy 1 (37987 ms), retain 6>
IOUSBInterface@0 <class IOUSBInterface, id 0x1000378f4, !registered, !matched, inactive, busy 1 (37986 ms), retain 6>
Keyboard Hub@fe110000 <class IOUSBHubDevice, id 0x1000378f6, registered, matched, active, busy 0 (7 ms), retain 10>
AppleUSBHub <class AppleUSBHub, id 0x1000378f9, registered, matched, active, busy 0 (1 ms), retain 9>
IOUSBInterface@0 <class IOUSBInterface, id 0x1000378fb, !registered, !matched, active, busy 0, retain 7>
Apple Keyboard@fe112000 <class IOUSBDevice, id 0x1000378fd, registered, matched, active, busy 0 (112 ms), retain 11>
and many child devices…
Using the Mini DisplayPort–to–VGA adapter appears to be a necessary step to causing this problem to occur. If I merely disconnect the MacBook Air from the display, let it go to sleep, and then reconnect it again, the USB keyboard will work immediately and can be used to wake the computer from sleep.
Some devices are discovered even when the computer is in sleep mode. This is how it should work.
The problem appears to be that when a Mini DisplayPort–to–VGA adapter has been used since the last time the computer was connected to a Thunderbolt display, the MacBook air does not discover devices completely when it is again connected to the Thunderbolt display while in sleep mode.
Can anyone else reproduce this problem?

Hi glraczon.support,
It sounds like the external display you are using (projector) operates at a smaller resolution than your MacBook Pro. You may want to configure the display preferences in System Preferences for the external projector.
Here is an article that may help you with that process:
OS X Mountain Lion: About the Display pane of System Preferences
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5369
Thanks,
Matt M.

No image on screen using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter

Received mini today. After unboxing, read through the packet. Then began to hook everything up as directed. I used a Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter to connect the monitor from our now dead desktop to the mini. After double checking all connections, I hit the power button. I immediately heard the apple chime. Then the monitor showed the grey apple start up screen. Suddenly the monitor went black and said it was going into sleep mode. I can't get it out of sleep mode when connected to the mini. It is NOT the monitor or the adapter. I plugged the monitor straight into a netbook and it worked. Then, I plugged the monitor using the adapter into my MacBook Pro and also got it to work that way. So I tried replugging the adapter into the mini. Still can't get an image on the screen. I can't complete set up or use mini because I can't get an image. Any suggestions or ideas? I will call apple in the morning if I can't figure it out tonight. But I'm hoping someone can give me suggestions. Thanks for your help!

I had the same issue when I bought my mac mini last week apart from I wasn't even getting the initial grey screen. I went back to the Apple shop and they gave me another mini and fired it up in the shop using the adaptor on an old VGA monitor. It worked perfectly.
When I got home I set it all up again and still had the same issue. I nearly threw out a couple of monitors as I thought they were broken.
However, had a look around the web and found this suggestion:
Shut down the mac and disconnect the adaptor from it. Now fire the mac up and let it boot up FULLY. Once it has had a chance to boot up fully, only then plug the adaptor in.
Worked for me and I haven't had the issue since (touch wood). Hope this helps.

Using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter to connect Macbook Pro (2009) for a presentation via projector.

When I connect my Macbook Pro (2009 model) using a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter to display a presentation via projector, only the top-left portion of what is displayed on my Macbook Pro's screen is displayed on the projector, as though I zoomed in on that portion of my screen. The projector is on and the adapter and the cable that connects the adapter to the projector machine is correctly connected. Any suggestions on how to fix this problem?

Hi glraczon.support,
It sounds like the external display you are using (projector) operates at a smaller resolution than your MacBook Pro. You may want to configure the display preferences in System Preferences for the external projector.
Here is an article that may help you with that process:
OS X Mountain Lion: About the Display pane of System Preferences
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5369
Thanks,
Matt M.

