Pro Display XDR - Owners Thread

[mikaella]

Standard glass version here. I can not reproduce this pattern with a grey screen and never noticed a grid when scrolling.

Thanks! Mine is standard screen as well...

The thing is that when scrolling slowly (not very slow) you can actually see the content pass in front of the grid - sort of a parallax...

 

[rkuo]

Hi fellow XDR owners!

Is there anyone who noticed that the backlight led grid pattern is visible when looking at a grey screen or when scrolling there is a faint grid either horizontal or vertical visible? Not that I love looking at grey screens but most software I use is grey and even when scrolling text on a website you see the content scrolling past this grid. Or just moving a white canvas with some content...

The effect of this is really annoying and panel uniformity of my display is really bad.

On grey (20 - 60%) you would see it all the time, otherwise just on any plain background with some scrolling / moving elements. There are many vids on YT to test for the "Dirty Screen Effect" - my XDR definitely shows terrible results with those.

I'm trying to figure out whether this is expected behaviour with these displays or is my unit in particular potentially defective.

Attaching two images - one with the contrast as shot, the second one with the contrast slightly exaggerated to make this obvious + a link to a video to illustrate: https://www.dropbox.com/s/nxjvondcorad9wz/XDR_Dirt.mov?dl=0

Really appreciated if anyone could test this or share their input... Thanks!

Doesn't seem out of line ... except for the price of the XDR possibly justifying better, of course.

 

[mikaella]

Doesn't seem out of line ... except for the price of the XDR possibly justifying better, of course.

So you say this is "normal" for this type of screen or for all Apple XDR displays?

Would you please elaborate?

 

[rkuo]

So you say this is "normal" for this type of screen or for all Apple XDR displays?

Would you please elaborate?

All LED screens have a diffusing layer which is subject to even the slightest imperfections. Our visual system is additionally more sensitive to variations in brightness at the lower end of the spectrum. So about the worst case scenario you can put on any LCD monitor is to give it a uniform and medium/low brightness image.

This is often just a case of "doctor it hurts when I do this. well don't do that". If you have real use cases actually requiring better uniformity, you'll may need to go to another monitor.

Based on what I've seen from others experiences here, all of the XDR's have some dirty screen effect that you will find if you go looking for it. However, there's not a way for me to know if yours is better or worse than normal ... which, for a 5000 dollar monitor, you would rightfully hope is better than other monitors out there.

 

[mikaella]

All LED screens have a diffusing layer which is subject to even the slightest imperfections. Our visual system is additionally more sensitive to variations in brightness at the lower end of the spectrum. So about the worst case scenario you can put on any LCD monitor is to give it a uniform and medium/low brightness image.

This is often just a case of "doctor it hurts when I do this. well don't do that". If you have real use cases actually requiring better uniformity, you'll may need to go to another monitor.

Based on what I've seen from others experiences here, all of the XDR's have some dirty screen effect that you will find if you go looking for it. However, there's not a way for me to know if yours is better or worse than normal ... which, for a 5000 dollar monitor, you would rightfully hope is better than other monitors out there.

Fair points, I did go to two Apple stores meanwhile to look at these and one was slightly better, another one was pretty much the same. So I assume the filtering for the grid type backlight isn't there yet. It's obvious that what we are seeing is the grid of LEDs behind the LCD.

I've used screens from very low end to the ultra high end reference monitors, and while I didn't really expect the 40K panels uniformity, I was also not expecting this - for 5K. So, totally agree with your point.

 

[rkuo]

Fair points, I did go to two Apple stores meanwhile to look at these and one was slightly better, another one was pretty much the same. So I assume the filtering for the grid type backlight isn't there yet. It's obvious that what we are seeing is the grid of LEDs behind the LCD.

I've used screens from very low end to the ultra high end reference monitors, and while I didn't really expect the 40K panels uniformity, I was also not expecting this - for 5K. So, totally agree with your point.

That's interesting re: the grid. Perhaps Apple didn't use an aggressive enough diffusing layer and it's showing its weakness here.

 

[mikaella]

That's interesting re: the grid. Perhaps Apple didn't use an aggressive enough diffusing layer and it's showing its weakness here.

look at how different the filtering is between two units...

Pro Display XDR dirty screen effect

Well, here's the comparison. This is not a subjective difference. It's different and obvious to anyone looking at them in real life.

forums.macrumors.com

 

[- rob -]

Recent XDR QC Questions
Thanks for the posts on questions regarding possible QC issues on the XDR.

I was not able to determine a consistent enough testimony of uniformity issues on the XDR that it should be raised in the OP here. However, I will keep an eye on that thread and link to it here.

