MacBook to Cinema Display connection issues

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Level 1

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MacBook to Cinema Display connection issues

Hello Apple Lovers,

I just connected my 2006 MBAir, using the built in thunderbolt port, to the DVI adapter that is just one of the 4 cables built into the 23" HD Cinema Display I have recently been gifted. The monitor immediately recognized & displayed the MBAir. However, I was unable to proceed any further. My laptop commands did not convey to the monitor. My goal is mostly to stream from laptop to monitor.

Meanwhile, a message box has popped up on my laptop. It advises

"USB ACCESSORIES DISABLED

Unplug the accessory using too much power to enable USB devices."

Which I have done.

What is the next step necessary?

I'm curious to hear any feedback before I gift this monitor to someone else.

Posted on Jun 16, 2023 4:55 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Servant of Cats

Level 6

17,146 points

Jun 18, 2023 9:33 AM in response to mancr14lass

After doing a bit of checking, it sounds like the 23" Apple HD Cinema Display does not have built-in speakers. Looking at all 23" Apple displays from the last 20 years in MacTracker:

Apple Cinema HD Display – Size: 23", Connections: ADC, Audio: None
Apple Cinema Display (23-inch DVI) – Size: 23", Connection: DVI, Audio: None.
Apple Cinema Display (23-inch DVI Late 2005) – Size: 23", Connection: DVI, Audio: None.

Apple's user manual – which internally refers to three displays, one of which is the "23-inch Apple Cinema HD Display, model A1082," makes no reference to speakers:

https://manuals.info.apple.com/MANUALS/0/MA467/en_US/CinemaDisplays_20_23_30inchUserGuide.pdf

If you want external speakers to go along with that monitor, it sounds like your options are to buy a separate audio system, such as a powered computer speaker system with a 3.5" mm stereo mini-plug (to plug into your Air's headphone jack), or a USB sound card (to which to attach powered speakers or a stereo system).

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Answer 2

Jun 16, 2023 6:44 PM in response to mancr14lass

There are no 2006 MacBook Airs. The first MacBook Air came out in January 2008. It did not have a Thunderbolt port or a Mini DisplayPort, but a Micro-DVI port.

Please select the About This Mac command in the Apple () menu, and tell us what it shows for the model name.

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Answer 3

mancr14lass Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 17, 2023 5:02 AM in response to Servant of Cats

Thanks for correcting me. The Mac is indeed a 2013 not 2006.

Meanwhile, I have used System Preferences on the laptop to actually solve my issues.

Except I still have no audio from the Display Monitor, just from the laptop.

That's my challenge for today.

TIA for any tips.

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Answer 4

Jun 17, 2023 5:20 AM in response to mancr14lass

There were two 2013 MacBook Airs – an 11" Mid 2013 model, and a 13" Mid 2013 model. Both have Thunderbolt 1 ports that support resolutions of up to 2560 by 1600 pixels, and that can drive up to two Thunderbolt displays (or, I believe, a single Mini DisplayPort display).

DVI doesn't carry audio (or didn't, originally), so if that monitor has speakers, you may need to connect them another way.

It seems like it shouldn't be necessary, but do you have a powered USB hub that you could connect between the computer and monitor?

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Answer 5

mancr14lass Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 18, 2023 7:41 AM in response to Servant of Cats

Yes, mine is the mid 2013 13" MBAir. Yes, the 23" HD Cinema Display does have internal speakers.

I now understand that the DVI doesn't carry audio but have yet to figure out how to proceed, how to "connect them another way" as you say.

I was advised to access System Preferences on MBAir, click on SOUND & then the OUTPUT tab.

Been there, done that. The popup advises me to "pick a device". Unfortunately the only device in the output tab is "internal speakers" "built in" which I presume refers to the laptop speakers.

Nothing in OUTPUT tab relates to my problem so I am obviously missing an important element. More cables? An adapter? DVI to HDMI maybe? The laptop does not have a HDMI port so I'd need a HDMI to USB adapter also?More head scratching, for now at least.

The picture on the monitor is excellent meanwhile! The audio coming from the laptop is acceptable but ........

Thank you very much for your time & advice.

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Answer 6

mancr14lass Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 18, 2023 1:43 PM in response to Servant of Cats

I thank you for researching all this info; I must have misread about the monitor's internal speakers. Upon closer inspection of the monitor I don't see any evidence of speakers.

So, I concur with you on the external speaker requirement & I believe that's the next step for me.

Thanks again.

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Answer 7

mancr14lass Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 19, 2023 6:27 AM in response to Servant of Cats

Mission accomplished! The external speakers are connected & I now have full use of the old, but perfectly functional, Apple Cinema Display through my old, but perfectly functional, MacBook Air

Thank you for all your advise.

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MacBook to Cinema Display connection issues

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