October 2009 Archives
You may notice that the Mac's desktop appears to be slightly larger than the HDTV's screen (its edges are cut off); this is called overscan. Or, you may notice that the desktop doesn't occupy all of the HDTV's screen real estate (there are dark areas around the edges); this is called underscan.
Google "MAC overscan HDTV" and you'll fine hundreds of reported issues on cut off side or menu bar when connecting Mac mini, Macbook to HDTV. Overscan is related to the HDTV not actually the MAC OS X. You can usually correct either issue by making adjustments on the HDTV. Check the HDTV's manual for information on making scan-related adjustments. They may be called overscan, underscan, dot-by-dot, or pixel-by-pixel. If your HDTV has a dot-by-dot or pixel-by-pixel capability, give this a try; it should eliminate any over or underscan issues. Some HDTVs only offer these special scan controls on specific inputs, so be sure to connect to the corresponding input on your HDTV.
If this doesn't work try a custom resolution DisplayConfigX set on the MAC OS X.
Question: I just recieved my adapter. plugged it into my tv (samsung, 1080i lcd tv) via hdmi, then plugged the toslink, usb and mini display port into my 2009 mini. a red light came on on the device, but my tv says "not supported mode" I have had my mini connected via a mini-dvi to hdmi adapter till now with no problems. any ideas what's wrong?
Answer: When the adapter first boot it will auto ouput to 1080p 1920x1080 resolution. Since your HDTV can only go to 1080i that is why you are seeing the message on your HDTV. Reset the "MDP Adapter" resolution on the Mac OS X to the max resolution of your HDTV which will fix the problem and also set it for future connections.
Another setting you may want to check is the refresh rate and PAL/NTSC. Make sure your HDTV supports the refresh rate that MAC OS X is outputting.
A: Yes this is true. The USB port from our sku MDPHDMITOS carries only power to the adapter. It does not carry analog audio and cannot switch from digital out to analog.
Kanex Mini DisplayPort Adapter To HDMI 1080p Video w/ Digital Audio - Sku: MDPHDMITOS
As some of you may know we do not include a user guide or manual in our package for several reasons. The device is a plug and play build for native Mac OS X without drivers. However it does require users to take some additional steps to ensure the correct resolutions and audio settings match your HDTV settings. For instance a 720p 32" HDTV will not display a picture if your Mac is telling the adapter to output 1080p. Audio settings must also be set to "Digital Out" output instead of "Build in Speakers". Another reason why we don't include a manual is that we are also going green like everyone else!...:)
Never the less here is a no brainer step by step user guide and trouble shooting tips directly tested and approved by us.
*Also please note your Apple® Macbook, Mini needs to have an Mini DisplayPort out which is not the same as Mini DVI out used on 2008 and older models. 2009 models all have the new Mini DisplayPort out.
Connection Steps: (Follow these steps to ensure best compatibility)
1. Connect your HDMI cable from your HDTV etc to the adapter HDMI female port
2. Connect the supplied optical fiber cable to the adapter
3. Connect the MiniJack attached from the adapter to your Macbook, Mini etc
4. Now plug the mini displayport from the adapter to your Macbook, Mini etc
5. Lastly connect the attached USB from the adapter to your Macbook, Mini etc
Once plugged in Mac OSx will detect the device as another display call "MDP Adapter". From here you can control the adapter just like a secondary monitor. Adjust resolution output, mirror images, set colors, set refresh rates PAL/NTSC etc. Mac OS X Snow Leopard should detect your HDTV available resolutions and display it "MDP Adapter". Here is a great article on Snow Leopard supports HDTV settings.
Operation:
Step 1. Digital Audio Out Settings:
Open sound settings under system preference and select the output tab. Ensure "Digital Out" is selected and close window. Also make sure your output volume is not set to mute or at the lowest volume.
Step 2: Images Settings
Open the "Displays" settings under system preferences. Make sure the resolution selected under "MDP Adapter" dialog box going out to your HDTV and does not exceed the max resolution supported by your HDTV. For instance the adapter cannot output 1080p to a 1080i HDTV. Make sure output resolution matches.
Under "Display" tab refresh rate should be set to NTSC for North America format and PAL for Europe
-Make sure under the "Arrangement" tab that mirror display is checked.
Troubleshooting:
Some resolutions may cause the adapter to reset due to incompatibility from switching to supported and unsupported HDTV resolution. If this happens reset the adapter by unplugging and following the "Connection Steps" above again.
If you do not get any picture please try changing the resolution on the "MDP Adapter" and or your HDTV.
FAQ:
Here are some additional FAQ
Let us know if you have questions by commenting below. Thanks!
We are getting many request to ship internationally. Good news is that we will soon open up ordering for Canada and maybe other countries depending on request. Some of our upcoming resellers which will carry the Kanex™ Products will ship international but that list is still being complied and will be updated soon to the "Where to buy" section of our site.
Two issues we have with international shipments are tracking and insurance. USPS Priority Mail International does not offer tracking and insurance at economic rates and we feel this is crucial to ensure delivery of your goods.
Let us know here which country you are from and your local mail carrier so we may open up shipment accordingly.
If you like to be notify via email when shipping is available for other countries please subscribe to our email list: http://www.kanexlive.com/newsletter
