Mac Pro 1,1 with Radeon 5700 won't display on Samsung 40" HDTV via Mini DisplayPort

[Synergy67]

I read up a fair bit on how to port video from my Mac Pro to my HDTV, and I have created the following setup, which is supposed to work:

• Mac Pro 1,1 made in Nov 2007, OS 10.6.8, true Apple certified Radeon 5700 (with jumper power cable installed internally), 4GB RAM

• A temporary crummy 15" Dell monitor connected to the DVI port

• This Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter Cable in the mini displayport on the 5700 card:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BERYLA/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

• This 30' HDMI cable running from the above adaptor to my Samsung UN40EH5050 LED HDTV, HDMI/DVI port 1 in:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027NTUMC/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I turn both the TV and Mac off, turn on the TV with Source to the HDMI/DVI port, then boot the Mac. The TV stays black, and System Profiler / Displays show no recognition of another display device at all. The same thing happens even if I unplug the Dell monitor before booting the Mac Pro. I also tried it with a 3' HDMI cable with the same result, so the issue is not cable length.

What is the problem? What is the solution? Thank you for helping.

 

[TheEasterBunny]

I read up a fair bit on how to port video from my Mac Pro to my HDTV, and I have created the following setup, which is supposed to work:

• Mac Pro 1,1 made in Nov 2007, OS 10.6.8, true Apple certified Radeon 5700 (with jumper power cable installed internally), 4GB RAM

• A temporary crummy 15" Dell monitor connected to the DVI port

• This Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter Cable in the mini displayport on the 5700 card:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BERYLA/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

• This 30' HDMI cable running from the above adaptor to my Samsung UN40EH5050 LED HDTV, HDMI/DVI port 1 in:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027NTUMC/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I turn both the TV and Mac off, turn on the TV with Source to the HDMI/DVI port, then boot the Mac. The TV stays black, and System Profiler / Displays show no recognition of another display device at all. The same thing happens even if I unplug the Dell monitor before booting the Mac Pro. I also tried it with a 3' HDMI cable with the same result, so the issue is not cable length.

What is the problem? What is the solution? Thank you for helping.

Just for S&G try booting with just the TV plugged into the card (unplug Dell monitor)

 

[cal6n]

Try a dedicated DVI - HDMI cable, either connected to the DVI port or (if you need the DVI port for your monitor) to a MDP - DVI adapter.

My friend was trying to connect a 2007 Macbook to an HDMI equipped TV. We tried all sorts of adapter and cable combinations, including HDMI, VGA, RGB component and S-Video. The only combination that worked was a mini DVI - DVI adapter and an DVI - HDMI cable. I suspect it's to do with HDCP incompatibility.

 

[Synergy67]

I also posted this on the apple site and someone responded with this info, which I don't understand fully yet:

"Macs use a highly parameterized driver, and asks the connected display to self-identify with its name and capabilities. Then the driver is customized to the capabilities of the display. If the display does not supply the information, or the adapter does not pass that information, it cannot be configured automatically.

A common problem with TVs is that they do not always self-identify. One needs to tell the TV which display input is being used, and that it is a computer connection (if possible).

You may also need to use an ACTIVE adapter (about US$35) to get proper signal levels and the correct passing of the ID information."

 

[crjackson2134]

I also posted this on the apple site and someone responded with this info, which I don't understand fully yet:

"Macs use a highly parameterized driver, and asks the connected display to self-identify with its name and capabilities. Then the driver is customized to the capabilities of the display. If the display does not supply the information, or the adapter does not pass that information, it cannot be configured automatically.

A common problem with TVs is that they do not always self-identify. One needs to tell the TV which display input is being used, and that it is a computer connection (if possible).

You may also need to use an ACTIVE adapter (about US$35) to get proper signal levels and the correct passing of the ID information."

It means, that it won't normally work unless you have a TV that specifically sends I.D. information back to the computer. Also you need to go into the TV menu and select the HDMI input port you are connecting to, and if possible indicate that it's a computer HDMI connection.

My VISIO has these options. I've used it before and it worked.

 

[chevelleguy3]

My Samsung 51" Plasma does the same thing if it is in the HDMI 2 slot. My TV only has 2 HDMI's on it. They are labeled: HDMI 1/DVI and HDMI 2. It works fine if it is plugged into HDMI 1/DVI, but will not show if plugged into HDMI 2.

Check on your TV and see if you have that setup. Try the one that says both HDMI and DVI.

 

[Synergy67]

Yes, I have been using the HDMI/DVI input. This Samsung apparently does not handshake with my video card...or is it just my Mac Pro, period? It's a bit annoying if the only solution is to buy yet another connecting device for $35. Usually Mac is the plug and play product.

 

[Synergy67]

Update

OK, so, I have an update. I returned the Samsung LED after trying for two months to fall in love with it, because I was thoroughly underwhelmed with the picture. I instead, after a lot more research, recently acquired a Panasonic 42" plasma TV and am thrilled with it. But...I have the same issue with my Mac Pro 1,1. It doesn't register a picture via either of the TV's two HDMI ports. I have the impression that a TV from around 2007 when this Mac was new might be likely to be recognized. It seems like anything new is not.

Am I likely to resolve this issue by buying a powered adapter, or is there still more to this equation I need to consider or can attempt? Is it possible I can never get this TV to take video from my Mac? That would be exceedingly frustrating.