Kanex XD

PS3 Your iMac

$149.95

 

Overview


Transform your 27-inch Apple iMac or Apple LED Cinema Display into a High Definition Display with the award winning Kanex XD. Connect and play your Blu-Ray DVD player, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, or digital set top box in HD format. View a true crisp and clear picture with no video scaling. Full control is at your fingertips as you can adjust the volume and brightness through your wireless Bluetooth keyboard. The XD also supports audio pass-through resulting in the ultimate multimedia experience.

Feature Work Hard and Play Hard

Play all your favorite games from the PS3 and the Xbox 360 on the iMac. Eliminate the need for an additional TV that is expensive and takes up space when you can simply connect your consoles to the 27-inch iMac and Apple Cinema Display.

Feature Two displays in one

Fully utilize the backlit LED of the 27-inch iMac to work and play hard. Use command+F2 hotkey to toggle between the OS and target display mode so you can maximize efficiency.

Feature Award Winning Performance

Winner of Macworld's Best of Show Award 2010, the Kanex XD provides stunning performance and quality. Offering excellent design and features unparalleled, Kanex XD provides premium results as a solution connecting your HDMI source to your iMac and Cinema Display.

Compatibility


iMac
  • Late 2009
  • Mid 2010
LED Display 24
  • Late 2008
LED Display 27
  • Mid 2010

Specs


MPN:
HDMDPUS
Downloads:
- Product Sheet (880 kb.)
Technical Specifications

  • Input: HDMI
  • Output: Mini DisplayPort
  • Maximum Resolution of 1920x1200@60Hz
  • 1920 x 1200 @ 60Hz on 24-inch Apple LED Cinema Display*
  • 1280x720 @ 60Hz on 27-inch iMac and Apple LED Cinema Display*
  • Supports uncompressed digital LPCM 7.1, 5.1 or 2 channels
  • Supports compressed digital Bit-Stream (Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD Master Audio)
  • Power: 5V DC Power Supply
  • Dimensions: 3.2 inches (L) x 2.1 inches (W) x 1 inch (H)

Package Content:

  • Kanex XD
  • 3ft Mini DisplayPort cable M/M
  • 3ft HDMI cable M/M
  • 5V Power Supply

 

NOTE: Not compatible with Thunderbolt iMac or Thunderbolt Display

 

 

 

FAQ (29)

Ask Questions

E-Mail:     Name:  
Question:  


Frequently Asked Questions

Will this work on iMac 21.5?
No. The iMac 21.5 does not accept an input signal through the Mini DisplayPort.


Why do I have to set my sources to 720p?
The need to set your source to 720p is a limitation due to the iMac not the XD. Here is why: the EDID (extended display identification data) embedded in the display only accepts two input resolutions: 2560x1440 and 1280x720. The first resolution is not supported by PS3 and Xbox because the highest resolution output they support is 1920x1080, or 1080p. But since the iMac doesn't recognize 1080p input resolution, the sources must be set to 720p for proper video pass through. The XD features up to


I followed the correct connections, but I still need help troubleshooting
First try hitting command-f2 to toggle to the display. If this doesn’t work try resetting. Unplug everything from the XD box. And before plugging back in, make sure the AC adapter is plugged into the wall with the power on. Then be sure that the MDP cable is connected to your iMac and reboot. And the HDMI cable should be connected to the PS3 with the power on. Lastly, you'll want to connect each of the cords to the XD box beginning with the HDMI cable, followed by the power source and last the M


Why do I have to connect per the included leaflet?
The XD is a converter which needs to recognize and sync to source before anything else. So be sure to power on the PS3, Xbox, or Blu-ray player and then connect the HDMI source to XD followed by plugging in the XD power and ending with the Mini DisplayPort connection. Following this order will render the best results.


Does Kanex XD work with a Wii console?
Wii does not have HDMI output, only RCA cable connector. In order to use with the XD with your Wii, an RCA to HDMI converter is needed. See our blog post on how-to:


Can I connect a PS3 and Xbox at the same time?
Yes. With the help of an HDMI switcher you can connect and switch between each device you want connected to the iMac.


