IMAC 2011 mid Thunderbolt to HDMI adaptor / external TV not connecting.

[peteMacman]

HI - I have a Mid 2011 Imac which I've attempted to connect to a 1080p HD Samsung Tv for a second monitor.

I purchased a Thunderbolt adaptor that links to an HDMI cable and connected with that method.

So stage 1 all good Mac recognises the Samsung, brings up the relevant settings for screen display asks if you want to mirror or not, etc.

BUT

There is no display image showing on the Samsung - cannot work it out for the life of me why when the mac recognises the extended screen no actual image is showing (tv just stating no connection). I've switched the tv to the correct HDMI connection (have tried all four HDMI ports) yet.. none recognise. Set to mirroring so ensure there should be a full image shown. nothing.

Anyone any ideas?

thanks
Pete

 

[pm-r]

I've switched the tv to the correct HDMI connection (have tried all four HDMI ports) yet.. none recognise. Set to mirroring so ensure there should be a full image shown. nothing.

Anyone any ideas?

I have the same 2011 iMac 27 inch model but I am afraid I have no idea how to solve your problem other than to check that the adapter you got is compatible and should work, and for more suggestions, try having a look through some of the hits this Google Search provides and there may be a proper solution among them:

Google Search

Good luck and I'm sorry I couldn't really help solve your problem. Hopefully some member who does know how to fix the problem will post a solution.

And welcome to mac-forums forums.



- Patrick
=======

 

[krs]

HI - I have a Mid 2011 Imac which I've attempted to connect to a 1080p HD Samsung Tv for a second monitor.

I purchased a Thunderbolt adaptor that links to an HDMI cable and connected with that method.

How large is your Samsung TV?
The iMac's spec states it will support a second monitor up to 30-inches max.

 

[pm-r]

The iMac's spec states it will support a second monitor up to 30-inches max.

That is an interesting spec that could certainly have some implications for things not working properly.

Good catch.




- Patrick
=======

 

[peteMacman]

How large is your Samsung TV?
The iMac's spec states it will support a second monitor up to 30-inches max.

Ah.. brilliant spot.. it is indeed 32 inches! Can i ask where you saw that, i couldnt find anything that really gave me much detail about the Thunderbolt output etc!

Which then leads me to the next question.. is there a "workaround" method to connect to 2nd screen over 30 inches ?

thanks all
Pete

 

[krs]

Ah.. brilliant spot.. it is indeed 32 inches! Can i ask where you saw that, i couldnt find anything that really gave me much detail about the Thunderbolt output etc!

That info is showen on 'every mac'

Apple reports that this model simultaneously supports the native resolution of the built-in display and up-to a 30-inch external display (2560x1600).

iMac "Core i5" 2.5 21.5" (Mid-2011) Specs (Mid-2011, MC309LL/A, iMac12,1, A1311, 2428): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the iMac "Core i5" 2.5 21.5" (Mid-2011). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

Which then leads me to the next question.. is there a method to connect to a second screen over 30 incehes for a second screen?

I have not looked into that.
I don't even know what limits the external to a 30-inch display
Maybe google will help.

 

[peteMacman]

Seemingly the limitations of the graphic card......

 

[peteMacman]

News update - and this isnt the first time I've come across the "Apple Spec" throwing a curve ball.. I indeed got a second adaptor sent through - Cheap but better quality than the last - And it works.. Oddly I assumed If it was ever going to work I'd have to reduce the Display format in some way. But displaying in HD 1080p and full screen size.

 

[krs]

Great to hear,
Can you post the make/model of the adapter.

I was actually wondering if the 30-inch size limitation shown on every mac was a typo and should be 32-inches since 32-inch is a standard TV/monitor size whereas 30-inches is not.

 

[peteMacman]

Yeah an odd one isn't.. And how do you restrict output by that measure anyway? Like if it's resolution or something, sure, but size? It works on 65" also..

