External monitor support

[MK500]

Actually, there might be a real dealbreaker. I knew HDCP movies would not play, but I did not know this applied to music! I can't get any of my Apple Music to play! It says "The selected movie cannot play on one of your displays." It says this for all the music files (not video).

I am definitely NOT experiencing this. I have been playing music steadily since setting up my dual display configuration on my MacBook Air. Apple Music is working just fine. I actually have the Apple Music window on the DisplayLink monitor. Here is my setup:

M1 Air -> Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter -> QGeeM DisplayLink Hub

My left 1440p display is connected to the Apple adapter. My right 1440p display is connected to the DisplayLink Hub.

Now, if I attempt to watch a video in Apple Music I am getting the following errors (but NOT for music):

 

[OCDMacGeek]

I am definitely NOT experiencing this. I have been playing music steadily since setting up my dual display configuration on my MacBook Air. Apple Music is working just fine. I actually have the Apple Music window on the DisplayLink monitor. Here is my setup:

M1 Air -> Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter -> QGeeM DisplayLink Hub

My left 1440p display is connected to the Apple adapter. My right 1440p display is connected to the DisplayLink Hub.

Now, if I attempt to watch a video in Apple Music I am getting the following errors (but NOT for music):

View attachment 1686826

That message is the same exact one showing up when I try to play music! I wonder why this is happening for me and not for you. I’ll keep trying to solve this tomorrow.

 

[jido]

That message is the same exact one showing up when I try to play music! I wonder why this is happening for me and not for you. I’ll keep trying to solve this tomorrow.

Do you have music which was not upgraded to the DRM-free version yet?

 

[hunkster]

Hmm, I just received the Dell D6000. Finally got 2 Dell monitors to work.

1. I was expecting the monitors to keep working in clamshell mode, but it doesn't work at all. As soon as I close the Macbook Air's lid, the monitors go to sleep.
2. Every time I reboot, I had to remove the USB-C and plug it back into the Macbook Air before the 2 monitors will display. Any idea?
3. Night Shift does not work on the 2 monitors while the MacBook Air's display is showing the effects of Night Shift.
4. Using the D6000's HDMI port causes flickering on the connected external monitor so I'm using the 2 x Display Ports.

EDIT: #1 Sometimes clamshell works, other times it just puts the external displays to sleep. I can't see a pattern. It seems to depend on random luck in between reboots.

 

[petterihiisila]

Hmm, I just received the Dell D6000. Finally got 2 Dell monitors to work.

1. I was expecting the monitors to keep working in clamshell mode, but it doesn't work at all. As soon as I close the Macbook Air's lid, the monitors go to sleep.
2. Every time I reboot, I had to remove the USB-C and plug it back into the Macbook Air before the 2 monitors will display. Any idea?
3. Night Shift does not work on the 2 monitors while the MacBook Air's display is showing the effects of Night Shift.
4. Using the D6000's HDMI port causes flickering on the connected external monitor so I'm using the 2 x Display Ports.

EDIT: #1 Sometimes clamshell works, other times it just puts the external displays to sleep. I can't see a pattern. It seems to depend on random luck in between reboots.

It's becoming apparent that DisplayLink docks behave different from each other. Good observations for others to know. I've got this Lenovo dock and only #3 is an issue here. Clamshell works reliably.

The Night Shift issue I manage by setting it a bit lower to reduce the difference between monitors, and by having the primary monitor in the center, with one on both sides. That way it doesn't bother too much.

If someone buys that Lenovo dock, be careful to match the model. UK/US/EU variant doesn't matter, but don't buy the TB3 model: it's not DisplayLink, won't work as expected. This is a USB-C dock.

 

[MK500]

Sometimes clamshell works, other times it just puts the external displays to sleep. I can't see a pattern. It seems to depend on random luck in between reboots.

