Displays on boot up

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Displays on boot up

I have a mac mini using two thunderbolt displays that both feed into a video switching matrix (inputs 1 & 2). My setup includes the primary desktop with dock and app control windows. The second display is a full-screen display of the app content. I have our matrix set up to send the second display (full-screen content) to several locations. On boot up, the computers seem to reassign which display is sent to matrix input 1 and which is sent to input 2. Is there a way to lock the screen setup so this will not happen?

I have done what reading I can and I've seen similar (but not the same) problem. All of my Mission Control options are unchecked.

I'm open to any ideas or solutions. TIA

Posted on Feb 10, 2022 2:30 PM

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Answer 1

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den.thed

Level 10

82,036 points

Feb 12, 2022 3:45 PM in response to mcadenhead

I still think that the switching matrix is the issue.

At this point I can only suggest that you,

test the displays connected directly to the Mac Mini without the switch.
test the current setup without shutting down or auto sleeping the Mac Mini and just letting the displays turn off.

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Answer 2

Feb 11, 2022 10:58 AM in response to mcadenhead

I don’t use multiple displays so this is really a stab in the dark. If there isn’t a software solution available maybe adding hdmi switches to the outgoing connection could force each connection to only connect using the chosen switch or a simple way to change the set up to switch them around. It’s how I had a TV set up as a monitor years ago and still used it for cable and a DVD player. Hope it helps you possibly create a work around!

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

82,036 points

Feb 11, 2022 12:00 PM in response to mcadenhead

The 2018 can run 2 Displays from the TB/USB-C ports. The problem is that the Mac Mini and macOS, do not like to have those displays disconnected or switched. Your best bet for maintaining the Main and Secondary Display Preference, is to connect and leave the displays connected directly to the Mac Mini all of the time.

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Answer 4

mcadenhead Author

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4 points

Feb 12, 2022 1:43 PM in response to den.thed

The video matrix acts as content distribution that does not change. The matrix does not power down at night but the Macs do. Last night on shutdown, I had mac screen 1 feeding matrix input 1 and mac screen2 feeding matrix input 2. When I booted up this morning mac screen 1 was feeding matrix input 2 and mac screen 2 feeding matrix input1.

My apologies if I wasn't clear before.

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Answer 5

Feb 12, 2022 4:16 PM in response to den.thed

So if I was on to something then this further thought might help. If not just read it as gibberish with just the intention to help. So if a switch works in this daisy chain, could one be left on the right display port and the 2nd set to a dead end port on switch 3. After booting up and the first one is assigned you could change the switch port to 2 and allow it to assign itself? Honestly I am just really interested.

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Answer 6

den.thed

Level 10

82,036 points

Feb 11, 2022 8:10 AM in response to mcadenhead

What year model Mac Mini?

What macOS version is it running?

please review > https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-mini/connect-a-display-apd8e4fbbb97/mac

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Answer 7

mcadenhead Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 11, 2022 10:46 AM in response to den.thed

MAC mini 2018

Mojave 10.14.5

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Answer 8

mcadenhead Author

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4 points

Feb 12, 2022 10:56 AM in response to den.thed

They do stay connected all the time. There is just no telling what order they will boot up in.

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Answer 9

den.thed

Level 10

82,036 points

Feb 12, 2022 1:08 PM in response to mcadenhead

Not if they are feeding thru a video switch.

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Answer 10

den.thed

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82,036 points

Feb 12, 2022 5:20 PM in response to DiagnosedCrazy-ItsOK

Sounds like a third valid “test” to me.

There may be other tests as well. Problem is, your not going to find many folks that have or can test that exact setup.

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Answer 11

Feb 12, 2022 5:28 PM in response to den.thed

I completely agree, that’s why I have been so interested in this discussion. It’s a interesting problem. I hope a solution can be found just for my curiosity! 😊

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Answer 12

den.thed

Level 10

82,036 points

Feb 12, 2022 5:59 PM in response to DiagnosedCrazy-ItsOK

Yeah’ kind of like being lost in uncharted territory with no compass on a cloudy day.

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