Help with monitor

[LizziS]

Hi there,



I have a MacBook Air (about 2013), running Catalina 10.15.4. I've just bought a BenQ monitor (BL2780T/27) and have connected it using a mini-display - HDMI cable.



Unfortunately, the new monitor is reflected a zoomed in / enlarged version of my laptop screen, so rather than getting more space from the monitor, I'm simply seeing everything larger. I have tried all the different settings in System Preferences > Displays, but nothing seems to work. It's like sitting too close to the screen in the cinema! Attached is a screenshot of the displays specs.



Any support greatly appreciated.



Thanks,

Lizzi

 

[saulinpa]

HDMI can be quirky but should work for a 1080P display. Some adapters are better than others. Easier and more solid would be to get a mDP to DP cable.

I would also verify the monitor is OK by connecting it to a cable box. Also give BenQ's support a call.

 

[DeltaMac]

If you see an image on your BenQ exactly the same as your internal display, then you need to turn off "Mirroring".
Go to the System Preferences/Displays, then to the "Arrangement" tab. When you are on that pane, your will see a box for Mirroring. Uncheck that box. Then, you will be able to adjust the display resolution, as each display will show a separate Displays pane. Adjust to your preferred settings on each one. That same Arrangement tab shows you how the two displays are positioned, relative to each other. So, if your external display is on the right (or the left) you can drag the displays so that the Arrangement pane shows the same as the physical positions.

I agree with saulinpa - mDP to DP connection would give you a better experience, as it is just a difference in the physical connectors, without the signal conversion of displayport to HDMI.

 

[chscag]

Are you running both monitors together? Sounds like you are and the BenQ is mirroring what's on your MacBook Pro. The native resolution of the BenQ is higher than your MBP so you should just run the BenQ alone and not both if you want to use the higher resolution. Otherwise you will see that zoomed effect.