Everyone has their own preferences for docks and displays; but may I submit the most reliable method is still probably what I documented here:

#106

#135

#198

 

[OCDMacGeek]

Hmm, I just received the Dell D6000. Finally got 2 Dell monitors to work.

1. I was expecting the monitors to keep working in clamshell mode, but it doesn't work at all. As soon as I close the Macbook Air's lid, the monitors go to sleep.
2. Every time I reboot, I had to remove the USB-C and plug it back into the Macbook Air before the 2 monitors will display. Any idea?
3. Night Shift does not work on the 2 monitors while the MacBook Air's display is showing the effects of Night Shift.
4. Using the D6000's HDMI port causes flickering on the connected external monitor so I'm using the 2 x Display Ports.

EDIT: #1 Sometimes clamshell works, other times it just puts the external displays to sleep. I can't see a pattern. It seems to depend on random luck in between reboots.

Do you have a directly connected display in addition to the DisplayLink ones? I have one directly connected display and then one connected to the D6000. In that case, clamshell works well and no reboots needed to get the display to wake.

 

[OCDMacGeek]

Would there be any way to get an LG 27MD5KL-B 27 Inch UltraFine 5K to actually connect to an M1 Mac through DisplayLink? (Using any DisplayLink dock you are aware of?)

I have the Dell D6000 which supports one 5k display. But, it doesn’t have Thunderbolt.

 

[petterihiisila]

Would there be any way to get an LG 27MD5KL-B 27 Inch UltraFine 5K to actually connect to an M1 Mac through DisplayLink? (Using any DisplayLink dock you are aware of?)

I have the Dell D6000 which supports one 5k display. But, it doesn’t have Thunderbolt.

I doubt it. While researching eGPUs for the 16", I tried to find a way to connect it to HDMI/Displayport and retain 5k in the process. There were no TB3 display outputs on GPU cards, except Blackmagic's solution, which was out of stock at the time. Big fail. Ended up connecting the 5k direct and other monitors via the eGPU.

All DisplayLink docks only output HDMI/DisplayPort as far as I can tell. 5k would be some kind of strange 2-cable connection. I don't know what monitors work like that, but allegedly there are some.

With an M1 Air I've connected the 5k directly as a TB3 device/hub/monitor, daisy-chaining the DisplayLink behind that as a USB-C device. Works fine that way, which was a surprise.

 

[trailmonkey]

FTR my MBA connected to my LG28" at 4k out of the box. It also ran Sidecar at the same time. I only ran a few apps for a couple of hours like this but experienced no lag whatsoever - all very snappy. Will report back later in the week and maybe post a pic.

 

[VitoBotta]

I got my BenQ 28" a few days ago and it's been working well with the Mini so far on USB-C > DisplayPort. I bought a DisplayLink adapter (which should be arriving in a couple of days) because I was having problems with the other display, an older Acer connected to HDMI, but for some weird reason the Acer stopped having problems when I connected the BenQ as primary. Super weird. It's still connected to HDMI.

 

[joevt]

Would there be any way to get an LG 27MD5KL-B 27 Inch UltraFine 5K to actually connect to an M1 Mac through DisplayLink? (Using any DisplayLink dock you are aware of?)

I have the Dell D6000 which supports one 5k display. But, it doesn’t have Thunderbolt.

I could only find one mention of 5K working from DisplayLink with the Dell UP2715K. This is from 2015. I don't know if this feature existed or still exists or if it works only with Windows or can work in macOS.

DisplayLink GPU Agnostic Display Solutions

Synaptics’ DisplayLink uses software and a device decoder to act as a virtual graphics card, enhancing display capabilities, productivity, and sustainability with adaptive compression technology.

www.displaylink.com

If it works with the Dell, then there's a small chance that it could work with the LG if you connect the DisplayPort outputs to DisplayPort inputs of a Thunderbolt add-in card.

You should ask DisplayLink support about the feature. Does it work in macOS? Only with the Dell UP2715K or can it work with the HP Z27q or LG UltraFine 5K (via Thunderbolt 3 add-in card)?

