That actually is irrelevant to the situation the OP faced. There are universally adopted and accepted standards for video (including both VGA and HDMI), and there are no differences based on OS, Processor, or other distinguishing factors.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
$$$ MBP drops the ball; POS HP laptop saves the day (extra long angry rant)
- Thread starter T Coma
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
That actually is irrelevant to the situation the OP faced. There are universally adopted and accepted standards for video (including both VGA and HDMI), and there are no differences based on OS, Processor, or other distinguishing factors.
Longstanding issue - apple doesn't send a signal unless it validates the connection. So if the wiring is bad, you won't get output. It's not like it's pumping water and needs to validate the pipe, just send the damn signal. Way way over-engineered.
I used to carry a gearhead II adapter that simulated a monitor so that the mac would output video, then it would forward it on to the other device regardless of the state of the wiring.
I used to carry a gearhead II adapter that simulated a monitor so that the mac would output video, then it would forward it on to the other device regardless of the state of the wiring.
LMAO. Imagine trying to make HDMI to VGA work and thinking the Mac is the problem.
Of course Windows worked. Windows hasn't changed or improved in 30 years.
Of course Windows worked. Windows hasn't changed or improved in 30 years.
Apple's hardware at one point in the 2000's was notorious for its broad compatibility. David Pogue had written a section in the Total series for Macworld how well Mac OS X worked with old and new devices. Apple has been sucked into its own ecosystem, I just don't think they do or care about compatibility as much as they use to. They are not the under dog anymore. Anything that doesn't work with their stuff is on you, not them. Windows use to be the same way, if it doesn't work with Windows, its on you back in the 2000s.
No, this started before that, but it got worse with Apple silicon GPU's. It started going downhill when they discontinued sub pixel anti-aliasing. After that they stop working so well on other types of monitors.
The Intel Macbook Pro series was the laptop to use for those who travelled a lot internationally to give presentations as they always worked with all sorts of projectors worldwide. So not anymore? These days, are Windows laptops better in terms of compatibility of different projectors no matter where we go?
Last edited:
This was your first mistake. Always test a setup BEFORE the actual day of the event if at all possible, that way if you find it doesn't work, you're not having to rush around at the 11th hour with your blood pressure elevated.
I'm not going necessarily blame Apple for this, as it sounds like there were a lot of variables (specific projector, cabling, adapters, etc.). I had a bizarre issue which I still don't understand where Apple's USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter worked perfectly with my TV and monitors via HDMI, but not with either of my two Epson projectors via HDMI. However, a simple Anker HDMI-to-USB-C I bought off Amazon worked perfectly with both projectors. Go figure. Clearly it was something on the projectors end that wasn't playing well with this specific Apple adapter, but the adapter DID work with other devices, so it obviously wasn't faulty--just an odd compatibility issue, I guess.
I have been staff for a local convention for several years now. We always have to have an array of adapters on hand so that panelists and presenters can connect their laptops to the venue's equipment. I think one year, we just got a bunch of 65" TVs and connected devices directly to them since the built-in AV systems were (to put it politely) trash.
You should've started with the prayer. 🙏
Then it would've worked from the very beginning.
if u read waht post i qouted u see that the person i replied to was talking about software he uses which is a x86 windows software that obviously wouldnt run on mac OS
As someone who has travelled the world doing presentations - I've had this experience with Windows laptops before - and it is usually the fault of the equipment where you're doing your talk. I usually try to get there a day before (work travel days) and check out the venue before I have to do my presentation, but obviously not all of us have that luxury.
I've done the run to Best Buy / Staples and buy an adapter and hope it works.
I've done the run to Best Buy / Staples and buy an adapter and hope it works.
macOS's multi-monitor support is abysmal. Always has been. There's nothing about the PC being Windows 11 or 10 or 8.1 or none of those that would change this. Windows has been doing multi-monitor support adequately for ages. Furthermore, there's no reason why a modern connection couldn't still adapt down to VGA or HDMI if needed (especially since those are still the most common video ports on most external displays/projectors).
Older tech vs. newer tech ought to not matter. Every computer out there with any video output can convert some input to VGA or HDMI. This is a case of macOS having a weak point and the OP encountering it dead-on in a very real-world scenario.
Older tech vs. newer tech ought to not matter. Every computer out there with any video output can convert some input to VGA or HDMI. This is a case of macOS having a weak point and the OP encountering it dead-on in a very real-world scenario.
Great story, stressful moments but definitely +1 for suggestions of dry run the day before - as has been said, connections of a different vintage can be problematic. Would an AppleTV plugged into the HDMI port of the projector have worked too? Yes I know trialling a connection with AirPlay introduces wireless into the equation but clearly the direct connection method was being problematic and I'd say anything with analog VGA conversions is also a bit ropey.
I just discovered I have run out of monitors with VGA or DVI connector when trying to fire up an old G4 machine and while dongles exist I think I'd rather just buy another monitor or TV with the native connector on board.
I just discovered I have run out of monitors with VGA or DVI connector when trying to fire up an old G4 machine and while dongles exist I think I'd rather just buy another monitor or TV with the native connector on board.
Of course, sure. I've been using it for years with several monitors on several machines and no problems, but okay. I guess the anecdote in the original post was the checkmate, got it.
There are ARM versions of Maxima. There is even a version for Android. It shouldn't have anything to do with x86.
Creston is one of the few techs that are both awesome and hellish at the same time.
This is exactly why I hate HDMI, you'd likely run into this with a new machine as well. We had to replace all our projectors at work because the new HP laptops everyone got just didn't work with the HDMI the projectors had, only the older ones did.
It's always the rest of the worlds fault for not also replacing all their equipment every year to accommodate new macs lol
I’d say in my experience, it has definitely gotten worse. I use an old dell 4K monitor I bought to work with a trashcan Mac, worked and works flawlessly. Always did. Now with a new MBP 16”, it took a couple hours just to get it to work, and even when it does work, I have to power cycle and plug and unplug every time the Mac goes to sleep. It does seem like macs used to be much more forgiving about monitors, see all the threads here about difficulties choosing monitors that work with the m1 mini.
I had an M1 mini, there was no problem.
The nature of the kinds of threads you mention is to attract people with issues and an axe to grind. I've never had any problems getting any external monitor to work with any Mac, and it certainly never took me hours, at most it was a matter of selecting the correct input.
I have seen exactly one issue which is due to sloppy programming on Apple's side: Removing one monitor of several (e.g., 3 connected monitors) is sure to mix up the order of the remaining ones, which never makes sense. Example is if you have monitors A, B and C ordered as A-B-C and take away B, then the order is 99% going to be C-A and needs to be fixed manually. That's all I've seen.