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Here is a User guide for the highly acclaimed Kanex XD.  Although this device is very user friendly and easy to use; there are certain steps to follow in order to ensure you are getting the most out of your Kanex XD converter.

Before you use your XD please make sure that your source and display are powered on, the display settings are set to 720p or 1280 x 720* and that your audio settings are set to HDMI output.

                       Connection Steps:

1.    Connect the AC charger to the wall

2.    Connect the HDMI from your source to the XD unit

3.    Then connect the power adapter into the XD unit

4.    Finally plug your Mini DisplayPort cable from your display into your XD unit

 

If you are still having problems you should reset all devices (Xbox 360, Playstation 3, iMac, etc) and attempt to connect the XD again.

A useful feature is that in Mac OS you can switch the source by pressing the Command(⌘) + F2 keys which seamlessly allows you to switch between the desktop and the XD to check emails, browse the web, and use your computer in between using your XD.

 

Please note that the blue light on the HDMI side of the XD unit is the power LED and should always be consistently lit.  Once the Kanex XD unit passes the signal through to the display then the light on the Mini DisplayPort side should stay lit as well.

*The reason you must set the resolution to 720p and not 1080p is due to the fact that the iMac's EDID is set to only accept two input resolutions which are: 2560x1440 and 1280x720. Therefore, if your source is not set to 720p then your iMac will reject the display as it is not compatible with the EDID that is configured on the system. 

Click here for additional troubleshooting advice

If you are having any other problems not addressed on this post then feel free to contact our Technical Support Team at http://kanexlive.com/contact/.

Thanks and see you soon!

 

We like to hear how you are using our Kanex adapters and your application setup. Not all users have the same HD setup. Some may plug directly to HDTV and some going through AV receivers. Are you using it on Mac mini, Macbook or iMac? Have you having issues with incompatibility with your HDTV resolution? How did you resolve the issue? Remeber not all HDTV supports 1080p. You'll have to find out the native resolution of your display type and adjust accordingly to match.

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!