Hdmi TV display

I have a new Mac Mini (HDMI) and am trying to get it to work with a Sony Bravia LCD tv (TV has HDMI and VGA inputs). HDMI works, but with degraded quality, especially with non-video displays. HD video downloads play well.
The image quality is substantially worse than the PC I have connected to the same TV (PC is connected with VGA).  I understand this is a well known problem (once you have purchased the **** thing!).
Is there a HDMI-VGA adapter by any chance?  Any other suggestions?
Thanks

TVs are not too good at displaying computer text. However on the Sony check to see if there are any settings to do with what some makers call 'pixel perfect' mode.
If your TV is a 1920x1080 resolution TV it is likely to have a physical LCD panel resolution also of 1920x1080 pixels. However due to historical reasons dating back to the old style cathode ray tube TVs it can take an input image of a specified resolution and stretch it bigger than the physical screen and chop off the edges. Not only does this chop off the edges, but it means you don't get a 1 to 1 match of pixels. This means text is not as sharp as it would normally be.
When using a VGA connection the TV knows that VGA is more commonly used by a computer and therefore does not do this same behaviour (which by the way is called overscanning).
While you can on the Mac adjust the overscanning, you can only get a perfect match if you find and use the setting I mentioned to make the TV do a a 1 to 1 match of pixels like it does for VGA connections.
In terms of connecting the Mac mini via VGA to the TV, you cannot do this via the Mac mini HDMI port, you must use instead the Apple Mini Displayport to VGA adapter.
Note: I have seen reports suggesting if you boot the Mac mini with such an adapter under Lion, it does not initially activate the display. However unplugging and reconnecting the adapter after the Mac has booted might clear this problem.
Note: If you have an older 720p Sony TV one that is not a proper 1920x1080 TV, then you are going to find it effectively impossible to get an exact pixel pefect alignment.

Similar Messages

  • HT5219 When I connect my MacBook Pro to a TV (Thunderbolt to HDMI) no display is recognized and I am unable to mirror.  I have a 2.9 GHz Intel Core i7 with 8GB 1600 MHz DDR3 running OSX v 10.8.3.

    When I connect my MacBook Pro to a TV (Thunderbolt to HDMI) no display is recognized and I am unable to mirror.  I have a 2.9 GHz Intel Core i7 with 8GB 1600 MHz DDR3 running OSX v 10.8.3.

    You are being scammed. Please ignore and close. Do not click any links or call any phone numbers!
    Remove Browser Pop-up Problems
         AdwareMedic
         Adblock Plus 1.8.9
         remove adware that displays pop-up ads and graphics on your Mac

  • HDMI, Mini Display Port and Mountain Lion

    Hello,
    After reading about numerous issues concerning the Mini Display Port and Mountain Lion, I'm trying to discuss it here with you all to see if there is any solution.
    I have a MacBook Pro (2009), and used it with my TV (HDMI cable + Mini display port adaptor) with Plex media center back when it was on OS X Lion. It was very convenient because as a portable computer, it could easily be set near the TV and allow the use of a remote to sit in the couch and stream media from the Time Capsule… without the help of any expansive box. Perfect setup I've had for over a year.
    The thing is, since I've upgraded to Mountain Lion, when I try to connect the MacBook Pro to the TV, the screen turns blue as if it was calculating the resolution of the monitor so… ok. Until it comes back, and nothing changed either on the MacBook Pro screen or on the TV.
    Harware side, I've tried with the computer open, closed, I've checked every port and connection on both computer, TV and adaptor.
    Software side, what I find really annoying in Mountain Lion is that they completely ditched every monitor setting as long as nothing is connected — and even if the Mini DP is connected… the Mac thinks it's not. I even tried to reset the PRAM. This is a nightmare.
    I've tried to do the same with my iMac (mid 2011), and it all worked properly. What I can't explain is why it works on my iMac and not on the MBP… as they have the same configuration !
    I don't know if Apple is outcasting old devices so people buy new Apple stuff or if they ditched the HDMI out on certain (old) devices on purpose so users replace it by the new airplay mirroring feature and buy the Apple TV. I won't, because let's say it's a total crap compared to other media center solutions. And I'm bored of Apple.
    Please, HELP NEEDED ! Has anyone had the same issue ? I bet you have ! Now how can we solve that ?
    Thank you for your time.

    EDIT : stopped working on iMac too… then update 10.8.2 fixed the issue. Now it works. Thanks Apple for temporarily removing some features ! It's just so ANNOYING.
    Hope you gonna stay with the few we have left on Mac and stop removing things randomly. Not event talking about the pro environment (designers, developpers, etc.) that is almost gone. 2 years and our macs will be tablets. Careful with the old clients… it's been almost 10 years I'm on a Mac and I've never been so unhappy.

