I think I found a way to connect the LED Cinema Display

[kenbrinkman]

I have a 24" LED Cinema display that was succeeded by the Thunderbolt display. The Cinema display uses three plugs (Magsafe, Mini DisplayPort, USB) whereas the newer Thunderbolt display only has thunderbolt and power. With the dawn of the USB-C overlord included with the rMB, I've been looking into how I could possibly connect the rMB to my beautiful LED Cinema display. I was initially disheartened when it was concluded here that the thunderbolt display wouldn't work because thunderbolt isn't included in the USB-C spec. DisplayPort, however is. So there might be hope for my cinema display after all.

Here's what comes off of the cinema display:

In order for the USB hub, speakers, and camera on the display to be connected, I'll need the $79 apple adapter for one USB-C, one USB, and one HDMI (which won't be used). The regular USB will connect fine, and the USB-C will need to be split into two (one for display and one for power) through some kind of USB-C Hub. But the most difficult thing is the male mini DisplayPort from the cinema display.

With a mishmash of adapters, here's how I think it might be possible:

1a. $79 Apple USB-C to USB-C, HDMI, and regular USB adapter

1b. Hypothetical USB-C Hub is needed to connect the display and power simulatneously (if the rMB doesn't get power from the display itself)

2. Apple USB-C Adapter at the rMB to DisplayPort Monoprice Male USB-C to DisplayPort Male

3. From DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Monoprice Mini DisplayPort Male to Female DisplayPort

4. Female Mini DisplayPort Coupler (for the male cinema display mini DisplayPort lead) Monoprice Female Mini DisplayPort Coupler

With no less than five (!) adapters at a pretty unreasonable $140+, I think I could retain the functionality of my beloved (and aging) cinema display. The most ironic part is that this whole mess of cables and adapters is connected to a single tiny USB port. I guess that simplifies the docking station aspect of the cinema display. What do you guys think? Possible?

 

[jonfarr]

idk if that will work with all the adapters, but I'm no expert and I didn't even sleep at a holiday inn express either...

 

[powersteer]

will this charge the rMB? doubt so

 

[gglockner]

If the MacBook is connected to a desktop monitor, it's valuable to connect it to power. Here is another option that is both cheaper and allows you to connect to power:

1. Apple USB-C AV Multiport Adapter
   
   
2. Monoprice Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable
   
   
3. Monoprice Mini DisplayPort coupler
   
   

Total cost: $89.30 plus tax (Apple) and shipping (Monoprice).

 

[Freyqq]

Yep, that should work. The key is that monitor is mini-dp and not thunderbolt.

 

[Dandu]

@gglockner : your solution will not work.

It's a (mini)DP to HDMI cable, and it's not reversible : you can't use it to connect a DP display (like Apple Display) to an HDMI output.

 

[dyt1983]

edit: To remove personally identifying information not relevant to the thread.

 

[gglockner]

@gglockner : your solution will not work.

It's a (mini)DP to HDMI cable, and it's not reversible : you can't use it to connect a DP display (like Apple Display) to an HDMI output.

It's not bidirectional? Harumpf.

 

[redheeler]

1. Apple USB-C AV Multiport Adapter
   Image

I'm still surprised at how expensive that adapter is

It's not bidirectional? Harumpf.

That is correct, I have tried to use mine the other way around without success.

 

[gglockner]

OK, so the OP's suggestion will work for DisplayPort video, but then you cannot simultaneously connect DisplayPort video and power? That's awful.

 

[kenbrinkman]

OK, so the OP's suggestion will work for DisplayPort video, but then you cannot simultaneously connect DisplayPort video and power? That's awful.

You can, you just need a yet-to-be-relseased USB-C Hub. (one for display, one for power)

 

[Dandu]

It's not bidirectional? Harumpf.

It's not a "real" adapter : it's a passive link, the Graphic Card send a real HDMI signal in the DisplayPort connector, and it's routed to the HDMI connector.

Real adapter are very expansive, and there is HDMI to DisplayPort on the market (by Kanex), but with a MacBook, i think it's limited to 1080p.

