User profile for user: iDaniel pro
iDaniel pro Author
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Active MiniDP to HDMI adapter not working

I've been using my Mac mini 2012 with an LG 2560x1080p monitor. This resolution is not native to the computer bia HDMI, so I had to use SwitchResX to add this custom resolution to the display settings, but I could only use up to 53hz.

I've purchased today a MiniDisplay Port to HDMI adapter so I could use the monitor's correct resolution without a 3rd party software, perhaps even 60hz. I'm certain it's an active adapter as it was relatively expensive and it is branded and good quality.


Is there any way I could get my adapter working? I've read online that many people succeeded getting 2560x1080p on this model with an active adapter.


Your help is very appriciated :D

Mac mini, macOS 10.15

Posted on Apr 17, 2020 7:02 AM

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User profile for user: iDaniel pro
iDaniel pro Author
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Posted on Apr 18, 2020 2:03 PM

I have since found the solution to the problem. Turns out despite the price tag and the fancy branding the adapter wasn't active, nor is the Apple recommended one sold on the official website. If anyone encounters a similar problem, make sure it's specifically stated on the box of the adapter that it's active, because passive adapters won't have passive written on them, which is misleading.


Example:

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-DisplayPort-Supporting-Technology/dp/B00PJ3LSIG


Thank you for your help any way, I'm glad that my issue is finally solved :D

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User profile for user: iDaniel pro
iDaniel pro Author
User level: Level 1
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Apr 18, 2020 2:03 PM in response to den.thed

I have since found the solution to the problem. Turns out despite the price tag and the fancy branding the adapter wasn't active, nor is the Apple recommended one sold on the official website. If anyone encounters a similar problem, make sure it's specifically stated on the box of the adapter that it's active, because passive adapters won't have passive written on them, which is misleading.


Example:

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-DisplayPort-Supporting-Technology/dp/B00PJ3LSIG


Thank you for your help any way, I'm glad that my issue is finally solved :D

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User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
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85,210 points

Apr 17, 2020 12:03 PM in response to iDaniel pro

Yea' it was a long shot.


You would need to compare and/or try different adapters including the Apple recommended adapter.

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HHLN2ZM/B/belkin-4k-mini-displayport-to-hdmi-adapter?afid=p238%7CsAnsvEiMM-dc_mtid_1870765e38482_pcrid_246387003261_pgrid_49565832687_&cid=aos-us-kwgo-pla-btb-3pp--slid---product-HHLN2ZM/B


Only if you are sure that it was working correctly in an earlier macOS, like High Sierra or Mojave.

--------------------------

I haven't tried or tested an HDMI only wide screen monitor on either of my 2012 Mac Mini's.

(one Mini has a single LG DVI monitor and the other Mini has dual Samsung DVI monitors)

(the single monitor Mini runs Catalina and the dual monitor Mini runs Mojave)


For the older Mac Mini, I would have gone for a monitor that also supports DisplayPort or perhaps DVI.

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User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
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Apr 17, 2020 8:13 AM in response to iDaniel pro

What model LG?

What other input(s) does the LG have?


What HDMI cable are you using?

What Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter did you purchase?


------------------------------------


Try this, go to > Apple > System Preferences > Displays > Display > hold the Alt (option) key and select the Scaled button.


You will probable not see 2560x1080p, but like SwitchResX you should see more options like 2560x1440 or 2560x1600 to choose from.

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User profile for user: iDaniel pro
iDaniel pro Author
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Apr 17, 2020 10:34 AM in response to den.thed

LG model: LG Ultrawide 25UM58 https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-25UM58-P-ultrawide-monitor

It has two HDMI inputs, and a 9mm jack input


I'm using the HDMI cable that came with the monitor, it's supposed to be a high speed HDMI, written on it: High Speed /HEC

Hama 53768 Mini Displayport - HDMI Adapter (4K) http://hama.hu/termekek/44-pc-notebook/54-egyeb/a2859-mini-displayport-hdmi-adapter-4k (sorry that I'm linking the Hungarian site, I could not find an english version)


I've tried this option, I do not see any 21:9 scale resolution.


Frankly, nothing changes when the adapter is plugged in.

I hope this information helps, thank you very much for your answer :)

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User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
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Apr 17, 2020 10:54 AM in response to iDaniel pro

I'm at a loss at this point, except to say that wide screen and HDMI monitors can be problematic for Mac's.


You might try one of the Mac downloads for that monitor,

https://www.lg.com/us/support/software-firmware-drivers?customerModelCode=25UM58-P&csSalesCode=25UM58-P.AUS&category=CT10000030&subcategory=OTHERS

to see if either of those help.

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User profile for user: iDaniel pro
iDaniel pro Author
User level: Level 1
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Apr 17, 2020 2:26 PM in response to den.thed

Thank you for this link!


See, this is my problem. Hama cables are in the same price range as Belkin ones, my adapter was the same price as the one on the site and it even has the official "for Mac" sign on the box with the Finder logo so it's supposed to be Apple recommended too. It has the same description as this one as well. Mine even says on the box it's for connecting MacBooks to TVs and it supports Thunderbolt technology.

In other words, I think it's basically the same thing as what's sold in Apple stores, yet it's not working.

I've tried two different cheaper adapters before and they didn't work, but this one I'm surprised by it. That is why I believe it could be a software issue. Maybe messing around with SwitchResX corrupted the .plist files? idk.


I didn't buy this monitor for this Mac originally.


Any way, I really appriciate your help. I'll keep trying and tell you as soon as I succeed! :)


Edit: I've just noticed on the page you linked that under compatibility the latest Mac mini listed is the 2014 model. Could there really be a difference in the compatibility? As far as I know they use the same minidp port.

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Active MiniDP to HDMI adapter not working

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