To be honest I'm not sure how to tell if it's HiDPI. Here's a screenshot of the Displays config on MacOS.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
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DP/USB-C/Thunderbolt 3/4 to HDMI 2.1 4k@120hz RGB4:4:4 10b HDR with Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3 now possible !
- Thread starter Zorast
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When it doesn't say (low resolution) then it is running in HiDPI. You can further confirm this by going into System Information > Graphics / Displays, it will show the full 2x rendered UI resolution there.
In my experience this isn't the case. When you pick Show all resolutions it would give 2 options for each resolution and one would be prefixed with nothing (being hiDPI) and the other would say (low resolution). The default one is a special case where it can be either.
The confirmation is in System Information like you said. It will say UI looks like: and if the 2 resolutions match rather than being fractional (usually halved)l, then it's not high DPI.
There's a whole bunch of people like me trying to get this to work for this monitor but unfortunately it seems to be a macOS limitation. Workaround is to use BetterDisplay (creates a virtual display that supports anything and can then be mirrored onto a real display). The downside of this is that it is limited to 60 Hz, among other random issues.
Hi there can someone tell me the difference between these 2 firmwares? thanks in advance
VMM7100_4kRGB120hz10b_V7_02_112.fullrom
VMM7100_DP_to_HDMI_2_1_CM_7.02.112_MacOS 4K120Hz.fullrom
VMM7100_4kRGB120hz10b_V7_02_112.fullrom
VMM7100_DP_to_HDMI_2_1_CM_7.02.112_MacOS 4K120Hz.fullrom
Go into the thread of M1 gen Macs trying to push HDMI2.1 through type-C, that thread I think already has hundreds of pages.
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@Chancha,
First of all - I have a M2 Max MacBook and a TS4 dock, a rather different scenario and in the original post here it says the guide also applies to those with CalDigit TS4.
Second of all - I have searched the entire forum and lots of pages through Google with no luck.
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Well I was trying (but failed) to answer why you didn’t get an answer.
Yes you have an M2 Max MBP, I saw that no mistake. There is already a working HDMI 2.1 on it for your OLED. But you want to not use that, which essentially reduces your machine’s technical limits the same as the M1 gen Macs, that is: only using Thunderbolt / type-C to output video signal to an HDMI display that reaches 4k120 bandwidth.
Without that knowledge it‘d be hard to pinpoint the thread(s), here is one of them:
DP/USB-C/Thunderbolt 3/4 to HDMI 2.1 4k@120hz RGB4:4:4 10b HDR with Apple Silicon M1/M2 now possible !
WARNING 31.10.23: macOS Sonoma 14.1 and newer breaks HDR with HiDPI 4k@120hz 4:4:4 and beyond. We are looking for a solution. NOTE: To ensure proper credit for this solution, kindly reference this thread when sharing. Thanks! Apple limited HDMI-Transportstream over USB-C/TB/DP to maxed...
forums.macrumors.com
The gist of the problem is hard to summerize. But in very short, Apple Silicon Macs do not understand how good an HDMI display is when it is connected through type-C, and just decides to output only 4k60, despite the GPU clearly is able to handle it.
Well if you want to invest the time to see if the above statement is correct, you can dive into that thread. Or if you just take my word for it, then you can probably get an idea of what I meant by saying “want to bother”. I can make it short for you too I guess: they are still trying to find out, there are some known chips in some selected dongle, but luck is involved and you need software tweaks, including updating firmware of the dongles.
Some people moved on by selling M1 gen Macs and get M2 gen Macs with HDMI 2.1 ports and be done with trying. The machine that you already have.
Hey @Chancha,Well I was trying (but failed) to answer why you didn’t get an answer.
Yes you have an M2 Max MBP, I saw that no mistake. There is already a working HDMI 2.1 on it for your OLED. But you want to not use that, which essentially reduces your machine’s technical limits the same as the M1 gen Macs, that is: only using Thunderbolt / type-C to output video signal to an HDMI display that reaches 4k120 bandwidth.
