Mac Mini HMDI Chronic HDTV Refresh Problem?

After having a workaround through HDMI-ARC (which failed every now and the and required set-top box on for audio(?)), I've tried to connect my 2011 mac mini to Yamaha R2040 directly, and it worked!🙂

Firmware on Yamaha 1.91, OSX 10.12.2. Only remaining issue was the underscan setting on my Samsung TV, which was solved by connecting to HDMI/DVI 1 and configure port as PC/DVI (thanks to google!).

A warning with regards to firmware update, my usb board broke down when installing through usb stick, resulting in a €200 repair bill (of course close after warranty expired...)

I have the same issue with Sony STR-ZA1100ES and Sony VPL-HW45ES projector. Mid-2011 MacMini's image just blacks out every 7 seconds when connected to receiver. Direct connection to projector works GREAT!

Note that I have 2 same MacMini's to test, and they both have same issue.

I suspect it has to do with AMD and DRIVERS and HDCP handshake or not establishing HDMI frequency lock.

I am still in the process of finding the exact solution, but those things DON'T work:

-NVRAM reset.

-macOS updates (tried 10.9.3, 10.9.5, 10.11.6, 10.12.6, 10.13!!!!)

-EFI update

-Various HDMI cables

-mDP (passive adapter) to HDMI (the same flickering/blacking out issue)

-Plugable Active Mini DisplayPort to HDMI 2.0 (gave me for a second weird artifacts then no signal at all, will be testing again)

After reading a lot, and testing, there are couple possible solutions:

-Getting HDMI splitter to remove HDCP. Worked for some people. Can be illegal if you use this for piracy, obviously not the case in this thread.

Tweaking4All.com - How to remove HDCP from HDMI signal ...

https://www.jdhodges.com/blog/hdmi-hdcp-stripper/

-Using device - Dr. HDMI from monoprice. Priced at about $90.

-Using active mDP to HDMI (people claimed Club3D worked, will test it)

So the issue is definitely macOS software related, as a lot of people on the forums have exactly the same issues with various AV receivers.

I work in a University AV department and we have this problem when connecting any Mac to a system with more than 1 component, where there is a mix of HDCP complaint and non-complaint components in the chain. Either everything in the system must be HDCP complaint, or the first Component must be non-HDCP complaint so that the mac detects this and outputs a non HDCP signal.

This paper from KramerAV explains it better than I can.

https://k.kramerav.com/downloads/white-papers/integrate_macmini_4.pdf

If you connect the TV directly to the Mini does it still do it?

Have you tried different cables?

I am having the identical problem.

I just purchased a Yamaha RX-A3040 receiver to replace my older RX-V2700 receiver.

I also purchased a Panasonic Viera 65AX800 4K LED TV to replace my 2 year old Panasonic 65VT50 Plasma (sold it with the sale of our previous home).

The mac mini runs fine with the old setup.

The mac mini runs fine when connected directly to the new TV.

The mac mini cycles every c. 7 seconds, going black for about 3/4 second.

OS-X 10.8.2

Mac Mini: 2.5GHz Core i5, 4GB RAM

Please let me know if you have any updates on this problem.

Thank you.

I've, sadly, got the same problem too. My MM used to work fine when connected to my older Yamaha RXV1067. I've changed my amp to the Yamaha RXA2040 and the video blinks just as you describe. I'm bootcamped and it works fine with Windows 10. In El Capitan, it works when connected directly to the LG TV but this is far from ideal. If you've had any progress in resolving this, any tips would be most appreciated. I even bought a mini display port to HDMI cable but this connection exhibits exactly the same problem when connected to the amp.

Thanks,

Keith

Which Mini model do you have?

Have you tried a PRAM reset (OS X El Capitan: Reset your computer’s PRAM)?

Have you tried different power up sequences between the 3 devices?

