Reason for Mini-Display?

Why does Apple use mini-display ports and not straight HDMI? I mean PC users just hook up their PCs to any TV via HDMI and they're ready to go, while we need speakers in order to get sound.
Im an Apple loyal fan by the way, Its just that people ask and I don't know what to say!
Is there a functional benefit or something?
First I thought VGA ports are big and ugly, but HDMI is really thin and beautiful.

In addition, HDMI is basically for TVs and DisplayPort is designed for computers. Macs are computers. Apple assumes the primary use of the video port would be to extend screen space with another computer monitor, like I used to do before I bought a desktop. The reason the Mac mini gets HDMI is because it's used very widely as a media center connected to a TV. Apple probably noticed that a high percentage of mini buyers also buy the HDMI cable, compared to other Mac buyers.
There are definite technical reasons for a computer to have DisplayPort instead of HDMI. You can do a web search on the topic, here is an excerpt from one article I found:
HDMI is based on legacy CRT raster-scan architecture. DisplayPort is designed for modern flat-panel displays and PC chipsets. DisplayPort has a micro-packet architecture with low voltage signaling that more easily enables networked displays. In the future, DisplayPort will also allow daisy chaining displays at full graphics performance, including 3D. and content protection. Today's USB-based daisy-chaining solutions do not support high performance 3D graphics or protected content.
HDMI has rules for how to implement and use the technology. Business and enterprise customers may not want to implement all of the consumer electronics features that are required in HDMI products. In contrast, DisplayPort is the display equivalent of Ethernet....anyone can implement it in any type of application. A VESA compliance program ensures interoperability for products featuring the "DisplayPort Certified" logo.
DisplayPort supports higher performance as a standard feature-every 6-foot cable supports 10.8 Gbps. With HDMI, high performance is optional and comes at a significant cost premium. DisplayPort has better support for projectors and enables cool ultra-thin monitors. It supports native fiber optic cable and offers latching connectors, features that are missing from HDMI. Down the road, DisplayPort will allow multi-function monitors with a single cable delivering display, audio, and USB connectivity. It will also support multiple monitors on a single connector.
I also think I read that HDMI requires that the manufacturer implement certain DRM/copy protection tech as part of its consumer electronics purpose. That is why the excerpt above refers to "content protection."
For those in the design/photo fields there is this bit of obscurity, which is that DisplayPort can support more than 8 bits of color per channel in the video signal. I am not sure if HDMI can do that.

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Extender for Mini Display Port. Need help.

I am running a setup with a 30m optical extender for DVI. I have just upgraded to the 8-core Mac Pro with 27" display which uses mini-display port. But that will give me maximum 1920x1200 resolution that is way too low for the 27" and I have to buy a converter from mini-display port to DVI.
Is there any available extender cables for mini display port (30 meter)?

that will give me maximum 1920x1200 resolution
To go higher than 1920 wide, you need Dual Link.

Optimum Settings for mini display to VGA

I just got a mini display to VGA cord for my aluminum mac book and hooked it up to my 37" Vizio LCD HD tv and was wondering what the best settings would be to put it on as far as the resolution goes.

ok and one other question, Is there a way to close the lid on my mac book and not have the display go away on my LCD tv? Because if i leave the lid open its fine but if i close it then the computer basically just goes to sleep.

Dongle for mini display port

Is there a dongle to convert a mini display port or thunderbolt port for use with a firewire 800 cable in order to use migration assistant in the event I decide on a new MacBook Pro this year? Is there a better way to handle this issue?

No adapters exsits for TB.

Spiller box for mini display port

I need to get 2 screens working from my 2011 imac. The screens are hdmi I have a mini display/thunderbolt to hdmi cable and works fine on one screen but I've tried various hdmi splitter boxes but they won't see the mini display to hdmi cable.
Cheers Antony

A video "splitter" does not work, you must use a video distribution amplifier like this:
HDMI DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER

SONY answers for mini display problems

I have successfully hooked up my SONY KD-34XBR960 via the HDMI input to work with my new Mac mini. Most of the explanations in the forum about how to do this were incomplete, and lacking a final (albeit obvious) step. I followed the directions listed here: http://tenant.com/mini.php
We used a DVI to HDMI conversion cable and DisplayConfigX. After setting the new display parameters with DisplayConfigX, you still need to change to that display setting in the OS. Then you'll get a picture. You can play with settings a bit and will probably have to adjust for overscan, but it works very well, and the picture is amazing. Text is very readable, and the digital video playback is as good as my high end dvd player. I am glad we have this forum to talk about solutions to tech problems, Apple's tech support people couldn't have been less helpful or more clueless.

