Random Black Screens

[spookle]

The problems have been written up here:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/11..._mini_holders/

"The latest generation of Mac Mini appears to be facing HDMI hiccups, with disgruntled owners complaining about poor colours, "snow-like interference" and momentary display blackouts."

[JimT1701]

Planning to buy a Mini soon 2.6 i7 with an SSD and I am going to connect it to 2 monitors one over DP and the other over DVI. 2 monitors are vital to my setup. Am I asking for trouble? Looking for advice.

BTW I am planning to use this cable for the second monitor.

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-H...words=hdmi+dvi

[911scanner]

Originally Posted by JimT1701

Planning to buy a Mini soon 2.6 i7 with an SSD and I am going to connect it to 2 monitors one over DP and the other over DVI. 2 monitors are vital to my setup. Am I asking for trouble? Looking for advice.

Same boat here, JimT. Currently running my 2010 27' iMac with 3 additional monitors, which will be a "must have" for me with a new MM.

For me, until they have it all figured out, I will remain on the sidelines waiting...

[saha-med]

Originally Posted by pollaxe

Yes, in short, some people are doing that as a workaround, though some have still reported issues, I believe but (anecdotally at least) it seems fewer than when the onboard HDMI port (either directly or via an adapter) is used...

It wasn't an option for me as I needed the Thunderbolt port for other duties.

Edit: Mac..nificent has noted TB/DP to (adapter) users have also reported issues.

Hmm, okay seems like theres no 100% working fix

[Mac... nificent]

Originally Posted by saha-med

Hmm, okay seems like theres no 100% working fix

When this issue was first reported I read that using only one memory stick fixed it, but who in their right mind wants to hurt their minis performance? I actually think that would be a worse problem. A firmware update is needed.

[motrek]

Originally Posted by madrag

This is the main point here IMO.

I would like to know if after this issue mainfests, it starts happening more often, or does it happen agan after another 11 days?

...

I saw one black screen within an hour of first plugging in my Mini. Then, two days later I saw another black screen with it in a different house, different monitor, different install of the OS, etc.

Haven't seen one since, and I've had the machine for 2 weeks now.

Of course it isn't random but I don't know what might have triggered them and they certainly aren't getting worse for me.

[weegrim]

I chimed in and reported my black screen and static screen to Applecare this morning, mostly just to make the numbers go up and hopefully the more that do the faster they will admit to the issue and issue a fix. The guy I spoke to said that he had never heard of the issue and apparently I hadn't to read into what others were saying on support forums because they could be inventing the issue! Yeah ok mate! So went through the "alt command r and p" process along with unplugging everything attached to the mini as this supposedly forces the motherboard to reset but he couldn't rule out the fact it may be my monitor! So no help really there. Iv to call back if it happens again.

[calvol]

Originally Posted by weegrim

I chimed in and reported my black screen and static screen to Applecare this morning, mostly just to make the numbers go up and hopefully the more that do the faster they will admit to the issue and issue a fix. The guy I spoke to said that he had never heard of the issue and apparently I hadn't to read into what others were saying on support forums because they could be inventing the issue! Yeah ok mate! So went through the "alt command r and p" process along with unplugging everything attached to the mini as this supposedly forces the motherboard to reset but he couldn't rule out the fact it may be my monitor! So no help really there. Iv to call back if it happens again.

This is a sad reflection of Apple support when techs have no clue about a global issue affecting the majority, if not all, 2012 Mac Mini's that has a 53 page thread with over 52,000 views on the Apple Support forum. Is Apple not training these monkeys to monitor current issues customers are having? It's like Apple has become the Dell of the early 2000's, which tried to obfuscate problems rather than address issues head on.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread...t=780&tstart=0

[motrek]

Originally Posted by calvol

This is a sad reflection of Apple support when techs have no clue about a global issue affecting the majority, if not all, 2012 Mac Mini's that has a 53 page thread with over 52,000 views on the Apple Support forum. Is Apple not training these monkeys to monitor current issues customers are having? It's like Apple has become the Dell of the early 2000's, which tried to obfuscate problems rather than address issues head on.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread...t=780&tstart=0

What is it with you people who WANT to believe that this problem is much more severe than any reasonable person would assume?

Oh wow, a 53 page thread with 52k views, how amazing. Except that if you actually read any of the thread it's just like this one, where 90% of the people posting are just wringing their hands about whether or not there will be a hardware or a software fix, or whining that Apple isn't keeping everybody in the loop, or cross-posting stuff from Intel boards, etc.

Is there a real problem? Yes, obviously. Does it affect a large percentage of Mini owners? I think the answer is also pretty obvious: no. Is Apple working on a fix? Why wouldn't they be. Are we going to have to wait a little longer for said fix? Duh.

[Mac... nificent]

Originally Posted by motrek

What is it with you people who WANT to believe that this problem is much more severe than any reasonable person would assume?