In my system, I have a 2011 MacMini Server running El Capitan, an older Yamaha RX-V467,

Samsung 42" LED TV. All connection via HDMI with the receiver as the source control for

audio and video. I don't exhibit any of the video issues that you speak of. However, I do

have to power up in a specific sequence for Dolby and DTS passthrough to function.

If it is any other order, only stereo is available. For me, that sequence is TV, Receiver, then

boot the Mini.

It may be that there is some HDMI negotiation timing that is screwing things up with the receiver

in the middle. As wide spread as HDMI is, the specification reads more like suggestions rather

than requirements. At least from a software/firmware standpoint.

Hi Woodmeister,

As far as the Mac Mini model goes, from the original shipping email from September 2012, I've copied details at the end of this post. I did swap out the HDD with an SSD but that was at least a couple of years ago and it's worked fine since then.

I'm new to having to troubleshoot anything with OS X; I really don't use that side of it much.

However, I bought myself a new wired keyboard just to be able to perform the PRAM and SMC reset, which have both been carried out and haven't cured the issue.

I have sent an email to Yamaha to ask about this. Crucially, this used to work with no issue with the old amp. It works with a direct connection to the TV.

Windows 10 bootcamped works with no problem when connected to the amp. It's only when I boot into El Capitan that it exhibits this issue. It was also happening with the previous OS X which is what prompted me to upgrade to El Capitan and, at the same time, upgrade to Windows 10.

I'm in no desperate rush, I can connect it direct to the TV and use ARC or optical to route audio back to the amp with minimal fuss. Another option is to use AirPlay to my Apple TV I suppose. It is just a bit annoying though, I thought that the amp would just involve a straight swap.

I'll give the power-on/boot up sequence thing a try over the weekend if I get chance.

I've just spotted the following support link, I might give that a try Mac mini EFI Firmware Update 1.7

Thanks,

Keith

Hi again,

Sorry for replying to my own post, looks like I edited my original the maximum number of times or left it too long ...

I tried firmware updating and it looks like I'm up to date already. The MM is a 5,2. The graphics card is an Radeon HD 6630M.

Have you verified that the video settings in Display Preference are compatible

with your TV? BTW, is the TV 4K or 1080P/I?

Hi,

Sorry for the delay in replying. Yamaha kindly sent me, what I assume is, a beta firmware for the amp. Unfortunately it made no difference for this display problem. In answer to your last question, all of the settings are compatible. A direct connection to the TV is fine. Only when connected to the amp does OSX blink. As mentioned, bootcamped Windows using the same display settings does not blink using the amp. For the time being I'm just going to connect it direct to the TV and use the ARC for audio back to the amp.

Thanks for all help and suggestions, I think I'll leave any further investigation for now, we've got Christmas to get through 🙂

Keith

Hi again,

Yamaha advised that another new firmware was available for the receiver. I've applied firmware 1.77. Sadly, this has not cured the problem but it did prompt me to try to be a little more scientific in my feedback to them. The behaviour is not as erratic as once thought. The OS X display stays 'stable' for 7 seconds. The screen then blinks to black for 1 second. The OS X desktop then re-appears and stays stable for 7 seconds and blacks out again and this cycle repeats thereafter. As before, bootcamped Windows 10 is stable and does not blink.

I've re-read this thread and noted that the OP, Grand Wazoo, noticed the regular period of 7 seconds; does this ring a bell in terms of HDCP/HDMI content handshakes or similar (shameless speculation mode engaged there 🙂)

Keith

Hi David.

Yamaha support have asked me if I can reset my bootcamped Mac Mini as they are looking to debug this issue with someone with a standard set-up. I don't want to do this as it took ages to get the thing set-up how I have it. Have you been in contact with Yamaha about it at all, have you just got OS X as your single operating system?

Cheers,

Keith

The different HDMI-inputs on the receiver handles HDCP differently. Try one of the HDMI-inputs marked DVI and that doesn´t have HDCP-markings.

If you use a HDCP-marked input you will get exactly your described problem...