Are you sure that's not possible? I thought that as long as the Displayport on the MBA is DP1.2 compliant then it should work. Are you saying that the mini-displayport on the MBA isn't DP1.2 compliant?
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2013 MacBook air with two external monitor
- Thread starter curiousprgrmr
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Are you sure that's not possible? I thought that as long as the Displayport on the MBA is DP1.2 compliant then it should work. Are you saying that the mini-displayport on the MBA isn't DP1.2 compliant?
No, I'm not completely sure since I have not tried myself. But everything I've read says you can only connect one monitor via miniDisplayport. Give it a try and let us know what happens, I would be interested to hear something definitive.
Just to be clear though, this Matrox box isn't daisychaining the two displays. As previously mentioned, daisychaining cannot be accomplished with mini-displayport or DVI - that can only be done with the Thunderbolt displays (why there aren't any cheaper/smaller thunderbolt displays made by other OEMs is beyond me too).
One cable runs from the Thunderbolt port into the Matrox, one more runs into it via USB for power, and then it's two separate cables going into two separate displays, giving you effectively one stretched display at 3840x1080.
How about a DisplayPort adaptor chained off a Thunderbolt display?
I have a 2013 MBA (latest model). I currently use it with the Apple mDP to VGA adaptor to drive a ViewSonic monitor. I plug the adaptor into the MBA's Thunderbolt port and it drives the VGA monitor just fine.
What I want to do is purchase a new Thunderbolt display. I'd attach the new Thunderbolt display directly to the MBA. Then I'd plug (daisy chain) the Apple mDP to VGA adaptor into the Thunderbolt display, and attach it like I do today, to the ViewSonic.
Proposed connection: MBA Thunderbolt -> Thunderbolt cable -> Apple Thunderbolt 27" display -> mDP to VGA adaptor -> ViewSonic.
Can anyone confirm whether this configuration will function as expected, allowing me to run those two as multiple monitors? And if so, is the MBA display also functional?
I have a 2013 MBA (latest model). I currently use it with the Apple mDP to VGA adaptor to drive a ViewSonic monitor. I plug the adaptor into the MBA's Thunderbolt port and it drives the VGA monitor just fine.
What I want to do is purchase a new Thunderbolt display. I'd attach the new Thunderbolt display directly to the MBA. Then I'd plug (daisy chain) the Apple mDP to VGA adaptor into the Thunderbolt display, and attach it like I do today, to the ViewSonic.
Proposed connection: MBA Thunderbolt -> Thunderbolt cable -> Apple Thunderbolt 27" display -> mDP to VGA adaptor -> ViewSonic.
Can anyone confirm whether this configuration will function as expected, allowing me to run those two as multiple monitors? And if so, is the MBA display also functional?
No it won't work. You can't directly attach a second display to a Thunderbolt Display (except another Thunderbolt Display) - you need another thunderbolt device in-between i.e. MBA -> TBD -> another Thunderbolt device -> adapter -> monitor.
See: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5219
Guys why don't you all use...
... an Apple TV?
You can have an internal laptop screen + AppleTV wireless screen + external screen connected via miniDP = 3 screens total, on your MBA. AppleTV doesn't really lag much from my experience.
... an Apple TV?
You can have an internal laptop screen + AppleTV wireless screen + external screen connected via miniDP = 3 screens total, on your MBA. AppleTV doesn't really lag much from my experience.
you can daisy chain 2 Dell U2414H displays and use with your macbook.
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...e_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=0&~ck=baynoteSearch
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...e_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=0&~ck=baynoteSearch
Do you have the monitors to confirm if this works? I was under the impression that higher than 2560x1600 resolutions required HDMI in OSX as of now, hence the issues with the nMP and Dell 4k monitors (since they use MST to display their picture).
There is some talk of updated MST drivers in this thread coming with 10.9.2, so maybe there is hope for 2x 2413 or 2x 2412H soon.
Targus Dock
Has anyone tried this:
http://targus.com/US/universal-usb-3_0-dv-docking-station-acp70usz
Reviews:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2403751,00.asp
http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/accessories/targus-acp71usv-dual-video-docking-station.aspx
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2053...-laptop-or-win-8-tablet-into-a-desktop-r.html
It claims to be able to drive 2x 1080p displays via USB 3. Seems like a pretty clean solution.
The following Amazon review claims that it works with MBA running Win 7
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1JQ7R...e=UTF8&ASIN=B006FXVT6K&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=
Has anyone tried this:
http://targus.com/US/universal-usb-3_0-dv-docking-station-acp70usz
Reviews:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2403751,00.asp
http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/accessories/targus-acp71usv-dual-video-docking-station.aspx
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2053...-laptop-or-win-8-tablet-into-a-desktop-r.html
It claims to be able to drive 2x 1080p displays via USB 3. Seems like a pretty clean solution.