THANK YOU! Only Apple knows how severe this issue is. It's hilarious to see some people turn this issue from a molehill to a mountain. Oh no, the sky is falling...

Is there a real problem? Yes, obviously. Does it affect a large percentage of Mini owners? I think the answer is also pretty obvious: no. Is Apple working on a fix? Why wouldn't they be. Are we going to have to wait a little longer for said fix? Duh.

It was stated that the fix would be posted in around 60 days. Apparently they are referring to 10.8.3. Apple has already seeded this and waiting on developers. That's going to take between 30 - 60 days. Apple can do a lot of great things but they can't change the physics of time.

[mlwx]

I am on mini #2 and this one also has the problem! The first Mini was also as loud as my old ibook 466 making a constant clicking sound from the harddrive. I have a i7 fusion drive and for the money they need to come up with a fix! I am now using thuderbolt to dvi cable from monoprice and have not experienced the problem.

[xlii]

Originally Posted by Mac... nificent

THANK YOU! Only Apple knows how severe this issue is. It's hilarious to see some people turn this issue from a molehill to a mountain. Oh no, the sky is falling...

It's only a molehill if you don't have the problem.

[calvol]

Originally Posted by motrek

Is there a real problem? Yes, obviously. Does it affect a large percentage of Mini owners? I think the answer is also pretty obvious: no. Is Apple working on a fix? Why wouldn't they be. Are we going to have to wait a little longer for said fix? Duh.

You're so far off base you're out of the stadium. As you say, "there is a real problem", so then why does "official Apple tech support" not communicate that they know about it? Couldn't be they're more concerned about spreading the word to those who don't know about it, could it??? Yeah right, it "doesn't affect the majority of Mini owners"-- have you read the threads where multiple replacements to Mini owners have the same issue? The "fix" has to first come from Intel... the first two releases from Intel in the last six months did not fix the issue in the PC market, what makes you so sure this one will? Blind faith in Apple? Duh.

[weegrim]

Originally Posted by motrek

What is it with you people who WANT to believe that this problem is much more severe than any reasonable person would assume?

Oh wow, a 53 page thread with 52k views, how amazing. Except that if you actually read any of the thread it's just like this one, where 90% of the people posting are just wringing their hands about whether or not there will be a hardware or a software fix, or whining that Apple isn't keeping everybody in the loop, or cross-posting stuff from Intel boards, etc.

Is there a real problem? Yes, obviously. Does it affect a large percentage of Mini owners? I think the answer is also pretty obvious: no. Is Apple working on a fix? Why wouldn't they be. Are we going to have to wait a little longer for said fix? Duh.

Not to be rude but that's the kind of attitude that makes not only companies but people become complacent. They have provided a product, it has a fault, regardless of one person or every person that has that product they are legally required to fix said problem. I assume they are working on a fix, but they should at the very lest officially acknowledge the problem and not tell support staff to say "never heard of it, the Internet lies" yes it does but where there is smoke there is usually fire and I paid for a product and the manual or any documentation did not say "could have random screen black outs or fuzzy periods". Trading standards (in the UK at least) say u buy a product and it must meet reasonable assumptions for use and a computer comes with the reasonable assumption that u can use it without black out periods.

[Mac... nificent]

Originally Posted by xlii

It's only a molehill if you don't have the problem.

There's plenty of people who have the problem that aren't running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
In fact I'd say the majority of people are dealing with it properly

----------

Originally Posted by calvol

why does "official Apple tech support" not communicate that they know about it?

They do.

they should at the very lest officially acknowledge the problem

Maybe they will, when it becomes a bigger problem, so thanks for proving his point

[motrek]

Originally Posted by calvol

You're so far off base you're out of the stadium. As you say, "there is a real problem", so then why does "official Apple tech support" not communicate that they know about it? Couldn't be they're more concerned about spreading the word to those who don't know about it, could it??? Yeah right, it "doesn't affect the majority of Mini owners"-- have you read the threads where multiple replacements to Mini owners have the same issue? The "fix" has to first come from Intel... the first two releases from Intel in the last six months did not fix the issue in the PC market, what makes you so sure this one will? Blind faith in Apple? Duh.

As another poster pointed out, there could be legal implications for Apple as soon as they admit that there's a problem, so it makes perfect sense to me that they don't yet. The computer has only been out for a few weeks, give them a chance to sort out their response to the issue already.

As for "multiple replacements to Mini owners have the same issue," is that supposed to indicate somehow that every Mini has the problem?

Because, in fact, it seems to indicate the opposite to me. I know for a fact that many people DON'T have the problem (since they post here saying so) so if some people ALWAYS have the problem that indicates to me that there's actually an incompatibility with their particular display, so it actually seems very possible that the problem isn't on Apple's end or Intel's end but maybe with one or more controller chipsets for displays. I don't think that's the case but it's possible.

