M1 Mac External Display - Fuzzy Fonts & Colors - YPBPR vs RGB

[amitdel]

@loopsinner - do try the following 2 things to see if you get a better picture.

Color > Gamma > Try switching to MAC, if this option exists
Display > DP 1.2 > Enable

Both these settings greatly improved the picture on another monitor to the point where RGB vs YPbPr issue was subjectively solved to 80-85%, and was absolutely usable with no eye strain.

Warm Regards

 

[loopsinner]

@loopsinner - You might want to check out the dedicated thread on this topic with modelwise info

On a side note - is that the Logitech MX Keys that I spy on the top half of your photo? (rounded corners seem to indicate so!) Was wondering if this keyboard is worth the extra cost.

As it's a membrane keyboard (instead of a mechanical that I wanted), how good do you find the typing experience / typing fatigue after prolonged use?

Cheers

Good eyes, lol.

I got myself the Windows/Mac Version instead of the Mac only version.

Never had a typing fatigue. But then again i never had any fatigue using MacBook Pro 15 inch keyboard either.

As a programmer who writes hundreds lines of code daily (admittedly, mostly copy+paste from stackoverflow ) it's one of the best tools i've invested in.

It's worth it for me, because i'm not much a fan of a mechanical keyboard (i love the aesthetics, the sounds they produce, but hate the actual typing experience. They're mostly too tall/high profile for me)

 

[littlej2]

I have a Mac mini M1 and Dell U2720Q, and I am now able to get the RGB mode working. You need a spare Intel Mac. Here is what I did.

1. Connect the monitor with the Intel Mac.
2. Use the script https://gist.github.com/adaugherity/7435890 to generate the EDID patch on the Intel Mac. Since the script only works on Intel Macs and not M1 ones, you can only generate the file on the Intel Mac.
:
8. Delete the override folder inside /Library/Displays/Contents/Resources/Overrides directory, and restart the M1 Mac again.

Sadly, this doesnt work for My M1 and My Dell U3014. I generated the profile on my old 2017 macbook pro, which works perfectly (gives RGB), copied it over, but the M1 still uses YPbPr. My folder structure on the M1 is now like this:

/Library/Displays/Contents/Resources/Overrides/DisplayVendorID-10ac/DisplayProductID-4081

I had to create the Displays dir

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
  <key>DisplayProductName</key>
  <string>DELL U3014 - forced RGB mode (EDID override)</string>
  <key>IODisplayEDID</key>
  <data>AP///////wAQrIFATDcxMxEZAQS1QCh4Ih31rk81syUNUFSlSwCBALMA0QBx
T6lAgYDRwAEB4mgAoKBALmAwIDYAgZEhAAAaAAAA/wBQMVY2TjU0TjMxN0wK
AAAA/ABERUxMIFUzMDE0CiAgAAAA/QAxVh1xHAEKICAgICAgAPM=
</data>
  <key>DisplayVendorID</key>
  <integer>4268</integer>
  <key>DisplayProductID</key>
  <integer>16513</integer>
</dict>
</plist>

 

[n0dragon]

Sadly, this doesnt work for My M1 and My Dell U3014. I generated the profile on my old 2017 macbook pro, which works perfectly (gives RGB), copied it over, but the M1 still uses YPbPr. My folder structure on the M1 is now like this:

/Library/Displays/Contents/Resources/Overrides/DisplayVendorID-10ac/DisplayProductID-4081

I had to create the Displays dir

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
  <key>DisplayProductName</key>
  <string>DELL U3014 - forced RGB mode (EDID override)</string>
  <key>IODisplayEDID</key>
  <data>AP///////wAQrIFATDcxMxEZAQS1QCh4Ih31rk81syUNUFSlSwCBALMA0QBx
T6lAgYDRwAEB4mgAoKBALmAwIDYAgZEhAAAaAAAA/wBQMVY2TjU0TjMxN0wK
AAAA/ABERUxMIFUzMDE0CiAgAAAA/QAxVh1xHAEKICAgICAgAPM=
</data>
  <key>DisplayVendorID</key>
  <integer>4268</integer>
  <key>DisplayProductID</key>
  <integer>16513</integer>
</dict>
</plist>

Forget about the UDID override. Try to set SmartHDR to Desktop/DisplayHDR in the Dell monitor, and then DISABLE High Dynamic Range in the display settings in the MacOS. If you are using usb-c to connect, also set usb-c priority to High Resolution. After all these steps, restart the machine. It should now output RGB colour.

 

[airbatross]

My M1 mini was YPbPr on my U2520D for the last 3 days, and today I used HDMI cable to test if it looks better - it didn't. I unplugged it and replugged USB-C cable and now it shows RGB I don't know how it happened but it works perfectly..