How can I control sound and playback from Kanex XD?
Hot key function (command+F2) will allow you to toggle back and forth from desktop computer to HD source. Volume and brightness controls on the keyboard can also control the source.


Can I connect the kanex xd to my macbook pro.. I have a 17" version?
Thank you for your reply. Please be advised that the MacBook Pro does not have an input display feature like the iMac does. Therefore, the Mini DisplayPort on the MacBook is for Video Out only.


Does this work for the 24" apple cinema display? thanks.
Dear Customer, This will work on the 24" Apple Cinema Display as long as you have a source that is capable of outputting 1900x1200 via the HDMI port. If you can achieve this resolution then this will work with your Apple Cinema Display. If you have any further questions please contact us at: http://www.kanexlive.com/contact/ Thank you and have a nice day.


Does this device also function as an Mac to tv adapter? To play HD movies on my television!?
Dear Customer, Please be advised that this unit is not bi-directional and will only allow you to display an HDMI source to a mini DisplayPort display. Thank you.


Do you know if the new iMac 27" that was released today finally allows 1080, rather than 720 as the previous model did?
Dear Customer, Unfortunately, the new iMac 27" (MC510LL/A and MC511LL/A) still only support 720p. We have tested the Kanex XD with it and it will still only render a display if the source is set to a 720p resolution. We do apologize for the inconvenience. However, if you sign up for our newsletter we will update you with any new findings that we may encounter. If you have any other questions or concerns please contact us at: http://kanexlive.com/contact/ Thank you.


HDCP is fully supported?
Dear Customer, Yes the Kanex XD is fully HDCP compliant.


Can I use this device with the new Apple TV and use the screen on my 27" iMac for Apple TV content?
Please be advised that the Kanex XD does work with the Apple TV. Please note that all content must be set to 720p in order for the image to render. Thank you.


How do I connect my PS3 using this to my 27" cinema display?
Please be advised that you would connect the PS3 set at 720p to the Kanex XD via HDMI. Then you would connect the Mini DisplayPort from the Cinema Display to the Kanex XD. If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact us at: http://www.kanexlive.com/contact/ Thank you.


Can I use the Kanex XD to connect Apple TV through Kanex XD to a new 27'' LED Apple Cinema Display?
The XD will work with the Apple TV on the new 27" Apple LED Cinema Displays. You simply hook it up and it will work.


Will this work with a 2010 MacBook pro?
The MacBook Pros can not be used as a display therefore the Kanex XD will not work with the MacBook Pros.


Will this connect to a Comcast HDTV cable box and display TV shows on the 27" iMac?
As long as you can set your cable box to output in 720p via the HDMI then you will be able to use it with the XD.


Will the XD work to convert the signal from my ps3 to my 24 inch Apple Cinema display at 720p?
The 24 inch Apple Cinema Display only accepts a 1900x1200 input signal therefore you will not be able to connect your PS3 with the Kanex XD.


Do you need a TV in order for this set up to work through, or this this device eliminate the need for a television?
Hello, You will need an HDMI display in order to set up your source such as your PS3 or Xbox 360 prior to connecting it to the XD and your iMac. You will need to set your source before using it with the XD. Thank you.


does the product come with the additional wires needed - ie the cable plugging into the back of my imac?
Please be advised that the Kanex XD comes with a Male to Male HDMI cable and a Male to Male Mini DisplayPort cable and a Power supply. Everything you need to get your XD up and running out of the box.


Will this product work with a Mac Pro hooked up to a 27inch Apple Cinema Display?
As long as you can set your Video Card resolution to 720p via HDMI then it will work with the XD on your Apple Cinema Display.


Will the Kanex XD work on the Macbook Pro 15" model no. A1286 ??
The MacBook Pro does not have any input video features and therefore it will not work with the Kanex XD.


