Level 4

2,859 points

periodic Dual-link display problem with new adapter

I don't yet know what conditions cause it but I'll be working with my MacBook Pro connected to my 30" display when the screen "shifts" and then becomes practically unreadable. I have to disconnect the adapter and reattach it. The photos below show a detail of the problem and then how it looks after reconnecting the adapter.

Here are two movies showing the problem.
http://www.plate.net/dvidualinkadapterproblem/MVI_2327.mov
http://www.plate.net/dvidualinkadapterproblem/MVI_2328.mov

I have not yet called Apple, but has anyone else seem reports of this?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.6), Disclaimer: I benefit financially from any purchase you make from Automatic Duck

Posted on Dec 23, 2008 8:42 AM

228 replies

tkluysk

Level 1

4 points

Jul 11, 2009 2:34 AM in response to Wes Plate

My brand new Dell 3008 30inch screen started to display the reported distortion after I plugged a mouse in the monitor's USB port (first USB device I connected to the monitor). I had also just put my (vanilla) Macbook Pro 17"inch into clamshell mode (lid closed, working from Dell screen). Seconds after the Dell monitor went from bad to worse, into the state it is now: waiting to be shipped back to Dell. It won't even display its own built-in menu any more. Something got fried in the monitor. In my eyes this is caused directly by Apple's adapter.

Wes Plate Author

Level 4

2,859 points

Jul 11, 2009 2:13 PM in response to Wes Plate

I suppose it makes more sense to mark this as unanswered. Yes the question of "Has anyone else seen this" is answered but the problem remains, and it remains infuriating.

http://www.plate.net/dvidualinkadapterproblem/IMG_0053.MOV

vengroff

Level 1

0 points

Jul 12, 2009 10:22 AM in response to Wes Plate

Wes,

That 100+ pixel offset is exactly the problem I saw when I first upgraded from a 1.01 adapter to a 1.02 adapter.

I don't understand how Apple's QA process can be so bad, especially for a 1.02 device that is supposed to be addressing known problems in 1.01. You'd think they would catch something like this before release. Instead, they just sent me a fedex label to send it directly back to engineering to take a look.

We are buying new Dell 3008's and using a $15 Mini-DisplayPort to DisplayPort instead. The next generation of machines we buy are overwhelmingly unlikely to be from Apple.

Wes Plate Author

Level 4

2,859 points

Jul 12, 2009 10:53 AM in response to vengroff

This wider offset was with the same 1.01 firmware adapter I started this thread with.

Yesterday following your suggest I returned it to the Apple Store for a newer 1.02 adapter (note that I tried to verify the version of the new adapter but System Profiler wouldn't show me the new one until I connected it to a display back at home).

So far I've not had the problem repeat, though I fear it is just a matter of time.

Jul 16, 2009 1:07 AM in response to Wes Plate

Grrrr!

So I thought I'd share with you all where I am at with this. Have a Unibody macbook pro, bought a HAZRO 30" Dual-Link DVI Monitor to accompany this.
Long story short, went through two 1.01 adaptors, then a 1.02. Neither would drive the full 2560x1600, just got a single link resolution of 1280x800. Called Apple. They advised:

1. Reset PRAM
2. Try other macbook - so I did, older version with the DVI dual link, got full 2560x1600
3. Reset onboard controller
4. Remove com.apple.window[something]

None of that worked. Then the guy on the telephone (who was a 2nd tier support engineer) told me there was a problem with 10.5.7 and if I downgraded to 10.5.6 that would solve the problem. *(he actually said it would)...

SO....

Up to the attic, dig out the 10.5.6 disc that came with my Macbook Pro, ARCHIVE and INSTALL -Keeping User Settings, which then downgraded me to 10.5.6.

And....

NOTHING...NADA, didn't work either.

Great.

After reading multiple posts about this, I am resigned to the fact that it is a software issue with OS X, or a firmware issue with the mini displayport adaptor.

The nice Apple guy on the phone (and lets face it, they are always as helpful as they can be) said that 'tech' are aware of this problem and they are currently working on a fix.

So, I have decided to bite the bullet, keep the HAZRO monitor (as it's cost me half the price of the ACD, uses a better screen technology and probably looks a bit nicer too) and wait for the 10.5.8 update to come out.

I know a lot of people are annoyed. 10.5.8 wont be that far away.

Jul 19, 2009 6:14 AM in response to iamandymac

Update: after a bootcamp, this is now working...so, this is now just a problem with OS X.

mz2009

Level 1

0 points

Aug 6, 2009 1:41 AM in response to iamandymac

10.5.8 is out now. Has anyone observed that this update solved the problem?

Message was edited by: mz2009

Aug 10, 2009 7:23 AM in response to mz2009

Still not working for me. Guess a .9 or a Snow Leopard for me...

dukeiii

Level 1

0 points

Aug 12, 2009 10:06 AM in response to mz2009

updated to 10.5.8, the same problem still...

Aug 14, 2009 9:29 AM in response to dukeiii

As an FYI, I went in months ago to get a replacement for my adapter and everything worked fine. Including my KVM switch I was using. Now, however my display is back to being broken. I am going to go in and see if I can get yet another replacement for the adapter and hope it works again.

Confirmed that firmware version is 1.02

Aug 14, 2009 6:38 PM in response to ericarseneau

Just got my replacement, and it turns out to have a 1.01 and its flashing right from the start. Its also failing on KVM switching. Will have to go back and get yet another replacement 😟

Aug 20, 2009 4:30 PM in response to ericarseneau

I'm have the same problem on my MBP Unibody -> Dell 3007 setup.

And I just wanted you to know that Snow Leopard (GM) does'nt fix this problem :/

Aug 21, 2009 1:13 AM in response to Hilding83

**** it Apple!

I am actually considering getting rid of my macbook pro for a mac pro.

Stoopid mini displayport. (i would however never abandon for windows-even though the bootcamp works)

I'll call them one more time I think, try and speak to a senior technician.

Will post results.

Aug 22, 2009 3:54 AM in response to Type_11

I have the same problem with 10.6! doesn't help! But with my Bootcamp XP there is no problem! THIS ***** SO DAMMMMMMM!!! JUST AT THE MOMENT I GOT THIS **** PROBLEM AGAIN!!! THIS IS POOR!

Aug 27, 2009 12:41 AM in response to floschman

Got a new 1.02 Firmware Adapter from Apple. With 1.02 and Mac OS 10.6 everything works fine! Thanks Apple!!!

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periodic Dual-link display problem with new adapter