Mini DVI to VGA or Mini DisplayPort to VGA

I've used up all the HDMI connectors on my 1080p LCD, so need to use the VGA connection, which thankfully supports 1920 x 1080 native.
I was in the Apple store today and noticed they sell both a mini DVI to VGA adapter, as well as a mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter - the latter being $5 more expensive.
Since it's converting to analog in both cases, I'm wondering if there's any potential advantage of one vs. the other.
I'm looking for the best possible picture as my new mini will be serving as my media hub, so any input is appreciated.
And I've been connecting a laptop to my TV via regular VGA up till now and it looks amazing, so not worried about going VGA instead of HDMI...
Edit: Sorry - somehow posted this in the totally wrong forum but don't see any option to move it to Early 2009 -> using the Mac mini...

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
I was half expecting to see that there would be a difference in maximum resolution between the two connectors when used with VGA adaptors, but there is not. You can get up to 2048x1536 using either. There should not be any difference in quality of output between them.

Mini-DVI to VGA or Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter?

Hi There,
I am so close to purchasing a new Mac Mini that I can almost taste it. When I finally get the Mini, I want to hit the ground running, so I am trying to research everything out so I do have any stupid delays.
With the Mini, I want to use my 17" Apple CRT Studio Display with its 15-pin miniature D-type connector (I'm assuming that this is the typical VGA display connector). When I first started looking into the Mini, I figured that I could use a Mini-DVI to VGA connector and just be done with it. When I looked at the Mac Mini Accessories page that Apple set up, however, Apple says that I need a Mini Display Port to VGA adaptor and doesn't say boo about the Mini DVI adaptor. Doing some cursory Googling lead me to believe that the most current MacBooks and Minis will not support Mini DVI to VGA adaptors. Is this true?
If you were me, if either adaptor can be used, which VGA adaptor would you use? Is one superior over another? Inquiring minds want to know.
Thank you very much in advance for your reply.
Sincerely,
Malcolm Fuller

Personally, I'm using a minidisplayport to vga adapter I had to pay $30 for and it's working great for me and I can't tell the difference in image quality from the minidvi to dvi cable that comes with the mini.
Also, why not get the displayport so you can run 2 monitors at once?
If the displayport doesn't work with your monitor then I would try the mini-dvi version.
But yeah don't be suprised if you have to mess with it to make it work since it seems to work for some like me and not for others:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9486562&#9486562

Using Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter -- any settings on the Macbook Air I need to change?

Going into a meeting with my Macbook Air with Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, which will be connnected to a video projector on site. Never tried this setup before. Will this just work or do I need to adjust any video settings on my Macbook Air?

Hi glraczon.support,
It sounds like the external display you are using (projector) operates at a smaller resolution than your MacBook Pro. You may want to configure the display preferences in System Preferences for the external projector.
Here is an article that may help you with that process:
OS X Mountain Lion: About the Display pane of System Preferences
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5369
Thanks,
Matt M.

Does Thunderbolt work with the Mini Displayport to DVI adapter?

I just ordered a new 13" MacBook Pro with Retina Display to replace my Mid-2010 15" MacBook Pro. I've been using the Mini Displayport to DVI adapter to extend my screen to an older 20" Cinema Display. From what I can find online, and I'm here asking for confirmation, I should still be able to use the Mini Displayport to DVI adapter with the new MacBook Pro's Thunderbolt port. Correct?

still be able to use the Mini Displayport to DVI adapter with the new MacBook Pro's Thunderbolt port. Correct?
Yes.

Dell 2400MP projector and mini-DisplayPort

I have a MacBook Pro with a mini-DisplayPort and wanted to know which mini-DisplayPort to VGA adapter should I get to connect to the Dell 2400MP? It only has a VGA port, and I'm doing a presentation at a place that uses such a projector, and wanted to be prepared in case no one there knows how to use the PC and bring my own laptop. I see the mileage on these adapters may vary, so which one works best?

Get the Apple adapter. It costs more, but it's made better than most.

Mid 2010 Macbook pro - Mini DisplayPort to Hdmi issues

Hi there! I'm having some issues connecting my mid 2010 Macbook pro to my 32" Toshiba LED TV.
I'm running OS X Version 10.8.2 , as mentioned before, on the mid 2010 Macbook pro.
The issue which I have, is that when I connect my Hdmi cable to my minidisplay port through the adapter, I keep getting a blue screen popping up.
I am using a Startech MiniDisplay to HDMI Adapter Converter and ION 6FT Flat HDMI CABLE.
anyone with suggestions on help?

