HDMI port defective by design?!

Question

Level 1

8 points

HDMI port defective by design?!

Same problem here - I want (heck I need) to be able to use my HDMI port to make presentations on an external display.

I have only recently converted to the Apple technosystem after being forced by former employer to give up Apple in favor of Windows over 20 years ago. I love the way the iOS works (for the most part) and that terminal is there for access to unix based tools but for something as simple as an HDMI port to be defective - by desk?!! - that's not what I expected to get from my new Macbook Pro. My wife's 4+ year-old Windows laptop has an HDMI port that works fine. But my new Macbook Pro? Nada

This is not just embarrassing but also effects me professionally. I need to be able to use external displays of various flavors to present my services to potential clients.

Come on Apple, you can do better than this!?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

Posted on Sep 9, 2016 12:12 PM

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Answer 1

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,306 points

Sep 9, 2016 12:14 PM in response to rickubdrs

1) not speaking to apple, this is a volunteer form

2) iOS is for smart devices, OS X is for laptops, desktops, iMacs, Mini's

3) you need a Thunderbolt to HDMI converter

http://www.apple.com/shop/mac/mac-accessories/power-cables

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Answer 2

rickubdrs Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 9, 2016 12:20 PM in response to JimmyCMPIT

Jimmy,

Thanks for quick reply.

Sorry I guess I should just say OS.

My question then is why do I even have an HDMI port on my Macbook?

I was at the Genius bar this morning an none of the customer support reps suggested I get the Thunderbolt to HDMI converter. I guess they're all under the impression that Apple put the HDMI port in there to use it for HDMI. I guess it's there for looks!

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Answer 3

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,306 points

Sep 9, 2016 12:29 PM in response to rickubdrs

the MacBooks dont even come with an ethernet port any longer and you want HDMI! 😝

the TB port does a number of thing so Apple may have felt HDMI on top of this port was redundant and for $49 more you could solve the problem with an adapter. Again, volunteer forum, I'm here all week.

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Answer 4

alex7375

Level 3

705 points

Sep 9, 2016 12:43 PM in response to rickubdrs

I had a similar problem once. I could not get my Display-port to HDMI adapter to work.

Turn out there was dust inside on Display-port causing a bad connection.

Solution was to blow out my Display-port with a can of compressed air which I purchased at Walmart.

( Dust cleaner ).

I recommend you check all your connections and cable to make sure you have a good connection.

Clean out your Macbook Pro ports.

This is the adapter I used:

https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-DisplayPort-Thunderbolt-Adapter-DA-MDHA/dp/B017NK IQ8M/ref=sr_1_38?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1473449742&sr=1-38&keywords=display+p ort+to+hdmi+adapter

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Answer 5

rickubdrs Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 9, 2016 12:43 PM in response to JimmyCMPIT

Call me a dreamer but I guess I was under the illusion that if an HDMI port is present it should work. I have a free HDMI cable sitting next to my Macbook but it's worthless. The Apple reps selling the MBPs should say that up front ... Something like "I know this says it comes with an HDMI port but that's just for show ... you need to also buy this .... "

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Answer 6

rickubdrs Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 9, 2016 12:47 PM in response to alex7375

Brand-new MBP ... we tried the HDMI ports on another new MBP on display at Apple store an the HDMI cable was just as loose and useless as on mine.

I guess I'll be shopping for some TB adapters.

Thanks!

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