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 !

[Hatrix4U]

WARNING 18.9.24 for M1/M2: macOS Sequoia 15.0 and newer breaks HiDPI with 4k@120hz 4:4:4 and beyond. The maximum possible is: 3424x1926 for 16:9. LowRes with 4k@120hz 4:4:4 is still possible. The reason: Apple limit the framebuffersize to 7K. M3 users are NOT effected, looks like apple want u buy a new mac..

WARNING 31.10.23 for M1/M2: macOS Sonoma 14.1 and newer breaks HDR with HiDPI 4k@120hz 4:4:4 and beyond. The reason: Apple change some pixel clock for HDR . M3 users are NOT affected.

• Please pull a request to Apple and credit my Apple ticket request (FB15247887) so they can see that we’re all raising the same issue since macOS 14.1 and macOS 15

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 4k@60hz.

We found a solution to get more than this working!
This is a new fresh thread to talk about this, because the other one has over 46 sites now.

This how-too will be updated and are up to date.

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So basically things you'll need for 4k@120hz RGB 10bit HDR

PRIO: MacOS Ventura 13.4 or newer is needed (MacOS Sonoma or newer is best)

1. 1.1.
   USB-C>HDMI 2.1 Cable Matters Adapter (CM Page) with Chip VMM6100 or VMM7100(better) - both works now!
   The new one is the 201388-A = VMM7100
   The old one is: 201388(GRY) = VMM6100
   View attachment 2190617
   
   #####
   
   1.2. NEW 28.Feb.2024 (The how-too steps below are not updated with that new one, but it's mostly the same. U will find a how-to included the zip ):
   
   We got an CableMatters Hub with USB-C PD, HDMI, 1Gbit Ethernet, 2x USB-A 3.0 that can be directly flashed to get 4k@120 YCBCR4:4:4 HDR. The Firmware ONLY FOR THIS MODEL are this one (CM Firmware 4k 120hz 4-4-4 HDR 201310) INFO: Flashing with parallels does not work with this adapter, u need a windows machine!
   
   Model-Number Cable Matters 201310-BLK
   
   
   

   USB-C Multiport Adapter with 8K HDMI, 2x USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and Power Delivery

   Transform a single USB-C port into a video, peripheral, and charging powerhouse with the Cable Matters USB-C Multiport Adapter with 8K HDMI and Power Delivery

   www.cablematters.com
   
   View attachment 2353758
   
   
   #####
   
   
   (It can probably also work on another Adapters with Chip VMM6100 or VMM7100. No guarantee! U can test and report)
   
   VMM7100: (Plug&Play)
   Another adapters that seem to be working:
   USB-C>HDMI 2.1:
   Anker
   CABLETIME
   
   
   VMM6100: (EDID override needed)
   Another adapters that seem to be working:
   USB-C>HDMI 2.1:
   MOSHOU C-008 and MOSHOU C-006, MOSHOU C-006
   4XEM and 4XEM
   Noname
   Dell Dual Dock – HD22Q (No Firmware update needed, works with Dell Firmware 6.05.000)
   
   
   1.3.
   DP>HDMI 2.1: VMM7100: (Plug&Play)
   CableMatters 102101
   Plz use Archive: CM Firmware 4k 120hz RGB VMM7100 ONLY DP to HDMI 2 1
2. HDMI 2.1 official cable with 48Gbps certified bandwidth ( KabelDirekt, UltraHDTV ) best is to use one under 2m or shortest u can!
3. Windows PC with USB-C DP capabilities and the flasher tool in the archive or VMMHIDTool from MicrosoftStore
   3.1. (only VMM7100) Using Parallels will only work when using MicrosoftStore VMMHIDTool (Don't forget to activate the USB ports of your Win Image and additionally activate the port every time up you boot the Win image)
4. Download CM_Firmware_4k_120hz_RGB_VMM7100.zip or CM_Firmware_4k_120hz_RGB_VMM6100.zip attached to this post, VMMTool64 for flashing firmware and correct firmware are included.
5. (only needed for VMM6100) BetterDisplay to extract/apply custom EDID
6. (only needed for VMM6100) AW EDID Editor to modify EDID