Without that knowledge it‘d be hard to pinpoint the thread(s), here is one of them:
(this one is the latest thread already starting with solutions, there were threads before this with even more frustrated users)
DP/USB-C/Thunderbolt 3/4 to HDMI 2.1 4k@120hz RGB4:4:4 10b HDR with Apple Silicon M1/M2 now possible !
WARNING 31.10.23: macOS Sonoma 14.1 and newer breaks HDR with HiDPI 4k@120hz 4:4:4 and beyond. We are looking for a solution. NOTE: To ensure proper credit for this solution, kindly reference this thread when sharing. Thanks! Apple limited HDMI-Transportstream over USB-C/TB/DP to maxed...
The gist of the problem is hard to summerize. But in very short, Apple Silicon Macs do not understand how good an HDMI display is when it is connected through type-C, and just decides to output only 4k60, despite the GPU clearly is able to handle it.
Well if you want to invest the time to see if the above statement is correct, you can dive into that thread. Or if you just take my word for it, then you can probably get an idea of what I meant by saying “want to bother”. I can make it short for you too I guess: they are still trying to find out, there are some known chips in some selected dongle, but luck is involved and you need software tweaks, including updating firmware of the dongles.
Some people moved on by selling M1 gen Macs and get M2 gen Macs with HDMI 2.1 ports and be done with trying. The machine that you already have.
I am glad that you took time to explain this.
The thread that you have linked to, is actually the one both you and I are commenting on right now.
The reason I do not want to use my MacBooks perfectly capable HDMI port are as follows:
- Each time I undock my MacBook, i.e. remove the HDMI and have to dock again later on, all my HDMI configurations on the LG OLED TV are gone. I have to do everything from scratch with color setting etc.
- The dock / undock process is very inconvenient with having to plug / unplug 2 cables each time - the HDMI cable that goes from the MBP to TV and the Thunderbolt 4 cable that goes from the MBP to my CalDigit TS4.
Basically, what I want is to:
- Dock / Undock my MBP by only having to deal with ONE cable (the Thunderbolt 4 to the CalDigit TS4) and without loosing my Display Settings.
I completely understand the limitations Apple puts on all of this, I just thought this thread and the guide in the OP would help me achieve my objective, since it specifically mentions CalDigit TS4 also being supported.
I have now ordered Cable Matters DP to HDMI adapter, as suggested in the OP. Now I hope I can get this to work through the firmware update (provided that I can do the update using Parallels on my MBP, since I don't have a Windows PC with a USB C).
Well you are right I am having a bad day, as I was actually mixing up which thread we are in, I was supposed to refer to the original thread of this matter:
Mac mini: 4k @ 120hz?
Hi, I'm thinking about buying an LG OLED tv (CX or C9) that runs on 4k and 120 hz. I'd also like to hook up a MacOS system, but until now they wouldn't be able to make use of the display's possibilities. Now as the M1 Mac mini has been presented I wonder if it runs 4k at 120 hz smoothly. I...
forums.macrumors.com
I am sure some solution will exist or even already exists for you specific scenario. But to my knowledge or the others from these threads, you need to experiment as the combination of docks and displays can create different hurdles. You can try a convertor known with VMM7100 probably not needing to flash. Now if the TS4 already had a HDMI then we wouldn’t need any discussion, but since they chose a DisplayPort there, a 1.4 one no less, so you indeed have more options than like, an M2 Air without a dock for instance. I am not totally sure but I have seen others trying it, that essentially the dock’s graphic conversion chip for that DP port will dictate whether you can do it (getting HDMI 2.1 out of it). I didn‘t dig into what was meant by the OP saying TS4 is supported, but I‘d venture to guess it is talking about using the Thunderbolt / type-C passthrough, not the built-in DP port. But I can be wrong or maybe some advance has been made.
