Can you connect an ACD 30" to a Mac Studio?

[EugW]

My 23" ACD (or achdd if you to get technical) works fine with this adapter (club) BUT the brightness control is gone, so display is useless.

You can control brightness two ways:

1) Side buttons
2) Monitorcontrol.app

 

[dlopan]

You can control brightness two ways:

1) Side buttons
2) Monitorcontrol.app

thanks, monitor is not working with either, way dim. color is way wrong also but I changed the profile. thanks for app info.

 

[dlopan]

Hi thank you for taking the time to reply.

My 30" ACD is late 2008 and whilst not fully verified I believe it supports HDCP.

Assuming it is in fact a HDCP compliant, can i connect my apple DL DVI > mini display port adapter which has a USB-A cable attached (I believe for power) to the follow USB-C to mini Display Port adapter:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B072KRZ4SZ/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

I have also attached a photo of my DL DVI > mini display port adapter (which im referring to above)

And then connect the USB-A cable to any power source as I believe the source of power is not important.

Maybe. the 30" I think is hdcp so probably will work. But adapters in these sort of situations maybe maybe not.

 

[EugW]

thanks, monitor is not working with either, way dim. color is way wrong also but I changed the profile. thanks for app info.

Can be dim with the app, but it works fine with the side buttons.

Maybe. the 30" I think is hdcp so probably will work. But adapters in these sort of situations maybe maybe not.

Only 2007 or later with ID 9221 is HDCP compliant. Except it isn't with Apple Silicon even with the HDCP-on Club 3D adapter.

 

[averroesdesign]

Hi guys, so just to give an update and summary. First and very foremost thank you to several members on the forum some of whom communicated via DM for their valuable advice. I understand there is no set answer to the aforementioned and is more of a trial and test so here goes.

I have a Macbook Pro 13" 2020 M1. I have a late 2008 30" Apple Cinema Display to which i want to connect my laptop to. From my previous setup where I had my 2015 Macbook Pro 16" connected to the ACD, I purchased an Apple Mini displayPort to Dual-link DVI Adapter which I was in the hope i could use for my new setup.

Low and behold I can.

I know there are many references to people using a single USB-C to dual link DVI adapter however most have experienced some level of glitching thus requiring me to look into other options.

Nonetheless I purchased a USB-C to mini DisplayPort adapter which is 4k@60Hz compatible. I connected my ACD to the Apple Mini displayPort to Dual-link DVI Adapter. From the adapter I have the mini DisplayPort connection and a USB-A (for power delivery). I connected the mini DisplayPort cable to the new USB-C to mini DisplayPort adapter and subsequently connected to my Macbook Pro. The USB-A is then also connected to my Macbook using a USB-A to USB-C converter. All sounds a mouthful however a very simple setup in the end.

So far there have been no issues with my screen whatsoever and im glad its all working. I shall attach a picture or two of the setup.

 

[weezin]

Wanted to report back here with my experiences hooking up a 30" Cinema Display (HDCP support) to my new Mac Studio.

I had been using the 30" with my 2018 Mac Mini via these adapters:

Display cable from monitor -> Dual-Link DVI Adapter -> This USB-C to Mini Display Port adapter -> 2018 Mac Mini

Everything worked in this setup including keyboard brightness controls, etc. Perfect.

When I got the Mac Studio, I plugged this exact same setup into it and - it worked! The keyboard brightness controls didn't work, but as far as I can tell the rest did. I did not try HDCP content (Disney+) with this setup.

I had bought the Club3D HDCP adapter, so I figured I'd try that as well.

Display cable from monitor -> Club3D HDCP adapter -> Mac Studio

This worked the same as the previous setup. Keyboard brightness didn't work, but I fixed that with the MonitorControl app. I then tested this with Disney+ and it worked as expected.

So, in summary, my 30" Cinema Display worked with my Mac Studio in two different ways:

1. Via Dual-Link DVI Adapter to a USB-C Mini Display Port adapter. Keyboard brightness didn't work and I did not check HDCP content.
2. Via Club3D HDCP adapter. Keyboard brightness didn't work, but HDCP content (Disney+) did work.

