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 !

[vikassri]

Plz send confirmation that u have 4k@120hz RGB 4:4:4

Does this help confirm , let me know if I am missing anything.

 

[Yiliblack]

Hi! I've already used the method listed here to get 4K 120 in my LG C2 (I'm using a Macbook Air M1).

Yesterday Nvidia announced they're going to bring VRR functions to Geforce Now, so I started wondering if with this setup it's possible to activate the VRR capabilities of my TV. Does anyone know?

 

[purfikt]

CM can not test all devices. But we can test it on our devices. This Firmware is Beta and they write its not ready for mass production. This Firmware is based in our solution to get 4@120hz workable but it is not 100% ready for all devices. There are some cases they claim it works on there side but on our side it does not! So the only cable that we be 100% sure are working are that one are listed in the OP. The CM flexible short one, the one with PD and the one with longer USB-C Cable does not work till i write this comment. The best way is to use the female one with an TB4 Station like me did and others too. With an TB4 station u will also not have the Sleep issue.

Well, this one is working for me and it is not on your list. I am not sure why Cable Matters would post an entire article about the adapters that they make that work if they were not sure about it.

1. USB-C® Multiport Adapter with HDMI (SKU 201310)

 

[Zorast]

Interesting case:
MacBook Pro M1 14"
Cable Matters USB-C adapter 201388-A, delivered from Amazon with .120 firmware
LG C2 42"
Yiwentec 8K HDMI Cable

No issues with getting 4k120hz from a HP Windows Laptop with 12th Gen Intel CPU with XE GPU with the same adapter and cable.

With the Macbook however can't get anything other than max 60hz listed in refresh rate :/

U have to use the Custom Firmware. The Firmware Number is not necessary

 

[Zorast]

Does this help confirm , let me know if I am missing anything.

View attachment 2334337

Thx, but this look like 4:2:2. This is what test and see also with the PD version. U can not reach RGB 4:4:4

 

[vikassri]

Thx, but this look like 4:2:2. This is what test and see also with the PD version. U can not reach RGB 4:4:4

Took some more photos , does this still look like 4:2:2 ? Sorry I am new to all this. What is PD Version ? I have the power connected to the USB C of the dongle. I am using the method here :

Chroma Subsampling: 4:4:4 vs 4:2:2 vs 4:2:0

What is Chroma Subsampling and where is this visible? Chroma subsampling is a type of compression that reduces the color information in a signal in favor of luminance data.

www.rtings.com

 

[Eson]

U have to use the Custom Firmware. The Firmware Number is not necessary

Yes, I figured that out after I saw the date on the Cable Matters article referencing the 120-firmware Its working fine now on both PC and Mac with the firmware from your first post, thanks!

 

[trixx]

Does this firmware work with the caldigit ts3 dock and hdmi 2.1 to thunderbolt adapter?

I did the math and it seems like you need 25gbps for 4k@120hz. So if I used an HDMI 2.1 cable plugged into the cable matters thunderbolt adapter into the caldigit's thunderbolt 3 port, that should be enough bandwidth. Has anyone tried this?

For clarification I'm using:
* LG OLED C3 42inch TV
* Belkin 2.1 HDMI cable (3 feet)
* Cable Matters VMM7100 thunderbolt to HDMI adapter
* CalDigit TS3 dock
* Intel macbook pro and M2 macbook pro

 

[Igorjos]

Have bought it USB-C to HDMI female adapter (201388-A) and HDM to HDM 5 meter cable (300032-BLK-5m).
Successfully flashed custom firmware (VMM7100_4kRGB120hz10b_V7_02_112.fullrom) from my macbook m1 through paralels. Not getting 120hz in 4k, only 60hz. What i am doing wrong?

 

[vikassri]

Took some more photos , does this still look like 4:2:2 ? Sorry I am new to all this. What is PD Version ? I have the power connected to the USB C of the dongle. I am using the method here :

Chroma Subsampling: 4:4:4 vs 4:2:2 vs 4:2:0

What is Chroma Subsampling and where is this visible? Chroma subsampling is a type of compression that reduces the color information in a signal in favor of luminance data.

www.rtings.com

@AironMan Let me know your thoughts , if you think its still not 4K 4:4:4 I will return this dongle. Thanks.

 

[Vlad123x]

@AironMan I got the cablematters to work at 4k 120hz on my mac studio and C2. Do you know any work around/update on "no signal" when turning tv on? I have to keep unplugging and plugging the cable in for the signal to connect and for it to work. Any idea if there is a different cable that works, or some way around it?

 

[Astadia]

Does this firmware work with the caldigit ts3 dock and hdmi 2.1 to thunderbolt adapter?