I guess I made a mistake by replying you without a solution. Kind of rudely, no less. Apologies.
hi guys was using the Cable Matters Adapter with the custom firmware on my m1 that i flashed a month ago it was working perfectly fine and was getting 120hz. then i got the new m3 max macbook and tried the dongle on it via usbc was gettng 120hz but then the outer edges screen was getting a bit cropped off. then i plug it back onto my m1 and the same issue was there. so i order a new dongle and flashed it and had same issue. is this a new sonoma os issue? not sure whats happening.
PC mode?
It just sounds like TV overscan.
Any reason why you don't use the HDMI 2.1 port on the M3 Max MacBook Pro?
omg thanks it works now seems like the hdmi ports on the LG c3 resets to regular mode when unplugged.
also im trying to use the cable creation adapter with the PD VMM7100 but it saying firmware doesnt match the device. is there a specific fw for this device or is the usual VMM7100_4kRGB120hz10b_V7_02_112.fullrom supposed to work on it.
https://www.cablematters.com/pc-148...bolt-3-and-thunderbolt-4-port-compatible.aspx
@AironMan and @stevemr123 , do you or anyone else know what chipset and firmware the new Satechi ST-AC8KHM USB-C To HDMI 2.1 8K Adapter is using?
UPC: 810086360789
https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1014296/x/e230582703/usb-c-to-hdmi-21-8k-adapter-en-1-2-quick-guide.pdf
I can't see it listed under 'USB-C -> HDMI 2.1' at https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2019/11/05/usbc-to-hdmi2-adapters-supporting-hdr/ .
Hopefully Satechi will release a version with USB-PD 3.0 100W (or, even better, USB-PD 3.1 140W or 240W EPR) input, which can then be listed under 'USB-C -> HDMI + POWER DELIVERY ADAPTERS' at https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2023/10/19/power-display-through-single-usb-c-port-without-a-hub/ .
I also note that this link lacks the Cable Matters 201428-GRY and that Dan S. Charlton isn't publishing the chipset and firmware for each model.
On that note, is the most recent firmware for the Synaptics Spyder VMM7100 still the 7.02.130 ? (Cable Matters themselves still list .120 and the text of the Original Post still lists .112 ). It'll be interesting to see whether the final release of macOS 14.2 in the next few days, and the 'Patch Tuesday' update from KB5032288 / 22631.2792 from Windows 11 23H2 22631.2428, offers full compatibility with 201388-GRY and 201428-GRY , and the DP 1.4a to HDMI 2.1 102101-BLK (Club 3D seem to be publicising full Windows compatibility with their CAC-1087 using the Spyder_fw_DP_7.02.130_0209.fullrom firmware : https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/Can-t-activate-use-HDR-om-my-HP-Mini-PC/m-p/1515753 ).
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I've created a workaround that successfully wakes the monitor 100% of the time without having to touch hibernatemode, connect and disconnect the usb-c cable, power on the monitor prior to waking the mac, etc. It just works!
SOLUTION: Install "sleepwatcher" [1] via Homebrew and as the "wakeup" script, use the following:
POWER=`pmset -g batt | head -n 1 | cut -d \' -f2`;
if [[ "$POWER" == "AC Power" ]]
then
sleep 5.75; pmset displaysleepnow; caffeinate -u -t 2;
fi;
What the above script does is first check if the MBP is connected to AC Power, and if it is, waits 5.75 seconds for my monitor to come out of standby (G9 is on briefly, but displays blank/black screen). Then, it turns off all displays and immediately turns them on again, forcing the MBP to detect my G9.
The reason I check for AC power first is due to me using the Cable Matters adapter that includes PD, so I only have one cable for both power and external display. It also prevents the MBP's display from turning off and on again when waking while on battery power (with the external display not connected), which isn't a big deal, just a slight annoyance.
