Mini Display Port to VGA adapter with Mac Pro
Just as a word of advice if you're thinking of buying a new Mac Pro and planning on hooking it up to dual VGA displays at their native resolutions - don't.
Apple claim it will support 3 VGA displays. That might be true in a very loose sense but not in the sense that you'll actually be able to work with it.
My experience (all using same adapter, cables and monitors):
*Mac Pro - Dual screen set up*
1 x LG Flatron W2242S connected via DVI > VGA adapter - offers native resolution (1680x1050)
1 x LG Flatron W2242S connected via Mini Display > VGA adapter - does not offer native resolution
*Mac Pro - Dual* screen set up*
1 x Iiyama E2472HD connected via DVI - offers native resolution (1920x1080)
1 x Iiyama E2472HD connected via Mini Display > VGA adapter - offers native resolution (1920x1080) but displays it pillar boxed (i.e. squashed)
*MacBook Pro - Dual screen set up*
1 x laptop screen - fine (obviously)
1 x LG Flatron W2242S connected via Mini Display > VGA adapter - offers native res (1680x1050)
The conclusions being that despite having the exact same configuration in terms of adapters and monitors my £3k Mac Pro is incapable of doing what my MacBook Pro can.
I have spoken to Apple about this and they have admitted it is a limitation and suggested buying DVI monitors along with the Dual Link DVI adapter (£70).
Not ideal.
Message was edited by: chr1shardcastle
DVI-I provides the direct Analog signals needed to get VGA using a very simple adapter.
DsiplayPort (and its Mini variant) requires a converter to produce VGA or Dual-Link DVI, and the converter must be active/powered. There is a lot of logic in those converters. It may also have additional limitations.
In general, you should hook your highest resolution, most demanding display up with the DVI to VGA adapter.If running two Mini DisplayPort displays, ALL MiniDisplayPort converters must be active/powered.
Similar Messages
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Will the mini display port to vga adapter work with a 2007 mac book?
will the mini display port to vga adapter work with a 2007 mac book?
I think your Macbook came with a Mini DVI port instead of a Mini Display port.
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MacBook Pro(Mid 2012) Can't connect to my Dynex TV with mini display port to VGA adapter
I have a MacBook Pro(Mid 2012, running OS X 10.9.4) and I recently just bought a mini display port to VGA adapter so I could hook it up to my dynex TV but when I connect everything my TV says no signal. Do I need to do something in settings?
Hi psikalis,
If you are having issues connecting an external display to your MacBook Pro, you may find the information and troubleshooting steps in the following articles helpful:
OS X Mavericks: Connect multiple displays to your Mac
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH13814
Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1573
Regards,
- Brenden -
Can I use a mini display port to VGA adapter and then a VGA to av adapter to connect my MacBook pro to my standard definition tv?
No. You need a converter box like this to go with your MDP-VGA adapter:
http://www.amazon.com/PC-To-TV-Video-Converter/dp/B001CJOLBW/ref=pd_cp_e_2 -
I have a Samsung VGA Monitor connected to my MacBook Pro using the Mini Display Port to VGA Adapter. How do I configure the computer so that it doesn't sleep when I close the lid of the computer.
Hi alangium,
Welcome to the Support Communities!
Resetting your computer's PRAM should restore your Macbook Pro's screen appearance.
OS X Mavericks: Reset your computer’s PRAM
http://support.apple.com/kb/ph14222
This article may provide some information about your Mini DisplayPort to AVI adapter. Have you tried to connect a different VGA monitor to your Macbook to see if you get the same results?
Apple Mini DisplayPort adapters: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3382
18. What is the maximum resolution available for use with the Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter?
The resolution available with the Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter is 1920 x 1200. VGA displays that use higher refresh rates (such as 85 Hz) at resolutions of 1600 x 1200 or greater may not generate video properly until you lower the refresh rate.
Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1573#5
How can I detect displays?
If the detect displays option is not available, hold down the Option key while you are in the Display pane.
How do I select additional resolutions on my display?