Now I'm happily strumming along with my 30" on my Mac Studio with no issues that I can tell at this point.

I hope this is helpful!

Edit: one note. When I initially plugged in the 30" to the Mac Studio, I was bummed to see that the brightness of the monitor was about half it's normal brightness. After installing the MonitorControl app and cranking the brightness up, it was still dim. It took me a few minutes to realize that I could use the brightness controls on the monitor to change the brightness as well. I did that, and all is good - back to the original brightness.

 

[joevt]

Edit: one note. When I initially plugged in the 30" to the Mac Studio, I was bummed to see that the brightness of the monitor was about half it's normal brightness. After installing the MonitorControl app and cranking the brightness up, it was still dim. It took me a few minutes to realize that I could use the brightness controls on the monitor to change the brightness as well. I did that, and all is good - back to the original brightness.

See here: https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...0-anyone-got-it-working.2276122/post-31777358

 

[MattA]

Hi Guys i was directed to this thread by someone in the community.

I have a 2008 30" ACD which i previous connected to my 2015 macbook pro using a miniDisplay port to dual link DVI which had an additional USB-A connector also. Im not most privy to all these terminologies, though I should be.

A few years ago i purchased the M1 Macbook Pro which comes with two thunderbolt ports (I believe or maybe they are USB-C ports not sure). I am wanting to connect this to my ACD however realising that most people are experiencing glitches with the USB-C to Dual Link DVI adapters from the likes of Club3D, Cable Creations and StarTech all which seem to be the same product but rebranded. I am wondering what the most suitable solution would be for me to connect the ACD to my M1 macbook.

Would the current miniDisplay to Dual Link DVI with the USB-A connector (attached) be of any use. What other items would I need to purchase without bursting the bank balance to much. Of course it needs to be viable otherwise a new monitor it is however I have an attachment to this display since I purchased it new and still till this day love it. I find it more colour accurate than the display on my Macbook Pro.

I have looked at usb-c to miniDisplayport adapters (what assume everyone is referring to). Are these all the same or do i need to get a particular specification as one states it is 4k@60Hz, assuming this is the correct item i need is it good enough as I want my ACD to work in all its glory.

So any advice would be helpful.

@MattA would your setup work in my situation and if so could you link the components you are using for the setup because when i type some of these terms i get different looking products. Some small connector things and some with cables in between

Thanks guys

Looks like you've purchased the adapter and all is well! Glad it's working!

 

[sparkie7]

Wanted to report back here with my experiences hooking up a 30" Cinema Display (HDCP support) to my new Mac Studio.


When I got the Mac Studio, I plugged this exact same setup into it and - it worked! The keyboard brightness controls didn't work, but as far as I can tell the rest did. I did not try HDCP content (Disney+) with this setup.

I had bought the Club3D HDCP adapter, so I figured I'd try that as well.

Display cable from monitor -> Club3D HDCP adapter -> Mac Studio

This worked the same as the previous setup. Keyboard brightness didn't work, but I fixed that with the MonitorControl app. I then tested this with Disney+ and it worked as expected.

Does your Mac Studio + 30" Cinema Display wake from sleep as normal?

 

[sparkie7]

See here: https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...0-anyone-got-it-working.2276122/post-31777358

I find however, you have to manually configure after each restart or shutdown....

 

[weezin]

Does your Mac Studio + 30" Cinema Display wake from sleep as normal?

Yes, it wakes from sleep no problem. Takes about 5 seconds for the monitor to display an image.

 

[sparkie7]

Yes, it wakes from sleep no problem. Takes about 5 seconds for the monitor to display an image.

Ok, are you using the apple dual link DVI adapter to connect this

Also, any sparkling effects seen on your screen

Do you have one or two apple 30” cinemas connected to your Mac Studio?

 

[EugW]

Also, any sparkling effects seen on your screen

Sparkling effects with the USB-C to dual-link DVI adapters may be restricted to the pre-2007 30" models.

