MacBook Pro Late 2008 External Display Issues

at the moment, in the display settings on the mac, I don't have the 1600x1200 option.

Try reseting the PRAM on your macbook pro. That fixed all my problems (and I had a lot lol).

Here is a link...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379

Hi everybody! it seems that the problem with external videos is not resolved already. I wanted to share my history here: My the LG Flatron Wide L204WT have some horizontal random lines and some noise after a wake-up of my Macbook Pro (you can read all the thing in my old post)

At work I've an Apple Cinema Display (the ones with USB and Firewire 400 conectors) and have exactly the same problem...

Well, now I buy a new monitor, the Acer X233H 23" and this one work fine! It seams that the release of the new Mini Display port and the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M is only compatible with new technology.

I know is not a solution: the problem is already on my computer and hope Apple to have a word about it.

Unfortunately, I'm having the same issues.

It concerns a 2.53Ghz Unibody MacBook Pro with the NVIDIA 9400M and 9600GT (512MB).
The issues happen on my current Samsung 2253BW and my Samsung 305T but not only when coming out of sleep, sometimes the display just flickers at random, just long enough for my eyes to see the static.

Strangely, I haven't noticed the problem when I activate the 9600GT, only the 9400M.

I have been following this issue on several forums and articles including one on Macworld's WWW site. I decided to participate here in the hope that Apple involves itself in these discussions on Apple.com since this is home turf. The Adobe forum is an excellent resource both because of the depth of its participants and the participation of Adobe engineering and staff. I am new to this Forum, and may not be aware of this being the case here, but I have not seen any direct response from Apple regarding this issue anywhere on the Support Forum. This issue regarding the reliability of Mini Display Port has been ongoing for months now. It seems to me only appropriate for someone from Apple who is qualified to respond, to do just that. Supposedly there have been firmware and the OS X 10.5.6 update that address this. There are also many people here that indicate changing settings reduces or eliminates the problem. By the way it would be helpful for everyone if those who are having problems include settings, type adapter, monitor, OS version and any other updates, etc. Most of all it would be helpful if Apple would acknowledge the problem and outline complete and up to date solutions, so that everyone can stop wondering and guessing at what is going on and how to address it. I am purchasing a new notebook computer and have been leaning towards a Mac again for the first time in about ten years. However this whole thing is bringing back some not so good memories of my experiences with Apple systems and the proprietary nature of this platform, and is starting to give me cold feet. However I really do like the new MacBook Pro 17 and its higher gamut matte screen, so I want to believe this is the right system for me. It's just for $3K I need some certainty, that I can have confidence in the reliability and compatibility of these new MacBook Pros.

So here is the only (one I have come across) official Apple statement regarding the MacBook Pro's Mini Display Port and adapters to connect various monitors. Maybe we can start by making suggestions to Apple on additional information we would like them to add to this FAQ.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3382

Hi i have solution for this problem - it solved it for me.
You need the "DVI-D dual link" cable for connect large displays. It works fine.

I look on cable original attached to my Dell2407WFP - this is only DVI-D single (missing two columns in center) - this not function.

more about DVI on (look right down on images):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DigitalVisualInterface

Your quite right, at least that solved all the external display issues for me, I guess it's because it's a powered cable as opposed to the non powered mini display port cable, I posted a thread about it here last month.

http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=8943728#8943728

T.

To be honest that seems like the strangest solution to the problem. The displays function just fine (or at least in my case) and after a few hours of work the god **** flickering starts to happen or the gray noise appears after wake from stand-by.
You're not gonna tell me the cable suddenly decided after a few hours that it wasn't compatible enough and is trying to tell me I have to buy a more expensive one.

Seeing as how many people are dissastisfied with the 99$ :O:O:O costing cable and are having the same flickering issues I think it might be wise to wait before jumping ship and buying a ridiculously expensive cable you shouldn't need (never had to buy a 99$ cable to connect my Samsung 305T to my MacBook Pro early 2006).

daenneys wrote:
To be honest that seems like the strangest solution to the problem. The displays function just fine (or at least in my case) and after a few hours of work the god **** flickering starts to happen or the gray noise appears after wake from stand-by.
You're not gonna tell me the cable suddenly decided after a few hours that it wasn't compatible enough and is trying to tell me I have to buy a more expensive one.

Seeing as how many people are dissastisfied with the 99$ :O:O:O costing cable and are having the same flickering issues I think it might be wise to wait before jumping ship and buying a ridiculously expensive cable you shouldn't need (never had to buy a 99$ cable to connect my Samsung 305T to my MacBook Pro early 2006).

