Big Sur 11.1 External Display Issues!

I've installed macOS Big Sur 11.1 right after it launched today. My mistake lol


Unfortunately, I noticed my Type-C ports no longer recognize my two external monitors. I'm using HDMI to Type-C. So far my troubleshooting is as follows:

  1. PRAM reset. This seemed to help until I locked the display. Once unlocked via Touch ID, the True Tone went off and one of the two monitors went out and will no longer connect. Woot. Normally, when connecting an external display, the screen goes black then back on, however, the screen short-of lags and then doesn't ever detect an active connection.
  2. SMC reset. This actually didn't help at all... :(
  3. Fresh install, same issues.


Any suggestions?

MacBook Pro

Posted on Dec 14, 2020 3:44 PM

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Posted on Feb 16, 2021 4:54 AM

Same problem. Just installed 11.2.1 - No Joy.


I'm running a Macbook Pro 2016 - 2019

32GB ram 4TB.

I'm connected to a J5Create JCD543. Via USB-C

2 DELL SE 2719HR displays.


Also tested on a 2019 Macbook Air. - No joy


Prior to Big Sur, my set up was solid.




Work Arounds: As of Feb 16 2021


Option 1: j5Create just launched a driver. But...well... as of now, it's not useable. It works. Kind of... but it's DJTVirtualDisplayAgent and some other USB virtual software that needs to be approved by security. It enables the second display, but with a 1 or 2 second screen lag. So any interaction with items on that display are slow. Like using Virtual PC in the 1990's. Maybe they will improve this.


Option 2: Use 2 USB-C ports. So, one cable goes into the j5Create hub and the second goes into an HDMI to USB-C adapter. Not the end of the world, but does require an extra USB-C port. results in normal use of 2 displays.


Option 3: I tried other hubs (prices may have changed since posting this.)

USB-3 Hub 123.99

https://amzn.to/3jV4aYp (both displays worked, but requires a special USB-C dual port cable) - returned


Portable USB-C hub pro $59

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0855GZ7PT (both displays worked, but also requires 2 ports, plus, it's a short cable, all cables must be visible on the table. I'm sure you know what I mean.. messy. - returned


Docking Station OKX $149

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HLXLW1Q (Yes, best choice so far. only requires 1 cable and has lots of ports. BUT It does require a driver.

https://www.displaylink.com/downloads


It's still a hack. requires you to be logged into the user account that you have installed the software. So, that means 1 display will be active while rebooting, up until you actually log in, then after about 15 seconds, it launches the second display. No lag, it works well as a work around. This one I'm keeping.


Oh, to save you time, I tried installing this displaylink software to use with other hubs. No dice, it looks for it's own hardware. sorry... (as of the time of this posting. Maybe that will change)



Summary:

I kept the OKX docking with displaylink for my home office. It's nice and clean, with the hub hidden and a 1 simple cable into my USB-C port (also provides power). Nice... but cluncky when rebooting. Must wait for software to load.


At work, I kept the j5Create. 1 USB-C cable from the hub, and all my devices are neatly tucked away. Requires a second HDMI-USBC cable to power 2 monitors, and takes 2 ports. Hopefully Apple will figure out the conflicting software or someone will find a terminal hack to help us all out.


Ethan-

743 replies

Feb 4, 2021 2:19 PM in response to bigfan123

That didn't work for my Benq, so won't work for everyone. My monitor does support HDR over the HDMI connection though (a lot of monitors don't), which might be why it helped you and not me (if it is disabling HDR or showing at a lower refresh rate). I have that adapter too.


We just need to be careful what we call a fix and what we call a work around. I think huuk is basically right, the only fix for this is going to come from Apple. All we have so far is work arounds.

Feb 5, 2021 9:29 PM in response to iTimC21

still not working after 11.2


works sometimes but only after replugging or doing some nonsensical on off order. REALLY annoying since my monitor with thunderbolt is also the hub for my time machine drive


Macbook Pro 16"

BenQ PD2720 4K


thanks for the report/feedback links. I have apple care but havent had time yet to deal with a complaint.

It's ridiculous how many creative professionals this has to be affecting - a base that built apples popularity.

i smell a class action tbh


Feb 7, 2021 12:37 AM in response to peterg2021

What's so difficult??


Each time after waking up from sleep I have to resize the windows which where opened for my M1 Mac mini.


The state in which the windows on the screen come alive is 16:9 instead of the 16:10 resolution of the monitor. It doesn't matter if it's Safari, Apple software, or some other software from non Apple developer.

The monitor (Dell Ultrasharp 2415) is connected using HDMI.


Using Catalina on a Intel based Mac Mini this wasn't a problem...


What to do?


Big Sur 11.2 didn't solve this resolution issue...

Feb 12, 2021 8:20 AM in response to Innov8motor

@Innov8motor


The LG 32UD99 does have the option to switch from 1.4 to 1.2. Does it only utilize 1.2 even if 1.4 is set? I'd just use an HDMI cable but everything I use is routed via a powered USB hub to the monitor then all I do is plug a single USB C to whatever machine I intend on using. With a usb to hdmi I'd have to fiddle with the hub, etc, No thanks Apple.



PS. Thanks for clarifying and saving me the trouble.

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