If you don't care about checking the current power source before waking your external display, just use the following as the "wake up" script:
sleep 5.75; pmset displaysleepnow; caffeinate -u -t 2;
NOTE: You may need to adjust the "sleep" time of the script to match how long (or short) it takes for your particular external display to wake. Just make sure it allows enough time for the display to actually turn on before the script turns off displays.
FYI: I've tried a similar approach using "detect displays" instead, but it didn't work.
I've tested the script after the MBP was sleeping for minutes, hours, days and it hasn't yet failed to detect the external monitor. Its a shame that we have to result to workarounds such as this, but I'm just glad I finally have a working solution to one of the most annoying issues I've ever experienced owning a Mac.
Best of luck!
[1] Homebrew: sleepwatcher
UPDATE: For some reason, the above fix stopped working today. I did not unplug the monitor or make any changes, it just stopped working. Oh well, was nice while it lasted, but not going to give up.
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I can confirm the J5create JCC157 USB-C > HDMI 2.1 cable is VMM7001 and works at 4K/120hz 444 10bit after firmware update.
Thanks for the work in getting this out to the masses!!!
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Using the CM 201428 on v7.02.112 (directly from CM). Updated to Sonoma 14.2, no change in behavior. Still have the issues with waking from sleep and no video being sent to the display (or the monitor no longer being detected).@AironMan and @stevemr123 , do you or anyone else know what chipset and firmware the new Satechi ST-AC8KHM USB-C To HDMI 2.1 8K Adapter is using?
UPC: 810086360789
https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1014296/x/e230582703/usb-c-to-hdmi-21-8k-adapter-en-1-2-quick-guide.pdf
I can't see it listed under 'USB-C -> HDMI 2.1' at https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2019/11/05/usbc-to-hdmi2-adapters-supporting-hdr/ .
Hopefully Satechi will release a version with USB-PD 3.0 100W (or, even better, USB-PD 3.1 140W or 240W EPR) input, which can then be listed under 'USB-C -> HDMI + POWER DELIVERY ADAPTERS' at https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2023/10/19/power-display-through-single-usb-c-port-without-a-hub/ .
I also note that this link lacks the Cable Matters 201428-GRY and that Dan S. Charlton isn't publishing the chipset and firmware for each model.
On that note, is the most recent firmware for the Synaptics Spyder VMM7100 still the 7.02.130 ? (Cable Matters themselves still list .120 and the text of the Original Post still lists .112 ). It'll be interesting to see whether the final release of macOS 14.2 in the next few days, and the 'Patch Tuesday' update from KB5032288 / 22631.2792 from Windows 11 23H2 22631.2428, offers full compatibility with 201388-GRY and 201428-GRY , and the DP 1.4a to HDMI 2.1 102101-BLK (Club 3D seem to be publicising full Windows compatibility with their CAC-1087 using the Spyder_fw_DP_7.02.130_0209.fullrom firmware : https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/Can-t-activate-use-HDR-om-my-HP-Mini-PC/m-p/1515753 ).
Please ignore. CableMatters responded I have to downgrade my firmware to Spyder_fw_USBC_CM_7.02.112forMac.fullrom
Do I have to do this step if my firmware is 7.02.120? Currently I can't achieve 4k 120Hz with the following setup:
This would imply I would have to downgrade my firmware which seems strange.
finally got it to work. reset the EDID on the TV back to factory condition and it worked. Text is still fuzzy though and Better Display only shows 8bit resolutions.
- macbook pro M1
- Cable Matters 48Gbps 8K USB C to HDMI 2.1 Cable 6 ft
- Samsung QN90C
finally got it to work. reset the EDID on the TV back to factory condition and it worked. Text is still fuzzy though and Better Display only shows 8bit resolutions.
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Huh, I make it work!
Monitor: Samsung Odyssey G95NC.
Macbook: M1 Max
I have this one: Cable Matters Adapter (CM Page) 7100 Chip
Firmware version: Spyder_fw_USBC_CM_7.02.112forMac.fullrom
----
I tried different options with AW Edid Editor, nothing works for me.