Erm, yes, as I mentioned, it solved the issue for me but I would suggest reading the link I posted so you can see if the issues your experiencing are the same. It seems that there are many issues and not just one at work here.
I apologise in advance, I made a small story about it but I was so happy to finally have a dual displays up and running after 4 months of instability.

Also it may be beneficial to take note that your posting in the Late 2008 Aluminum uni body MB & MBP thread, the topic of discussion is on these machines and issues related to these machines only.

I have had the 'snow' issue once since using the more expensive cable but it was easily remedied by putting both displays to sleep. If you read the problem I had before buying the cable then I'm sure you'll agree that the 'snow' issue is a walk in the park in comparison.

I think 99 bucks for a cable is disgusting. Profiteering to the highest degree and whats worse is the absence of any statements from Apple.
This reflects very little respect or consideration to customers who have just dropped a few grand on a unit that is geared for professional use.

Plus, has any noticed how awkward and ridiculous the layout of these forums actually is?

It really makes me think if it's intentional. There are millions of forums online which have a far more clear layout and much more efficient ergonomics.

T

Tyke Tyler wrote:
Also it may be beneficial to take note that your posting in the Late 2008 Aluminum uni body MB & MBP thread, the topic of discussion is on these machines and issues related to these machines only.

Have a look at my sig 😉. I just stated that I didn't need any super-expensive cables with my old MBP, my current one however I am starting to doubt.

Tyke Tyler wrote:
I think 99 bucks for a cable is disgusting. Profiteering to the highest degree and whats worse is the absence of any statements from Apple.
This reflects very little respect or consideration to customers who have just dropped a few grand on a unit that is geared for professional use.

Ack...

I'm getting more and more furstrated with the problem every single day.

The mind boggling part is that I have two displays:
A Samsung Syncmaster 305T (which pwns the **** out of an 30" ACD every day) which yes, does require the dual-link cable as stated by Apple.
A Samsung Syncmaster 2253BW however, has a maximum resolution of 1680x1050 and doesn't require Dual-Link DVI and hence doesn't require a 99$/EUR costing cable. To add to my frustration, my housemate which has exactly the same 2253BW screen has no troubles working with it on a 2 year old Dell Laptop over VGA, VGA I tell you...

So, Apple, what did you do?

I am absolutely disgusted by Apple's lack of ownership of this problem let alone a fix. Totally unprofessional. I have been four months without a working external monitor becuase it flickers black 2-10 times an hour. I have installed three separate log catchers and passed the results back to engineering.

Worst of it all is that my tech support person (who is wonderful) is as in the dark as we are because apple doesn't even tell their own support people what's going on.

This is the worst of paranoia - and really crappy customer service. So disgusting. I recommended a colleague buy a new dell instead of a macBook which is really sad.

APPLE PLEASE HELP!!!

Samboo I see you are in California. Any chance you can get to an Apple store and arrange to bring your MacBook, screen, and adapter in and have a "Genius" trouble shoot this with you. Ideally I would go to the store first and find out from the staff who would be most qualified to do this with you and then set up an appointment. Grit your teeth and be nice and calm and give the right person a chance to address this for you once and for all. If it is flickering several times an hour that should help insure that it will happen while you are there. I know this should not be something you should be put through, but it puts the ball in Apple's court, and hopefully will result in a solution. Please let us know what you find out.

I have a similar problem. I have a 15" MBP unibody. I have been using it successfully with a 24" Dell monitor connected through DVI using a mini displayport to DVI adaptor. I went to install the Safari 4 Beta today and it aid it could not install because I need to install the latest security update. After installing all the updates I had and then installing Safari, my external no longer works. When I plug it in it will flash the picture on and off a couple times and then go black. the monitor does not indicate "no signal" and the macbook pro is still in dual display mode. The screen works fin when I boot up my macbook and I can see the log in page and everything. Once I log in the screen goes black. This is not an issue when running Windows XP Pro using bootcamp. The screen works great under Windows.

Thanks - I ruled that out already. Given my specific problem (documented that it's hard to reproduce by "geniuses"-- and the experience of other people with the same problem going the Genius bar route, my tech support person recommended AGAINST that. She said the better option would be to mail in my computer, or drop it off at a store, for a complete diagnostic. Both of those take 5 days, and I cannot be without my computer for that long.

One of the problems of switching from PC to Mac is that I can't use my old Dell laptop temporarily because of file compatibility issues.

I really dislike playing the role of cranky consumer - in fact this the first time I've ever done it. But after 20 minutes on the phone with some customer advocate person giving me lines and lines of bull, and waiting 3 months for nothing, I am fed up.

Hi, i dont know where you buy so expensive "DVI-D dual link" cable.
Try Google with phrase
DVI-D dual link cable
and search in you country.

I buy this 6ft cable (24+1pin) for 4,5USD with VAT