You can use the Display pane of System Preferences to specify how your display works. Not all options appear for all display models. By default the best resolution for your display will already be selected in System Preferences.
To select a different resolution, use the Scaled option. Some additional resolutions may be available when you hold the Option button.
I hope this information helps ....
- Judy -
Mini Display Port to VGA adapter + Monitor Eizo s2231W = CRASH
I purchased a new macbook pro last month with 2 adapters, one for VGA the other for DVI. I'm having some trouble with the Mini-DVI to VGA adapter. The Mini Display Port to DVI adapter works well.
When I attach the VGA adapter to the monitor it works well for a couple of minutes, then I dont know why my MBP crashes and I can see a purple or white screen. The crash is really a crash... cauz I cant do anything. My mac is frozen and the only way to resuscitate him is to keep pressed the power button for a while till it turns off, and then turn it on again.
You can say... why do you need the VGA if the DVI works...
the problem is that I'm probably supposed to use it one day attached to a projector because of a presentation at university.
So I dont wanna see my new macbook pro freezing in front of my professor.
please help.
EDIT:
adding some precious information
My hardware configuration as regard the graphic chipset is
NVIDIA GeForce 320M
The resolution of the external monitor is 1620x1080
I'M NOT using the mirroring ( but the desktop extension)I had the exact same problem. It actually escalated from there and it would crash at the startup screen (the white one with the apple and the spinning gear). The only way I was able to fix this was to reformat the entire computer. I was lucky enough to have backed up all my data when it first started crashing. I've only reformatted yesterday and things seem fine for now. I don't know what caused it, or how to fix the problem any other way.
-
Mini Display Port to VGA Adapter Resolution Issue
Hi there folks, I just had to replace my NVIDIA 8800 so I opted for the upgrade to the ATI Radeon HD 5770 (Apple part number: MC742ZM/A)
I have two monitors on my desk, an apple 30" cinima display and a smaller 19" Hyundai monitor that uses a VGA connection as my second display.
After hooking up my Cinima Display to the DVI, and the Hyundai to the Mini Display Port via adapter and restarting my Mac the second monitor does not show up. Well, It appears on the arangement screen, and on the system profile screen, but no image appears.
If I unpluged and replugged the monitor then I can get an image to appear. Only I cannot change the resolution from 800x600. The monitor supports 1900x1200. I can see the correct resolution in the list, however selecting that resolution will not stay. It always reverts back to 800x600. I tried several other lower resolutions and none of those work either.
I zaped the PRAM, checked for system updates, hopped on one leg and cursed the gods but nothing has worked so far. I can give tech support a call tomorrow, but I was hoping someone on the forum knows of a solution since I know many of you are smarter than the tech support folks.
Thanks in advance!I had the exact same problem. It actually escalated from there and it would crash at the startup screen (the white one with the apple and the spinning gear). The only way I was able to fix this was to reformat the entire computer. I was lucky enough to have backed up all my data when it first started crashing. I've only reformatted yesterday and things seem fine for now. I don't know what caused it, or how to fix the problem any other way.
-
Mini Display Port to VGA Adapter Having Issues with My Samsung 40" HDTV
So I ordered the brand new 15" i7 Macbook Pro along with the Apple wireless magic mouse and wireless keyboard after having bought my HDTV (went on a bit of a spree) with the intention of using the TV as a monitor for couch surfing. But, upon hooking up the adapter to the TV, my macbook's screen flickered between that blue transitionary screen and it's desktop screen. It did this for a few minutes. I jiggled the cable thinking that there was a loose connection somewhere as that was the problem with my previous mini DVI to VGA adapter from Apple. I did a little research and it turns out that they released a firmware update in 2009 for such a problem. I downloaded the update and attempted to install it but it did not determine that there was even an adapter connected. So, I proceeded to call Apple, they man was very calming to talk to and make all of my problems seem to melt away, but there were no solutions reached. He thought that maybe my TV either had a problem or was incompatible with the adapter (incompatible with a VGA connection? can you get any more analoge that that?). So, here I am, the adapter seems not to have a problem with regular monitors but I am still experiencing intermittent disconnects from my TV. I still, superstitiously jiggle the connection whenever I have dropouts but that really doesn't seem to be the issue here (or at least I hope not because that could mean port issues with my new laptop). Any suggestions? I noticed, after changing some settings on my TV, in an attempt to remedy this, that the TV was displaying the picture funny, I turned the TV off and then on again and it fixed the problem. That being said, perhaps I just need to turn my TV completely off when I'm not using it, as I have been just letting it go into standby. Maybe it needs a restart every so often much like my computer. I don't currently have data to support that theory as I just recently tried turning it off, but, since then have not had dropouts.
