Mini + DVI splitter = colored static (argh)

What I want to do is mirror one of the video outputs of my Mini (one LCD on my desk, one on the conference table). I am already using both video outputs of the Mini (mini DVI and mini DP) to drive dual monitors (extended desktop mode) on my desk, so I have no spare video outputs.
Previously, I was using a DVI splitter (takes one DVI in, sends two identical DVI signals out), but with the new mini I get one good DVI signal and one that's all colored static/snow. I have checked the functionality of the powered DVI splitter using an old Macbook, so that is working fine (can mirror to two displays). So the culprit is the new Mini.
I suspect that the problem is the new HDCP encryption used in the Mini's video output. It would stand to reason that the Mini can only exchange encryption keys with one of the displays, so the other one will not be able to decrypt the video stream and thus display garbage (colored static/snow). This is annoying since this setup worked previously before Apple started using HDCP.
Any ideas?
I have yet to take this to the Genius Bar ...
Message was edited by: kenmai

Matt,
It's been quite a while since I had this problem, so I was looking for my notes on fixing it. No luck there.
The bottom line is that the "native" refresh rate on your KVM is far enough out of specs for your monitor that it's affecting the display. When you plug directly into the mini, the display automatically senses the correct refresh rate and looks fine.
It's a hack, but here's what I did (after giving up on manually modifying the settings in Terminal and failing miserably):
1. Plugged the display directly into the mini and created a "calibrated" color profile for it in both user and admin accounts.
2. Connected the KVM and booted in safe mode, selected the "calibrated" color profile with appropriate resolution in all profiles.
2b. Made sure I unchecked the +Show profiles for this display only+ box in the Display > Colors tab for all users.
3. Plugged in the KVM and restarted in safe mode, doing 1 & 2 above.
4. Restarted and manually set the color profile and resolution.
It can take a few tries to get the settings to "stick."
-Wayne

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Mini-DVI to Video shows w/o color and atleast 2 of everything

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MacMini DVI colored static and KVM's

Hi
I manage 50 odd Mac's at work and have a new 09 MacMini. I have it connected via the Mini-DVI to DVI connector to a Rextron DAG12 DVI-I / USB KVM switch. I have been using the KVM for a year or 2 with a PowerMac G4 machine with no problems. When I connect the MacMini all I get is multicoloured static / a snowstorm (as described elsewhere) for about 3 seconds, then I see the actual screen for about 1 second and this repeats over and over making it unusable. I tried various resolutions / refresh rates and it made no difference. If I unplug and re-plug the DVI adaptor about 5 times it eventually stops doing this and I just get the screen as it should be. I then used it all day, switching between my mac and PC and left it on over the weekend and it was fine on Monday.
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Message was edited by: Matt Hall

Matt,
It's been quite a while since I had this problem, so I was looking for my notes on fixing it. No luck there.
The bottom line is that the "native" refresh rate on your KVM is far enough out of specs for your monitor that it's affecting the display. When you plug directly into the mini, the display automatically senses the correct refresh rate and looks fine.
It's a hack, but here's what I did (after giving up on manually modifying the settings in Terminal and failing miserably):
1. Plugged the display directly into the mini and created a "calibrated" color profile for it in both user and admin accounts.
2. Connected the KVM and booted in safe mode, selected the "calibrated" color profile with appropriate resolution in all profiles.
2b. Made sure I unchecked the +Show profiles for this display only+ box in the Display > Colors tab for all users.
3. Plugged in the KVM and restarted in safe mode, doing 1 & 2 above.
4. Restarted and manually set the color profile and resolution.
It can take a few tries to get the settings to "stick."
-Wayne

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from <http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/6394003/wo/Nl1 WlaKtWDNh2CU6rLDioTOQHl2/3.0.0.21.1.0.8.11.33.0.0.1.1.0.9.1.1.0.1.11.7.10.0#rev>
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MB560 wrote:
1. In Mac system, I only get blue screen of computer on TV with out any writing or pictures or tool bar.
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Macbook white 2 GHz Intel Core Duo 1GB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.8)

my macbook detects only a monitor (but not a TV) in addition to the macbook-LCD-display
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Mini + DVI splitter = colored static (argh)

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