The following Amazon review claims that it works with MBA running Win 7
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1JQ7R...e=UTF8&ASIN=B006FXVT6K&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=
Last edited:
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Because the Apple TV lags like crazy and it only outputs to HDMI. You'd basically be buying a crappy HDMI adapter that costs $100.
Just confirmed that daisy chaining two Dell U2414H does not work.
Setup:
- MBA (2012) with 8GB RAM
- Thunderbolt port > Mini-DP to DP cable (DP1.2 certified - for higher bandwidth) > Dell U2414H Monitor 1 with settings set to use DP1.2 > DP (out) to DP (in) cable (DP1.2 certified - for higher bandwidth) > Dell U2414H Monitor 2 with settings set to use DP1.2.
- Also tried various other cabling and settings, but ended up with same results.
Results:
- Dell U2414H Monitor 1 and Monitor 2 project the same image. If configured to mirror MBA screen, all 3 displays are the same. Mouse moves to same position(s) on all 3.
- Turning off mirroring, Monitor 1 and Monitor 2 project the same image / they both appear to be a directly connected external monitor to the MBA. Mouse moves between MBA and Monitor 1/2; Mouse moves to same position(s) on Monitor 1 and 2.
- Closing the lid on the MBA also has the same results. Monitor 1 and Monitor 2 are the MBA's desktop and project the same image. Mouse moves to same position(s) on Monitor 1 and 2.
Hope this helps someone else looking/attempting to do the same with DP1.2.
Thanks for testing that out. Although, it seems like the graphics updates that would enable MST didn't make it into 10.9.2 and are now in 10.9.3 (here)...any chance you'd be able to test again when 10.9.3 is released?
The problem is that your MBA doesn't have Thunderbolt 2, so you only have DP1.1. Is there any chance you have a friend who has a 2013 MBP Retina? The Late 2013 13" and 15" Retina books have Thunderbolt 2 which supports DP1.2. I want to pull the trigger on 2x U2414H displays, but won't until I know the Thunderbolt daisy chain will work. I also wonder if there an issue using adapters to daisy chain: MBP Retina --> mini displayport cable (thunderbolt cable) --> U2414H MDP input. MDP output --> mini displayport cable (thunderbolt cable) --> U2414H #2 MDP input
Why not just use both Thunderbolt ports on the MBP to connect to two external monitors? Or 1 Thunderbolt and 1 HDMI?
The best I could find was a 2012 MBP with Retina.
---
Anyone feel free to correct me where I'm wrong, I known it's actually way more complicated once you get into the weeds, but:
Display Port
- Display Port (DP) 1.1
- 1, 2, or 4 lanes
- One of 3 fixed rates can be used
- 1.6 Gbps per lane
- 2.7 Gbps per lane
- 5.4 Gbps per lane
- To get this last fixed rate (5.4Gbps), DP1.2 must be enabled
- Once enabled, 1 lane = 5.4 Gbps, 2 lanes = 10.8 Gbps, 4 lanes = 21.6 Gbps (actual throughput is less after overhead is taken off)
- Display Port (DP) 1.2
- Up to 21.6 Gbps
- Daisy chaining / multiple monitor support is only supported on DP1.2
- Backwards compatible with DP1.1 (however, 1.1 devices, if daisy chaining, need to be at the end of the chain)
- No difference between mini-DP or DP except for smaller form factor plug on one end
Thunderbolt
- Combines DP + PCI Express
- 2 Channels: 1 channel @ 10Gbps (each direction) for display
1 channel @ 10Gbps (each direction) for device I/O
- Thunderbolt 2 = Same as Thunderbolt 1, but now you can aggregate both channels for 20Gbps in each direction.
The push for DP1.2 (21.6 Gbps) and/or Thunderbolt 2 (20Gbps) is to support 4K. You need these ports just to connect/run 1 4K monitor.
As for the Dell U2414H's, the max resolution is not quite "Ultra HD" (3840 x 2160 - 8.3 Megapixels), it's still only "Full HD" (1920 x 1080 - 2.1 Megapixels).
How much bandwidth you need depends on set resolution, bits per pixel, refresh rates, compression used, etc.
Assuming 24bits per pixel at 60Hz, two Dell U2414's would at most (theoretically) need around 7.5 Gbps - well within the spec of DP1.1 and Thunderbolt 1.
In many cases, support for DP1.2 is simply a firmware and/or driver update(s).
Personally, I'm using these monitors to hook up my PC. But I thought I'd give it a shot by hooking up my MBA, only to discover it doesn't work. My guess is that the physical pieces are there. And it just needs an update to support. Of course, since it's Apple, I'm sure it'll technically be supported but there will be some restriction on it to get one to buy a 2014 MBP with Thunderbolt 2 or a pair of Apple Thunderbolt 2 displays or some proprietary cables or, most likely, a combination of all of the above.