I restarted several times both mini and display - so I'm assuming there might be a connection there. At least in my case. Because I haven't done anything else.

 

[winkling21]

I am wondering has anyone tried this connection:
CalDigit USB-C to DisplayPort 1.2 Adapter, then
CalDigit Active DisplayPort 1.2 to HDMI 2.0 Adapter, then
HDMI to monitor

My point is the Active conversion from DP to HDMI, not sure if we can get RGB back; and not sure if there's any difference with the native HDMI port in Mac mini.

Has anyone tried that?

 

[tommy6]

I have tried very many ways with my m1 mini and dell P2715. Still can't achieve Rgb mode because of displaycal color correction requirement< I have to use RGB, YPBPr color correction will be wrong.

First of all. The original UNI usb c to PD method, still YPBPr
Second, a Hdmi2.0 cable output to dell2715, still YPBPr
Third, usb c to hdmi 2.0 output, still YPBPr
Finally, UNI's usb c to PD and then through mini DP adapter, the same YPBPr

I tried to overwrite "/System/Library/Displays/Contents/Overrides/Resources/"
path, but the M1's security mechanism cannot overwrite the files in recovery mode.

So I overwrite the files in
"/Library/Displays/Contents/Resources/Overrides/"
After rebooting, there is a mandatory description file in the screen settings.
But still YPBPr

I know there are 4k 60z hdmi output DVi adapters on the market. But there is no Dvi input on P2715...
After 4 days of trying, I can only give up for now and share these experiences with you to continue trying!

 

[peleielod]

I recently bought an apple mac mini M1 and wanted to connect it to my two ASUS MX279 type of monitors. Unfortunately I have tried every setting options but the text is still very blurry on the screen. It seems like it’s sensing the monitors like TV screens. Using windows the monitors are perfectly functioning. What can be done in such a case? If we can’t find a solution, I will need to send it back, because I can’t use it like this.

 

[kirkster501]

I too have this issue and it is incredibly annoying. How could Apple, who pride themselves on the UI, let this kind of issue ship in their code??

Absolutely nothing I do removes the blurriness of the text, which is headache inducing. Tried all the text tinkering, DisplayPort, HDMI, new cables.... Nothing works. Colours are also inaccurate and miles out. Move the monitor with same cable to Windows 10 machine and everything is crystal clear.

I am having to put the M1 Mac to one side and do my coding work on my iMac until Apple get this fixed. If they don't then the otherwise fabulous Mac Mini is a useless brick as things stand. NO matter how great the M1 chip, if a users can't read the screen properly over a sustained period then it is useless.

 

[panjandrum]

Out of curiosity, has anyone tried SwitchResX to see if it supports switching color modes? I haven't used it for quite some number of years, but if it will resolve this issue it's worth the cost.

This is a really annoying issue when it occurs, but for those frustrated with it as a Mac-only issue; it isn't. Recent updates to Windows 10 pushed by Microsoft have caused exactly this same issue on a number of displays I use, including a DLP projector, where I used to be able to switch modes and am now locked specifically to the incorrect YPBPR mode. The option disappeared both from Windows itself and the video-card specific options after one of the "Windows 10 Feature updates" and no amount of re-installing will bring it back. It appears to be a purposeful removal of that feature by Microsoft. Rolling the update back was the only way to regain the correct video mode. Blame both Apple and Microsoft for thinking they know more about our systems than we do as the end-users: All they have to do is provide the options to choose the video mode we desire. The fix really is just that simple. But they probably won't do it.

 

[kirkster501]

SwitchResX makes no difference.

 

[kirkster501]

I have the Caldigit TS3+. Makes no difference either whether I connect the monitor to the TS3+ DP Port or USBC>DP Port or HDMI direct on the Mini itself. Same issues of blurry text.

 

[MauMx]

I've been following this thread since I upgraded to an M1 MacBook Pro 13 and wanted to share my setup. This is my first USB-C only Mac so I got an Anker PowerExpand 13-in-1 Hub to hook up everything. I can confirm it doesn't solve the issues discussed.

I'm connected to the Hub via USB-C and from the Hub to the display via a USB-C to DisplayPort cable. The display still says YPbPr.

I also tested going from hub to display via HDMI with the same results.
Just thought I'd post this here to add to the list of workarounds that don't work.

I've sent feedback via the Feedback Assistant and referenced a case # from someone else in this thread.
As a photographer, I can't tell you how frustrating this is.

 

[kirkster501]

Makes the use of the M1 with external displays an untenable proposition. Almost a class-action lawsuit case if you ask me.