On the other hand, I did add the link from that thread to the EIZO Monitor Testing page in the OP. That was a useful way to quickly check the XDR.

iPhone 12 Pro - Dolby Vision Video
In other news, the new iPhone 12 Pro models shooting 10-bit HDR. I'm on the iPhone upgrade program and will be reserving the 12 Pro on Friday morning. I'm looking forward to watching / editing my own and other people's 60fps Dolby Vision footage captured on iPhone using the XDR Pro Display.

Apple just published the Shot on iPhone 12 Pro video by Emmanuel Lubezki. It's published in up to 2160p 4k HD.

There's a moment where they show some type of chameleon lizard and the video is just stunning on the pro display, here's a link to that part of the video.

Another unbelievable shot is this woman underwater. (The attached screen captures obviously do not do either of these videos justice.)

It is exciting to have access to both capture and editing equipment at such a high level of quality.

 

[syndr0me]

Did they shoot those on the 12 Pro Max? If feels a bit misleading since its camera is quite a bit better than the 12 Pro.

I’m on the upgrade plan too, but going with the measly 12 Mini this time around. Never really loved the size of the phone since switching to the X.

My XDR will just have to continue as the best possible way to show off my carefully crafted VSCode theme. 😂

 

[- rob -]

Did they shoot those on the 12 Pro Max? If feels a bit misleading since its camera is quite a bit better than the 12 Pro.

The details on how the video was shot feel pretty skimpy, I tried to eyeball the size of the iPhones shown recording and I think it is a max. It does seem material that Apple would provide more detail on how it was shot. I noticed in the event all photo stills had device type and settings listed in a caption.

Perhaps an interview with Lubezki is forthcoming.

 

[4ever4]

Since the 30x0 continues to support DSC, I expect it to work easily with the XDR with the right cable. For one, "The Belkin Charge and Sync Cable for Huawei VR Glass" should work.

Page 4 | Does a USB-C monitor support DisplayPort input over...

Page 4 | I have the new generation of the LG Ultrafine 4k for Mac, which eschews DisplayPort and HDMI inputs for just two (2) Thunderbolt 3 inputs. L...

egpu.io

Belkin "Charge and Sync Cable for HUAWEI VR Glass" 4.5m (model no. CAZ001yz5MBK) does not work for me.
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...rds-and-pro-display-xdr.2252403/post-29063177
Is it an isolated incident?
Please share if you have similar configuration working (or not).

PS. problem fixed by grinding plastic from Belkin VR Displayport connector (do not forget to connect both USB-A)
Thanks for all support

 

[- rob -]

Belkin "Charge and Sync Cable for HUAWEI VR Glass" 4.5m (model no. CAZ001yz5MBK) does not work for me.

Thanks for posting. You may want to PM that person who originally said it worked to make sure they see your question.

 

[oneafour]

Monitor is scheduled to come Tuesday but the VESA adapter won't come tell Wednesday!

I miss the Pro Display XDR and the iMac 5k screen just doesn't cut it.

 

[Ski_]

For one, "The Belkin Charge and Sync Cable for Huawei VR Glass" should work.

This was a huge help!! The Belkin Charge and Sync Cable for Huawei VR Glass works perfectly for connecting my Apple XDR Display to my windows PC as needed (using an NVIDIA GeForce 3090). For anyone who may stumble onto this thread like me— the cable has a display port end that connects the the graphics card and two additional USB-A plugs ports that inject additional power— the other end is a USB-C that plugs into the lighting port on the XDR Display.

I received the cable today— and I’m able to get HDR 6K.

Thank you for posting this solution!

 

[- rob -]

This was a huge help!! The Belkin Charge and Sync Cable for Huawei VR Glass works perfectly for connecting my Apple XDR Display to my windows PC as needed (using an NVIDIA GeForce 3090). For anyone who may stumble onto this thread like me— the cable has a display port end that connects the the graphics card and two additional USB-A plugs ports that inject additional power— the other end is a USB-C that plugs into the lighting port on the XDR Display.

I received the cable today— and I’m able to get HDR 6K.

Thank you for posting this solution!

Would you mind posting your full PC spec and a link to where you got the cable? (I want to get the part number if possible for the first post in this thread)

 

[Ski_]

Would you mind posting your full PC spec and a link to where you got the cable? (I want to get the part number if possible for the first post in this thread)

I ordered from “vopmart.com” and paid with PayPal. Never used them before— I just googled until I found a store with it in stock that took PayPal and which I felt comfortable rilling the dice on. Quite a few other online stores list it in stock also. It was sent from China— came quick.

