Setting up a 5.1 receiver and TV to Mac Pro

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Level 2

176 points

Setting up a 5.1 receiver and TV to Mac Pro

I am running a Mac Pro and a 4K TV attached via HDMI directly into the Mac. I also have a Denon receiver attached via a Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter. I also have a ultra-wide LG display attached via Thinderbolt.

I want to change this so I attach the 4K TV to the receiver (not the Mac) and still receive the Mac monitor screen - is this possible? Is there a receiver that allows this pass through? I can then attach the receiver into the HDMI port of the Mac Pro (instead of the adapter).

This will allow me to run the TV with surround sound yet still act as a second display to the Mac.

Thanks.

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Apr 24, 2015 2:38 PM

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Answer 1

lllaass

Level 10

210,411 points

Apr 24, 2015 3:38 PM in response to Jon Braeley

What model Mac Pro? I ask since you stated "Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.2)".

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Answer 2

Jon Braeley Author

Level 2

176 points

Apr 24, 2015 3:52 PM in response to lllaass

Its a new late 2014 Mac Pro and 10.10.3.

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Answer 3

lllaass

Level 10

210,411 points

Apr 24, 2015 4:08 PM in response to Jon Braeley

You can get 4K pass through receivers that uses HDMI.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-1015w-7-2-ch-4k-ultra-hd-and-3d-pass-through-a- v-home-theater-receiver-black/4419006.p?…

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/av-receivers-amps/rx/rx-v675_u/

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/AV-Receivers/Pioneer+Receivers/VSX-5 24-K

Note that with HDMI output the Mac only supports 30 Hz at 4K

Using 4K displays and Ultra HD TVs with your Mac - Apple Support

I suggest you update your profile to relce the later 2013 Mac Pro that you have. That is still the latest Mac Pro. No real reason to specify OSX version but correct it if you want to still list it.

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Answer 4

Jon Braeley Author

Level 2

176 points

Apr 25, 2015 10:45 AM in response to lllaass

Thanks - I've checked out HDMI pass through receivers but just wondering if anyone has set this up.

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Answer 5

lllaass

Level 10

210,411 points

Apr 25, 2015 10:56 AM in response to Jon Braeley

I have not seen a post on someone who used 4K receiver passthrough in the forum or the Mac Pro desktop forum

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Answer 6

Jon Braeley Author

Level 2

176 points

Apr 26, 2015 6:37 AM in response to lllaass

I just ordered a new Yamaha receiver with 4K HDMI pass through etc. I will set this up mid-week and post.

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Answer 7

Apr 27, 2015 5:06 AM in response to Jon Braeley

While HDMI pass-thru should be possible be aware that the Mac Pro only has HDMI 1.4 support and does not support HDMI 2.0. This means you will only get 4K at 30fps even if the AV Receiver and TV support 60fps.

There are articles suggesting a Displayport 1.2 to HDMI 2.0 adapter might become available this summer.

Sadly no AV Receivers support Displayport as yet.

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