Have attached pic of product off amazon.apprx £6 mini converter from TB to HDMI, But Numerous options on there.. For this one you'll need an hdmi cable also to link between adaptor and TV

But there are £9-10 versions that have the male HDMI cable end 3m length for an all in one.

Added pic to show working on large TV and mac

Cheers

Ps just noticed there is an exact same product 4k version for £10..Im now lost if the mac can output 4k given the spec conflicting capabilities of the graphics card.. I may just purchase to find out

 

[Mac Tonight]

I’m not sure why the size of the display would matter. I almost wonder if that’s a goof on everymac’s part, or if they just haven’t updated the page since displays started getting bigger.

it’s really only the resolution that should matter.

 

[peteMacman]

I've not checked the latest macs if they state limitating screen sizes .. But its just an odd thing to stipulate, I'm not a video display guru to comprehend, but I'd have thought resolutions are all you can limit not size that's the ownership of the recipient monitor, just low res will look worse on larger screens...

 

[krs]

I came across some discussion about that size limitation yesterday and the comment was that there was some voltage missing that the larger displays needed to operate.
Thus an interface requirement not related to resolution (which I also would have vthought was the limiting factor).
But that comment about a "voltage requirement" could well be totally wrong.

 

[pm-r]

I’m not sure why the size of the display would matter. I almost wonder if that’s a goof on everymac’s part, or if they just haven’t updated the page since displays started getting bigger.

Congratulations on your success, and I was really wondering about your problem as I know my eldest son ran a display monitor much larger than 32 inches from a much older iMac many years ago, but not sure of the details as to how he did it.

You might want to draw a line to everymac.com with some details on your success. They usually appreciate any such updated user experience info.



- Patrick
=======

 

[peteMacman]

Congratulations on your success, and I was really wondering about your problem as I know my eldest son ran a display monitor much larger than 32 inches from a much older iMac many years ago, but not sure of the details as to how he did it.

You might want to draw a line to everymac.com with some details on your success. They usually appreciate any such updated user experience info.



- Patrick
=======

Good Idea - Ill forward them the details

 

[peteMacman]

I came across some discussion about that size limitation yesterday and the comment was that there was some voltage missing that the larger displays needed to operate.
Thus an interface requirement not related to resolution (which I also would have vthought was the limiting factor).
But that comment about a "voltage requirement" could well be totally wrong.

Well assume there is no such restriction.. if a £6 cable is all it takes and a 65inch panel can accept any transmission - there is just no barrier.

I've ordered the 4k adaptor now just to see if that ups the game any further...

 

[ferrarr]

I don't think the older video card in the 2011 iMac will put out 4k. It only has 1.5GB video ram. Retina iMacs came out in 2012 though...

 

[peteMacman]

Well this gets stranger and stranger.

Adaptor 1 1080p max
- The hdmi adaptor that's 1080p only lives up to its rep. Top output from TB Is 1080p feeding into a 4k 65 inch TV
- but gives me an option to underscan (shrink useable screen space within the overall 65 inches of TV
- and to change refresh rate from 60hz or less.

Adaptor 2 4k max
- The hdmi adaptor that can transmit 4k...first try, did only 1080p also 1920 x 1080 and gave me no 9ther options, underscan or to alter htz.
- I then unplugged and switched back to Adaptor 1, I then switched again back to adaptor 2 and suddenly a whole load of new resolution options came up (some stating low. Resolution next to them) but with real High pixel density. (see picture)
-highest low res is 4096 x 2160 (higher thelan 4k)
- highest full res is 3840 x 2160 (4k) very little diff in quality to the above but screen fit is perfrct (4096 sent image off screen very slightly )

So the AMD RADEON HD 6770M 512 MB can transmit 4k it seems.. and more...

Did notice when in 1080p 60hz was useable but the 4k and higher maxed out at 30hz. (someone might be able to explain this to me and the impact or why)

But.. All a images picture sharp.

This Mac just keeps Giving