The resolution of my Sony with the Mac is 1192x680 which is 720p according to Michael and Jim at http://tenant.com/mini.php.
I am very happy with the Sony Wega 60XS955. The image quality is pretty good on analog and excellent on digital/HD. The mac mini looks absolutely fantastic on it as well. It's perfect!
The DisplayConfigX application is easy to use. You have to purchase a serial number to use the advance DisplayConfigX features. It is required when configuring the resolution for the XS955. It costs $12 to register it and the serial number is emailed immediately.
Setting it up can be a little awkward. You have to install a VNC server on the mini and use another pc or mac to remotely connect to it. The VNC is very simple to use and so is connecting to it. Then you configure the resolution, install it, and then set it. That's really all.
Yes. I had to reboot a couple of times to get it up and running. Once your done, that's it.
If you need any help, you can email me @ [email protected] or vist the http://tenant.com/mini.php. If it wasn't for Michael and Jim from that website, this would not be working.
FYI... I did test the mini on a top of the line Samsung and it looked incredible. But I chose the Sony because I watch more TV than I do surfing the internet. It was more important to me to have a better television image than a computer image.
Good luck!
David

Does the Mini Display port carry audio?

I am trying to setup a collaboration centre in my school where I would have 4 macbook pros attached to a TV. http://i53.tinypic.com/jkdduw.jpg
I was going to buy a KMV and Audio switch to connect all the laptops to the TV but then it occurred to me that the TV has 4 HDMI ports. HDMI carries audio... I found a mini display to HDMI adapter online.
Now I need to know if the Mini Display Port on the newest model of MacBook Pro 13" carries audio?
It is my understanding that the specs for Mini Display say that it is possible. The question is did apple implement it?
Does anyone know?

Yes - See Apple's document here.
Matt

Apple Cinema Display and mini display port

I have purchased (for a ridiculous price) an adapter to allow me to use my cinema display with my new macbook pro retina system. While it does work it doesn't seem to allow me to use anything but best for display which is only 1280x800 resolution which is far less than this monitor supports and looks terrible. In fact for making me spend $30 for a stupid adapter is is very disppointing.
So first question is can anyone tell me if there is some way to get this to actually work?
Second question along the same line, is that I also purchased an adapter for mini display to VGA for using with projector systems that I sometimes need to hook up to when I go onsite to customer facitilites and within about an hour of being attached to an Acer monitor my entire system seg faulted and crashed with a hard reset. Equivalent to the Windows blue screen of death. I've never had this happen before and wondering if this is a known problem?
Thanks for any info you can provide.
Glenn

Do you have your MacBook Pro in mirror mode or extended desktop mode (System Preferences > Displays)? If it's in mirror (the default) then the external display will be limited to the MBP's screen resolution. I use my miniDisplayPort -> DVI adapter all the time with my Sony Bravia TV and have no issues displaying 1920x1080 on the extended desktop.
Officially, the Retina MBP supports:
- 2880 by 1800 pixels (Retina mode)
- 1920 by 1200, 1680 by 1050, 1280 by 800, and 1024 by 640 pixels (scaled mode)
In System Preferences > Displays make sure your display setting is Extended and then select the extended display panel and select 1680x1050. See if that helps. If that works, then try the 1920x1200 setting if your display supports it. BTW, the extended display panel only appears if you actually have the external display connected.
What make/model monitor are you using?
Never heard of a system crashing because it was connected to a projector. I also use the miniDisplayPort -> VGA adapter to project and have never had a problem.
Is there anything else going on with your MBP?

Where is the output mini display port in the new imac 21,5 ?

