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Horrible colors on external monitor using macbook air(2012) with mini dp to hdmi

I have one of the new macbook airs (2012) hooked up to an external monitor (Dell SR2320L) using a mini display port to hdmi adapter.


The dsiplay shows up fine on the external monitor, except for the colors and contrast being terrible. Any color grey on a white background doesnt even seem to render. However if I look at that same image on the airs screen, I can see all of the grey colors perfectly. I have tested the hdmi cable and monitor on different computers and they work perfectly. I have tried three different adapters all with the same problems, leaving me to believe that there is something wrong with the macbook air itself and its ability to output a mini display port signal.


Does anyone know why I would be having a problem like this?

MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2012), Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Jul 4, 2012 1:55 PM

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Posted on Jul 5, 2012 1:15 AM

I have exactly the same problem:


Laptop: MacBook Pro 13", Mid 2012


External Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster SA550 (HDMI input)


Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter: Moshi Mini DP to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support (H1824ZM in the Apple Store)


Colors are generally washed out, very low contrast, very high brightness, some fonts are distorted.

438 replies

Jul 18, 2012 3:20 AM in response to jtehlert

+1



Laptop: MacBook Air 11", Mid 2012 128Gb/8Gb (latest OS X Lion with all updates)

External Monitor: LG Flatron E2441v (HDMI input)

Mini-DP to HDMI cable: KanaaN http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004M1PI6E



same Monitor and Laptop with Mini-DP to DVI Adapter: perfect picture

same Monitor with 2010 MBP 13" (also on Lion) and KanaaN Mini-DP to HDMI cable: perfect picture



can confirm that its not the color profile, as the MBP selects the same profile as the MBA does when connected via HDMI.


picture quality doesnt change with the Universal Access contrast-trick as mentioned by someone in the thread.

Jul 18, 2012 12:10 PM in response to jtehlert

Unfortunately, I am unable to spend the time to hunt this issue down and I'm going to make certain assumptions and active measures:

  1. Making a call to Apple to register complaint and notify them of the issue as I bought the MBA to use occassionally as a portable machine; primarily to be used with a monitor
  2. Bring to an Apple store to confirm the Apple monitor works properly
  3. Bring to Best Buy (or whatever) to test likewise on various monitors

I am not investing any more time connecting to various monitors and testing quality. I will of course report back findings.


Anyone else find anything out?

Jul 19, 2012 1:07 AM in response to jtehlert

This is a BIG issue for me too. 6 new airs (11 & 13") and sales team are FUBAR! Here's what I've found:

  • This is for the latest 2012 thunderbolt air
  • Tried on 2 projectors, 2 screens
  • ALL work perfectly on other airs and pro's in the office
  • When connecting, I have to test loads of different res/Hz combinations and none work 100%, but 1024/75Hz works to show around 75% of the screen
  • Software update (screen patch) didn;t make a difference
  • Rebooting (full shut down!) with VGA connected DOES work! On all 4 screens, all 6 airs. This IS a solution for some, but NOT for me; my reps pre-load their browser with 20 screens, and then demo in areas with no 3G coverage. So a reboot kills them.

The encouraging part is that it CAN work, which I think means Apple can patch this. For me I have 6 brand new top of the range Air's that I may as well throw away if this isn't solved soon 😠

Jul 19, 2012 12:49 PM in response to jtehlert

I have a Macbook Pro 7,1 and experiencing exactly the same thing.


1. I connect the Samsung syncmaster S24B350 with mini Displayport - HDMI => Colors, contrast and fonts looks crappy (calibrating makes it slightly better, rebooting makes no differnece)

2. I change to mini Displayport - VGA (D-sub) => Still crappy colors and contrast

3. Rebooting and now it's suddenly much better colors and contrast

4. Use commandline to force font smoothing => Works!


HDMI works perfect on my Samsung LCD-TV


I guess macbook pro has the same problem. =(


I will call AppleCare Sweden tomorrow.

Horrible colors on external monitor using macbook air(2012) with mini dp to hdmi

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