Belkin HDMI Adapter, faulty?

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Level 1

4 points

Belkin HDMI Adapter, faulty?

Hi all,

I have an M1 MacBook Pro connected to 2 identical monitors with 2 identical HDMI cables; one via the built-in HDMI port and 1 via a Belkin USB-C - HDMI adapter.

About 4 in 5 times, when I wake up the computer, the monitor connected via the Belkin adapter shows only grey static (akin to an old TV being out of tune). Unplugging and reconnecting the adapter always fixes the issue, so it's not exactly debilitating. Just kind of annoying.

I've swapped monitors, swapped cables, and swapped ports, all to no avail and the problem has persisted across multiple OS updates.

Is it more likely a fault with the adapter, or with the computer's outputs not waking up in sync?

Thanks kindly,

Ben

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 14.4

Posted on Jun 9, 2024 6:59 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 9, 2024 9:00 AM in response to Bafdav

That adapter [when working correctly] claims support for HDMI at 4K at 60 Hz, which is HDMI 2.0, which is what your M1 Mac supports on its built-in HDMI port.

if your display are also 4K at 60 Hz or less, then all should be working as designed.

You may just be seeing inherent slowness in recognizing the adapter.

the other possibility is inadequate/marginal HDMI cables:

HDMI cables you want for HDMI-only Displays (higher resolutions than 720p TV sets) are marked as Certified with an anti-counterfeiting tag and are labeled:

"Premium High Speed HDMI cable" or that + "with Ethernet" --OR--

"Ultra High Speed HDMI cable" or that + "48G"

Cables with No Certification tags are good for your standard 720p TV set, and not much more.

HDMI was invented for HD TV sets. it works great at its original resolution of 720i or 720p. At higher resolutions, it quickly develops issues that are complex to solve, and the cables and adapters required to solve are NOT intuitive.

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Answer 2

Bafdav Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 9, 2024 8:47 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

This is the one

https://store.apple.com/au/xc/product/HKQ22ZM/A

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Answer 3

Jun 9, 2024 8:40 AM in response to Bafdav

EXACTLY which Belkin USB to HDMI adapter are you using, or a Link to its specs, please

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Answer 4

Bafdav Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 10, 2024 5:44 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks for your reply, looks like I've found 2 possible avenues to test. The HDMI cables were "cheap" I think sub $50 each and I don't see any certification labels you've described.

But the more likely solution is one I just noticed, the faulting display was set to 1080p 60Hz and the other 1080p 50 Hz. I've swapped both to 50 and we'll see what happens!

Thanks for your time

Ben

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Answer 5

Jun 10, 2024 6:19 AM in response to Bafdav

HDMI cables need NOT be expensive to be high-spec cables:

Monoprice 8K Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable - 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, 48Gbps, HDR, VRR, CL2 In-Wall Rated, 6ft, Black -- $8.99

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Belkin HDMI Adapter, faulty?

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