DVI to HDMI via Onkyo receiver

Question

DVI to HDMI via Onkyo receiver

Hi,

I am trying to set my new MacMini up as part of my home theater (Onkyo SR875, Sony VPL-VW60 front projector). When I connect the MacMini directly to an HDMI input on the projector, everything works fine (the display preference pane shows the projector and the correct options). However, when I connect the MacMini to the HDMI input on the Onkyo receiver, and connect the Onkyo via HDMI to my projector, I only get a 'garbled' image! I presume it's because the MacMini doesn't detect the projector this way. Strikingly, if I connect my 5yr old PowerBook to the Onkyo with the same DVI to HDMI cable, it works fine, meaning that it's not an issue with the Onkyo receiver per se!). The only difference I know of is that the MacMini runs Leopard, but the Powerbook OS 10.4. Is there a way to 'disable' the automatic monitor detection (e.g connect the MacMini directly to the projector, lock/save the settings, and then route the connection through my Onkyo)?
I'd be grateful for any suggestions!

Mike

MacPro Quad Core 3GHz, 4Gb Ram, ATI Card, Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on Apr 21, 2008 7:47 PM

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Answer 1

BSteely

Level 5

7,643 points

Apr 22, 2008 7:45 AM in response to Michael David1

There is a way to lock the setting using hardware, but beyond that, I don't think there is any other way. The Gefen DVI Detective can lock the setting. So can a similar box from monoprice.com called the DVI Doctor.

Before you go that route, you may want to test and make sure the format is changing when passing video through the Onkyo. Since you have a PowerBook, you can set up screen sharing (if they are both running Leopard) or else use VNC (server on the mini; client on the PowerBook) and reflect the mini's screen back to the PowerBook. From the PB you will then be able to go into the mini's Displays preferences, even though the projector's screen is garbled, and you will be able to see what video format the mini is sending to the projector. You will also be able to change it. If you change it once and get the projector going, you may find that the setting is persistent, hence you won't need to purchase a DVI monitor spoofer as referenced above.

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Answer 2

Apr 22, 2008 8:14 AM in response to BSteely

Thanks for the tip - I'll check it out!
Any ideas why this is an issue with my new MacMini, but not my older PowerBook?

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Answer 3

BSteely

Level 5

7,643 points

Apr 24, 2008 9:50 PM in response to Michael David1

That's hard to know. In theory, both should move through the same decision tree and be making the same choices. It would take some serious debugging effort to come up with a root cause of the difference.

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