 

[fc0712]

How do you guys check if the external monitor is using RGB or YCbCr?

I have a LG UL650-W

 

[tommy6]

Issue when connecting my MacBook Pro m1 1… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

I just found out that an extension port with DisplayLink certification seems to be able to solve this problem.
Need to pay attention to the maximum resolution (4k 5k or 60hz) and the occupied usb port.

but..
When I set up the usb-c and support hdmi dp display. These items are not cheap per se...

DisplayLink Products | Synaptics

Where to buy DisplayLink productsDisplayLink technology appears in a wide range of products from the world's leading PC and peripheral brands. It features in docking stations, monitors, adapters, and more.Products with DisplayLink technology are supported on Windows, macOS, Android and Chrome OS...

www.displaylink.com

 

[guitarguy316]

How do you guys check if the external monitor is using RGB or YCbCr?

I have a LG UL650-W

Same question. Also, what color profile are you guys using with your external monitor? I have the same LG series that many have 600/650.

 

[ludmiloff]

Don’t hold your breath for 11.2...
I'm running 11.2RC2 here with Dell P2415Q and still getting only YPbPr colour ouput (with USB-C -> DP cable, USB-C -> mDP dongle and HDMI; trying all the possible hacks).
It doesn't exactly obviously bad (sharpness is fine and it's not washed out, it's actually pretty) but the colours simply OFF if you pay attention especially with default colour profile loaded and "factory calibrated" setup on Dell. It has not been like that with my Intel Mac and it is not like that with my Windows laptop so it's obviously YPBPR vs RGB.
I've managed to get acceptable colour reproduction by using sRGB colour profile on Mac and tinkering with custom setup on Dell's OSD and for the time being it's good enough.
Still, I'm a hobbyist photographer doing occasional prints and if Apple doesn't fix it I might swallow my pride and buy LG Ultrafine ;x

I have the exact same monitor connected to Mac miniM1 and still could not get RGB.
Would you like to share your custom colour setup on OSD, please.

 

[xraydoc]

I recently bought an apple mac mini M1 and wanted to connect it to my two ASUS MX279 type of monitors. Unfortunately I have tried every setting options but the text is still very blurry on the screen. It seems like it’s sensing the monitors like TV screens. Using windows the monitors are perfectly functioning. What can be done in such a case? If we can’t find a solution, I will need to send it back, because I can’t use it like this.

Are you sure you're not just seeing the normal Apple font smoothing? 27" at 1080p makes for some big text.
See this regarding fond smoothing on Big Sur: https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/disable-font-smoothing-in-macos-big-sur/

 

[JourneyB4Destination]

Having this issue with an M1 Air running Big Sur 11.2.3. Getting YpbPr instead of RGB with a DELL U2913WM.

I am using a DisplayPort to USB C cable. I have tried it direct to the air and via a CalDigit Element TB4 dock. Same issue both ways.

 

[Donza]

Got reply from Apple via Feedback Assistant that this RGB-color issue might be fixed with latest Big Sur beta.
Installed the beta and unfortunately nothing has changed - still stuck to YPbPr with DisplayPort cable.

Replied to Apple - hopefully they continue resolving this...

 

[guitarguy316]

Having this issue with an M1 Air running Big Sur 11.2.3. Getting YpbPr instead of RGB with a DELL U2913WM.

I am using a DisplayPort to USB C cable. I have tried it direct to the air and via a CalDigit Element TB4 dock. Same issue both ways.

Got reply from Apple via Feedback Assistant that this RGB-color issue might be fixed with latest Big Sur beta.
Installed the beta and unfortunately nothing has changed - still stuck to YPbPr with DisplayPort cable.

Replied to Apple - hopefully they continue resolving this...

How do you tell which output you're getting?

 

[Donza]

How do you tell which output you're getting?

Monitor's OSD displays the color mode.

 

[mjohnston39]

I documented the YPrBr colour issues between my M1 Mac mini and a P3421W Dell monitor with Apple's Feedback website. I received an email from the Apple Feedback Assistant a portion read as follows:

"There are changes in the latest update, build 20E5217a (Big Sur 11.3 Beta 5), that may have resolved this issue."

Does anyone have 11.3 Beta 5 installed?

Just noted the post above by Donza about 11.3 beta 5 not correcting the issue

 

[theSeb]

Are you sure you're not just seeing the normal Apple font smoothing? 27" at 1080p makes for some big text.
See this regarding fond smoothing on Big Sur: https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/disable-font-smoothing-in-macos-big-sur/

This is super important. The fuzzy/blurry text issue has nothing to do with M1 or RGB vs YPrBr issue. It is an issue on Intel Macs too and it is caused by running non-scaled resolutions in MacOS.