It seems so far those that have reported this in these threads have had the early models, whereas I have not seen reports of this for those of us with the 2007 or later models. Not a huge number of reports though.

 

[sparkie7]

Sparkling effects with the USB-C to dual-link DVI adapters may be restricted to the pre-2007 30" models.

It seems so far those that have reported this in these threads have had the early models, whereas I have not seen reports of this for those of us with the 2007 or later models. Not a huge number of reports though.

Ok, that’s with the use with or without Apple dual link adapter?

 

[weezin]

Ok, are you using the apple dual link DVI adapter to connect this

Also, any sparkling effects seen on your screen

Do you have one or two apple 30” cinemas connected to your Mac Studio?

I use this setup:

Display cable from monitor -> Club3D HDCP adapter -> Mac Studio

No sparkling, etc. One 30" display, no other displays.

 

[sparkie7]

I use this setup:

Display cable from monitor -> Club3D HDCP adapter -> Mac Studio

No sparkling, etc. One 30" display, no other displays.

The Club3D adapter you have in the link is the Club3D CAC-1510 and says "NOT for Apple Cinema Monitors"

Isn't it their other adapter (with the "A") Club3D CAC-1510-A that's "for Apple Cinema Displays" ?

https://www.amazon.com/CAC-1510-Adapter-Displays-3840x2160-2560x1600/dp/B08B7FSVTL/ref=sr_1_2?crid=22L2S3VY5HKAJ&keywords=Club3Dm+apple+cinema&qid=1675117360&sprefix=club3dm+apple+cinema,aps,391&sr=8-2

 

[EugW]

Ok, that’s with the use with or without Apple dual link adapter?

Without.

The Club3D adapter you have in the link is the Club3D CAC-1510 and says "NOT for Apple Cinema Monitors"

Isn't it their other adapter (with the "A") Club3D CAC-1510-A that's "for Apple Cinema Displays" ?

https://www.amazon.com/CAC-1510-Adapter-Displays-3840x2160-2560x1600/dp/B08B7FSVTL/ref=sr_1_2?crid=22L2S3VY5HKAJ&keywords=Club3Dm+apple+cinema&qid=1675117360&sprefix=club3dm+apple+cinema,aps,391&sr=8-2

The Club 3D description might be misleading.

The pre-2007 30” ACD display does not support HDCP so the -A Club 3D adapter is appropriate as it has HDCP turned off. However the 2007 and later ACD model has HDCP support so on USB-C Intel Macs you may be better off with the regular non-A Club 3D adapter which has HDCP turned on.

However, with my M1 Mac mini, HDCP doesn’t appear to work regardless with these adapters. The 30” ACD HDCP did work with my 2014 Intel Mac mini with Apple OEM mini-DP to DL-DVI adapter. IIRC, HDCP also worked with the HDCP-on USB-C adapter paired with my 12” Intel MacBook.

I eventually retired the 30” ACD because of the Apple Silicon HDCP compatibility issues with it and because my ACD has image retention. Now I’m running the 4K+ monitor in my signature, with a direct USB-C connection, with 1080p HDCP support. I was disappointed to learn that 4K HDCP doesn’t work in this new Mac setup, even though 4K HDCP works fine with the monitor when connected over HDMI to my Apple TV 4K.

 

[sparkie7]

Without.


The Club 3D description might be misleading.

The pre-2007 30” ACD display does not support HDCP so the -A Club 3D adapter is appropriate as it has HDCP turned off. However the 2007 and later ACD model has HDCP support so on USB-C Intel Macs you may be better off with the regular non-A Club 3D adapter which has HDCP turned on.

Yes, it's misleading and confusing

How does one find out what year their 30" ACD was made, from the serial number?, but how do you tell from the serial number what year. Also how to test you 30 ACD has HDCP support, by trying to watch Disney+ content?

However, with my M1 Mac mini, HDCP doesn’t appear to work regardless with these adapters. The 30” ACD HDCP did work with my 2014 Intel Mac mini with Apple OEM mini-DP to DL-DVI adapter. IIRC, HDCP also worked with the HDCP-on USB-C adapter paired with my 12” Intel MacBook.