 

[OCDMacGeek]

Thanks. I do have a Blackmagic Pro eGPU that I was using before I switched to the M1 MacBook Pro, but it sounds like it would not assist because there is no way to interface Thunderbolt with DisplayLink, and it seems the LG 5k display requires a Thunderbolt connection.

 

[petterihiisila]

Thanks. I do have a Blackmagic Pro eGPU that I was using before I switched to the M1 MacBook Pro, but it sounds like it would not assist because there is no way to interface Thunderbolt with DisplayLink, and it seems the LG 5k display requires a Thunderbolt connection.

I'm curious: why aren't you connecting the 5k directly and the rest via DisplayLink? Have you ran out of ports? There are TB3 hubs out there to help with that, but I haven't tried any. Also see above: it may be a good idea to write to DisplayLink support. They've answered to my queries pretty fast and with a useful response, not copy paste.

 

[OCDMacGeek]

I'm curious: why aren't you connecting the 5k directly and the rest via DisplayLink? Have you ran out of ports? There are TB3 hubs out there to help with that, but I haven't tried any. Also see above: it may be a good idea to write to DisplayLink support. They've answered to my queries pretty fast and with a useful response, not copy paste.

The only reason is because I already have a Pro Display XDR connected directly. My old setup was an iMac Pro with the Blackmagic eGPU to get 6k out of the Pro Display XDR (couldn't without it), then I had the 5k iMac Pro screen, and I used a third 32-inch Asus PQ321Q 4k display. It was a lot, but those three amazing screens helped with my workflow.

After I decided to go M1 MacBook Pro, I sold the iMac Pro (decided to sell while the getting was good).

Using DisplayLink with the Asus PQ321Q 4k display wasn't good -- it would not scale and keep HiDPI. This is because it is an MST display, and MST doesn't seem to work, and in SST mode its only 30 Hz, which I could not tolerate.

So, I've got my Pro Display XDR connected directly to my M1 MacBook Pro. That leaves me with only DisplayLink solutions for the other displays.

I got a Dell UltraSharp U2720Q 27 Inch 4K to use as my second display, but while it is 60 hz, it won't scale to look like 2560x1440. That resolution shows as not HiDPI if I try to change it using SwitchResX or EasyRes. If there is a way, I haven't found it yet. The best I can do is 1920x1080, which is a bit large. I am likely to return that display.

That display is a step down from the 5k iMac Pro display I was using as secondary. I was considering the LG 5K display, so that it wouldn't look so bad next to the Pro Display XDR. I'd also settle for a 4k display that can definitely do 2560x1440 in HiDPI.

I subsequently read about how 32-inch 4k displays scale better than 27-inch ones, so I started focusing on that size again. I would appreciate any tips!

 

[joevt]

Thanks. I do have a Blackmagic Pro eGPU that I was using before I switched to the M1 MacBook Pro, but it sounds like it would not assist because there is no way to interface Thunderbolt with DisplayLink, and it seems the LG 5k display requires a Thunderbolt connection.

I just explained a method to interface Thunderbolt with Display Link - I don't know if it works.

I got a Dell UltraSharp U2720Q 27 Inch 4K to use as my second display, but while it is 60 hz, it won't scale to look like 2560x1440. That resolution shows as not HiDPI if I try to change it using SwitchResX or EasyRes. If there is a way, I haven't found it yet. The best I can do is 1920x1080, which is a bit large. I am likely to return that display.

That display is a step down from the 5k iMac Pro display I was using as secondary. I was considering the LG 5K display, so that it wouldn't look so bad next to the Pro Display XDR. I'd also settle for a 4k display that can definitely do 2560x1440 in HiDPI.

I subsequently read about how 32-inch 4k displays scale better than 27-inch ones, so I started focusing on that size again. I would appreciate any tips!

