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View Full Version : Mac Mini VGA Woes


Kent Pribbernow
03-07-2005, 04:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=21629' target='_blank'>http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=21629</a><br /><br /></div><i>"THE MAC MINI is under fire for shipping with what some claim to be a defective DVI > VGA converter. Numerous filings on Apple's web support board disclose the problems of irate Mini-buyers, who are finding that their Mac mini looks simply dreadful when connected up to a CRT. Brightness is too low, buyers say, and sometimes the display fails to show up at all."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/graphicsdvi20050111.gif" /><br /><br />My Mini also suffers from this same problem, which I had incorrectly attributed to the IOGear KVM switch I purchased. Apparently the Mini's bundled VGA adapter is to blame, so goes the claims. However, it just so happens I also have an aftermarket DVI>VGA connector on hand to test out. As it turns out, it too still renders the same ugly muddy picture as Apple's adapter. So what's really causing these VGA issues? Could it be the Mini just can't handle VGA?<br /><br />At this point I have no choice but to recommend that LCD users not purchase a VGA-based KVM switch, but opt instead for a more expensive DVI-based solution, like Belkin's SOHO line.

Filip Norrgard
03-07-2005, 04:50 PM
I'm thinking that the DVI output doesn't get enough power perhaps due to the graphics board being crammed into such a small thing. Thus, when using a DVI > D-SUB converter, some of the DVI data is lost and it seems like the contrast/brightness would need some crammin' up...

Just a guess, though. ;)

Jason Eaton
03-07-2005, 07:00 PM
Hrm, interesting developement. The two I set up seem to be working just fine. I'll keep my eye out for any changes. Then again there is always the dreaded first release that you hear about. Bad batch?

Anyhoots... one Gateway CRT and one Philips CRT, no issue.