I did the math and it seems like you need 25gbps for 4k@120hz. So if I used an HDMI 2.1 cable plugged into the cable matters thunderbolt adapter into the caldigit's thunderbolt 3 port, that should be enough bandwidth. Has anyone tried this?

For clarification I'm using:
* LG OLED C3 42inch TV
* Belkin 2.1 HDMI cable (3 feet)
* Cable Matters VMM7100 thunderbolt to HDMI adapter
* CalDigit TS3 dock
* Intel macbook pro and M2 macbook pro

I just tested the same setup yesterday and it doesn’t work.

- LG OLED C3 42
- Stouchi certified HDMI 2.1 cable
- Cable Matters USB-C -> HDMI adapter
- CalDigit TS3 Plus
- MacBook Pro 16 M2 Pro

Stuck at 60Hz with the dock. 120Hz when directly plugged into the Mac. Looks like I need to buy a new dock.

 

[Zorast]

I just tested the same setup yesterday and it doesn’t work.

- LG OLED C3 42
- Stouchi certified HDMI 2.1 cable
- Cable Matters USB-C -> HDMI adapter
- CalDigit TS3 Plus
- MacBook Pro 16 M2 Pro

Stuck at 60Hz with the dock. 120Hz when directly plugged into the Mac. Looks like I need to buy a new dock.

I think there is an firmwareupdate for the CalDigit TS3 Plus. The CalDigit TS3 Plus have some limitation on tb 4 Ports. Iam not sure but somone says there was a firmware fix for the CalDigit TS3 Plus. So plz check if there is an firmware update for this.

U can also use an DP > HDMI 2.1 Adapter. Read the OP plz. But I think the TS3 has only an DP 1.2 Port. So I think the TS3 can not deliver this bandwidth, go with the newer TS4

 

[Zorast]

@AironMan I got the cablematters to work at 4k 120hz on my mac studio and C2. Do you know any work around/update on "no signal" when turning tv on? I have to keep unplugging and plugging the cable in for the signal to connect and for it to work. Any idea if there is a different cable that works, or some way around it?

Use an TB4 Dock , u can see some of them in the OP.

 

[Zorast]

Took some more photos , does this still look like 4:2:2 ? Sorry I am new to all this. What is PD Version ? I have the power connected to the USB C of the dongle. I am using the method here :

Chroma Subsampling: 4:4:4 vs 4:2:2 vs 4:2:0

What is Chroma Subsampling and where is this visible? Chroma subsampling is a type of compression that reduces the color information in a signal in favor of luminance data.

www.rtings.com

This looks like 4:4:4

 

[Zorast]

Have bought it USB-C to HDMI female adapter (201388-A) and HDM to HDM 5 meter cable (300032-BLK-5m).
Successfully flashed custom firmware (VMM7100_4kRGB120hz10b_V7_02_112.fullrom) from my macbook m1 through paralels. Not getting 120hz in 4k, only 60hz. What i am doing wrong?

Test with an short HDMI 2.1 Cable, if this also not work u have done something wrong.

 

[Astadia]

I think there is an firmwareupdate for the CalDigit TS3 Plus. The CalDigit TS3 Plus have some limitation on tb 4 Ports. Iam not sure but somone says there was a firmware fix for the CalDigit TS3 Plus. So plz check if there is an firmware update for this.

U can also use an DP > HDMI 2.1 Adapter. Read the OP plz. But I think the TS3 has only an DP 1.2 Port. So I think the TS3 can not deliver this bandwidth, go with the newer TS4

Yes DP is 1.2 on the TS3 and mine is up to date. I knew that it will not work with this dock but it was to test and answer to the people who asked if it works.
Just need a new dock ah ah

 

[Zorast]

All , first of all thanks for such a helpful post!

Wanted to share that I was able to get this working with the adapter here from CableMatters with power delivery

Cable Matters Portable 48Gbps USB C to HDMI 2.1 Adapter with 100W Host Charging, 4K 120Hz /8K 60Hz HDR - Thunderbolt 4 Compatible with iPhone 15 Pro Max - Maximum Resolution on Any MacBook is 4K@60Hz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCF9S7TL?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_TGWX8GVY4DQ6H85V9BTR&language=en-US

I had requested the firmware specifically for this and they sent me this link :

MacOS 4K120Hz (201428)

3 files sent via WeTransfer, the simplest way to send your files around the world

go.wetransfer.com

I updated the firmware and can confirm 120hz on my external monitor.

HTH , let me know if you have any questions!

This looks like the same firmware in the OP

 

[Zorast]

Can someone also test if this Adapter with PD works with RGB 4:4:4 ?

