Loss of screen resolution when plugging into Apple's "USB-C to Digital AV" multiport adapter

Hello, Has anyone else seen a great diminishing of screen resolution when you plug your HDMI monitor into the USB-C adapter? This is a brand new monitor and M1, 2020 MacBook Air. I bought the OEM adapter from Apple and plugged it in to the laptop->new monitor, I noticed the screen resolution was much worse vs my older windows laptop. I then brought the laptop my partner's WFH setup (he has a docking station) and the screen resolution from a USB-C was MUCH better. Why is it so diminished with the Apple dongle?? Any fixes? I cannot afford to buy a new laptop and it doesn't seem like it's the laptop's issue.. Thank you in advance!!

[Edited by Moderator]

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 13.1

Posted on Aug 26, 2024 12:16 PM

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Servant of Cats

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Posted on Aug 26, 2024 10:14 PM

Have you checked the HDMI cable that you are running between the Apple adapter and your monitor? The original version of HDMI was designed for 720p and 1080i HDTVs. If you have a HDMI cable designed for it, that cable may not be good enough to support a computer monitor properly.

You could also try a different adapter or adapter cable.

Your USB-C (Thunderbolt) ports have native DisplayPort output, so if your monitor has DisplayPort input, a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter or adapter cable would involve the least signal conversion. But there are also various third-party USB-C to HDMI adapters and adapter cables.

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Loss of screen resolution when plugging into Apple's "USB-C to Digital AV" multiport adapter

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