INFO:

Connecting this Adapters over an TB4 or TB3 Hub/Dock works also when its support Titan Ridge with HBR3 to source Mac

Working Docks/Hubs reported till now:
- i-tec
- Dell WD19TB
- ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock 40B00135AU
- OWC Thunderbolt Hub
- CalDigit TS4 (also DP>HDMI2.1)
- Kensington SD5780T
- Sonnet Echo 20
- OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock
- iVANKY FusionDock Max 1

(plz report if another Docks/Hubs work also)


Steps

1. Update the HDMI type to "PC" on your LG OLED to whichever port you are going to use. Also enable HDMI Ultra HD Color 4k Mode
2. Plug in cable matters adapter to a USB C port that supports DP on your Windows PC. The HDMI cable connected to the adapter will need to be connected to a tv/monitor for the next step.
3. Launch update tool and verify you have VMM6100 or VMM7100. Follow steps for the Firmware update attached to this post and are included in zip packages VMM6100 USB-C > HDMI, VMM7100 USB-C > HDMI or VMM7100 DP > HDMI. Use the correct firmware included in each zip package named: VMM6100_4kRGB120hz10b_V6_05_120.fullrom, VMM7100_4kRGB120hz10b_V7_02_112.fullrom or VMM7100_DP_to_HDMI_2_1_CM_7.02.112_MacOS 4K120Hz.fullrom
   3.1. (Optional) - Make backup of your firmware first
4. Once it's completed flashing, unplug and replug the adapter to verify your new firmware version is for the VMM6100: 6.03.002 and for the VMM7100: 7.02.112
5. (only needed for VMM6100) Plug the adapter back in your mac and follow the steps here to apply Custom EDID (Enable DP-Transportstream over HDMI) (An example DP-Transportstream with force RGB "DP_STREAM-RGB.zip" are attached in this post. Extract first)
6. (only needed for VMM6100) Activate "Auto Apply EDID" and "Config Protection" in BetterDisplay
7. Check if ure on 4:4:4 when 4k@120hz is selected > read here how to test

MONITOR WAKE PROBLEMS:
(TVs without DCC over HDMI has to be always turn on over the remote! On LG OLEDs theres an option called "always on" if u want)

- Plz update to Ventura 13.4 or newer (MacOS Sonoma or newer is best)
- You can also disabling hibernate mode when connected to a power source (in batterie settings)
- Monitor not want to wake can be fixed sometimes with this settings in BetterDisplay:

View attachment 2190616
( On my side(VMM7100 with TB4 Dock) it works better when i switch of this function!! )

UPDATE: With MacOS Sonoma the walkup problem is gone/a lot better on my side!
UPDATE: User @djrobx got a workaround in resetting the Adapter (only 201388-A), u can test this with this tool: USBResetter This workaround are now added now in BetterDisplay v2.2.2, u can read about that here and final howto here

INFO about 8bit in BetterDisplay or SRX:

We believe that the 8-bit display in BetterDisplay may be due to a macOS bug. To ensure that the signal is actually 10-bit, please check the signal information on your monitor.
UPDATE: With MacOS Sonoma the 10bit issue is gone!

SUPPORT:

For those where this Tweak not work correctly, plz send information about ure Adapter, screenshot from BetterDisplay Display informations (first 3 sections), VmmDPTool firmware info and upload ure original and modified EDID plz. Thanks.

And if another guys can help here in support i will be happy. I have not that much time to do that alone. Thanks!