Cable Matters Portable 48Gbps USB C to HDMI 2.1 Adapter with 100W Host Charging, 4K 240Hz /8K 60Hz HDR - Thunderbolt 4 Compatible with iPhone 16/15 Pro Max - Max Resolution on Any MacBook is 4K@60Hz

Cable Matters Foldable USB-C to 8K HDMI Adapter with PD

www.amazon.com

Its the Model Number: 201328

 

[MattC90]

@AironMan I got the cablematters to work at 4k 120hz on my mac studio and C2. Do you know any work around/update on "no signal" when turning tv on? I have to keep unplugging and plugging the cable in for the signal to connect and for it to work. Any idea if there is a different cable that works, or some way around it?

I have exactly the same issue. CableMatters USB C to HDMI adapter, certified HDMI 2.1 cable (1.5 meter or 1 meter) and I am able to achieve 120Hz, 4:4:4 RGB image on my Mac mini M1 with Sonoma 14.3 and LG C2.
Unfortunately, it seems that for now the problem with wake-up isn't solved. I even went through the whole topic (40+ pages) to find something that I could try, but nobody was able to provide solution yet. My adapter is connected directly to Mac mini usb-c port and it's still doesn't wake up after more than 4-6 hours of inactivity. Rarely, it happens that it wakes up after 10-20 minutes of waiting. I hope that somebody will find the work-around for this issue. Nevertheless, I am full of respect for all contributors to this topic.

 

[Zorast]

I have exactly the same issue. CableMatters USB C to HDMI adapter, certified HDMI 2.1 cable (1.5 meter or 1 meter) and I am able to achieve 120Hz, 4:4:4 RGB image on my Mac mini M1 with Sonoma 14.3 and LG C2.
Unfortunately, it seems that for now the problem with wake-up isn't solved. I even went through the whole topic (40+ pages) to find something that I could try, but nobody was able to provide solution yet. My adapter is connected directly to Mac mini usb-c port and it's still doesn't wake up after more than 4-6 hours of inactivity. Rarely, it happens that it wakes up after 10-20 minutes of waiting. I hope that somebody will find the work-around for this issue. Nevertheless, I am full of respect for all contributors to this topic.

Did u test BD wakeup settings ? U can also use "always on" feature in LG settings.

 

[MattC90]

Did u test BD wakeup settings ? U can also use "always on" feature in LG settings.

Yes, I had my settings in the Better Display already "by default" the same as you recommended in the opening post. I also have my LG C2 set to "always on" mode - otherwise my Hammerspoon script (from cmer: https://github.com/cmer/lg-tv-control-macos) for turn off/wake up TV won't work.
I've tested both USB-C sockets in my mac mini M1.

 

[Zorast]

Yes, I had my settings in the Better Display already "by default" the same as you recommended in the opening post. I also have my LG C2 set to "always on" mode - otherwise my Hammerspoon script (from cmer: https://github.com/cmer/lg-tv-control-macos) for turn off/wake up TV won't work.
I've tested both USB-C sockets in my mac mini M1.

I am only aware of the wakup problems with Anker adapters. I use my CM adapter on a TB 4 Dock and have no problems. You can also try to completely deactivate the wakup function in Betterdisplay. I had problems here, it seemed like it was blocking the macOS functions.

 

[MattC90]

I am only aware of the wakup problems with Anker adapters. I use my CM adapter on a TB 4 Dock and have no problems. You can also try to completely deactivate the wakup function in Betterdisplay. I had problems here, it seemed like it was blocking the macOS functions.

I will try to experiment with different options on BetterDisplay. I wasn't able to locate specifically anything which will relate to the 'wakeup function' in BetterDisplay, but that's fine - I will keep looking and trying. I am planning also to look closer on the EDID and maybe experiment with different settings.

When I was searching through different forums, I found many different, but similar topics describing same issue. It seems that there is something not entirely correct between (specifically) LG screens (both TV's and monitors) and Apple equipment. That was at least conclusion for some of those threads.

In the meantime, I applied the most trivial work-around. I am shutting down completely my Mac when I finish my work in the evening (when I know I won't need it that day), and turning it on in the morning. Fortunately, when the Mac powers-up, the issue with screen not waking up (no signal going through usb c to HDMI adapter) isn't present. Image appears instantly on the TV. Pressing one button each day is (for me) acceptable solution and price for having much better image.

Once again, really appreciate all your time and effort put into this topic!

 

[esou]

Just to document my experience, I got the CableTime USB-C->HDMI adapter with VMM7100 chipset. Tried without flashing and could do 4k144hz on a Windows computer but only 4k60hz with my Macbook.

Did the flash, can now get 4k144hz with both my Windows and my Macbook out of the box. No need to install any programs.

The display fails to wakeup when waking my Mac and I don't have VRR anymore.