  • Mini dvi to hdmi problems - displaying my screen on my TV

    so I have an Toshiba LCD TV with an HDMI port and I'd like to be able to play videos from the internet on my TV. I have a Macbook with a mini-dvi port so I bought a mini-dvi to HDMI adapter from Amazon and an HDMI cable from Best Buy. I also have an RCA cable for audio (which works fine). After hooking up the laptop to the TV using a multitude of combinations and restarts, all I get is a flickering blue screen on my laptop when I change the TV's input to HDMI. Nothing happens on my TV screen. Any ideas on what I should do to get video? I've read I need to mirror the display but the Arrangements tab doesn't show up on the Display menu so that option doesn't seem to be available. I've messed with resolution and numerous other things and have hit a wall.
    Help please!

    Hey redhead,
    I have the same setup. Try messing around with the cable, it might not be properly connecting. Mine is pretty finicky and can lose connection if it's not sitting "just right". Also, just in case, click on "gather windows" on the bottom of the display settings dialog box. Then check to see if the Toshiba settings dialog box shows up. If it does, that means the TV is actually connected but the resolution settings have not be properly set yet. So if "gathering windows" gets you your TV's settings window, change the resolution to "1080p" if it offers that. If it doesn't, just go through all of the resolutions until you find one that works/works best.

  • Mac mini, boot camp, windows vista/windows 7, DVI to HDMI, no display

    I have a mac mini from 2008 on which I have put windows Vista via boot camp. I have connected the mini using DVI to HDMI, to my Sony Bravia 1080p HDTV.
    When I log into the mac 10.6.2, all seems fine and I can see the display alright.
    When I log into Windows Vista, I cannot. The display stays black even though I hear the Windows startup sound.
    I tried force-upgrading to Windows 7 and the same thing. In fact at some point I can see some of the stuff (like when starting in safe mode), but as soon as it boots up, the display goes blank.
    Normally I can see the display up to the point where it says loading Microsoft windows (with the small progress bar) and then, nothing.
    Any clues what may be happening?

    No response

  • MBP to an a/v receiver via dvi to hdmi cable, display not detected?

    So as the title says, I'm trying to connect my MBP to a Sony str-dg510 a/v receiver in this order:
    MBP >
    Mini Displayport to dvi connector (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB570Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDA5OQ&mco=MTA4ODk2OTE ) >
    dvi to hdmi cable (http://www.amazon.com/DVI-HDMI-Cable-6ft-Male-Male/dp/B0002CZHN6 ) >
    Sony STR-dg510 AV Receiver >
    Analog TV.
    And here's the issue: I'm not getting a second display detected at all. It is an analog connection from the AV receiver to the TV, and I've connected other laptops to the receiver just fine, albeit on a different input.
    So I'm not sure where to go from here, the mini displayport to dvi works fine onto an apple display at work.
    I also got an unlock message on the receiver at first and thought this may be the issue, so I got an optical audio cable similar to this: (http://www.ramelectronics.net/audio-video/audio-cables/digital-audio-optical-tos link-cable/poft3ps/prodPOFT3PS.html )
    And now the sound plays fine, but still no picture (and the unlock message is gone.)
    Any idea's?
    Thanks

    Welcome to the Apple Community Q62.
    If it works fine on another TV but not directly with this TV, the problem is with your TV or your cables. Have you eliminated the cables.

  • Mini DVI to Hdmi Adaptor display problem

    Hi I just got a new miniDvi to Hdmi adaptor and an HDMI cord so i can dual monitor for video production and what not. Problem is when i hook it up to BOTH my 720p HDTVs the mac screen goes blue for a few seconds as if its going to connect to the display, but then goes back to normal, the TV says no signal, and in the display settings it wont detect the other monitor. I have the 2008 model of the 20" imac with mac os 10.5.8. Does the minidvi to hdmi adaptor nit work right? do i have to go Minidvi to DVI adaptor to a DVI HDMI cord?
    Thanks for any help
    -Dan

    Really i did not know that, the 2 TVs i tried were an Insignia and a Samsung. I dont think its a bad adapter because it understands that theres a possible signal going out. OH the thing about the tvs not accepting computers through hdmi is not true because i have a PC laptop with an hdmi port and i was able to hook it up to the samsung just fine. any other suggestions?