You may have the screen refresh rate set higher than the TV is generally able to track reliably. It may be able to get there most times, but occasionally loses sync because it is out of its nominal range.
I suggest you sit down with the manual for the TV and find out what resolutions at what refresh rates it intends to support through VGA, and make sure your screen settings are near (or below) those limits. -
Problems with Mini Display port to VGA Adapter (A1307)
This has never worked, at the moment of truth, when we plug in, in front of client. SOmetimes their tech guys fiddle with display settings etc, but to no joy. So, a) should it just work straight way with no changes to settings etc and b) how do I know it is even properly functioning? Is there any troubleshooting I can do at home (without a projector!), or a sequence of things I need to do when I plug in to projector? Any help is gratefully received! Or do i just throw myself on the mercy of the guys at the apple store? Thanks
Hi psikalis,
If you are having issues connecting an external display to your MacBook Pro, you may find the information and troubleshooting steps in the following articles helpful:
OS X Mavericks: Connect multiple displays to your Mac
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH13814
Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1573
Regards,
- Brenden -
I tried to download a firmware update but my MBA said the update was unsupported. I'm not super tech, so I'm kind of at a loss. Ultimately, I want to mirror my iPad to the classroom projector so that I can move around while I teach.
Hi Teachingmyself,
Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities.
If your MacBook Air and projector are not communicating, I recommend the troubleshooting tips found in this article:
Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1573
Start with these steps:
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)
Reset the system
You can reset the Mac's parameter RAM and SMC.
Best,
Jeremy -
Mini display port to VGA not showing correctly on TV
I have a new 2012 (June) MacBookPro running 10.7.4 with a 2.5 GHz Intel i5 processor. Graphics Intel HD Graphics 4000 512 MB.
I'm trying to connect a Toshiba flat screen TV to the computer via a mini display port to VGA adapter purchased from Apple with the computer. Sometimes I see 5 lines running down the screen. I can get the screen to show on the TV by changing resolutions and refresh rates (1280 x 768 at 60Hz) but the TV shows 5 partial screens on my laptop screen (between those different vertical lines). I feel like I'm looking at the beginnings of an abstract art piece.
All software is up to date.
Any advice would be appreciated.Called Apple Support and they solved my issue.
1) Restart the computer in Safe Mode with display attached (shut down and restart while holding down shift key).
The display showed up without distortion.
2) Change the display to my desired preferences (dimensions and refresh rate).
3) Restart computer. ...and it works like a charm.
Vioala! -
Do I need to download Mini Display Port to VGA update?
I want to be able to watch movies from the MBP on the TV. (Panasonic 32" about 5 years old). Air Play doesn't work through the ATV, the stream is erratic and unwatchable. Both HDMI ports are in use for other things. So I got a Mini Display Port to VGA adapter and a VGA cord and plugged it into the PC input on the TV. I get the screen to come up (no sound, is that normal?) so it seems to work.
Now I read that there is an update for the Mini Display Port to VGA. I downloaded it then was unable to open it because it said it was from an "unidentified source" (Apple!!!!) Do I need this? The article that described this was dated 2009, so I'm thinking it is way obsolete but I want to be sure.
And what about sound and VGA? Do I need a separate audio in connection, and if so, to what input since the PC input is VGA only.
I know that's a lot of stuff. Thanks.
