MBP Retina: Poor image quality from hdmi output

Very old thread but, thought it would be useful to add my experience of this problem. Bought a new 13" rMCB and used an USB-C to HDMI on my Samsung Syncmaster 2333HD and had the same issue of fuzzy graphics. I also changed the source name to PC and, to my total surprise it is a thousand times better. I would just add that the older MB Air on this same monitor via a DVI was better but, at least now it is usable.

I just registered for apple forums specifically to say thanks for this. I never would have thought to try it (like most people posting here). Huge thanks.

And a link for anyone using a Samsung monitor and doesn't know straight away how to change the source name http://www.samsung.com/au/support/skp/htg/16327

Thanks for the replies in this thread !

Worked for me on a Samsung TV !

Just came for a little note : I didn't did too many tests but it seems that I had to be on the HDMI/DVI input to make it work, not the other regular HDMI inputs. I think that made a difference. Anyway, all good all fixed !

Thanks have a good day

Hi Michael,

Sorry to dig up older stuff. I'm trying to extend my MBP 12" Retina onto a Samsung 5 series TV screen. I can get a picture from HDMI to HDMI but it gives you a headache. Am I doing something wrong?

Also, I read here that you tried a VGA connection instead? I tried a VGA - HDMI adaptor yesterday from a different machine onto the Samsung 5 series TV - couldn't even get a picture.

If you're able to cast your view over this, that would be great.

🙂

George

I've had the same problem with my new Retina MacBook Pro. I'm using it with a Dell U2410, which works wonderfully with an iMac, Mac mini and all of the PCs I've ever used it with, but when I plug the MBP into it, everything looks awful.

I've connected the monitor with an HDMI to HDMI cable and I've tried mini displayport to displayport as well. Both have the same results. I'm yet to try a mini displayport to DVI adapter.

I took it into an Apple Store today: of course it worked perfectly with the cinema display the guy tried it on, and the only other monitor they had was a 40" TV, which he said would look bad anyway so he didn't really acknowledge the problem. I was told that Apple 'cannot guarantee compatibility with third-party products' and if I need to use external monitors, the retina MBP is not for me and I should choose a different Mac. So there's no chance of a free mini display port to DVI adapter.

One of the keys on the MBP is also broken so they're prepared to replace the whole laptop because of that. Once I get the replacement, I'll see if the monitor problem exists with that one. If it does, I'll have to get a MDP to DVI adapter. I'll report back.

I have a Westinghouse EW24T3LW 24" HDTV (LED), and I initially connected my Retina MacBook Pro to it via HDMI. Despite no end of fiddling, I could not get acceptable image quality via HDMI.

Today I switched over to a VGA connection, and the difference is remarkable. While I am happy with the improved image, I miss the convenience of having both digital audio and video via a single HDMI cable. I hope the performance of the HDMI connection can be improved with a software update, because otherwise that port is useless to me.

Any update if the mini display to dvi adapter solve this problem? I'm experiencing the exact same thing with the rMBP, Dell U2410 and an hdmi-hdmi connection.

I have this problem.

It was bad with the mini DVI adapter.

It is _slightly_ less bad with a VGA adapter.

The previously gorgeous Dell display now looks washed out, fonts are not crisp, they

are hard to read.

Help!?

GaJ

I have the same problem. I connected a Dell U2312HM monitor (that is a very good monitor) via hdmi, and then via VGA and the image quality is very very bad, blurry text, washed colors, bad focus, simply not acceptable to work with it.

I am VERY disappointed expecially considering that I have just bought one of the most expensive laptop on the market that claim also to be the best one.

If there is an HDMI connector Apple must provide full compatibility with this standard with third party devices too, as I know there is no Apple monitor with an HDMI input, so HDMI out on MBPr must be compatible with third party monitors. Otherwise Apple should cut away this port.

I'm going to contact customer service to solve the problem, otherwise I'll claim my money back.

best regards

got the same problem..does anybody found a solution yet?

me too, same problem.

Apple needs to update its OS asap!

I've now tested with the following cables/adapters between my rMBP -> Dell U2410:

mDP -> VGA

mDP -> DVI

mDP -> HDMI

HDMI -> HDMI

HDMI -> DP

None of them work. Some people are reporting *minor* differences when switching from HDMI to DVI, but I think that's mainly psychological persuasion. In my experience nothing helps - fonts are still blurry, bad image quality. I've taken still photos with a Cannon DSLR to compare the pixels - no difference.

Someone also reported on other threads that lowering the Dell U2410's sharpness "solves" the problem, I find this to be untrue and a "fool's solution". Fonts do look sharper, but everything else looks horrible.

My understanding is that this is related to rMBP and/or Mountain Lion external display drivers. Hopefully this can be addressed with a software update. I really hope Apple is aware of this issue (many have filed bug reports).

More "good" discussion on the matter can be found here: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1390034

I have just connected the monitor with a white macbook and it is so irritating to see how gooood could be this display!

I am working at an Indesign brochure in these days and now I understand why I'm going so slow and never happy with the results. this issue is damaging my work.

Absolutely no doubt that there is a problem on the macbook pro retina. The white macbook is driving right now the Dell U2312HM 23" display with no problems and simply using factory settings. Fonts are clear and pleasant, contrast, focus, anything is as it should be (and eve better than the average).

I agree with orsella. This problem is not from the cables or the macbook pro itself. It's the mac OS.

Yesterday, I tried installing windows 7 and 8 via bootcamp. Then I plugged HDMI to my Asus 24'' display. and it looked fantastic. So I believe this is the os problem and apple needs to fix this asap. I need to use final cut pro and photoshop on my external display...!!! in mean time, i use mac os with retina display, and windows 8 RP with my external display..... wth apple!!!