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External display randomly goes black
- Thread starter qwikrex
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I had a similar problem - my external display would go blank and refuse to wake back up (with my Macbook in clamshell mode).
I'd have to open the Macbook, unplug the Mini-DisplayPort plug, and plug it back in for it to fix the problem.
Didn't have any problems with my old Blackbook, so I'm assuming it's not the display which is the problem (although it's pretty old, tbh).
Possible cause
I have a similar problem using an external LG monitor, flashes to black for a few seconds then comes back on. I've talked to Apple and LG about it and apparently there is no driver currently written for the NVIDA graphics chip to run external displays at a high resolution. At 1680 x 1050 resolution I can only have a 59.9 Hz refresh rate which isn't enough to fully operate the screen. I'm hoping that Apple writes a driver to fix this since it's pretty annoying to be writing then everything goes black.
I have a similar problem using an external LG monitor, flashes to black for a few seconds then comes back on. I've talked to Apple and LG about it and apparently there is no driver currently written for the NVIDA graphics chip to run external displays at a high resolution. At 1680 x 1050 resolution I can only have a 59.9 Hz refresh rate which isn't enough to fully operate the screen. I'm hoping that Apple writes a driver to fix this since it's pretty annoying to be writing then everything goes black.
Same here...I use mine in clamshell mode to watch HD films on a 42" plasma. I normally have the resolution set to 1280x720 but after I have initially plugged everything in the fun starts.....
I try to wake to macbook up using a bluetooth mouse and bluetooth keyboard, sometimes works, mostly doesnt. End up opening the clamshell then logging in then closing the shell and trying to wake again.
The external display will be blank for about 4 mins but eventually come on.
I can also get 1920 x 1080 resolution but with the same faults as above.
My previous gen 2.4ghz macbook worked great so hopefully this will get fixed by apple.
I try to wake to macbook up using a bluetooth mouse and bluetooth keyboard, sometimes works, mostly doesnt. End up opening the clamshell then logging in then closing the shell and trying to wake again.
The external display will be blank for about 4 mins but eventually come on.
I can also get 1920 x 1080 resolution but with the same faults as above.
My previous gen 2.4ghz macbook worked great so hopefully this will get fixed by apple.
I found a lengthy thread over att Apple discussion; http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8479869
****...Im getting worried
****...Im getting worried
Thread Resurrection
I have been experiencing similar issues on my 15" Retina MBP. Having spoken with Apple they recommended turning off completely and holding Cmd+Alt+P+R and turning the power on. once you press the power button, keep holding the four buttons and you should hear the start up tone, then you will hear the tone again. The guy on the phone asked me to hold it still and I heard the tone a third time before he told me to release.
My understanding is that this clears the PRAM. It probably didn't need to do it twice, but better safe than sorry.
Anyway, probably not related to the original issue, but I found this thread when searching, so hope it helps someone else. No ill effects after 30mins or so, so I think it is fixed.
I have been experiencing similar issues on my 15" Retina MBP. Having spoken with Apple they recommended turning off completely and holding Cmd+Alt+P+R and turning the power on. once you press the power button, keep holding the four buttons and you should hear the start up tone, then you will hear the tone again. The guy on the phone asked me to hold it still and I heard the tone a third time before he told me to release.
My understanding is that this clears the PRAM. It probably didn't need to do it twice, but better safe than sorry.
Anyway, probably not related to the original issue, but I found this thread when searching, so hope it helps someone else. No ill effects after 30mins or so, so I think it is fixed.
Thanks, This solution worked for me.
"Having spoken with Apple they recommended turning off completely and holding Cmd+Alt+P+R and turning the power on. once you press the power button, keep holding the four buttons and you should hear the start up tone, then you will hear the tone again."
"Having spoken with Apple they recommended turning off completely and holding Cmd+Alt+P+R and turning the power on. once you press the power button, keep holding the four buttons and you should hear the start up tone, then you will hear the tone again."