I had issues with getting my MBP to work with my Vizio XVT323SV via the RGB port. What worked for me was downloading SwitchResX (http://www.madrau.com/indexSRX4.html) and setting up a custom 1920x1080 resolution using the values found in the Vizio user guide. Works like a champ now. Best shareware investment I ever made. Now I can watch my EyeTV recordings at full HD resolution.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
Sidebar: I also bought the Griffin mini-DisplayPort to HDMI adapter and an HDMI cable, but I can't get any signal at all via that connection. The Mac doesn't see the TV and the TV doesn't see a signal. Very frustrating. My RGB connection is good enough but I bet HDMI would be even better.

External display via Mini DisplayPort to DVI no longer works with MacBook.

I had not used my external monitor in the last several weeks. I believe there have been a few OSX Lion updates since the last time I used the external monitor. I had installed all the updates prior to connecting my external monitor again. However, a few days ago I tried to connect the external monitor and all I get is a "No Signal" message on my external monitor. The Mini DisplayPort to HDMI works on my LCD TV, so I know the MDP works. I have also replaced the MDP-to-DVI cord and the external display still doesn't work.
I connected the external monitor to another computer running Snow Leopard and the external monitor works. So, the external monitor does work.
I have seen a few posts aboout this, but nobody seems to have a solution that works or is directly on point to my issue. I have tried to use all the scenarios for plugging in the external monitor and external monitor power. I tried to reboot the laptop with and withoout the external monitor connected. Same thing with the exteernal monitor plugged in and no power, etc. Nothing works. I have tried to repeatedly turn the external monitor on and off while connected to the MacBook. Again, that doesn't work.
So, I am open to any help someone may have. Here is what I am running:
MacBook, Aluminum 13" Late 2008
OSX 10.7.3
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M

While we all have MacBooks in this forum most of us don’t run Lion. There's a Lion Support Community where everybody has Lion. You should also post this question there to increase your chances of getting an answer. Lion seems to have problems with external monitors. https://discussions.apple.com/community/mac_os/mac_os_x_v10.7_lion

I have just tried to connect my Mac book pro to an LG Plasma TV via an iWires Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable. All I get on my TV is the Mac wallpaper and nothing else. I am missing something really silly, could anyone help please.

I have just tried to connect my Mac book pro to an LG Plasma TV via an iWires Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable. All I get on my TV is the Mac wallpaper and nothing else. I am missing something really silly, could anyone help please.

Hi there. I also bought an iWires mini Display port to HDMI cable and have an LG LED/LCD TV. I plugged it in to my MB Pro and followed the very small writing that came in the package and got both audio and video going. You need to change the audio settings from within System Preferences on your Mac to select your TV as the audio output.
My concern is the data latency - do you experience a delay between moving your mouse on the MBPro and the TV displaying the movement? It is only a fraction of a second, but certainly enough to be annoying, especially in a cable as expensive as the iWire.

Can I connect a 24" Cinema Display with mini DisplayPort in to HDMI out?

I have a 24" LED Cinema Display that I want to use with a new 15" Retina MacBook Pro I will soon be purchasing. Using cable adaptors, would it be possible use the new Macbook Pro's HDMI port to connect to this Cinema Display? I understand that this does not work with the newer Thunderbolt displays because Thunderbolt only adapts in one direction, but since this is an older Mini Displayport monitor would it work? My goal is to keep both Thunderbolt ports available for storage I/O untill Apple releases an update to the Thunderbolt display later this or next year. Thanks for your advice!

Yes, in this scenario, I'd connect the display to one of the Thunderbolt ports and use a USB hub for additional I/O. Here's my current I/O needs:
1) esata (with port multiplication)
2) gigabit ethernet
3) firewire 800
4) USB keyboard
5) 3-port USB hub (iOS, bluetooth charger, misc USB2 or 3)
6) monitor
My current plan is to use
1) thunderbolt 1 - display
2) thunderbolt 2 - firewire 800
3) USB3 1 - esata
4) USB3 2 - USB3 hub - gigbit ethernet and all other USB devices
Does this seem like a resaonable set-up in terms of maxing I/O bandwidth? My main concern is if the USB2 devices on the USB3 hub will throttledown my gigabit ethernet speeds.
Thanks for your advice!

Displayport to Mini Displayport in?

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