Hello all,
I have buyed a new imac 21,5. In the apple web store says that the imac have a output for mini display port but I can't find it.
I need to connect an other screen in my imac.
Who can help me in this question ?
Thank you very much in advance.
Xavier

Dear John,
thank you very much for your quickly answer.
But now, please, could you say me which is the exactly adapter that I need for to can connect a VGA monitor with the Thunderbolt port ?
There are many models but any specify about the Thunderbolt connection.
Kind regards,
Xavier

Are the mini display ports the same size on the macbook 2010 as the macbook pro?

i am trying to hook up my macbook to my hdtv ive found some cables on ebay but there all for macbook pro? will it fit the macbook ?also i think im going to have a problem with the sound any ideas any1 ? there is an input and out put option on sound prefrences no option for mini display sound output ? maybe i need to buy the cable first and when i plug it in it will give me that option?

Your MacBook has the Mini Display port. MacBook Pro's after 2009 have same. Earlier MacBook Pro have the full size DVI port.
If the cable is full size DVI you would need a Mini Display Port to DVI adaptor

Will mini display port to HDMI be HD?

I would love a cinema display but its too expensive. There are other companies that make hd displays for much cheaper. There are companies that make adapters for mini display port to HDMI. I am wondering how clear it will be and if it will be hd.

Yes. HDMI can handle up to 1920x1200

I have a Samsung HD TV and I purchased a Mini Display port to HDMI Adapter today. For some strange reason I get no display on my HD tv. I even tried switching a few HDMI cables and nothing popped up. I made sure my computer was updated. Help pls

I have a Samsung HD TV and I purchased a Mini Display port to HDMI Adapter today. For some strange reason I get no display on my HD tv. I even tried switching a few HDMI cables and nothing popped up. I made sure my computer performed all software updates, and I even tried calling Apple Support. They just told me to keep trying different hdmi cables and see if anything pops up. Does anybody know what the problem is? My HDMI cable is from "rocketfish" also my display port is too.

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.

TS2972 I assume my Apple TV should allow me to view all events,albums and slideshows but It only allows four events to display on my TV. I'm using a Optus mini Wi Fi for my home network. Could this be the reason for limited access via my iMac computer? Ch

I assume my Apple TV should allow me to view all events, albums and slideshows in my iPhotos app but it only allows four events and four albums to display on my television. I'm using a Optus mini Wi Fi for my home network. Could this be the reason for limited access via my iMac computer?
Chris

No, I have not chosen photos to share as I assumed that the Apple TV would access all photos and music that are stored on my iMac.
Thanks for your advice. I will check it out.
Chris

How can I connect multiple devices to Mac mini display port? I need to connect a Canon 5D to my Mac and display the result on a VGA video projector. I am using mini hdmi to mini display for the camera. Can I connect the VGA to any other port?

Hi there I am connecting a Canon 5D to my laptop trying to use it as a webcam trough camtwist.
At the same time I need to output the streaming to a videoprojector.
The cam is connected to the mini display port do there is no port available for the VGA cable anymore.
Do I need to use a different port for the projector? Should I buy a video card?
Can't connect the camera via USB as that is too slow and it will freeze.
Many thanks for all your help
Best
Faeve

You might do better on a forum other than this one, which is "Using iPhone"

I just ran a software update for Java and MacBook Pro SMC, now my Mini Display Port to HDMI TV is not working. The TV is flickering. The Mac Display is fine.

I was just watching / streaming TV off Safari on my actual TV.
I'm using a Mini-Display Port to HDMI cable for the connection to the external display.
Software update popped-up and said there was an update for Java and for SMC.
I ran the update and upon the computer restarting, my external display (my TV) is no longer working. It is now flickering.
It won't work in Mirroring or set up as an extended display.
I've reset SMC / PRAM / Safe Mode / Even restored from a Time Machine backup (From before the updates were done).
What could it be?!

I keep saying this over and over, in the hope that people who do a search will find it. Apple cannot possibly test for or be reponsible for the bazillion combinations of adapter, cables, and TV's out there. The only monitors that are 100% guaranteed to work with the MacBook Pro are the Cinema Displays and Thunderbolt Displays, because, they're made by Apple. They're expensive, but they work perfectly.
My guess is that you bought a cheap MDP to HDMI cable, or have a defective one. From my reading of these boards over the past few months, cheap cables have a high failure rate. And the regular priced ones have only a slightly less of one. Try a new one. Make sure you do not damage the Thunderbolt port.

Reason for Mini-Display?

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