External Apple Cinema Display HD connected to my new MacBook Pro 16" only stays on in Safe Mode.

I purchased a Benfei USB 3.1 (USB-C) to DVI-D Adapter to connect my external Apple Cinema Display HD to my new MacBook Pro 16". However, the monitor flashes on and off, but it stays on when I am in Safe Mode. Why is this only working in Safe mode and how do I get it to work when in normal mode?


Any help is much appreciated!

Posted on Nov 4, 2020 9:49 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 9, 2020 1:06 PM

I was able to figure out what I needed. Apparently not all adapters are compatible with the older Apple Cinema Displays. What is needed is an adapter with the HDCP OFF. Here's what I got and it works perfect.


https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B7FSVTL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Similar questions

12 replies

Nov 9, 2020 2:53 PM in response to LeaStarLight

LeaStarLight Said:

"External Apple Cinema Display HD connected to my new MacBook Pro 16" only stays on in Safe Mode.": HOWDY ALL! I was able to figure out what I needed. Apparently not all adapters are compatible with the older Apple Cinema Displays. What is needed is an adapter with the HDCP OFF. Here's what I got and it works perfect. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B7FSVTL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1"

-------


Where did you Find this Out?:

Do you have a reference as to where you found out which adapter you need (i.e. a Web site)? If so, providing it will help many, I am sure.

Nov 9, 2020 3:01 PM in response to TheLittles

Hi! THe only place I found reference to this was on the product details itself. You would think more sites would know this. But on the product pages it states,


  • ATTENTION: for certain Apple Cinema Montiors without HDCP support, product item code CAC-1510-A HDCP OFF needs to be ordered. This adapter does not transmit HDCP signals and works with older Apple Cinema Monitors.


So I thought I'd order and see if it worked and it did!


If you find out more information about it, please let me know. I know there are several other threads on this topic that could use the insight.

Nov 9, 2020 4:00 PM in response to LeaStarLight


LeaStarLight Said:

"External Apple Cinema Display HD connected to my new MacBook Pro 16" only stays on in Safe Mode.": Hi! THe only place I found reference to this was on the product details itself. You would think more sites would know this. But on the product pages it states,: ATTENTION: for certain Apple Cinema Montiors without HDCP support, product item code CAC-1510-A HDCP OFF needs to be ordered. This adapter does not transmit HDCP signals and works with older Apple Cinema Monitors."

-------


Thanks for Spreading the Word!


I indeed see on the site: Club 3D CAC-1510-A USB C to Dual Link DVI-D Adapter HDCP Off for Apple Cinema Displays, 3840x2160@30hz, 2560x1600@60Hz - Amazon

Nov 5, 2020 3:00 PM in response to LeaStarLight

LeaStarLight Said:

"External Apple Cinema Display HD connected to my new MacBook Pro 16" only stays on in Safe Mode."

------


This is the adapter you need: Uptab USB-C to Mini DisplayPort Adapter 4K@60Hz - Silver. It works on a 16" MBP whenever its used in both Normal and Safe Mode.


See Here: Configuring a USB-C Only Mac with a 30-Inch Apple Cinema Display

Image:


Nov 6, 2020 2:36 PM in response to TheLittles

Hi!


So right now I have the adapter going straight from the DVI-D to the USB-C. It looks like you have the DVI-D going into something else then into the USB-C adapter.


I was using a DVI-D to thunderbolt on my MacBook Pro 15" with no issues.


Do I need to buy more stuff to make this work? The adapter you said I need won't plug directly into my monitor's DVI-D connector.


Your help is much appreciated. :)

Nov 6, 2020 6:07 PM in response to LeaStarLight

LeaStarLight Said:

[...]It looks like you have the DVI-D going into something else then into the USB-C adapter. [...]Do I need to buy more stuff to make this work? The adapter you said I need won't plug directly into my monitor's DVI-D connector.

———-


The USB-C Power for Power Plugs In:

What goes in to the USB C Port of the Adapter is the AC Power Adapter cord for your Mac. So, no, you do not purchase anything else(unless you have no power adapter for your Mac).

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.

External Apple Cinema Display HD connected to my new MacBook Pro 16" only stays on in Safe Mode.

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.