To get "Looks like 2560x1440", you need a 5120x2880 scaled mode. I think an M1 Mac should be able to offer scaled resolutions up to 6016x3384? Not sure if SwitchResX works to add the scaled mode. It should be able to create the override file at least.

 

[joevt]

The script I made to dump M1 Mac display timings is now at https://gist.github.com/joevt/0c75b42171b3fb1a5248b4e2bee8e4d0
Scroll down to the comments section to see how to download and run it.

 

[OCDMacGeek]

I just explained a method to interface Thunderbolt with Display Link - I don't know if it works.


To get "Looks like 2560x1440", you need a 5120x2880 scaled mode. I think an M1 Mac should be able to offer scaled resolutions up to 6016x3384? Not sure if SwitchResX works to add the scaled mode. It should be able to create the override file at least.

I am still trying to understand how to interface the DisplayLink dock with the Thunderbolt card w/ DisplayPort, like you are saying. As I understand it, you were saying I could connect the 5k display to the Thunderbolt port of a Thunderbolt PCIE card that also has a DisplayPort output (like this one). I use the DisplayPort output to the Dell D6000. Is that right?

 

[joevt]

I am still trying to understand how to interface the DisplayLink dock with the Thunderbolt card w/ DisplayPort, like you are saying. As I understand it, you were saying I could connect the 5k display to the Thunderbolt port of a Thunderbolt PCIE card that also has a DisplayPort output (like this one). I use the DisplayPort output to the Dell D6000. Is that right?

That's not a Thunderbolt PCIe card. That's a Thunderbolt PCIe enclosure or expansion chassis. I suppose you could install a Thunderbolt add-in card in that, but it might not work (it may require some software that doesn't exist yet to activate).

Two DisplayPort outputs of the Dell D6000 connect to two DisplayPort inputs of the Thunderbolt add-in card (such as GC-ALPINE RIDGE or GC-TITAN RIDGE). The LG UltraFine 5K connects to the Thunderbolt port of the Thunderbolt add-in card.

 

[MK500]

Two DisplayPort outputs of the Dell D6000 connect to two DisplayPort inputs of the Thunderbolt add-in card

I’m so confused. Are you thinking you can connect DisplayPort outputs from the D6000 to another set of DisplayPort outputs on a pass-through card and they will somehow become inputs? You cannot connect output ports to output ports.

Unless I am misunderstanding you.

Most DisplayPorts are not bi-directional. They are either outputs (on a card) or inputs (on a monitor).

I did find a cable that can embed the DisplayLink signal into USB-C, but it only works up to 4K:

Monoprice Bidirectional USB Type-C to DisplayPort Cable - 4K@60Hz, Black, 6ft - Monoprice.com

No longer will you be limited by the direction of your cable! This Bidirectional USB-C? to DisplayPort? Cable allows you to connect your legacy DisplayPort devices to your newest USB-C enabled display

www.monoprice.com

 

[joevt]

I’m so confused. Are you thinking you can connect DisplayPort outputs from the D6000 to another set of DisplayPort outputs on a pass-through card and they will somehow become inputs? You cannot connect output ports to output ports.

Unless I am misunderstanding you.

Most DisplayPorts are not bi-directional. They are either outputs (on a card) or inputs (on a monitor).

I did find a cable that can embed the DisplayLink signal into USB-C, but it only works up to 4K:

Monoprice Bidirectional USB Type-C to DisplayPort Cable - 4K@60Hz, Black, 6ft - Monoprice.com

No longer will you be limited by the direction of your cable! This Bidirectional USB-C? to DisplayPort? Cable allows you to connect your legacy DisplayPort devices to your newest USB-C enabled display

www.monoprice.com

The Thunderbolt 3 add-in cards have two DisplayPort inputs. Did you try looking them up?