Mid-2012 MPB 13" 2.9 ghz 8 gb ram
10.8.5Steve1000,
VGA only supplies video, so no sound is normal. You’ll need another connection to provide sound — perhaps through your audio out (headphones) port?
When you have the Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter in use, run Software Update; if it doesn’t offer the adapter’s firmware update, then your adapter already has it installed. -
I need to connect a computer monitor to my mac book pro, using a mini display port to VGA adaptor. But have experienced a drastic reduction in font size on my
Mac screen even before I have managed to check the result on the monitor screen. Please how do I compensate for this and restore my mac screen appearance?
Many Thanks Alangium in ukHi alangium,
Welcome to the Support Communities!
Resetting your computer's PRAM should restore your Macbook Pro's screen appearance.
OS X Mavericks: Reset your computer’s PRAM
http://support.apple.com/kb/ph14222
This article may provide some information about your Mini DisplayPort to AVI adapter. Have you tried to connect a different VGA monitor to your Macbook to see if you get the same results?
Apple Mini DisplayPort adapters: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3382
18. What is the maximum resolution available for use with the Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter?
The resolution available with the Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter is 1920 x 1200. VGA displays that use higher refresh rates (such as 85 Hz) at resolutions of 1600 x 1200 or greater may not generate video properly until you lower the refresh rate.
Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1573#5
How can I detect displays?
If the detect displays option is not available, hold down the Option key while you are in the Display pane.
How do I select additional resolutions on my display?
You can use the Display pane of System Preferences to specify how your display works. Not all options appear for all display models. By default the best resolution for your display will already be selected in System Preferences.
To select a different resolution, use the Scaled option. Some additional resolutions may be available when you hold the Option button.
I hope this information helps ....
- Judy -
MacBook suddenly won't detect my display, Using Mini Display Port to VGA?
MacBook suddenly won't detect my display, Using Mini Display Port to VGA?
dohdoh1985, I have the exact same problem also! I recently bought a 42" RCA LCD TV. I connected my MacBook Pro to my TV using a Dynex Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter that I got from BestBuy. It worked great until I upgraded to Mac OS 10.6.4 and then it suddenly stopped working. Same TV, same settings, same cables, same adapter. Nothing changed since the last time it worked except that my OS was upgraded to 10.6.4, so i am assuming that is the culprit. The symptoms are EXACTLY the same as what dohdoh1985 described; when I plug in the TV, the laptop display flashes (3 times) as though it is detecting an external display and the picture on the TV briefly goes from blue to black for about 1 second then back to blue. The TV does not appear in the display menu / control panel and there is no sign that the MacBook detected it. I went through the usual troubleshooting steps (reset PRAM, checked connections, tv settings, etc) but nothing worked. Other HDMI sources (i.e. Blu-ray player) work fine on the TV using the same HDMI cable on the same port so there is nothing wrong with the cable, the TV or the TV's input settings.
Meanwhile, I can still connect my MacBook to my external ViewSonic monitor at work without any problems. It's just the TV that's not working.
I cancelled my cable subscription a while ago since I only watch shows online nowadays and this was my only way of watching TV shows, so I'm quite upset.
Apple, please help! -
Why does my mini display port to hdmi adapter cut out intermittently?
I have a MacBook Air 2012. Using a bestbuy mini display port to hdmi adapter connecting to a sony led tv. The picture and sound transmits to the tv, but the signal would cut out after 10-15 seconds and it would last about 3-5 seconds and then the picture would come back again.
to me something happened similar to me but after removing the connector and put it back was solved, and now to use it with my TV I have to make sure both are well connected to both the Mac and plug the HDMI cable and adapter tv .
I hope that solves your problems resolved as mine
Blessings.
a me me a pasado algo similar pero luego de sacar el conector y volverlo a poner se soluciono, y ahora para poder usarlo con mi TV tengo que asegurarme que esten bien conectados ambos tanto el conector al mac como el cable hdmi al tv y al adaptador.
espero que eso resuelva tus problemas como resolvio los mios
Bendiciones.
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