Belkin Charge and Sync Cable for Huawei VR Glass

● Charge and sync with your computer through DisplayPort™ and USB-A connections● Supports data transfer and up to 8K resolution at 60 Hz● 4.5 m cable and shirt clip lets you enjoy VR experience over long distances● Safe and environmentally friendly material composition● Has four ports: two...

www.vopmart.com

I think since Huawei is banned in the US, it’s not possible to find the Belkin product on US sites. I tried using the product number to see if I could find a direct link on belkin, but no luck.

See product images attached— product number: CAZ001yz5MBK

As for my PC— windows 10 on latest build; Intel i7 6700k (Skylake) & 36gb DDR4 DRAM 3200MHz— both from 2016.

I don’t think the specs matter outside of the GPU— I was lucky, due to imited availability, to get the latest NVDIA gforce RTX 3090 on its release. Note— This an incredibly powerful GPU. And maybe that’s where other folks have struggled getting it to work— you may need a GPU that can output 6K.

I get full 10-bit HDR 6K and it looks great.



**UPDATE** I’ll also tried the Belkin cable on my Dell pos work laptop through a docking station with a Display port: while windows did recognize the XDR monitor as “Display 2: ProDisplayXDR” at 8-bit 1920 x 1080 — I was unable to get the screen to come on on the XDR. Cleary, you can’t get away with crap Intel integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 620)— it must just lack the GPU power.

XDR Usability with Windows—
As others have mentioned— you can’t control brightness, but it’s a non issue for me. I’m happy to be able to use the screen on all my MacBook Pro and my desktop PC.

The belkin cable is crazy long at 4.5 meters— this is great! I think since it injects power over two USB ports, maybe it is just not as limited in length as a standard Thunderbolt 3 cable?

 

[- rob -]

I ordered from “vopmart.com” and paid with PayPal. Never used them before— I just googled until I found a store with it in stock that took PayPal...

Thanks for the additional information, very helpful. Can I ask what kind of work or pursuits you have where you have this desire for XDR on both platforms?

 

[joevt]

XDR Usability with Windows—
As others have mentioned— you can’t control brightness, but it’s a non issue for me. I’m happy to be able to use the screen on all my MacBook Pro and my desktop PC.

Install the Boot Camp drivers? Use Brigadier to do it if you can't do it manually? I think you can find posts of people doing this to get the Brightness setting (and Presets too).

 

[oneafour]

What are my options for a 2015 15" mbp? I believe a thunderbolt 2-3 adapter is necessary.

 

[Ski_]

Thanks for the additional information, very helpful. Can I ask what kind of work or pursuits you have where you have this desire for XDR on both platforms?

It’s more about getting value out of the XDR anytime I’m at my desk— using when on my windows box is a secondary use.
The thing is gorgeous— I want to use it anytime I can. ;-)

 

[Ski_]

Install the Boot Camp drivers? Use Brigadier to do it if you can't do it manually? I think you can find posts of people doing this to get the Brightness setting (and Presets too).

Oh wow— Thank you for sharing this! I’ll check this out tomorrow and report back.

 

[joevt]

What are my options for a 2015 15" mbp? I believe a thunderbolt 2-3 adapter is necessary.

You'll only be able to get 4K from Thunderbolt 2. Connect an eGPU with a AMD Navi card to get 6K. Visit egpu.io website for more info about connecting an eGPU to a Thunderbolt 2 Mac.

 

[oneafour]

You'll only be able to get 4K from Thunderbolt 2. Connect an eGPU with a AMD Navi card to get 6K. Visit egpu.io website for more info about connecting an eGPU to a Thunderbolt 2 Mac.

Thats fine my main computer does 6k. this is for my work computer

EDIT: Got the thunderbolt 2 cable and 2->3 adapter. With the the adapter+cable, the 2015 15" mbp with the XDR display produces 5k =)

 

[syndr0me]

Anybody planning to get an M1 mac? I'm _very_ interested in hearing how well they can drive the XDR. Bonus points for a Macbook Air, and how much it throttles running the XDR since it's fanless. I'm very eager to ditch this giant turd 16" MBP.

 

[- rob -]

Anybody planning to get an M1 mac? I'm _very_ interested in hearing how well they can drive the XDR. Bonus points for a Macbook Air, and how much it throttles running the XDR since it's fanless. I'm very eager to ditch this giant turd 16" MBP.

I will likely upgrade to an M1 machine, but not in this first generation.

In the announcement video, they made a point to say that the new machines would drive the XDR Pro Display. I believe they said it twice.

I'm also interested in seeing how much throttle there is, along with just more benchmarks in general.