Credits

• @AironMan - Release first 4k@120hz 4:2:2 10b EDID solution with @stevemr123 , analysis why some people reach RGB4:4:4, found solution in combination in Hardware/Chip and special Firmware Version, postet first Firmware to reach 4:4:4 8b without the need of external Software with VMM7100 (outdated) , posted an Firmware where RGB4:4:4 4k@120hz 10b HDR is possible on VMM6100, knowledge USB-C/HDMI/DP protocols and devices, making this FAQ and continue support and update for this
• @stevemr123 - Release BetterDisplay with override EDID functionality and support in this, release first 4k@120hz 4:2:2 10b EDID Solution with @AironMan , in-depth knowledge USB-C/HDMI/DP protocols and devices
• @joevt - in-depth knowledge USB-C/HDMI/DP protocols and devices
• @Alan Spiegel and @hPandaa1 - Reported RGB4:4:4 10bit working on there Adapters and provided some informations about this Adapters to better understand what's going on
• @Djlild7hina for making the first version of this how-too
• PLZ support and buy BetterDisplay, because without them we do never found this solution! After @stevemr123 (BetterDisplay) and @AironMan testet some EDID "tweak" and got a working solution, @AironMan contact CM with all details informations so finally some month later we got a VMM7100 without EDID override needed!
• Also many thanks to CableMatters support in helping getting a new solution for the VMM7100, support them and buying their Adapters! Thanks to Grace an Andrew from CM support!

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Thanks for the guide, it worked with CableMatters Hub with USB-C PD. But whenever I close my MacBook lid, the monitor loses input connection. This doesn't happen when I use HDMI while charging.

Is there any fix for this?

 

[lolwatpear]

Anyone know of this one would work:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B1PT5FVM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1RS007LH1WSHI&psc=1

 

[AironMan]

To be fair, Apple's Feedback system is not very useful. An extreme amount of feedbacks are pouring in and some ancient software is trying to cross-reference them (no fancy AI there) with little success. 99.9% of these reports don't actually reach an engineer or receive any human touch. So it is not really something intentional they do with the your ticket specifically, it's just a rather outdated system that is overdue for some serious update - but is probably rather low on the priority list. There are probably a handful of engineers at Apple stuffed away somewhere who really know what is going on with the DCP firmware and why these limits are being changed this way and that - if you want any answers you'd need to figure a way to get in touch with them or raise their attention.

After some conversation with apple support(also on phone they say to me, there's no other bug report about this), they told its better do get in touch with apple with an apple business account. So I just created a business account on apple, hopefully I can better get in touch with them now. Let's see if that helps.

 

[nullpointerninja]

Might be on the edge of being off topic here but I'll ask anyway .
I have a Mac Pro 2013 and it tops out at DisplayPort 1.2. Could this adapter be used alongside a titan ridge (or alpine ridge) add-in card to feed two outputs from the Mac Pro into the TB3 output from the add-in card, and then into the CableMatters adapter to get 4k120Hz?

Mac Pro dual DP 1.2 out --> Titan Ridge card TB3 out --> Cable Matters adapter --> HDMI 2.1

Correct me if I'm wrong but the add-in card would take both DP 1.2 streams (at HBR2 rate) and max them into the TB3 connector. What I don't really know is if the adapter would understand two DP 1.2 streams or if it would just take one of them giving 4K60 max.

Thanks!

 

[shrik450]

I've got a M3 Pro MBP (on Sequoia) with a C4 42" and the CableMatters VM7100 cable *works* at 120Hz... but it's extremely unrealiable on wake. Every time the mac goes to sleep it's anyone's guess whether it'll output a signal on wake. I've never had it come back on without unplugging and replugging at least once. I've tried the BetterDisplay re-initialize setting but it didn't change anything. All the settings look good, everything I've done here is what everyone else seems to have done, but cycling the cable several times every time I want to wake my mac from sleep is so frustrating I've gone back to 60fps. I can live with 60fps, I cannot live with having to mess around with cables to get it to display something.

In case it matters, I mainly use my mac with the lid closed and through a TB4 dock. I've tried plugging in the cable directly but it didn't change much. And yes, the mac is on power with the lid closed, I can hear it play sound effects, there's just no signal to the TV. It's so frustrating that my $3k laptop cannot work well with my $1k TV.

 

[dinosauradventure]

@AironMan 4K HiDPI is working for me again in latest 15.1 beta (24B83).
Oddly, system Prefs shows 60hz, but LG C2 confirms 120hz.
still no HDR option available.