The 27" Apple cinema display says it supports a resolution of 1920 x 1080. http://www.apple.com/displays/specs.html How come this resolution wont work with the XD when outputting from a PC at this resolution?
Please be advised that the 27" Apple Cinema Display itself supports many resolutions up to its native resolution of up to 2560x1440. However, when using a non Mini DisplayPort signal the EDID of the Cinema Display will only accept a 720p resolution. This limitation is based on the EDID settings. The Kanex XD itself actually supports up to 1920x1200 if allowed.


Does this work to provide a second display for a laptop with HDMI at 2560x1440 ?
Please be advised that this will allow you to take a HDMI source(PS3, Xbox 360) and view it on your 27"iMac or 27" Apple Cinema Display.


Hi, this looks like an awesome product! Will I be able to use this with a PC Desktop with a graphic card that has HDMI output? I have a late 2010 27" iMac, and I was wondering if I can use my iMac as a monitor for my PC with this. Thanks so much :D
Yes as long as you send your PC resolution HDMI output to 1280x720 it will work just fine.


If I link directly the kanex XD to an LED cinema display 27" how do I adjust the volume output of the display?
You'll have to manually adjust the audio on the device your inputing (probably through the system's settings) since the Cinema Display doesn't have built-in volume control.


Will the Kanex XD work fine with the new iMac's (MC812B/A) via the Thunderbolt port?
Our Kanex XD requires modification to work with the new thunderbolt iMac 27-inch. We are under development of a newer version. Please look out for an announcement soon. In the mean time the Kanex XD still works for iMac 27 2009-early 2011 and also the LED Cinema Display 27-inch.


hello, will the kanex xd work with the brand new Imac May 2011?
Our Kanex XD requires modification to work with the new thunderbolt iMac 27-inch. We are under development of a newer version. Please look out for an announcement soon. In the mean time the Kanex XD still works for iMac 27 Late 2009 - early 2011 and also the LED Cinema Display 27-inch.


I have just purchased n Apple 27" LED Cinema display PN MC007LL/A to use with my MacBook Pro 15" via the laptop's mini display port... no issues anticipated. At other times I would also like to use the Cinema Display with an HP EliteBook 8730W laptop that has an HDMI output port... the folks at Apple advised me that the Kanex XD will provide the proper interface... Is this true, and are there any settings or nuances I should be aware of before purchasing the Kanex XD? Thanks very much in advan
Yes, the Kanex XD will allow you to connect your EliteBook to your Apple Cinema Display, however be advised that in order to get video playback out of the ACD, The 27-inch Apple iMac and Cinema Display EDID will not accept HDMI resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p) therefore sources must be set at a matching resolution of 1280x720 (720p) for full screen HD playback.


Ratings (43)

4.12 out of 5 - Total Ratings = 43
(16)
(20)
(3)
(4)
(0)
Reviewed on 1/23/2012 by KG
Calgary Alberta Canada
Device: iMac - Year: 2009
I used it with my 27 inch iMac to play my PS3. It is a fantastic product.


Reviewed on 10/20/2011 by BH
Kelowna British Columbia Canada
Device: iMac - Year: 2009
To Connect my PS3 That its easy to use and doesn't involve much to get it working That I had to use a TV to change the ps3 video output before I could see it when connected to the Kanex XD


Reviewed on 7/14/2011 by BP
Pindamonhangaba São Paulo Brazil
Device: iMac - Year:
Não funcionou apos o MAC OS 10.6.8


Reviewed on 7/8/2011 by SM
Honesdale PA United States
Device: Others - Year: 2011/3
I had a very smooth transaction, and the product works great. I'm able to use it to play my XBox on my iMac 27-inch. Exactly what I wanted.


Reviewed on 4/5/2011 by JG
Austin TX United States
Device: - Year:
Works great. I can now play my HD cable box on my 27" Imac. Picture has to be in 720p format but still looks good. Sound is controlled my computer volume, not the cable box. Overall great product so far.


