Unplugged HDMI

rothnd wrote:

So the HDMI is connected to the mini but disconnected at the other end (in the hopes of saving wear on my television). Is this bad for any specific reason? TIA!!

yes that is a very bad practice. constantly unplugging and plugging the HDMI cable back in will eventually physically wear out the cable or the port on the TV (or both) causing unreliable connectivity and / or permanent damage. leaving it connected will not damage the TV's electronics.

I just tested this. yes with my TV, when I lock my screen, the TV goes dark after a couple of seconds after locking it. but, why not just use the TV's remote to change the source from the Mac to, say, your satellite receiver?

rothnd wrote:

So do you know anything about these HDMI dummy plugs?

sorry, no. I've never even heard of them. but I've been mirroring my iMac to the TV for a couple years and have not had any issues leaving it connected. and with my previous iMac, I was running from the Mini DisplayPort to the VGA input (on the same TV) for about eight years prior and have not experienced any burn in. that's not to say it cannot happen. it can. but as long as you don't leave a static image on the screen for long periods of time, you will be fine. and I will add that my TV is a plasma screen, which are notorious for burn in, (maybe that's why they are gone) and have not had any burn in.

if the mac's image is not seen on screen, then obviously, burn in cannot happen regardless of what ever source you are using. :)

you're welcome. :)