My cinema display won't work over a display port booster and extra long cable.

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My cinema display won't work over a display port booster and extra long cable.

Hi,

I have a Mac Pro (mid 2010) and an Apple Cinema Display 27". I also have two other DVI monitors. Recently I got a few extenders, so that I can have the computer in a different room to the monitors. Everything works perfectly except the Cinema Display. My system recognises that the cinema display is connected (as it shows as a display in preferences), but the screen is black.

The series of connections from computer to screen is: mini display port to display port adaptor, short display port cable, gefen display port booster, extra long display port cable, display port (female to female) coupler, display port to mini display port.

Please let me know if you have any ideas what the problem may be.

Thank you!

Mac Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5), Mid 2010

Posted on Mar 12, 2014 3:41 PM

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Answer 1

turbostar

Level 4

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Mar 12, 2014 4:09 PM in response to Rafterb2

While I can't say for certain, it simply seems like you have absolutely too much going on with all the conversions and adapters.

I've used mDP extension cables both from Dr Bott's and Monoprice with no issue at all and doesn't require many of the things you listed.

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Answer 2

Rafterb2 Author

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Mar 12, 2014 4:34 PM in response to turbostar

The extension cable I am using is 15 metres long (in order to run from one room to the next). This is why I'm using a display port booster in the line. I haven't found any mini display port cables that would give me that distance, nor a mini display port booster.

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Answer 3

turbostar

Level 4

2,941 points

Mar 12, 2014 4:43 PM in response to Rafterb2

You'll have to research specs, then. I'd be surprised if you can get a CLEAN signal over 50 feet later, remember the booster boosts everything signal plus noise.

Take out the longest cable. Does the monitor work then?

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Answer 4

Rafterb2 Author

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Mar 19, 2014 3:02 AM in response to turbostar

Per your advice to taking out the longest cable, I ran a couple of tests at different stages of the connection. Over a short conversion to displayport and back to mini display port, the monitor connected no problem. It was only when I introduced the "Display Port Booster" that I lost signal, over the short connection.

I think the unit might be faulty and this is the problem. I sent it back to the company that sold it to me and they're running tests now. Hopefully they will be able to fix it.

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