Apple Cinema Display 30" (HDCP Off) use with work PC

[elvinc]

I've got a 2006 vintage 30" Apple Cinema Display that I have working without problems with an Apple Dual-Link DVI to Mini Display Port adapter for my 2015 MBP. I know this is an HDCP off model confirmed by SwitchResX.

For work I have an HP Elitebook with USB-C as well as HDMI. I've been trying two different USB-C to MiniDisplay Port adapters that both work with my 27" 2008 Apple LED Cinema Display. On the HP Elitebook, I get no response on the screen though the laptop warbles that I've plugged something in (and sometimes warbles that it dropped it). Plugging in the USB-A part of the Apple adapter doesn't change the situation here.

So is the simplest route here to get the Club 3D CAC-1510-A USB C to Dual Link DVI-D Adapter HDCP Off for Apple Cinema Displays? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...n_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=mrforums-20

Keep in mind that I'd like on occasion to switch between my MBP and the work HP Elitebook with minimum fuss. Thanks for checking my work before I make the purchase!

 

[elvinc]

Followup question - it's not possible to make my old display HDCP compliant other than via such an adapter?

 

[joevt]

Maybe get one of each adapter.

I don't think the adapters make the display HDCP compliant. All I know is that the HDCP-OFF adapter makes my 30" Cinema display (2005 - doesn't support HDCP) work with my Mac mini 2018.
I can use the HDCP-ON version with a PC running Windows 10.
https://insights.club-3d.com/thread...a-and-apple-cinema-display-30-on-mac-mini-m1/

 

[elvinc]

Maybe get one of each adapter.

I don't think the adapters make the display HDCP compliant. All I know is that the HDCP-OFF adapter makes my 30" Cinema display (2005 - doesn't support HDCP) work with my Mac mini 2018.
I can use the HDCP-ON version with a PC running Windows 10.
https://insights.club-3d.com/thread...a-and-apple-cinema-display-30-on-mac-mini-m1/

Thanks joevt for the response. After Google searching on this topic, I was eventually drawn to MacRumors for its multiple recent threads on the topic and your contributions.

Did the HDCP-OFF model work with your Windows PC? At this point, I want to pickup one USB-C -> DVI-DL adapter and have it work for both Mac and PC as needed down the road. Will be using MBP 2015 for a bit longer until I hope to the 2021+ models.

With additional reading, my impression is that the HDCP-OFF adapter is a splitter of sorts which tells the source "I'm HDCP compliant, keep sending me signal" while it passes the signal onto the display without interrogation. That appears to be the approach of HDMI splitters to handle HDCP issues. Came across this while fully exploring whether the HDMI port was a possible pathway (it apparently is not).

Look forward to your reply and then will move forward with the purchase of the HDCP-OFF model.

 

[joevt]

Did the HDCP-OFF model work with your Windows PC?

Yes it works. Connected it to the Thunderbolt port of the GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 (Intel Core i7 6700K with Intel HD 530 graphics).

my impression is that the HDCP-OFF adapter is a splitter of sorts which tells the source "I'm HDCP compliant, keep sending me signal" while it passes the signal onto the display without interrogation. That appears to be the approach of HDMI splitters to handle HDCP issues. Came across this while fully exploring whether the HDMI port was a possible pathway (it apparently is not).

I don't know why macOS doesn't like the HDCP-ON version of the adapter when connected to a display that doesn't support HDCP.

An HDMI port is basically DVI single link which can only do 1280x800 with the Cinema 30" display. To convert HDMI single link to dual link for 2560x1600 requires two adapters: HDMI to DisplayPort or USB-C and then DisplayPort or USB-C to dual link DVI.

 

[elvinc]

Would have been great to have USB-C passthrough for power, but will go with what exists and there's no single adapter HDMI solution. Found a 1510-A listed at Boxerq (haven't ordered from them before) for $36.50. Will give them a shot.

 

[elvinc]

Boxerq was out of stock, so got it from Club3D's Amazon store. Working great - had to tell Windows what resolution to use with the adapter and glad to discover that the Elitebook has no problem driving it's built-in display and the 30" ACD at the same time without the fan ramping up.

So that I can pivot between my MBP and the Windows laptop, I'll need a dual-link DVI extension so that I can leave the ACD power brick on the floor. Noticed Monoprice has cables that carry both analog and digital signal, but I'm going to assume digital only (as long as it is dual link) is fine for me.

Will see what I find, this thread had a lack of responses:

How can I extend a 30 inch HD Cinema Display's cable?

Can anyone point out a solution that would allow me to move my 30 inch HD Cinema Display further away from my computer? Currently I am using Apple's Dual Link DVI to Mini DisplayPort adapter to connect the display to my Mac mini. I need to move the display about 10 feet from the Mini. Would a 10...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[joevt]

So that I can pivot between my MBP and the Windows laptop, I'll need a dual-link DVI extension so that I can leave the ACD power brick on the floor. Noticed Monoprice has cables that carry both analog and digital signal, but I'm going to assume digital only (as long as it is dual link) is fine for me.

Digital only Dual Link should be fine : DVI-D (Dual Link). Just make sure the female end for the ACD's male connector has room for the analog ground (I don't think it's possible to not have that).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface

 

[elvinc]

Digital only Dual Link should be fine : DVI-D (Dual Link). Just make sure the female end for the ACD's male connector has room for the analog ground (I don't think it's possible to not have that).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface

Monoprice's cable (digital dual-link DVI) among others does the job. Here's the specs:

Monoprice 6ft 28AWG CL2 Dual Link DVI-D Cable - Black - Monoprice.com

Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is the standard interface for a high-performance connection between PCs and flat panel displays, digital CRT displays, projectors, and HDTV. The DVI-D Digital Cable deli

www.monoprice.com

Posting updated related links here to wrap the thread on the Club-3D HDCP OFF CAC-1510-A adapter:

Club 3D | USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C to Dual Link DVI-D HDCP OFF version Active Adapter M/F for Apple Cinema Displays

The Club 3D CAC-1510-A is a USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C input to Dual Link DVI-D or Single Link DVI output adapter HDCP OFF version for Apple Cinema Displays or other displays which do not support HDCP. The USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C to Dual Link DVI or Single Link DVI Adapter is the easiest solution for...

www.club-3d.com

Club3D CAC-1510-A USB Type C to Dual Link DVI-D Cable Adapter Support 3840x2160@30hz, 2560x1600@60Hz HDCP Off for Apple Cinema Displays M/F

USB C to DVI-D Dualink adapter without HDCP Support for certain Apple Cinema monitors without HDCP The USB Type C to Dual Link DVI or Single Link DVI Adapter is the easiest solution for connecting your USB Type C source device featuring DisplayPort Alternate Mode to a DVI enabled Monitor or Proje...

www.amazon.com