Screen Flicker with External Monitor

Since applying the latest MacBook Pro Software Update 1.4 the flickering issue seems to stop.

Good Job Apple.

I also have the same flickering on my 24 inch Cinema Display after two software updates to my Macbook Pro with Thunderbolt. I did not have this problem with my previous Macbook Pro. I am frustrated and still waiting for Apple to fix this. Does anyone have suggestions?

I've had a flickering issue for over a month now.

23" ACD connect by a Thunberbolt to DVI adapter.

I am almost certain it's cause by my iPhone being in close proximity to my MacBook Pro.

If my iPhone is within 50cm of the MacBook Pro and the ACD begins to flicker I can move it to a two metre distance and the flickering will instantly stop.

It is easier to replicate when the iPhone is plugged into the Macbook Pro through the standard USB cable.

The ACD can be flickering every 1-2 seconds continuously and the moment I unplug the iPhone the flickering stops.

Can anyone confirm a similar finding?

I posted a while back, and I've got an update. Called AppleCare, got through to a senior guy. My main purpose in calling was to make sure Apple understood that they had not fixed the problem with the firmware update a week or two ago even though it said it fixed stability problems on cinema displays using thunderbolt.

My new little friend Jerrod confirmed it's a known issue, said Apple is actively working it, and even offered to call or email me when the fix comes out.

It's not what we want yet, but to have a problem acknowledged is about the next best thing.

(P.CJ your problem is completely different than what we're seeing, might want to start a new thread on that one!)

Allison Sheridan

NosillaCast Podcast at http://podfeet.com

A technology geek podcast with an EVER so slight Macintosh bias!

Follow me at http://twitter.com/podfeet

SAME issue. MBP '11. Dell Ultrasharp 27". Monitor will be fine then randomly start flickering...usually after comp is closed and then started up again.

FIX THIS!!!

I believe I have discovered the solution to this, at least in my case.

I was have the same screen flickering issues with my Sceptre 24" and 2011 Macbook Pro 13". After digging for a while I notice on areas of the screen with solid black (google solid black screen and look at that) there appeared to be a 'sparkling' of digital noise. It was the first time I had noticed that and started looking around at my monitor settings. Finally I found a setting called "Over Drive" in a misc setting area. Apparently this is a setting on many monitors that allow the monitor to boost the voltage from the gpu to 'excite' the lcd and reduce ghosting. Upon reducing the 'over drive' amount, it eliminated the digital noise in black areas as well as completely eliminated the screen flickering I have been experiencing with the thunderbolt port.

My hypothesis is that somehow the power output from the port doesnt play nice with the 'over drive' boost the monitor is using from the gpu.

Anyway, as I said this completely eliminated the flicker for me and I hope it will do the same for you. 🙂

-Charles Ford

Sounds great. But couldnt find any 'over drive' setting buried anywhere. ? Googled and nothing still. Meh?

Sadly, I don't believe every display has the option to control and/or disable the Over Drive. There are quite a few out there with it just built in. I'm linking the forum post so it can possibly be researched further by someone with more expertise in the area.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080322211543AAKzu9P

http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=302690

http://forums.amd.com/game/messageview.cfm?catid=279&threadid=135219

One last note regarding the display linked in your post. While it is not your exact display, it is a Dell UltraSharp.

In the article at the bottom of the first paragraph they mention "The only notable absence for a wide gamut monitor is the ability to switch off its overdrive."

http://www.trustedreviews.com/Dell-UltraSharp-2408WFP-Widescreen-24in-LCD-Monito r_Monitor_review_dell-2408wfp_Page-4

Ah ha...so then it's up to Apple...

Oddly enough I havent had the issues since I posted. Wonder how to recreate....

I'm having the same issue only it's with an external TV.

I've had this Samsung HDTV for a couple of years and it worked perfectly with my 2006 MacBook Pro.

I just upgraded to a 2011 MacBook Pro and now I have the display issue.

My OS build is 10J4139 so I'm assuming the MacBook Pro Software Update 1.4 came pre-installed (it says it gives you a build of 10J4138).

I'm using a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable (no adapter).

I can't find the Over Drive setting (guessing because it's a TV and not a monitor, but aren't they essentially the same thing, both are LCD monitors?)

Any ideas? I've already written to Apple about this but I figured I'd ask here too.

Adding another voice to the thread ... having the same problem with a brand-new 15-inch Macbook Pro w/Thunderbolt and a 24" Sceptre monitor.

Just wondering ... which adapter is everyone using? The single or dual link?

I have this problem with a 24 inch monitor but not with a 20 inch one from the same manufacturer (Sceptre).

this problem is with the Thunderbolt port on the new MBPs being used with a mini-display port connector to the Apple Cinema Display (and others).

Allison Sheridan

NosillaCast Podcast at http://podfeet.com

A technology geek podcast with an EVER so slight Macintosh bias!

Follow me at http://twitter.com/podfeet

monoprice mini-display -> dvi think single...as there is only one plug going in to monitor instead of two...