 

[ctyrider]

You can, you just need a yet-to-be-relseased USB-C Hub. (one for display, one for power)

Agreed. The only way to connect to DisplayPort screens is via USB-C to DisplayPort cables, like this one:

https://store.google.com/product/usb_type_c_to_displayport_cable

Trouble with that is - there is no way to charge rMB while using your display. We will have to wait for USB-C hubs to become available to be able to do this.

EDIT: I suppose using something like this could be another option (albeit not cheap one), this is an active converter not an adapter. If this works - you can connect Apple LED display via HDMI port on A/V dongle, while leaving USB-C port available for charging.

http://www.startech.com/AV/Converters/Video/Active-HDMI-or-DVI-to-DisplayPort-Converter~HDMI2DP

 

[legioxi]

EDIT: I suppose using something like this could be another option (albeit not cheap one), this is an active converter not an adapter. If this works - you can connect Apple LED display via HDMI port on A/V dongle, while leaving USB-C port available for charging.

http://www.startech.com/AV/Converters/Video/Active-HDMI-or-DVI-to-DisplayPort-Converter~HDMI2DP

Unfortunately that is limited in resolution:

* Supports full HD resolutions up to 1920x1200

 

[ctyrider]

Unfortunately that is limited in resolution:

* Supports full HD resolutions up to 1920x1200

1920x1200 is the max resolution of Apple 24" LED Display. Isn't that what we are trying to connect?

 

[legioxi]

1920x1200 is the max resolution of Apple 24" LED Display. Isn't that what we are trying to connect?

I was thinking the 27" Apple Cinema Display. Identical display to the TBD except no Thunderbolt requirement.

EDIT: I see the OP was indeed speaking about the 24". I stand corrected.

 

[NathanA]

The other problem with any of these solutions is that it will not allow you to use the USB ports built into the monitor.

-- Nathan

 

[kenbrinkman]

The other problem with any of these solutions is that it will not allow you to use the USB ports built into the monitor.

-- Nathan

Well the first step is the $79 Apple USB-C adapter which has a USB-C, HDMI (which can't be used for the display) and a regular USB. The USB lead from the display is connected to the USB port on the $79 adapter and the display's USB hub, iSight camera, speakers, etc. should all work.

 

[ctyrider]

Well the first step is the $79 Apple USB-C adapter which has a USB-C, HDMI (which can't be used for the display)

It can, with than active converter, like the one I linked to above.

 

[kenbrinkman]

It can, with than active converter, like the one I linked to above.

Right it's possible, but it's expensive and has pretty poor reviews. A native option might work better even though you need an additional adapter.

 

[HelsinkiMac]

My issue is even worse, attempting to get an old apple cinema display HD (1920x1200) with the apple ADC connector to work! Currently works fine with a macbook air and minidisplayport to DVI adaptor and the active Apple DVI to ADC adaptor. I haven't figured out how to get 1920x1200 DVI which is what I need, since the VGA/HDMI adapters only output 1920x1080. Any ideas?!

 

[dyt1983]

edit: To remove personally identifying information not relevant to the thread.

 

[ctyrider]

I'm pretty sure that USB-C on the Apple adapter is for power only (i.e. you cannot put another adapter into it). If you look at the picture, the USB-C port is labeled with a power symbol.

Also, I don't believe you're going to see USB-C hubs anytime soon.

You're probably stuck with the HDMI->mDP adapter at $120 for a good one.

Or, wait for a correct adapter with mDP on it, which is easily possible.

You're wrong on most of these points:

Pretty sure USB-C port on A/V adapter is not just for power. Yes, that's how Apple intends it to be used, but I there is no such thing as "USB-C power only" port specification.

USB-C hubs will appear sooner rather than later. Some are already in development, like this one.

USB-C DisplayPort adapters/cables already exist, no need to wait.

 

[dyt1983]

edit: To remove personally identifying information not relevant to the thread.

 

[ctyrider]

There's no "power only" USB port spec either, but others have done it. Apple is known to do things "not to USB spec" (where's the USB logo on the computers...)

Anything is possible, but I'd be surprised if that's the case. We will know soon enough.

You do need to wait for an adapter that does it all in one, which is what I was referring to (as earlier in this thread). I think there will be a single adapter with mDP, USB and power.

Ah, OK sorry. Yes I am sure such adapter will exist at some point. I wish Apple's $79 adapter had mDP rather than HDMI port - then it would've been perfect.