I eventually retired the 30” ACD because of the Apple Silicon HDCP compatibility issues with it and because my ACD has image retention. Now I’m running the 4K+ monitor in my signature, with a direct USB-C connection, with 1080p HDCP support. I was disappointed to learn that 4K HDCP doesn’t work in this new Mac setup, even though 4K HDCP works fine with the monitor when connected over HDMI to my Apple TV 4K.

The 4K+ Huawei MateView 28.2" looks like a nice display, so almost the same size and ratio as a 30" ACD ?

 

[sparkie7]

Display cable from monitor -> Club3D HDCP adapter -> Mac Studio

This worked the same as the previous setup. Keyboard brightness didn't work

If you plug in the USB cable from the 30 inch Cinema Display into your Mac Studio, or use an adapter (USB to USB-C) to plug in the USB cable from the 30 inch Cinema Display, you should be able to use brightness control from your keyboard

 

[EugW]

Yes, it's misleading and confusing

How does one find out what year their 30" ACD was made, from the serial number right, but how do you tell from the serial number what year. Also how to test you 30 ACD has HDCP support, by trying to watch Disney+ content?

Plug in the USB cable and look in the system information in the USB section. If the monitor is ID 9221, then it is the later model that supports HDCP.

I tested it by watching Disney+.

The 4K+ Huawei MateView 28.2" looks like a nice display, so almost the same size and ratio as a 30" ACD ?

It's a 3:2 3840x2560 monitor, so a little under 20% more pixels than a 4K monitor, and the same pixel density as a 4K 27" monitor.

You can run at 2560x1707 which is what most people would run and which gives a bit more screen real estate than the 30" ACD, albeit with smaller text. (That smaller text is identical in size to the text sizing of the Apple Studio Display.) However, I prefer to run at 2304x1536, which gives a similar text size to the 30" ACD, with a little bit less screen real estate than the 30" ACD.

If you plug in the USB cable from the 30 inch Cinema Display into your Mac Studio, or use an adapter (USB to USB-C) to plug in the USB cable from the 30 inch Cinema Display, you should be able to use brightness control from your keyboard

It won't work since macOS doesn't have the drivers for Apple Silicon machines. However, the workaround is to run MonitorControl.app.

GitHub - MonitorControl/MonitorControl: 🖥 Control your display's brightness & volume on your Mac as if it was a native Apple Display. Use Apple Keyboard keys or custom shortcuts. Shows the native macOS OSDs.

🖥 Control your display's brightness & volume on your Mac as if it was a native Apple Display. Use Apple Keyboard keys or custom shortcuts. Shows the native macOS OSDs. - MonitorControl/Moni...

github.com

The default settings have the max brightness too low, but there is a setting in there that allows for higher max brightness. The app assumes the ACD's brightness is 0-100, but actually it should be 0-255.

 

[sparkie7]

Plug in the USB cable and look in the system information in the USB section. If the monitor is ID 9221, then it is the later model that supports HDCP.

Thanks for the info. I checked, both 30" ACDs say:

Apple Cinema HD Display:

Product ID: 0x9221

So I guess both mine are 2008 and later. I also can view The Mandalorian on Disney+ on both displays (ie. move window between the two displays without any issues

So, I guess I need to order the Club3D adapter without the "-A": this one (despite it being described as "HDCP Supported NOT for Apple Cinema Monitors" )

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QKM856C

It won't work since macOS doesn't have the drivers for Apple Silicon machines. However, the workaround is to run MonitorControl.app.

Hmm, ok. My current set-up is using a USBCele adapter which is connected via the Apple OEM dual link display adapter and with the USB cable connected to the back of my Mac Studio USB port, – I have 100% keyboard brightness control.

The issue is the Mac Studio will not wake from sleep.

 

[crazyhorse90210]

The issue is the Mac Studio will not wake from sleep.

Same boat. did you ever solve this?

 

[retlif]

This one works 99% good:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mac-studio-and-old-cinema-displays.2339354/post-31062926