1. In despair, I exported EDID config inside of BetterDisplay from 1st connection Display Port to USB-C
2. And loaded the same EDID to second display that connected with HDMI 2.1 > Cable Matter > USB-C
UPD:
Tried also with CalDigit TS4, works fine.
I found downside, colors becomes less colorful
UPD2:
Resolved colors issue by adding this setting in BetterDisplay
Monitor: Samsung Odyssey G95NC.
Macbook: M1 Max
I have this one: Cable Matters Adapter (CM Page) 7100 Chip
Firmware version: Spyder_fw_USBC_CM_7.02.112forMac.fullrom
----
I tried different options with AW Edid Editor, nothing works for me.
1. In despair, I exported EDID config inside of BetterDisplay from 1st connection Display Port to USB-C
2. And loaded the same EDID to second display that connected with HDMI 2.1 > Cable Matter > USB-C
UPD:
Tried also with CalDigit TS4, works fine.
I found downside, colors becomes less colorful
UPD2:
Resolved colors issue by adding this setting in BetterDisplay
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Hello,
I'm using the CableMatters adapter Ver. 201388-A. The adapter comes (factory-default) with the firmware version 7.02.120. This seems newer than the version 7_02_112 provided in the first post. Should I upgrade regardless?
Thanks!
I'm using the CableMatters adapter Ver. 201388-A. The adapter comes (factory-default) with the firmware version 7.02.120. This seems newer than the version 7_02_112 provided in the first post. Should I upgrade regardless?
Thanks!
@AironMan I am trying to make this work on my MacBook Pro M2 Max and a CalDigit TS4 Dock.
I got the DP to HDMI adapter you link to of Amazon.
I am considering to do the firmware update through parallels, as I do not have a Windows PC with USB-C or DP.
In your fine guide found in the folder "CM Firmware 4k 120hz RGB VMM7100 ONLY DP to HDMI 2 1" in step 1) you write: "Connect the adapter to a USB-C port on a computer or laptop and an HDMI display. If you are using a laptop, connect an AC adapter to the laptop."
How do I connect a DP to HDMI adapter to a USB-C port? Do I need to get a USB-C to DP adapter too?
Hi @olegjiv
You mention CalDigit TS4 and MacBook M1, I am trying to achieve this on my CalDigit TS4 and MacBook M2 and a LG OLED C2 tv.
I purchased the DP > HDMI adapter of Amazon. Did I buy the wrong one? Should I have purchased the USB-C > HDMI adapter instead to achieve 4K 120Hz through the CalDigit TS4?
All I want to achieve is 1 Thunderbolt 4 cable going from my MacBook to the CalDigit TS4 and manage all connectivity through the dock, including 4K 120hz HDMI to my OLED TV.
Alright, I think I managed to make it work with some exceptions.
I would like to contribute to this, by providing my methods and results so anyone in future doesn't have to read the entire thread (as I did).
This method applies to those who want to achieve 4K 120Hz with a DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter (not tested much in this thread).
My setup consists of:
I downloaded CM Firmware 4k 120hz RGB VMM7100 ONLY DP to HDMI 2 1 folder. There is a PDF file inside this archive that details the steps to perform.
I did not have a Windows PC that was operational, but I realised I had one old Dell Server in the attic that I could boot Windows to from a USB. The machine had a DisplayPort.
Steps:
You can verify this by pressing the green button on the TV Remote 5 times in row. See attached photo.
It shows VRR Information:
I also downloaded (and purchased) BetterDisplay Pro.
Issues:
However, I would very much love to see if anybody else has got any of the listed issues and has a solution for these.
Over to you @AironMan & @stevemr123. Thanks for the hard work!
I would like to contribute to this, by providing my methods and results so anyone in future doesn't have to read the entire thread (as I did).
This method applies to those who want to achieve 4K 120Hz with a DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter (not tested much in this thread).
