I cannot find an HDMI Switcher that works with M1 Max?

Question

Level 1

4 points

I cannot find an HDMI Switcher that works with M1 Max?

I have a 2022 M1 Max MacMini Ultra with OS Sonora 14.2.1and I use a Viewsonic 4K display. I also have a PC for which I use the same monitor and switch via the Viewsonic onscreen menu with physical buttons on the rear of the case.

For some time I've been fed up with the Viewsonic's less that user friendly menu (at least not friendly to this user )...also having to use and find menu buttons by feel and touch behind the monitor is all a bit hit and miss.

So I thought I should buy an HMDI switcher. I have tried two so far and neither work with the MacMini. My PC has worked fine with both.

I thought I might be using old generation cables so I've bought new Silkland 4K UHD cables. The first switcher had no 5v power input, someone told me that might be an issue so the second one is powered.

Has anyone any idea how to solve this problem?

All help appreciated..

Thanks

LozzHipkiss

Mac Studio, macOS 14.2

Posted on Mar 24, 2024 9:38 AM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

91,612 points

Mar 24, 2024 10:49 AM in response to LozzHipkiss

Another option that I would test with the switch setup, is to use a USB-C to HDMI adapter in one of the Mac mini's TB/USB-C ports instead of using the HDMI port.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

91,612 points

Mar 24, 2024 10:18 AM in response to LozzHipkiss

The Mac mini is plug and play. It only senses the switch when switched back and will not reconnect after loosing the display connection to the other computer.

Plug that or another display directly into the Mac mini and leave it plugged in. Then go back to switching the displays input menu or get a second display for one of the computers.

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Answer 3

hcsitas

Level 6

13,964 points

Mar 24, 2024 10:14 AM in response to LozzHipkiss

How long are the HDMI cables? Power is not the issue.

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Answer 4

hcsitas

Level 6

13,964 points

Mar 24, 2024 10:19 AM in response to den.thed

I’m not sure that’s correct. An A/B switch is the same as pulling the HDMI cable out and pushing it back in. It is purely electrical - there’s no intelligence involved.

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