1024x768 Resolution on a 16:9 Pioneer Plasma 4350

I also am hoping to see a definitive answer to this question. It's not a mini, but we sometimes use a Pioneer PDP-4304 (43-inch/1024x768) plasma with a (2004) 15-inch G4, aluminum PowerBook (widescreen 1280x854 pixels) via a VGA cable and the Apple adaptor.

Out of the box, the PowerBook always finds the connected Pioneer plasma and autosyncs to this display (which automatically gets added to the OS X System Preference: Displays menu). OS X and the PowerBook's 64MB video card just finds and uses the correct resolution (1280x768/60Hz), with no overscan issues and no need for third-party, display (resolution) management software like Display ConfigX. However, this widescreen PowerBook does have a native resolution that is slightly different from the plasma's 16:9 aspect ratio (more like 15:9 I think) and it uses square pixels. The Pio uses (horizontally) rectangular pixels, and so the PowerBook output is scaled down vertcally by a few pixels -- though it's barely perceptable).

A 2004 12-inch G4 PowerBook and a 2005 iBook (each 1024x768 pixels and not widescreen) also autosync to the Pio with no problems. However, like standard definition TV, this PowerBook and iBook default to make use of the center portion on the 16:9 plasma (Again, the computers use square pixels, the 43-inch Pio plasmas use rectangular pixels).

I would think that the Intel-based mini's combination of OS X/ and integrated graphics also would autosync and connect seamlessly with any Pio plasma (knock on wood).

Same question here.

I have a Panasonic 42" 16/9 Plasma display with 1024x768 resolution. So it is also using rectangular pixels...



How can I us the Mac Mini as Media Center ??
Would there be distortion ?

I use my ppc Mini with my 43" Pioneer Elite plasma, different model number but very similar. VGA works fine, no tweaking necessary. But for my setup, the VGA cable was not ideal (couldn't route it the way I wanted to), so I'm using a DVI-hdmi cable. I had to use DisplayConfigX to get the hdmi setup to work properly (no overscan or underscan), if you search this forum you'll find my settings posted. Looks great either way (VGA or hdmi), especially iPhoto slide shows. If you get the settings right, the aspect ratio will be correct (no distortion).

Since you plan on using VGA anyway, it'll probably work fine without tweaking.

HTH, -Ed

edit: just did a search myself, and I couldn't find my old post. Old posts must get cleared out after a while. If anybody wants, I can lookup my DisplayConfigX settings when I'm home, and post them again here.

I have the Pioneer PDP-436XDE myself, and I was considering picking up a Mac Mini tomorrow or Friday, but I've been reading a lot about people having problems connecting it via DVI->HDMI to the Pioneer plasma's. VGA is not a viable solution for me since the VGA port is in the front of the media-box, and this will be a permanent setup. But reading this thread I'm starting to believe it works after all?

Can somebody verify that?

Got the Mini today, and I would love it if you could post your DisplayConfigX settings Edward, as I'm having a lot of problems getting this right. No matter what I set in DisplayConfigX my monitor just turns black on restart. I've tried looking up my monitor's horizontal frequency, but I can't find it anywhere.

I'm currently using the VGA entrance, but I'd rather use the DVI->HDMI cable I have if I can get it working properly. Through the VGA entrance I'm getting a distorted picture even though DisplayConfigX is properly detecting my TV. Ergo the non-square pixels are giving me problems.

Looking forward to seeing your settings Edward! 🙂

I have the Pioneer 436PG screen, and am having similar problems. VGA output is fine, it fills the TV and looks good, but it does use the front VGA connector, which looks messy.

When I use a DVI to HDMI cable to connect, I cannot get the correct screen resolution and there is a 4cm black band around the monitor image. I also have problems with the quality of text (although I am going to play with the anti aliasing later which may resolve this).

I took my Mini Mac to the Pioneer centre, and hooked it up to a set there. The same issues and so I know there is no fault with my Plasma Screen or cable. The also hooked up an IBM machine, which give a perfect DVI to HDMI picture, filling the screen using the same resultion as automatically selected by the Mini Mac.

I therefore think that the issue is to do with the graphic output of the Mini Mac. I will investigate further and post an update. Any other advice would also be appreciated.

Cheers, David

Imac G5, Intel MacMini, Sony Wintel Mac OS X (10.4.6)

I took the Mac Mini to the Pioneer service centre and plugged it in to an identical 43" Plasma, with the same result as at home. The picture does not fill the screen and the text does not look right.

Whilst there, Pioneer plugged in an IBM PC, using an HDMI cable and things worked fine, so I think the issues lies wit the Mini Mac.

I think it is down to two things - either the video memory of the Mini Mac is insufficient to drive the Pioneer screen, or the problem is something to do with the Mac outputting HDMI at 720p when the screen is looking for 750p.

I'm not sure what to do next, and any advice will be appreciated.

Imac G5, Intel MacMini, Sony Wintel Mac OS X (10.4.6)

that resolution on a 43" display does not seem very good at all...the 12" ibook has the same resolution

I am having the same problem with the Pioneer 43" Plasma (PDP-436XDE) and this MacBook Pro, so I don't think the Mac Mini is to blame... I am still playing with settings, so will post if I find anything. In the meantime, any genius out there, please help

MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.6)

I also have a new 436XDE and currently have my Powerbook hooked up via VGA and works fine, would love to get a Mac Mini and use DVI to HDMI, but as I can see people are having problems getting it too work. Could the following be why? Taken from www.avforums.com

# Please note that Pioneer state: The HDMI connection on the 4th and later generation screens can be used with a DVI to HDMI converter but the DVI signal must include HDCP (Hi Definition Copy Protection) signals. Without HDCP the HDMI link will shut down, you can only use a DVI to HDMI converter with PCs that have DVI outputs and feature HDCP.
# This has been disputed now and may not be an accurate statement. We have now heard of a 505XDE (5th gen) panel working with a 4 year old ATI card via DVI-HDMI that does not support HDCP either in the card or in the drivers. We also know of a 436XDE working over DVI-HDMI with a Sapphire ATI Radeon 9800 PRO 128MB 8xAGP, again without HDCP.
# Get a PC graphics card with HDMI output and an inexpensive HDMI cable via the receiver box rear HDMI input
# Get a PC graphics card with component and a component cable via the receiver box rear component input

Hello Edward, i would like to know your settings. I have a DVI cable and i purchased the DVI to HDMI dongle and the image came up on the plasma but it looked like crap. is it worth using the display config X? i too would like the cable to plug in from behind. and also so i can say i have an all digital setup.

thank you
Tony.