set iMac as display but unable to lower brightness

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set iMac as display but unable to lower brightness

I have set my old iMac as a display for my newly purchased Mac mini (late 2014) using MDP to MDP port. Everything seems to be working fine except that I'm not able to find anything to set (lower) the display brightness on the iMac. There is no tool in systems preferences> Display that I can use. I had to install Brightness Slider App which only puts shades on t he screen but unable to thoroughly reduce the brightness (e.g., mouse pointer and also small help windows on side bars as still bright). Apart from wasting so much energy, this makes me uncomfortable and is really irritating for eyes. I did never expect to encounter such stupid bug in Mac computers and it's OS.

So, was wondering if anybody could help on this issue.

Thanks a lot in advance...

Mac mini, OS X El Capitan (10.11.1), Mac mini connect to iMac (display)

Posted on Dec 16, 2015 6:03 PM

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Answer 1

lllaass

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Dec 17, 2015 1:27 AM in response to Delkook

Try also posting here:

iMac

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Answer 2

Delkook Author

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Dec 17, 2015 7:51 PM in response to lllaass

I posted there as well, thanks...

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Answer 3

lllaass

Level 10

210,519 points

Dec 18, 2015 1:00 AM in response to Delkook

Display options

You can control the brightness of your iMac display while it's in Target Display Mode from a connected Mac. Use the Displays pane of System Preferences on the connected Mac, or use the brightness keys on the keyboard of the connected Mac.

Did you try both options?

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Answer 4

Delkook Author

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Dec 20, 2015 7:48 PM in response to lllaass

I cannot locate Target Display Mode in my iMac. The reason might have been because of my iMac that is not equipped with Thunderbolt port and as a result I have to use MDP (MiniDisplayPort) to MDP connection. moreover, CMD-F1 and CMD-F2 (generally F1 and F2 keys) are inactive so I have no control in adjusting brightness manually.

I also see my Display preferences like this...

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Answer 5

den.thed

Level 10

92,386 points

Dec 20, 2015 8:34 PM in response to Delkook

For the eye irritation I would try a different Color Profile or a custom Color Profile that is not as bright.

http://www.computer-darkroom.com/colorsync-display/colorsync_1.htm

It will not help with energy consumption, but then neither does using the iMac as a monitor instead of using a standard computer monitor.

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