Level 1

10 points

New MacBook connected to external VGA display screen flash.

Just got the 2.4Ghz yesterday. For home use I've got it connected to a Samsung SyncMaster 2032NW display via the Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter. Occasionally the display will go dark for a half-a-second or so and then come back on. It happens randomly, not for hours sometimes and sometimes multiple times over a shorter period of time. There does not seem to be any repeatable action that causes it to happen, it appears to be completely random. This does not happen when I'm using the built-in screen. And I didn't have any problems using the Samsung display with my older MacBook.

Should I take the computer back? Is there something I can do to check the hardware for issues?

Many Macs and 1 XP PC, Mac OS X (10.5)

Posted on Oct 17, 2008 7:29 PM

350 replies

vmcdos

Level 1

0 points

Nov 17, 2008 5:45 PM in response to jwestveer

Don't work for me......

rkachel Author

Level 1

10 points

Nov 17, 2008 6:38 PM in response to jwestveer

Whatever MacBook, MacBook Pro Software Update 1.2 does it did not fix the flashing problem for me.

vmcdos

Level 1

0 points

Nov 18, 2008 4:25 AM in response to vmcdos

Is there still no official word from Apple ???

angelr12

Level 1

0 points

Nov 22, 2008 6:32 PM in response to rkachel

Hi, I'm having the same issue as the people that already posted here. The 1.2 firmware upgrade didn't help. I'm using the dvi adaptor. I've tried two lcd monitors and two lcd tv with dvi to hdmi and all of them will blank out or blink every minute or 2 regardless of the resolution.
Since the system is sold with 1 year warranty it would be foolish of apple not to fix this.

Nov 24, 2008 3:50 PM in response to rkachel

I am having the same/similar problem. Connecting MBP though DVI to LG monitor. I have had this issue with waking up the external display in both graphic modes. Not much help from Applecare to this point either. The first rep I spoke to didn't acknowledge that this was a problem and suggested calling LG (which I did) or using an Apple monitor. This set-up worked flawlessly on my Power Book G4 1.67. Hope Apple figures this out.

Nov 24, 2008 4:24 PM in response to J Sutherland

That's really funny that he recommended an ACD monitor, since they also exhibit the problem!

Nov 24, 2008 4:52 PM in response to danny whittington

I don't understand it either. I hadn't checked this forum before I spoke with her or I would have pointed that out. Just spoke to a second Apple Care rep she was more concerned but still no real help.

Emmerac

Level 1

135 points

Nov 24, 2008 10:28 PM in response to rkachel

I have the same problem with a 20'' Apple Cinema Display. I'm using the Apple mDP to VGA adapter. After a about an hour of being connected, the display starts to get lines that randomly flash across it. Occasionally the screen will go to all "white noise" or just go blank. I've only seen it happen when connected as a mirrored or extended display, not when connected as the primary with the 'Books lid closed.

Nov 25, 2008 12:53 PM in response to rkachel

I have the same problem with my aluminum 20" imac with 256MB ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro. The external Dell 2009W I have hooked up with DVI flashes to black and back to normal when launching apps and opening windows on either the imac or external monitor.

Nov 27, 2008 10:30 PM in response to rkachel

same problem. 2.4, max ram, external Dell 2407.

Sa!k0

Level 1

4 points

Nov 28, 2008 1:18 PM in response to rkachel

Same problem here. MB 2.0 Ghz, 2 weeks old + Fujitsu Siemens L22W (VGA).
Thought it was due to a bad connection, but now I realise that it's a problem with the new MacBook 😟

Sa!k0

Level 1

4 points

Nov 28, 2008 1:19 PM in response to Warren Noguchi

You are in the wrong section 😉

Nov 29, 2008 6:34 PM in response to colberts_mutant_ear

I just purchased the dvi adapter and a dvi cable, and the problem still persists, I know other people have already stated that it makes no difference between the dvi and vga adapter, I just wanted to restate the fact in hopes that apple would release a fix for my 1,700 dollar toy.

Ziatron

Level 5

4,214 points

Nov 29, 2008 9:10 PM in response to duancg

The new MacBook 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.

Zapdoc

Level 1

31 points

Nov 30, 2008 5:11 AM in response to rkachel

I tried to do a powerpoint presentation with MacBook Al 2.4+4GB RAM and it would not work on two different LCD projectors using the new mini DVI to VGA connector. When first hooked up it was detected OK and first slide was seen, Then randomly it would blank out and message saoid that it was autodetecting the input and unable to detect it. Had to give up after reboots and use a friends Sony laptop - not pleased about this as it worked perfectly the previous week !

What's up ??

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

New MacBook connected to external VGA display screen flash.