Anyway, if you are trying to argue that everybody has the problem, I would suggest thinking about your "evidence" a little more before posting it, since you are kind of doing the opposite of proving your point.

(And by the way, this is from somebody who DOES have the problem--it has happened to me twice. Notice that I am not getting so worked up about it that I might need a straightjacket.)

[shanmugam]

darn it, i was researching for almost like 20 days thinking my monitor is bad until i play the toystory dvd on my PC - boom everything is good

but connected to mac mini - colors are washed out.

damn. I am connected via HDMI to DVI - i have viewsonic VA2212m-LED.

thought of buying another monitor until i saw this thready

[JamSandwich]

I was about to cast doubt on motrek's suggestion until I re-read and saw the statement "I don't think that's the case but it's possible."

I suspect the problem is fairly widespread -- it definitely manifested itself on the Samsung display I first tried with my mini... and Samsung displays are a dime a dozen. But whatever. I'm not thrilled with it, but I'm not fuming mad, either.

I'd add my case to the Apple list, but I don't want to go through all the typical diagnostic hoops they'll try to force you through... but I don't particularly want to lie and say that I already have done those things

Originally Posted by shanmugam

darn it, i was researching for almost like 20 days thinking my monitor is bad until i play the toystory dvd on my PC - boom everything is good

but connected to mac mini - colors are washed out.

damn. I am connected via HDMI to DVI - i have viewsonic VA2212m-LED.

thought of buying another monitor until i saw this thready

That's strange, it seems the common result of HDMI->DVI is normal colors. I know that when I connected my previous monitor via HDMI, the color was still crummy, but connected via DVI the color was better.

The monitor I finally settled on is connected HDMI->DVI with no color problems (black screen problems, yes)... awaiting a Thunderbolt adapter, but also considering buying a second screen this weekend.

[iDunnOSX]

Originally Posted by JamSandwich

I'd add my case to the Apple list, but I don't want to go through all the typical diagnostic hoops they'll try to force you through... but I don't particularly want to lie and say that I already have done those things

PLEASE do report your case to Apple. That's the only way to make your complaint meaningful. Posting here accomplishes next to nothing.

When you call, be firm, polite, but especially firm that you know what you've been dealing with, say what exactly the steps are that you've already taken to troubleshoot the problem, and the first 'lackey' you speak to on the phone should be willing to advance your case to an AppleCare specialist, thereby skipping all the bogus, 'diagnostic' hooey and know-nothing time wasting.

Good luck!

[Ayemerica]

Just found this thread using 2 21.5 acer led monitors with hdmi to displayport and hdmi to hdmi no problems

[saha-med]

Is the TB port = Mini display port?

[motrek]

Originally Posted by saha-med

Is the TB port = Mini display port?

Yes, basically. Thunderbolt is backwards compatible with mini DisplayPort.

[shanmugam]

Originally Posted by JamSandwich

That's strange, it seems the common result of HDMI->DVI is normal colors. I know that when I connected my previous monitor via HDMI, the color was still crummy, but connected via DVI the color was better.

The monitor I finally settled on is connected HDMI->DVI with no color problems (black screen problems, yes)... awaiting a Thunderbolt adapter, but also considering buying a second screen this weekend.

just to clarify; my monitor only has DVI (my mistake did not do a lot research just bought the latest from view sonic), so i am connecting mac mini and monitor through amazon basic hdmi-dvi cable. does it make any difference?

yeah, i rarely had a black out, may be couple of times - the screen went grainy once or couple of times i thought it was some monitor issue - but never persisted.

I too have wireless issues on the mac mini as well; two weeks before called apple care - they reset wireless settings and airport express settings (charged me $19 for the call) and asked to change the radio channel to something different and try ... i live apartment complex so there are many wireless network but again i had no issues with iMac 09 for three years... still i have the speed issues, i have 25mbps/5mpbs

so two issues going on with my mac mini.

[JamSandwich]

Originally Posted by shanmugam

just to clarify; my monitor only has DVI (my mistake did not do a lot research just bought the latest from view sonic), so i am connecting mac mini and monitor through amazon basic hdmi-dvi cable. does it make any difference?

I'm not sure, but I can tell you that my previous and current monitors are both connected via DVI using Apple's HDMI-to-DVI dongle. That led to a significant improvement on display quality on the previous monitor, which I had connected via HDMI at first.

My current monitor has only ever been connected via DVI (through the HDMI port) and I'm extremely satisfied with the quality of the display, though I find it does black out... though I've only really had the problem while gaming.

[jimmy83]

Originally Posted by motrek

Yes, basically. Thunderbolt is backwards compatible with mini DisplayPort.

apple novice here, would this adapter work ok?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hi-Quality...e4bea23&_uhb=1