Reviewed on 4/1/2011 by BB
Scotts Valley CA United States
Device: - Year:
5 stars


Reviewed on 3/8/2011 by JJ
Aurora NY United States
Device: - Year:
1. Use it to play Xbox on my iMac 27" i7 (purchased in October 2010) 2. How I can use my iMac as a HDMI enabled TV (great! Thank you!) 3. Everything's great except my computer must be goofy because sometimes command F2 doesn't send it over to the DV input. 4. Just waiting for apple to allow 1080 =] 5. Thank you for a great product!


Reviewed on 1/6/2011 by EM
Montreal Quebec Canada
Device: - Year:
I not very satisfied. I have only sound, no image. I put my iMac 27" display at 1280 x 720 and always only sound.


Reviewed on 1/5/2011 by FA
Bartlett IL United States
Device: - Year:
it works great. easy to install.


Reviewed on 1/3/2011 by lg
el paso TX United States
Device: - Year:
Used it to connect PS3 to iMac and Cinema Display.


Reviewed on 12/16/2010 by mL
Westminster CO United States
Device: - Year:
I wanted to use this product to attach both my mac book air and a video conferencing unit to my 27" Cinema display. It works great in an either or situation but not for both. I ended up getting a KVM switch for my minidisplay port that provides the necessary 2nd minidisplay input. My misunderstanding. Great product though for what it was intended.


Reviewed on 11/11/2010 by JC
Blezard Valley Ontario Canada
Device: - Year:
I've used it to connect my playstation 3 as well as my xbox360. It works really well, game graphics look great. my only small concern is that sometimes when I connect it I must do it in a specific order or it wont. work. In any case I highly recommend the Kanex XD


Reviewed on 11/11/2010 by MM
Ste-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier Québec Canada
Device: - Year:
1. I used it to link a appleTV to a 27 inches Led cinema display. 2 . It worked. 3. I can't control de sound of cinema display.


Reviewed on 9/24/2010 by RS
Los Alcazares Murcia Spain
Device: - Year:
Its what i was looking for,really great, im happy with it. Downpoints:no 1400p interpol as other devices and a bit overpriced!


Reviewed on 9/17/2010 by RH
Las Palmas Las Palmas Spain
Device: - Year:
Imac27 Imac27 xbox360 Cons volume control, initializating Pros works


Reviewed on 9/16/2010 by YB
Montreal Quebec Canada
Device: - Year:
I use this to connect my Xbox360 to my iMac 27" and it works like a charm! Great product, easy to use and no lag at all.


Reviewed on 9/15/2010 by NF
Jeddah Saudi Arabia
Device: - Year:
1.iMac 2.Using it for entertainment purposes (connecting PS3 to iMac). 3.Their is a bit inconvince in the adapter getting hot after long usage but overall it's fine.


Reviewed on 9/15/2010 by S
Toshima-ku TOKYO Japan
Device: - Year:
I live in Japan. Very fast delivery. 1.iMac 27''?PS3 2.Good.I am satisfied. 3.Pros:Compact. Cons:Wrong order and do not see the connection.


Reviewed on 9/14/2010 by NK
Kentwood LA United States
Device: - Year:
2010 27 in iMac hooked up with a playstation 3 Pros: great product, does what it says it does Cons: only on apple for not supporting 1080p


Reviewed on 9/14/2010 by TR
Amsterdam Netherlands
Device: - Year:
1. iMac 27" 2. Tried (unsuccessfully so far) to watch HDTV on my iMac 27". 3. That's a splendid thing, to have one screen for it all, but it simply didn't work for me, yet. Any idea? I do get the menu of my Digital MediaBox on the screen, including the TV audio, but not the TV video. My Specs: Digital HDTV MediaBox Pace (UPC Netherlands) iMac 27" 2010 2.93GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 8GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 4x2GB 2TB Serial ATA Drive 8x double-layer SuperDrive ATI Radeon HD 5750 1GB GDDR5 SDRAM


Reviewed on 8/23/2010 by MK
Burin Newfoundland Canada
Device: - Year:
you still need a TV to tune up.


