Issue- no video -DVI dual splitter i7-HDMI port>DVI

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MIKEinMICH Author

Level 1

20 points

Issue- no video -DVI dual splitter i7-HDMI port>DVI

What am I missing here?

I have an i7 2.3g -late2012 Mini. 10.8.5. in a studio where i feed a dual display

using a video splitter by - first, Tripp Lite, now an Aluratek -DVI 2-port video splitter (powered

units).

Followed all proper sequence in start-up, device worked for maybe a week and a half.

Walked away and returned after maybe 48 hours i.e. Friday to Monday. Computer was running in

sleep mode… On wake attempt, No monitor video signal recognized. Powerd off/on, no change.

Reset PRAM and disconnected/reconnected Mini Power after 30 secs… tried reconnect splitter/monitors…

sequence….still no resolution of video signal to monitors. Indicators on splitter show signal from the i7,

and connectivity to the monitors. I'm ruling that device out as the fault.

Am following all proper mfgr procedure as far as the splitter just as if new out-of-box in reconnecting

powering it up - getting nothing. Odd thing is, I had identical issue with the Tripp Lite - which is why i

bought this Aluratek splitter to replace it. Now, same issue.

When first connected to same monitors, it worked fine right out of the box.

Now the same issue as the other splitter. Changed out two different HDMI>DVI

cables. ALL cables. No change.

Connecting either of the monitors directly TO the HDMI port on Mini-- display works fine.

Tried MiniDisplay port to splitter. didn't work...

What could conflict in the OS - something making these monitors sleep, something system-wise

that's disrupting this process? Even pulled all other connections (external USB port stuff) and it

didn't resolve it.

It's too coincidental for two splitters to fail with this same issue - seems to point to something with the

Mac. Meantime, no dual-display til i can figure it out.

Any help greatly appreciated -

Thanks,

Mike

Mac mini (Late 2012), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Aug 29, 2016 6:40 PM

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Answer 1

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Aug 30, 2016 8:56 AM in response to MIKEinMICH

I'd suspect the Power Adapter… & maybe check for a ground loop too.

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Answer 2

Aug 30, 2016 8:57 AM in response to MIKEinMICH

There's no reason to follow any problem with OS.

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Answer 3

MIKEinMICH Author

Level 1

20 points

Aug 30, 2016 9:11 AM in response to Randy Decker

ok.

Tech support suggested trying a different computer- the only one that'd be handy to test would

be another Mini -same vintage … They didn't seem to have a clear answer but said it could be

the graphics card not being able to support the splitter…Below is what I show for hardware - Now,

what makes no sense is them saying that it's possible for the graphic card to support it for 'awhile'

and then stop being able to recognize/support it (?) As i've said either of the monitors direct-out

of the HDMI>DVI individually, works fine… This splitter worked fine - for a week. The other one..

for like, 14 months - Now checking the splliter's specs, This device indicates resolution up to 1900x1200…and am using identical Acer G246HLs - could a resolution setting be an issue? "Best for Display" is what I've had it set on for a long time… The "scaled" options tho show a top Res of 1920x1080 - sound like that could play into this??? - Is there maybe something in the Acer monitors i'm not 'getting' as far as controls --? AFAIK they're pretty much plugn play

As far as power supply and ground loops.. not sure where to go with that.

argh, talk about a problem i don't have time for right now! ; \

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Answer 4

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Aug 30, 2016 7:26 PM in response to MIKEinMICH

I agree, that makes no sense. 😟

Like your Video Card quit working until you got a new device???

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Answer 5

MIKEinMICH Author

Level 1

20 points

Aug 30, 2016 7:43 PM in response to BDAqua

I can see no other choice than to return this splitter...incredible as it may be that it developed the same issue as the other one in a week's time.

Still need to come up with a solution tho. These Acers have VGA Available. Any chance a

VGA splitter instead of DVI might work ? I would have to go either hdmi or minidisplay

out to VGA ...using an adapter...then into a powered VGA splitter ... Any reason that would

work where the DVI Splitter doesnt? Im at a loss for a logical answer to this. basic

hardware test run on Mini didnt report any issues btw...

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Answer 6

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Aug 30, 2016 8:28 PM in response to MIKEinMICH

VGA should work fine, in fact better, if your Video Card supports Analog.

I'd still check & see if you're getting current on the ground plug where it's PSU is plugged in.

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Answer 7

MIKEinMICH Author

Level 1

20 points

Sep 3, 2016 8:57 AM in response to BDAqua

VGA is working with a VGA splitter. The resolution is not as sharp as DVI however…i've tried adjusting the monitors as best i can so that makes it a bit better but not ideal. I have yet to try the ground test on the DVI device but will give it a shot. Still- as far as the ground issue, if two different DVI splitters with different power supplies - do not work - i'm wondering how that could be the issue.

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Answer 8

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Sep 3, 2016 1:36 PM in response to MIKEinMICH

Well, it seems to me that if 2 different ones died that the problem is quite likely on your end, & if it is I can only think electrical problems, 🙂

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Answer 9

MIKEinMICH Author

Level 1

20 points

Sep 3, 2016 2:25 PM in response to BDAqua

Gotcha- makes sense.

Well, just tested the Tripp Lite unit power source with multimeter. It showed it delivering proper power. Now the only other 'possible' thing that struck me was the dvi cables. one is 25 feet- the other - near monitor, 3 feet. (hence the reason for the amplified splitter - with the longer distance cable). I did pull all the cables and see that my short cables are DVI-single and the longer ones DVI dual.

So i'm sitting here one cable short - haha- of being able to test and see if using ALL DVI DUAL cables could SOMEhow make some difference..(?)

Beyond that, I'm at total wits end with this and will default to the poorer-resolution VGA splitter option which at least functions at all - til i can figure out something better.

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