Display Sleep Mode problem on New Macbook Pro i7 - AIR DISPLAY the CAUSE

Sorry for the late reply. Small problem signing in after Apple upgraded the discussion board.

Yes, I mean Avatron Software's "Air Display" for Mac app. Avatron is aware of this problem and I have shared information with them as they try to correct it.

Since uninstalling Air Display my MacBook Pro sleep function works perfectly. I am thrilled as this feature may be the number one reason I love my Mac over a PC.

As an aside:

There seems to be a thought that there is something in migration assistant that precipitates the problem. I did use migration assistant to move from my original Mac to my new MacBook Pro. When Apple replaced my MacBook Pro they used migration assistant to migrate over my data to the replacement MacBook Pro.

Hi. Dave from Avatron here. We've been testing on a new MBP and haven't been able to replicate the problem. However we do have a working theory about the cause.

Our theory is that Migration Assistant simply fails to invalidate the kernel extension cache when it should. The result is that when you migrate to a new machine with a different built-in display driver configuration, it can't wake from sleep. Or more precisely, it can't wake to Intel graphics if the last graphics adapter used was the Radeon one.

If we're right, then one of these steps should fix the problem:

1. Install a kext (for example, simply reinstall Air Display), OR

2. Uninstall a kext (this is why the problem went away when you uninstalled Air Display), OR

3. "Touch" the kernel extensions directory in Terminal, OR

4. Boot in Safe Mode.

Then reboot.

If you can't wake from sleep, please try one of these possible solutions, and let us all know how it goes.

Thanks!

Dave Howell

Avatron Software

(edited)

Well regardless of who is at fault, I certainly won't suggest this application to any of my friends until this issue is resolved. Pretty **** frustrating to have your entire effing laptop replaced because of something as small as this. Thanks a lot.

With due respect, you're missing the point. It doesn't matter whether you have Air DIsplay installed or not. You can run into this problem either way.

Yes, uninstalling Air Display will make the problem go away. But so will INSTALLING it! Because either way, it causes Mac OS X to invalidate its kernel extension cache, which is where the problem lies.

If you are seeing this wake-from-sleep problem, and you run the Air Display installer, it should be fixed. So in fact you SHOULD recommend Air Display to your friends!

Hope that helps.

Dave

"With due respect, you're missing the point. It doesn't matter whether you have Air Display installed or not. You can run into this problem either way."

Yes I do understand, but "this problem" didn't manifest itself in the form of no display UNTIL I installed Air Display. I other words; yes I am sure the caches were not invalided when I first migrated to the exact make and model machine, but before Air Display I could still wake the display and I had not a clue that anything was wrong. Should all migrated users have to go through these steps? Are you sure all affected users will even discover these steps and be savvy enough to follow them?

I wasted loads of time on that application to be fair - caused me all kinds of problems. See here for info: http://www.markc.me.uk/MarkC/Blog/Entries/2010/6/23_Avatron_Airdisplay_%26_2010_ MBP_Graphic_Switching.html

I tend to agree.

Since REMOVING Air Display my MacBook Pro has operated in sleep mode perfectly.

Avatron's earlier comment "If we're right, then one of these steps should fix the problem". This is not definitive. But removing their program DID fix the problem.

Given the amount of effort and frustration (including Apple replacing my original MacBook) I am not willing to try to make the program work again.

Also, given the level of importance the problem Avatron should at least highlight it in their support forum. Even after all this they have not.

100% agreed.

Had the exact same problem with my new MacBook Pro, often with holding the power button down to be able to restart it. Uninstalled Air Display, and everything finally works without a problem. I did not do migration assistant, so I cannot have anything to do with this.

I2bike and Biebel, your findings are absolutely consistent with my statement. Installing or uninstalling any kernel extension—not just Air Display—will fix the problem. Or more precisely, will make it go away for a while. So I'm glad that following the instructions I suggested has worked for you.

The reason we don't highlight this whole thing on our web site is simple: it's a Mac OS X bug that has nothing to do with our products. Most people who experience the problem don't have our software installed. A better question might be: why hasn't Apple highlighted the bug on its web site?

All of that said, we're trying to help our old employer out as much as possible so they can fix the bug in a Software Update. Since my April 19 post we have done more testing, and have learned a bit more. First, migration assistant doesn't appear to be related. We isolated the problem and believe that it's related to Apple's power savings kernel extension, and its management of power states (battery versus AC) between sessions. Resetting the kernel cache fixes the issue because it also happens to reset the power state. That's why resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) fixes the issue as well. We've filed a bug with Apple and will be watching it closely.

You blamed OSx and Apple for the screen bug too? I'm not convinced. That app is a great idea, it just seems to cause so many issues. Surely you can understand why people are reticent to recommend or continue using it?

“Blaming?” I wouldn't calling it blaming. We were just reporting a bug. As an Apple employee I filed hundreds of them. It's gratifying when they are eventually fixed. As I said, I'm confident Apple will fix this one too.

"We've filed a bug with Apple and will be watching it closely." !== "I'm confident Apple will fix this one too."

Smells like the blame game to me. Thanks for taking my money and taking no responsibility. I AM the customer and you are inappropriately placing your customers in the middle of issues between Avatron and Apple.

Bad form sir!