  • IMac to TV (HDMI) : Ghost display when TV is off

    Hi, 
    I'm using my Sony TV (40BX420) as my secondary display for my iMac 27", connected via
    MiniDisplay Adapter+HDMI Cable.   When connected everything works fine, the
    audio & picture appears normally.  I use this setup to watch movies on my bigger screen.
    I always keep the hdmi cables physically connected between the TV & iMac (which is always on).
    The problem is when I switch the input on the TV from HMDI to Antenna (to see the TV channels), the
    hdmi appears active to my iMac, and the audio & windows which was getting displayed on the TV, does
    not reappear on my iMac. 
    The only solution to my problem is to physically disconnected the hdmi cable when I do
    not want to watch the computer content on the TV.  
    I'd an older Toshiba TV, when I connect the same hdmi cable to this tv.  As soon as I change the input
    on the TV to HDMI, the iMac responds, with activating dual monitor, when the change the input, or switch
    the TV off (standby) the imac goes back to single display mode. 
    I call sony, their tech support is horrible, they told me it a feature of their TV, it keep the HDMI active in standby mode.
    I tested this buy shutting down the power on the TV, but the iMac was still behaving as if connected and I've a ghost display
    on the TV.
    Please let me how can I solve this issue.   They may quite a few of you who is connecting their iMac to TV
    Sajid

    hi there,
    have you solve this problem?
    Because I have had this issue also, still looking for the solution.
    Thanks

  • Problem with HDMI - external display resolution (MacBook andSamsung HDTV)

    I just bought a new MacBook, and I have used my Samsung HDTV (http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN-S2338W-widescreen-720p-HDTV/dp/B000G6300U) with my old MacBook for over a year. First I tried to connect the two using the Mini Display Port to VGA adapter, which wasn't recognized by the Samsung. Now i tried using the Mini Display Port-->DVI-->HDMI route. The problem I have is that, while all the resolutions show up as able to be used in the display preferences (all the way up to 1920 x 1080), when I click on any resolution for the Samsung that is over 1280x960, all windows and dialogue boxes displayed on the samsung screen are jumpy, shaky and hazy. Is there anything I can do to allow me to use my preferred resolution of 1600x900?

    I'm no expert on this, but seeing as your TV has an actual resolution of 1280x720 (according to the link), I can't see how you'd get good results from anything higher than that.

  • MacBook Pro - connect to TV via HDMI Mini Display adaptor

    Can't connect macbook pro to my TV and view/listen to what's on my mac on the tv. I am using an HDMI cable from the tv to a mini display port HDMI adaptor. When I go to system preference, display it doesn't have an Arrangement tab to mirror. It only gives me tabs for Display and Color. Any help would b appreciated.

    Hello pdr4d,
    Based on your post it seems you are unable to get video on an external display. The following article may help you find a solution:
    Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays - Apple Support
    Check connections
    When using an external display be sure to check the following:
    If you're using an Apple notebook, confirm the AC power cable or adapter is securely connected to the computer and the cable providing power to the display is also secure. It is always good to have your notebook connected to AC power when an external display is in use.
    Confirm display adapters are fully seated in their respective connections and that they are supported models and for the computer and display. Refer to these articles to assist you with adapter compatibility and further configuration information:
    Monitor and Display Adapter Table
    About Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapters
    Apple Mini DisplayPort adapters: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
    Thunderbolt ports and displays: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
    Remove all display cable extenders, KVM switches, or other like devices and retest to determine if the issue is resolved.
    Try unplugging the video adapter or cable and then plug it back in.
    If more than one video adapter is in use (or "daisy-chained"), troubleshoot by using only one adapter.
    Example: A mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter connected to a DVI to HDMI adapter is an unsupported configuration because there is a series of adapters in use.
    If available, try using a different display and or adapter (or use a different connector by using DVI instead of VGA, for instance).
    Reset the system
    You can reset the Mac's parameter RAM and SMC.
    Thank you for contributing to Apple Support Communities.
    Cheers,
    Bobby_D

  • HT4241 How do I get an Epson EX5210 to display using the HDMI mini display port adapter so I can see 1080p downloaded movie from iTunes? It won't recognize the display via hdmi cable and adapter!

    Please help! I've tried everything to get this dang thing to display a downloaded movie from itunes on my epson EX5210 lcd projector via a HDMI cable plugged into a minidisplay port adapter. I am no expert and have no idea what to do!

    It's all in the manual... starting on page 26...
    USB seems to work as well. Tried that?
    By the way, this dang thing has "only" 768 physical pixels vertically, so "1080p" won't be visible anyway, and scaling will take place. Hope you won't be diappointed. All specs including resolutions here.

  • MacBook hdmi lcd display - help needed!

    Hi all, I'm connecting my MacBook to my 32" Vizio lcd via hdmi (using a mini-dvi to dvi adaptor & dvi to hdmi cable). When I mirror displays, one of two things happen: (1) either the Vizio display is too small and has black bars around it, or (2) the Vizio display is too large and I cannot see the menu bar or the dock.
    The fist time I connected to the tv, I managed to get the full screen display perfectly but have not been able to repeat this since. I've tried everything I can think of - different combinations of resolutions, with and without overscan, etc.
    Any advice much appreciated!