Reviewed on 8/23/2010 by KH
Liège Belgium
Device: - Year:
1. iMac 2009 2.66GHz Core i5 2. I connect my Xbox360 to the Kanex and plug my sound system to the Mac 3. I'm just a little bit annoyed by the screen resolution setting, that i have to do blindy... Cause I disconnect my setting very often.


Reviewed on 8/22/2010 by PS
Madrid Madrid Spain
Device: - Year:
The Image quality of a 720p source on the 27" iMac is horrible.


Reviewed on 8/13/2010 by WM
Selden NY United States
Device: - Year:
Use it mostly from my xbox 360 or ps3 to my iMac 27' (2010). Pros- allows me to play a game on the great monitor of the iMac so I don't even mind letting my wife use the 42 sharp LCD to watch tv Cons- sometimes it takes a one or two tires to get it to put the hdmi signal onto the iMac


Reviewed on 8/12/2010 by eT
Montréal Quebec Canada
Device: - Year:
imac 27


Reviewed on 8/11/2010 by MM
Urayasu CHIBA Japan
Device: - Year:
1.2009.10 iMac27 Quad-Core Intel Core i7 2.I enjoy a blue lei and trune (digital television tuner) very much because it ties to PS3, HTX-22HD (home made of ONKYO theater speaker), and Kanex XD. 3.The merit must tie to iMac without the image delay. The weak point cannot be output by 720P by receiving the signal of 1080P (?). If Apple corresponds, it is not a weak point and it becomes it. 720P signal of PC(VGA:Radeon5550) equipped with HDMI was not able to be output to iMac (?). Do you run in my English? It is large satisfactory for the product. Morihiko Ikeda


Reviewed on 8/11/2010 by DJ
Brighton CO United States
Device: - Year:
Would be a 5 if you had worked with apple to ensure the device would be able to support 1080p. I realize that this is on apple but the way you advertise this product is deceiving... Works great but I sure would like 1080p.


Reviewed on 8/11/2010 by WK
Toronto Ontario Canada
Device: - Year:
2010 iMac 27" Bell satellite TV hdmi out to kanex xd to miniDP input on mac pros: works like a charm, great quality tv on my mac, saves money and space, am extremely happy with it, nice and small, fair price, great finish that mimics the mac, comes with the cables cons: stupid blue light is on constantly and lights up the room at night, tricky setup (didn't work the first time and had to try it again), can't control the volume through the apple remote, gets really hot, would be nice to be powered through the connections to the Mac or satellite box


Reviewed on 8/11/2010 by CB
Orlando FL United States
Device: - Year:
iMac Late 2009 27" Corei7. Xbox 360 > HDMI out > Kanex XD > iMac Pros:HDMI in to iMac. Cons: Somtimes i have to reset the power to the XD for it to recognize the HDMI input signal from the 360. This seems to happen at random.


Reviewed on 8/11/2010 by VK
Chicago IL United States
Device: - Year:
Superb playback! Cons - gets very hot when plugged in requiring unplugging after each use.


Reviewed on 8/11/2010 by KI
Funabashi CHIBA Japan
Device: - Year:
1.KANEX XD For iMac 27inch 2.I am playing PS3 Games on my Mac.I am very satisfied with your product. But,I am disappointed that it doesn't support 1080p resolution. 3.I am a consumer.


Reviewed on 8/11/2010 by BR
Lasalle QUEBEC Canada
Device: - Year:
2.8GHz Core i7 iMac 27", late 2009. Used to connect Playstation 3 to iMac...used for PS3 gaming and playback of Blu-Ray videos. Excellent product, followed the provided sequence for trouble-free installation; no 'cons' come to mind. Has done everything it was advertised to do.


Reviewed on 8/10/2010 by EK
San Francisco CA United States
Device: - Year:
I use the Kanex HD with a Playstation 3 and an iMac. I use it to display the Playstation 3 on my iMac screen, plugged in the normal way. The first unit I received was faulty, but once I realized it was product error I ordered a new one that worked immediately and perfectly.