GC-TITAN RIDGE (rev. 1.0) Key Features | Motherboard - GIGABYTE Global

Lasting Quality from GIGABYTE.GIGABYTE Ultra Durable™ motherboards bring together a unique blend of features and technologies that offer users the absolute ...

www.gigabyte.com

GC-TITAN RIDGE (rev. 2.0) Key Features | Motherboard - GIGABYTE Global

Lasting Quality from GIGABYTE.GIGABYTE Ultra Durable™ motherboards bring together a unique blend of features and technologies that offer users the absolute ...

www.gigabyte.com

GC-ALPINE RIDGE (rev. 1.0) Overview | Motherboard - GIGABYTE Global

Lasting Quality from GIGABYTE.GIGABYTE Ultra Durable™ motherboards bring together a unique blend of features and technologies that offer users the absolute ...

www.gigabyte.com

GC-ALPINE RIDGE (rev. 2.0) Overview | Motherboard - GIGABYTE Global

Lasting Quality from GIGABYTE.GIGABYTE Ultra Durable™ motherboards bring together a unique blend of features and technologies that offer users the absolute ...

www.gigabyte.com

 

[MK500]

The Thunderbolt 3 add-in cards have two DisplayPort inputs. Did you try looking them up?

I did Google them, but clearly I missed that those are indeed DisplayPort inputs! Sorry for my mistake.

So that really is an interesting card. But I’m not sure how it could be used without its associated motherboard.

 

[MK500]

it won't scale to look like 2560x1440. That resolution shows as not HiDPI if I try to change it using SwitchResX or EasyRes. If there is a way, I haven't found it yet.

It is likely possible to create a custom HiDPI mode. I did this years ago to allow me to have additional HiDPI modes on my 2015 12” MacBook with a 2304x1440 display, and it was a great solution. This thread is what got me started on that setup:

Scale 1680x1050 on rMB without an app

Sorry this post has become such a jumbled mess from what it originally was but there is now a script by a dev on GitHub that automates a lot of this, and after some fiddling I got it working with Big Sur PB1 this morning. Check this post out for a Big Sur walkthrough...

forums.macrumors.com

I plan on doing something similar with my M1 Air once I figure out the additional complexity of Big Sur‘s security. The trick is to create a display override file for your display with the appropriate DTD for 2560x1440 by finding the DisplayVendorID file and modifying it.

I’ll make sure to post instructions here if/when I figure it out. It’s pretty important to me as the available HiDPI modes on my Air are not entirely optimal to me.

 

[joevt]

It is likely possible to create a custom HiDPI mode. I did this years ago to allow me to have additional HiDPI modes on my 2015 12” MacBook with a 2304x1440 display, and it was a great solution. This thread is what got me started on that setup:

Scale 1680x1050 on rMB without an app

Sorry this post has become such a jumbled mess from what it originally was but there is now a script by a dev on GitHub that automates a lot of this, and after some fiddling I got it working with Big Sur PB1 this morning. Check this post out for a Big Sur walkthrough...

forums.macrumors.com

I plan on doing something similar with my M1 Air once I figure out the additional complexity of Big Sur‘s security. The trick is to create a display override file for your display with the appropriate DTD for 2560x1440 by finding the DisplayVendorID file and modifying it.

I’ll make sure to post instructions here if/when I figure it out. It’s pretty important to me as the available HiDPI modes on my Air are not entirely optimal to me.

SwitchResX should be able to create the override file. Create the 5120x2880 scaled mode. Save. The file should appear in the /Library/Displays/Contents/Resources/Overrides hierarchy - just sort by modified date. For Big Sur, the Activate Immediately button may not work (especially on M1 Macs?) so you may need to restart - or just disconnect and reconnect the display if the OS doesn't cache the file contents.

 

[DeMagguz]

Something strange I figured out. With the M1 MacBook Air with 7core GPU the Mac is not showing the name of the monitor in the colour profile, ist saying standard HD Monitor.
However,
MacBook Pro M1 is stating correct the name Dell U3219q.
Strange or? Does anybody has the same or can explain why the air does not mention the monitor name? All my previous Mac’s always stating the name of the monitor in the colour profile.