My setup consists of:
- LG C2 42" OLED TV
- CalDigit TS4
- MacBook Pro 14" M2 Max
I downloaded CM Firmware 4k 120hz RGB VMM7100 ONLY DP to HDMI 2 1 folder. There is a PDF file inside this archive that details the steps to perform.
I did not have a Windows PC that was operational, but I realised I had one old Dell Server in the attic that I could boot Windows to from a USB. The machine had a DisplayPort.
Steps:
- Plugged in the Cable Matters adapter to the Windows machine. Plugged my HDMI 2.1 cable to the adapter on one end and to a monitor with an HDMI Port on the other end.
- Followed the steps detailed in the PDF file inside the CM Firmware 4k 120hz RGB VMM7100 ONLY DP to HDMI 2 1 folder. It was relatively simple. My adapter's firmware was now upgraded from the original 7.01.134 to 7.02.112 as per the instructions.
- I now plugged the adapter to my CalDigit TS4's DisplayPort, connected my HDMI 2.1 cable to the adapter on one end and the LG C2 42" OLED TV on the other end.
- On the TV remote, I pressed and held the Gear Icon and under General made the following changes:
- Always Ready --> Enable the function.
- Devices --> HDMI Settings --> HDMI Deep Colour --> 4K
- On the TV remote, I press the Home button and follow the steps below:
- Home Dashboard --> Press the 3 dots on the top right corner --> Edit Inputs --> Press the HDMI icon besides the HDMI Port where the HDMI 2.1 cable coming from the CalDigit TS4 is plugged in to --> Select PC --> Save --> Press the X on the top right corner.
- On my MacBook, under System Settings --> Displays I did the following:
- Select LG TV SSCR2 and set the resolution to 3840 x 2160
- Scroll below the list of suggested Resolutions and select Refresh rate as 120Hz
- Enable High Dynamic Range (HDR)
You can verify this by pressing the green button on the TV Remote 5 times in row. See attached photo.
It shows VRR Information:
- 120.0Hz
- FIXED
- 3840 x 2160P@120
- YCBCR444 8b 4L10
I also downloaded (and purchased) BetterDisplay Pro.
Issues:
- VRR is gone. When connected directly from the MacBook to the TV, under the HDR enable option in System Settings --> Displays, I would be able to select 60-120Hz as Refresh Rate. Now it is individual refresh rates from 24Hz to 120Hz. I am open to hear suggestions.
- There is a significant color difference compared to when connected directly from the MacBook to the TV. As advised by @olegjiv in #1,097, In BetterDisplay Pro --> Displays -- LG TV SSCR2, I scrolled down to System Configuration and Smooth Scaling options and enabled the following:
- Edit the system configuration of this display model
- Enable smooth scaling
- It didn't make much of a difference.
- YCBCR444 as opposed to RGB as shown in the OP. By Smooth Scaling settings in BetterDisplay Pro as mentioned above under 2.1 and 2.2, all of a sudden I got the RGB 10b 4L10. However, when I tried to reverse engineer and disabled 2.1 and 2.2 one by one, I still had RGB 10b 4L10. So I am not sure what happened there. By the time I finished this post, I am back to YBCR444 and now I can't get back to RGB again. Anybody?
- Enabling HiDPI in BetterDisplay removes HDR capability.
- When putting the MacBook to sleep, the TV does not go to sleep, instead, it says "No Signal", but eventually the TV turns off after 10 minutes. When turning the MacBook off, the TV shows "Invalid Format", but remains on indefinitely. Any solutions for the sleep and wake functionality?
- (OFF TOPIC) Is there any way to make Volume Control and Brightness Control for the TV work through BetterDisplay?
- EDID file with a .txt extension.
- Photo of the VRR Information from my TV
- Screenshots from BetterDisplay --> Display --> Overview and LG TV SSCR2
However, I would very much love to see if anybody else has got any of the listed issues and has a solution for these.
Over to you @AironMan & @stevemr123. Thanks for the hard work!
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