Screen turns blue temporarily, then no output via MiniDVI to HDMI converter

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Screen turns blue temporarily, then no output via MiniDVI to HDMI converter

I just bought a "Mini-DVI to HDMI" converter. When I plug the cable into my Late 2007 Black MacBook, the system acknowledges it and the on-board screen turns blue for a few seconds and then turns back to normal operation. Meanwhile, my Samsung LN32B460 HDTV Display/Monitor only acknowledges that a cable is plugged in, but there is "No Signal". When I unplug it, the computers display turns blue again, and then back to normal...The Samsung display doesn't change - ever.

I know my HDMI cable and ports are fine as I have tested them with my DVD player. I can only assume that the "Mini-DVI to HDMI" converter works since my MacBook recognizes it when it is plugged in.

I have tried shutting the computer and TV off and then plugging the cable in and then turning the computer on and then the TV. Still, no change.

Some other discussions have been saying something about the new update, 10.5.7, not having the proper display "drivers". Anybody know if this is the case? Should I just keep looking for a patch/update to come out?

I've got nothing right now, so any ideas would help. Any tests I can run, any updates to install. Whatever it is, let me know.

Thanks in advance!

MacBook3,1, Mac OS X (10.5.7)

Posted on Jun 23, 2009 12:38 PM

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Answer 1

BSteely

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Jun 23, 2009 2:47 PM in response to hobtronics

So with the Samsung attached, when you go into Displays Preferences on the MB, does it show that a second display is attached? Is it identified by name? Have you tried turning mirror mode off within Displays Preferences in the event that it is on? When not in mirror mode, what resolution does the MB default to for the Samsung? What other ones have you tried?

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Answer 2

hobtronics Author

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Jun 23, 2009 3:18 PM in response to BSteely

Sorry, I should have stated this in my original post:
The external monitor is NOT recognized at any point when I plug it into my MacBook. Therefore, I do not have the option of adjusting anything other than what is under the main "Display" and "Color" tabs on the system pref.

When I tell it to detect displays, it does nothing.

Should there be another option for me to adjust the mirroring or desktop extending even if I don't have another monitor plugged in?

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Answer 3

BSteely

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Jun 23, 2009 4:40 PM in response to hobtronics

It sounds a lot to me like you got a bad adapter.

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Answer 4

hobtronics Author

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Jun 23, 2009 4:50 PM in response to BSteely

Well, it is from China...

But would the Mac still change screens like it is then, even if the adapter is bad? (How it goes to the blue screen for a few seconds, and then returns to normal upon connection and disconnection of the adapter)

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Answer 5

Anton53

Level 2

230 points

Jun 23, 2009 5:41 PM in response to hobtronics

The VGA MB adapter required a firmware update recently. Is there one for your HDMI adapter?

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Answer 6

hobtronics Author

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Jun 23, 2009 7:15 PM in response to Anton53

No, no new updates. I have been checking software updates daily and nothing new as of that last one a little while back (with the 10.5.7) update in it.

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Answer 7

BSteely

Level 5

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Jun 23, 2009 8:51 PM in response to hobtronics

+But would the Mac still change screens like it is then, even if the adapter is bad?+

It depends on what wire might be broken or shorted within the adapter. It's not impossible it would be triggering that blue screen yet still be incapable of working right.

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Answer 8

Jun 24, 2009 4:52 PM in response to BSteely

HI Guys,

i've got the same problem, however mine have worked for two days and the suddenly stopped today, i've tried everything...My adapter is the original one mini dvi to dvi and the i use dvi to hdmi cable, getting a bit frustrated with it now, any ideas??

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Answer 9

hobtronics Author

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Jun 24, 2009 5:04 PM in response to marcin.gd

I've found that my issue is almost assuredly my cable now. Which doesn't surprise me since it is the cheapo from China off ebay... I'm waiting to hear back to exchange it.

I think that since Apple has not come out with their own MiniDVI to HDMI, it is not something that is going to work super well. I feel as though they would have produced something by now if the system would operate flawlessly with it...I've seen a fair amount of issues discussed involving any form of HDMI displays.

I'm not holding out for my next cable to work 100% either.

I will make sure to post when it is resolved though!

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Answer 10

hobtronics Author

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Jun 29, 2009 10:11 AM in response to hobtronics

Cable was bad and the company is offering a partial reimbursement. Now do I get another "Mini DVI to HDMI" cable to try or should I just go with the "Mini DVI to VGA"?

Check out my other question that I posted, please.

Thanks for all the help guys!

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Answer 11

Jul 7, 2009 9:50 AM in response to hobtronics

Hi.

I am experiencing the same problem as you are. And i have spent an unreasonably long time searching for a solution so when i came across this thread i had to create an account to spare you the time of figuring it out yourself.

Ok. Your problem could either be in your tv or in your mac. I myself have a Samsung LE40M87 which has a bug in the firmware that basically doesn't tell the mac what resolutions it supports. I'm not sure if this bug applies to your tv as well but it might give you some peace of mind to check that out first.

So i bought a Mini-DVI to VGA adapter, since the Mini-DVI to DVI to hdmi didn't work out that well for me. And i got the same reaction you got. The blinking blue thingy. And as it turns out (as I understand it).

In the Mac OS X 10.5.7 update something was rewritted or changed in the driver or code that does the hardware scan. I have read tons and tons of threads about people complaining about this, altough most them still had tv connectivity but the resolution scan was incorrect. But with alot of samsungs it seems that the compatibility issue made the output go away entirely.

You wrote that you just bought the adapter and cable so i guess you never tried the output in 10.5.6. (Nor did I)

Since we're in the same boat you and I i will go ahead and give you the same options I have.

1) Downgrade to 10.5.6 (no easy way out. re-install mac os and only apply combo-patches up to 10.5.6)

2) Wait until this issue is fixed from Apple. They are well aware of it but it might still take a while and there's no real guarantee that it will work with the older 3,1 macbook.

***** huh? ;(

Staffan

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