snaffles22

Q: How do I get a video signal to an external monitor via the mini-display port on my Mac Book Air?

I can't get a video signal out through my mini-display port on my Mac Book Air (version 1).  Thus I can't feed BBC iPlayer to an external monitor.  There is some connectivity - the MAC wallpaper is broadcast, the mouse pointer is visible and sound is transferred.  Is it likely to be a cable connection problem (though the cable works with a Windows operating laptop)?

MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.6.7)

Posted on Apr 26, 2011 4:16 AM

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Q: How do I get a video signal to an external monitor via the mini-display port on my Mac Book Air?

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  • by SP Forsythe,

    SP Forsythe SP Forsythe Apr 26, 2011 8:14 AM in response to snaffles22
    Level 5 (5,394 points)
    Apr 26, 2011 8:14 AM in response to snaffles22

    First, what you said is contradictory. You say "can't get a video signal", then say"the Mac wallpaper is broadcast, the mouse pointer is visible". "No video signal" means an absolutely black,blank screen. It sounds like you have plenty of signal.

     

    I am supposing what you are seeing is actually a blank desktop, which is to be expected if your settings are such that you are extending the desktop, instead of mirroring it.

     

    Within the preference panes is a setting that allows you to change this. Open System Preferences, click Displays, and then click Arrangement. You will see that you are extending the desktop. Change that setting.

  • by captfred,

    captfred captfred Apr 26, 2011 8:20 AM in response to snaffles22
    Level 7 (26,329 points)
    iTunes
    Apr 26, 2011 8:20 AM in response to snaffles22

    Or you can click CMD-F1 to switch to "mirror display", click again to "extended desktop".

     

    Regards

  • by billbrieck,

    billbrieck billbrieck Aug 30, 2016 9:36 AM in response to SP Forsythe
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Aug 30, 2016 9:36 AM in response to SP Forsythe

    Thank you.  This was very helpful! Working fine now.