Reviewed on 8/10/2010 by PS
APO AP United States
Device: - Year:
Macbook Pro 2008 Aluminum (non Unibody) 2.4 C2D, 6GB RAM, 256GB SSD XBox 360 27" iMac 2009, i7, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD Works great. I was surprised to be able to use this with my MBP with the DVI to HDMI cable into this adapter. Obviously limited on resolution this way but it worked great.


Reviewed on 8/10/2010 by GL
Jersey City NJ United States
Device: - Year:
i7 iMac PS3 Slim is connected with the iMac I am enjoying everything with the Kanex XD. Love the graphics of blu-ray movies and ps3 games. The only issue i have is the netflix dvd. It would not display to the imac when i load the dvd into my ps3. I get the sound but not the video. Overall, the product is excellent.


Reviewed on 8/10/2010 by JP
Vancouver British Columbia Canada
Device: - Year:
Imac 27" 2009. I use it hook up other displays like ps3 to my Imac. This is a product I have been waiting for for about 10 months. This is a great product Now I can do all that the imac is able to do. Thanks


Reviewed on 8/10/2010 by PP
Victoriaville Quebec Canada
Device: - Year:
1 - I'm using a late 2009, 27" iMac model 2.8 Ghz Intel Core i7, 8 GB RAM DDR3, ATI RADEON HD 4850 512 MB. 2- I'm using the Kanex XD to play with my PS3 on my iMac and watch Bluray DVD on it. 3- Pros : Great product, it works great ! Cons : Do not support 1080p which is a bit disappointing...


Reviewed on 8/10/2010 by VC
Kowloon Hong Kong
Device: - Year:
1. iMac 27" 2. Actually, I'm disappointed of Kanex XD. Because picture quality is not good when 720 on iMac 27". $150 plus a little bit can buy another 22-24" monitor instead of Kanex XD. This product is only for someone haven't enough places to setup 2 monitors.


Reviewed on 8/10/2010 by CC
XiZhi City Taipei Taiwan
Device: - Year:
1. IMac 2010 27" Im using it to input my PlayStation3 into iMac. Works great, all video and audio works flawlessly. However, I noticed that PS3 always detect my monitor to have 1080 input capability, and results in blskc screen. I have to use composite cable to uncheck 1080 to make it work. If Kanex XD can automatically rewrites EDID or downscale 1080p to 720p, and add a screen to show when input is not being relayed to help user understand what is going on, it will be a wonderful product. :)


Reviewed on 8/10/2010 by PO
Goteborg Sweden
Device: - Year:
I'm using the Kanex XD to connect an Xbox 360 Elite to my 27" iMac, and basically it works flawlessly. The only negative thing I can think of is the price, and the fact that it's needed at all - an HDMI input on the iMac itself would have been more convenient.


Reviewed on 8/9/2010 by EG
North York ONTARIO Canada
Device: - Year:
We used Kanex XD to hook both our PS3 and XBox 360 to our 27" iMac. It works great! The picture is nice and clear and the sound is excellent. Switching back and forth is just a matter of pressing a couple keys. It was very simple to set up and, so far, we have not had any problems. We live in a small apartment and had hoped to be able to use the iMac as a replacement for our TV. With Kanex we were able to do that! Definitely worth every penny!


Reviewed on 8/9/2010 by AB
Groton CT United States
Device: - Year:
i used it for my ps3. it has a nice big display and for 720 looks really great. cables r way to short. should have made ALL the cables longer especially the power cord. and over priced for such a simple device. but to late i already bought it at 150$ but works great haven't had a problem....better not have a problem


Reviewed on 8/9/2010 by JB
Bloomington MN United States
Device: - Year:
I bought this product for watching blu-ray on the 27" imac computer screen. I liked that I COULD actually watch blu-ray on it! The quality was better than a regular cd, but not as vibrant and brilliant and smooth as 1080p on a 1080p TV. On that point, I was dissapointed. It also took quite a bit to get set up (you have to plug everything in just right and in the right order or it won't work.


Videos

  • Macworld 2010: Kanex XD and Microvision ShowWX - MacWorld