    Try this:
    Hook the MB up to the Vizio.
    Hook the MB up to it's Magsafe power adapter and plug the adapter in.
    Close the lid on the MB so it goes to sleep.
    Now, plug something into a USB port on the MB.
    The recommended thing to plug in would be a USB keyboard and mouse. But you could use just one of those, meaning either a keyboard or a mouse. If you don't have a USB keyboard or mouse, you can just plug in one of those USB flash memory devices.
    The USB activity will cause the MB to wake up with its lid down and only the external (Vizio) screen will be active. Once that happens, you can lift the lid on the MB and use its keyboard and trackpad and the built-in screen will stay off.

  • Switch to hdmi to display ps3 on HP T/S Envy 27 no longer works???

    Hi All,
    The other day we hooked up PS3 to HP ENVY via HDMI port on ENVY 27, pressed the button on the underneath left hand side and worked like a charm...
    Later reverted back to the PC after having enough playing with PS3 game...  All worked fine.
    Today tried again - hooked up HDMI to PS3 then press button underneath left hand side and nadda, nothing! It won't switch over anymore - friggen annoying man!
    I've also taken the PS3 and connected it to TV via HDMI and works fine there!!!
    How can I fix this - is there some way to fix this? Why won't it flick over anymore on the HP ENVY 27?
    Model #: 27-k001a
    Product #: H6N03AA#ABG
    Software Build #: 13AP2AR8609#SABG#DABG
    PCBRAND #: HP
    OS #: ML
    HP ENVY 17-j005tx Notebook, HP ENVY Recline 27-k001a, HP ProLiant MicroServer Gen8 G2020T, HP MediaSmart EX495 Server, HP MediaVault 2020, HP ENVY 120 AiO Printer

    Hello JimT,
    I have read your post on how you are not able to switch from your regular desktop's display to the HDMI-IN connection to your PS3, and I would be happy to assist you!
    Since the HDMI connection works between your TV and your PS3, I recommend following this document on Connecting HDMI Devices to Your Computer (Windows 8). This should help you successfully switch connections between your desktop and your PS3.
    Please re-post with the results of your troubleshooting, and I look forward to your reply!
    Regards  
    MechPilot
    I work on behalf of HP
    Please click “Accept as Solution ” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
    Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the right to say “Thanks” for helping!

  • Macbook Pro Retina (Late 2013) HDMI External Display

    I just bought a new MacBook 13" (late 2013). I have two LG displays (LG22LS4R) which I am trying to hook up. One via MB HDMI port to HDMI and the other is Thunderbolt adpater to HDMI.
    The issue is when I connect MB HDMI port to HDMI, my external display renders a really horrible picture. The display is really fuzzy and the fonts look horrible too. I have tried all different types of settings. Can anyone suggest anything?
    Please help

    Thanks but I tried using another cable but same result. I do get a signal when I set it to 1080p but it looks awful. When I try to set it to the external displays native resolution I lose the signal.
    Surely other people have encountered a simliar problem?

  • Thunderbolt to HDMI external display: no signal

    I have a mac air 11" late 2011 and can't mirror display with a thunderbolt to hdmi cable. I tried on my sony bravia KDL46EX705. The display is detected, it shows SONY TV, but no image on the tv  I've tried resolutions, Hz, and a couple of other stuff at the tv that did no work out. all softs and firms are uptaded. Tried also on a Phillips 42" and the same. I've bought both mac and cable at the 5th av apple store.  

    Hi,
    I have found a related issue - after sleep it appears to go back to its "default" of the (speaker-less) Dell display connected via DP.
    OS X Seems to understand there is no sound output (controls are greyed out), but still keeps using this as default. Never had this issue under Mavericks.
    Any thoughts?

  • Second IPS display via hdmi not displaying 2560x1440. Why?

    I know the graphic card hardware in my 2013 i7 mac mini support hi-res hdmi because people are running Windows 7 on their mini's with dual 2560x1440 ips displays. I read that this would be resolved in Mavericks but I can't seem to get above the 1080p resolution. What am I missing? Do I need to reset something? Was I better off sticking with my old 2009  mac mini with the mini display and thunderbolt port?
    Thanks
    Andre

    I've received several different answer regarding your reply. The monitor tech support person stated that the hdmi port on the display is 1.3b which will support that resolution. So either both of the hdmi cable that I tried sucked or the support person lied and or OSX is limiting the hdmi port.
    I guess I'll just purchase a Startech USB32DPPRO adapter since I can't get the answer I want.  
    I hate that Apple took away the second mini/thunderbolt port.
    Thanks for your assistance.

Maybe you are looking for