 

[AironMan]

@AironMan 4K HiDPI is working for me again in latest 15.1 beta (24B83).
Oddly, system Prefs shows 60hz, but LG C2 confirms 120hz.
still no HDR option available.

View attachment 2442883 View attachment 2442886 View attachment 2442888

uhhhhh so nice !! @stevemr123 does apple change the frambuffer limit in 15.1 ?

 

[chargerinthebox]

time to upgrade to m4?

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1850929080281321899

 

[PaulD-UK]

Maybe through two cables??? Like the Dell UP3218K, although that was too old for greater than 60Hz

 

[walkin]

Happy to report that I'm getting 4K @ 120Hz with 10-bit RGB full on Sonoma 14.5, on a Mac Mini M1 with LG CX 48" using this adapter, BetterDisplay Pro and the custom Cable Matters firmware:
Cable Matters 48Gbps USB C to HDMI 2.1 Adapter Supporting 4K 120Hz and 8K 60Hz HDR - Thunderbolt 4 to HDMI 2.1 Adapter, HDMI 2.1 to USB C Adapter - Maximum Resolution on Mac is 4K@60Hz

 

[eva3si0n]

Failed to add 4K/120Hz support on MacBook Pro M1 and Mac Mini M2 in conjunction with LG C3. Used this cable:
https://satechi.net/products/usb-c-...OA==?queryID=2ec9f257591613c0729e11e5a9504338

When checking the cable through VMMTool, it showed that the VMM7100 chip is used. I connected the cable to the Windows 11 VM on Parallels Desktop (unfortunately, I don't have a PC with a Thunderbolt 3/4 port on Windows). After flashing the cable and connecting to Macs, I just get a black screen. Tried the following FW versions: 7.02.112, 7.02.120 and 7.02.130
Maybe it is possible to at least restore FW to factory values when there was support for 4K/60Hz? I tried to make a backup of the current state of FW before all the works, but I didn't find this item in VMMTool.

 

[szeller]

I've got a M3 Pro MBP (on Sequoia) with a C4 42" and the CableMatters VM7100 cable *works* at 120Hz... but it's extremely unrealiable on wake. Every time the mac goes to sleep it's anyone's guess whether it'll output a signal on wake. I've never had it come back on without unplugging and replugging at least once. I've tried the BetterDisplay re-initialize setting but it didn't change anything. All the settings look good, everything I've done here is what everyone else seems to have done, but cycling the cable several times every time I want to wake my mac from sleep is so frustrating I've gone back to 60fps. I can live with 60fps, I cannot live with having to mess around with cables to get it to display something.

In case it matters, I mainly use my mac with the lid closed and through a TB4 dock. I've tried plugging in the cable directly but it didn't change much. And yes, the mac is on power with the lid closed, I can hear it play sound effects, there's just no signal to the TV. It's so frustrating that my $3k laptop cannot work well with my $1k TV.

Same issue with LG G4 55". I upgraded it from LG C2 42" and the C2 works much better than G4(although it also require some 7100 chip USB reset or replugging the adaptor, but after up to 1 reset everything will be OK. Besides, it's much faster for C2 to display the signal than G4) For G4, I may need to wait at least 10 seconds to check whether the signal ouput is normal or not. If not, I need to reset the adaptor or re-plug it to make it work. Trying the find the solution in this tread.

 

[kasakka]

time to upgrade to m4?

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1850929080281321899

They have since corrected that to 8K 60 Hz it seems. At least on the US website.

 

[chargerinthebox]

They have since corrected that to 8K 60 Hz it seems. At least on the US website.

yup, sadly, it still says 8k @ 120 hz on the indian page haha

 

[AironMan]

time to upgrade to m4?

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1850929080281321899

TB4 is TB4 there is no change here

 

[AironMan]

@AironMan 4K HiDPI is working for me again in latest 15.1 beta (24B83).
Oddly, system Prefs shows 60hz, but LG C2 confirms 120hz.
still no HDR option available.

View attachment 2442883 View attachment 2442886 View attachment 2442888

Did u have an M3 ?


