buengel

Q: So frustrating: No HDMI-Output with MacMini after Lion-Upgrade

I use a MacMini as Medie-Center. Since i upgraded to lion (one week ago) the screen on TV remains BLACK. I have already been to the Genius-Bar - but there it works. So they send me home again. But it is still the same. No screensignal - everything is black.

 

 

Google told me, that many many HDMI-Users have the same problem - but Apple seem to know nothing about and against it. VERY VERY FRUSTRATING.

 

P.S.: I already tried all the resets (PRAM, ...)

 

What can i do?

Posted on Jul 31, 2011 4:33 AM

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Q: So frustrating: No HDMI-Output with MacMini after Lion-Upgrade

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  • by Ziatron,

    Ziatron Ziatron Sep 18, 2011 10:08 AM in response to buengel
    Level 4 (3,930 points)
    Apple Watch
    Sep 18, 2011 10:08 AM in response to buengel

    A HDMI to Component Video adapter fixed it for me.

     

    Welcome to the wonderful world of copy protection.

     

    Your display may not be on the "approved" list, or was removed from it.

     

    Apple's newer Mac lines includes a form of digital copy protection that will prevent protected media, such as DRM-infused iTunes movies, from playing back on devices that aren't compliant with the new priority protection measures.

     

    The Intel-developed technology is called High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) and aims to prevent copying of digital audio and video content as it travels across a variety of display connectors, even if such copying is not in violation of fair use laws.

     

    Among the connectors supported by the technology are the Mini DisplayPort found on Apple's latest MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air, in addition to others such as Digital Visual Interface (DVI), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Gigabit Video Interface (GVIF), and Unified Display Interface (UDI).

     

    Apple has apparently acquired a license for the technology and is now using it across its lines to to prevent transmission of purchased iTunes content (and some DVDs) to devices that don't include support for HDCP.

     

    The problem can often be solved by using an HDMI to Component Video adapter.  Component Video will give you a better picture than HDMI without any of the hassles of HDCP.

  • by ImRMS,

    ImRMS ImRMS Sep 18, 2011 11:13 AM in response to Ziatron
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 18, 2011 11:13 AM in response to Ziatron

    "Component Video will give you a better picture than HDMI without any of the hassles of HDCP."

     

    My understanding is that the quality of the picture is just a result of the format being displayed by the receiving device--assuming no loss.  If HDMI successfully caries a 1080p signal to a device that can accept and display 1080p via HDMI, then the picture will be the best that the device is capable of because with digital either the data arrives or it doesn't regardless of the means of delivery. No?

     

    Again, this is just what I understand, and an explanation that updates or enhances my knowledge will be appreciated; I always want to learn more!

     

    Thanks

  • by Ziatron,

    Ziatron Ziatron Sep 18, 2011 2:02 PM in response to ImRMS
    Level 4 (3,930 points)
    Apple Watch
    Sep 18, 2011 2:02 PM in response to ImRMS
    My understanding is that the quality of the picture is just a result of the format being displayed by the receiving device--assuming no loss.  If HDMI successfully caries a 1080p signal to a device that can accept and display 1080p via HDMI, then the picture will be the best that the device is capable of because with digital either the data arrives or it doesn't regardless of the means of delivery. No?

     

    Sometimes it comes down to a matter of personal preference.  When I give customers a choice and show them both, they usually think Component Video looks better.

     

    A big advantage of Component Video is that it cannot be copy protected (which is why Hollywood hates it, and is being successful in having it banned).

     

    For me, the advantage to Component Video is also the fact that it ALWAYS works.

  • by sergefromgatineau,

    sergefromgatineau sergefromgatineau Sep 19, 2011 12:05 AM in response to Samoel
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 19, 2011 12:05 AM in response to Samoel

    Thanks!

  • by barkingmad,

    barkingmad barkingmad Jan 27, 2012 7:44 PM in response to buengel
    Level 1 (90 points)
    Jan 27, 2012 7:44 PM in response to buengel

    Thanks !

    Your question and responses indirectly helped me figure out what the heck happened when I just got a black TV screen.  My Mini has worked flawlessly for years so I was very surprise when as soon as I came home from work quickly turned on the Mini to down load a movie while I was getting landed other wise.

    Black screen.  Couldn't wake the screen.  First I thought it was low batteries on the track pad, which has also worked flawlessly for more than a year.

     

    Anyway to make this short, I had turned on the Mini while the TV was on regular network programing and then switched to the HDMI 2 where I normally connect to the Mini.

     

    What fixed the problem was to shut everything down and restarted as I normally do with the TV set to the HDMI 2 and all is well.  By the way turning off and unplugging the TV etc., did not help until I shut down the Mini by holding in the power button for five seconds.

    I love my Mini and all my other Apple devices.

    PS: I am running Snow Lion.  For one reason and another I have not gotten Lion and sounds like from the bugs I may wait a will longer.

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