2013 MacBook air with two external monitor
I read this thread to learn how to get 2 monitors, and wanted to share how I got mine working. I can even play video off the USB 3.0 port.
1. two Dell monitors using DVI. Dell Ultrasharp 2412M and Dell 2414H
2. mini DP/DP -> Dell 2414H
3. Diamond DS3900 USB 3.0 Dock in the usb 3.0 port -> DVI to Dell 2412.
The Diamond also has extra USB 3.0 ports (2) and USB 2.0 ports (4) and ethernet so you gain ports. The Diamond requires you to install 2 software updates as there are issues with the displaylink and Maverick OSX.
The link to the Diamond DS3900 Ultra Dock Dual Video USB 3.0/2.0 Docking Station is here: http://www.diamondmm.com/ds3900-diamond-ultra-dock-dual-video-usb-docking-station.html
The Maverick issue is described here: http://www.displaylink.com/support/ticket.php?id=354
The beta software solution is described here: http://www.displaylink.com/support/mac_downloads.php
Good luck.
I read this thread to learn how to get 2 monitors, and wanted to share how I got mine working. I can even play video off the USB 3.0 port.
1. two Dell monitors using DVI. Dell Ultrasharp 2412M and Dell 2414H
2. mini DP/DP -> Dell 2414H
3. Diamond DS3900 USB 3.0 Dock in the usb 3.0 port -> DVI to Dell 2412.
The Diamond also has extra USB 3.0 ports (2) and USB 2.0 ports (4) and ethernet so you gain ports. The Diamond requires you to install 2 software updates as there are issues with the displaylink and Maverick OSX.
The link to the Diamond DS3900 Ultra Dock Dual Video USB 3.0/2.0 Docking Station is here: http://www.diamondmm.com/ds3900-diamond-ultra-dock-dual-video-usb-docking-station.html
The Maverick issue is described here: http://www.displaylink.com/support/ticket.php?id=354
The beta software solution is described here: http://www.displaylink.com/support/mac_downloads.php
Good luck.
With the 10.9.3 it still does not work. I got onto the beta and tried it with a 2013 MacBook air and 2 Dell U2414h. I get the same results as posted before. The 2 dell monitors mirror each other regardless...
I wish I could get my hands on a Retina Macbook, above in this thread they talk about a thunderbolt 1.1 limitation and the retina has TB 1.2.
That stinks because I was under the impression it would work with my air...
My test with USB3 to DVI on MBA2013
Hi,
i just bought this USB 3 to Vga Adapter.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CXFMT6/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have a Macbook Air 2013.
I'll post the result of my test for connect 2 monitor in this way:
First Display connecting USB3 adapter to DVI.
The second monitor will be connected via MiniDisplay Port to DVI.
Bye.
Hi,
i just bought this USB 3 to Vga Adapter.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CXFMT6/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have a Macbook Air 2013.
I'll post the result of my test for connect 2 monitor in this way:
First Display connecting USB3 adapter to DVI.
The second monitor will be connected via MiniDisplay Port to DVI.
Bye.
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No happy on rMBP with dual Dell U2413
I just setup a couple of U2413 displays and tried daisy chaining with the same results of simply mirrored displays. I'm running 10.9.3. I don't have any color issues, didn't have to hack anything to get a decent display.
Retina, 15, Late 2013
So sad. I was really looking forward to the simple cabling. Will have to run the 2nd off HDMI, which I just did and it looks fine.
Nothing like having a major 1st world problem like, "I have to plug 2 cables into my rMBP to use both my 24 inch monitors!" Woe is me. ;-)
I just setup a couple of U2413 displays and tried daisy chaining with the same results of simply mirrored displays. I'm running 10.9.3. I don't have any color issues, didn't have to hack anything to get a decent display.
Retina, 15, Late 2013
So sad. I was really looking forward to the simple cabling. Will have to run the 2nd off HDMI, which I just did and it looks fine.
Nothing like having a major 1st world problem like, "I have to plug 2 cables into my rMBP to use both my 24 inch monitors!" Woe is me. ;-)
Did you notice that you posted this to the MacBook Air forum? You will have better luck with MacBook Pro issues here: https://forums.macrumors.com/forums/90/
Independent screens, not mirrors?
Just wanted to confirm that this solution produces two independent screens, rather than mirrors? I have a new 2014 MBA with USB 3.0
Thanks
Mark.
BTW I am a keen fireblade rider, home track Phillip Island Vic.
Just wanted to confirm that this solution produces two independent screens, rather than mirrors? I have a new 2014 MBA with USB 3.0
Thanks
Mark.
BTW I am a keen fireblade rider, home track Phillip Island Vic.
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