My new Mac Mini is plugged directly into my tv via hdmi cable and the screen will abruptly go blank and then return after a few seconds. Why is this happening?

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My new Mac Mini is plugged directly into my tv via hdmi cable and the screen will abruptly go blank and then return after a few seconds. Why is this happening?

So I recently got a Mac Mini about two weeks ago and for some reason while I am on it the display will go blank and then return after a few seconds. It is happening very frequently. I checked the HDMI cable, I checked my tv and nothing seems to be wrong with them and I don't know what is going on.

I am getting a bit frustrated because this Mac is brand spanking new and it is totally acting up for no reason whatsoever.

Could someone please help me with this? I don't want my new computer to be useless. I need it.

Mac mini (Late 2012), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Nov 23, 2012 10:47 AM

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Answer 1

BDAqua

Level 10

239,483 points

Nov 23, 2012 12:19 PM in response to alx83

Hello, sad to report, it's a frequent HDMI problem on the newer Minis, with no fix yet...

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4472316?tstart=0

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Answer 2

LousyFool

Level 4

2,662 points

Nov 23, 2012 12:32 PM in response to alx83

Which TV model do you have?

Be aware of the fact that very many TVs do expect video signals on their HDMI inputs, not data signals from Macs or PCs. Please consult your TV manual if PCs or Macs can definitely be connected via HDMI, or if e.g. only DVI or RGB/VGA connectors are to be used.

In case of DVI inputs for data being present, it's not a problem if an HDMI->DVI adapter, or better, cable is being used.

Many users here are overlooking this potential reason for problems, assuming that HDMI outputs must always communicate with any HDMI input, certainly also because TV manufacturers do not "advertise" such limitations loudly.

AV receivers with multiple HDMI inputs and a single HDMI video output to the TV are typically more "tolerant" and provide a sort of "converter" function. If present, feed a Mac's HDMI signal into the receiver, not the TV directly. If the receiver does not have enough HDMI inputs, consider to connect rather a video source (DVD player or similar) directly to the TV than the the Mac.

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Answer 3

LousyFool

Level 4

2,662 points

Nov 23, 2012 12:34 PM in response to BDAqua

Well, admittedly, this could "override" my other post here. For now, at least, until there is a fix...

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Answer 4

Nov 23, 2012 12:48 PM in response to alx83

I have read that the TV needs to be powered on and switched to HDMI before the Mac is powered up with HDMI connectivity.

I doubt this will alter any existing issues mentioned here, but may be worth investigating.

If someone would invent a Gbit Ethernet to HDMI adapter cable, I could test this with the TV out in the living room.😉

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Answer 5

alx83 Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 2, 2012 1:23 PM in response to LousyFool

I've checked the manual for my Sony Bravia. And it needed a VGA connection to work properly.

I attempted using a HDMI to VGA converter and everything appeared to be fine, but then when I was about 20 minutes into using my computer it started to have the same problem all over again.

I think it's the HDMI port of the Mac Mini that is messed up.

I'm going to go ahead and have Apple take a look at it seeing as I do have Apple Care Protection on it.

Thanks for all the insight, though.

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Answer 6

Dec 2, 2012 2:39 PM in response to alx83

Last week, I read online that Intel has acknowledged HDMI-only issues with the HD4000 drivers and is working with Apple for a corrective software update. No timeline was offered.

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