Holy sh… I just updated to 15.1, and Apple limited HiDPI even more — I can only get 3072x1728 now!!! Come on Apple, they just want to f… us over! This is an outrageous move by Apple, just to force us into buying newer M3 or soon M4 models!

 

[komuh]

Did u have an M3 ?


Holy sh… I just updated to 15.1, and Apple limited HiDPI even more — I can only get 3072x1728 now!!! Come on Apple, they just want to f… us over! This is an outrageous move by Apple, just to force us into buying newer M3 or soon M4 models!

View attachment 2443596

Same here holy ... if this isn't some sort of bug this is such a dark practice as much as Iphone "battery" slowdown.

 

[AironMan]

Same here holy ... if this isn't some sort of bug this is such a dark practice as much as Iphone "battery" slowdown.

I emailed MaxTech and Luke Miani, providing a detailed description of the issue, but unfortunately, I haven’t received a response. These two run some of the largest Apple-focused YouTube channels, which is why I reached out to them—they have the reach needed to bring attention to something like this. Is there anyone else who could help make this issue public?

So far, the only way to point this out to Apple is through feedback, which is why I’ve been you all to do the same (even though it hasn’t helped so far)

• Please pull a request to Apple and credit my Apple ticket request (FB15247887) so they can see that we’re all raising the same issue since macOS 14.1 and macOS 15

 

[dinosauradventure]

@AironMan I'm on an M1 Pro. I saw the same lower res on first boot after updating.

What works for me is setting the refresh to 60hz in system preferences. Then start messing with Better Display settings. Set resolution to 4k, enable HiDPI, and then set refresh rate to 120. Try toggling config protections on and off. Takes a few tries but eventually 4K/120/HiDPI will stick. System preferences still shows 60Hz but it is actually 120, confirmed by BetterDisplay and LG C2. I've tested this a few times.

It seems to go back to lower resolution every time I reconnect the display, so quite a pain, but at least it can work.

 

[AironMan]

Really nice @dinosauradventure, when using "other unexposed frequencies" 120hz I can reproduce 4K HiDPI. So confirm that this will work!

Steps:

1. BetterDisplay: Select 4k HiDPI @ 60hz

2. BetterDisplay: Use 120hz on BetterDisplay "other unexposed frequencies"

Info: BD config protection does not work correctly for now. It's better to disable it and then change every time to "unexposed frequencies" 120hz manually.


BUT: I warn u, apple will read this and "fix" this faster as u can see

 

[AironMan]

So we got a workaround for all guys?

Can some others also test this and confirm ?

@stevemr123 How this can be possible when the framebuffer limit is 7K ?

 

[shrik450]

I updated to 15.1 today and I'm seeing my connection be more consistent at 120Hz with the C4. It's still not immediate like 60Hz but I didn't have to replug the cable in after sleep. Fingers crossed it stays that way and I'll report back after driving it for a little longer.

 

[batscamp]

So we got a workaround for all guys?

Can some others also test this and confirm ?

@stevemr123 How this can be possible when the framebuffer limit is 7K ?

Hi there,

I'm using a Mac Studio w/M1 max on Sequoia 15.1 paired with an LG C2 42". I can confirm that the workaround is working fine and is straightforward. Thanks for the information. I hope 15.2 will bring back an easier and more definitive way to get 4k Hidpi @ 120Hz.

 

[AironMan]

Hi there,

I'm using a Mac Studio w/M1 max on Sequoia 15.1 paired with an LG C2 42". I can confirm that the workaround is working fine and is straightforward. Thanks for the information. I hope 15.2 will bring back an easier and more definitive way to get 4k Hidpi @ 120Hz.

Nice, but this is little weird. I dont know why this can work. Hopefully Steve can give some informations about that. Another problem is, after reconnect the adapter, BD can not restore the right settings again, also with config protection.

 

[szeller]

I updated to 15.1 today and I'm seeing my connection be more consistent at 120Hz with the C4. It's still not immediate like 60Hz but I didn't have to replug the cable in after sleep. Fingers crossed it stays that way and I'll report back after driving it for a little longer.

Please help to keep an eye on the connection stability. Mine has also updated to 15.1 but seems nothing changed...Thanks!