Hi everyone. I purchased a Mac Mini M1. I attached my Dell U2713H into it via HDMI. It defaults to the YPbPr color mode. In this mode, all images are grainy and the text is pixelated (Not easily visible in my screenshot, but at least it shows that the colors are fine - trust me on the font and image pixelation). I found out that RGB mode is what you want, and indeed in RGB mode, the images and text are crisp. However, the colors are all messed up. Refer to attachments for what I'm looking at. I haven't seen anyone with this issue. Anyone have any ideas on how to fixe this or if Apple is working on a solution?
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Mac M1 Mini Color Modes
- Thread starter AppleNooble
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I found the issue. MacOS sees the Dell display as a TV and not as an LCD monitor. The problem is that the following fix no longer works on M1 architecture:
Is anyone savvy enough to get this to work on an M1?
Here is another guide:
spin.atomicobject.com
Is anyone savvy enough to get this to work on an M1?
Here is another guide:
Fixing the External Monitor Color Problem with My 2018 MacBook Pro
Connect a 2018 MacBook Pro to an unsupported monitor, and the YPbPr/YCbCr color mode can cause poor display performance. I found a way to fix it by overriding the EDID back to RGB mode.
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Using a DVI display connection is a simple way to force RGB output from M1 and Intel Macs. DVI only supports RGB and does not support the use of YUV (YPbPr/YCbCr) signal types.
The Dell U2713H has a DVI Dual Link input.
A USB-C to DVI DL (dual link) adapter should work making the M1 Mac output an RGB colour signal (with full dynamic range 0-255).
Just make sure to get everything supporting Dual Link DVI in your case as it is needed for the 2560 x 1440 resolution of your monitor. The DVI cable also needs to be dual link compatible. Downside is that it may be expensive. Try to find a USB-C adapter with Mac compatibility.
The Dell U2713H has a DVI Dual Link input.
A USB-C to DVI DL (dual link) adapter should work making the M1 Mac output an RGB colour signal (with full dynamic range 0-255).
Just make sure to get everything supporting Dual Link DVI in your case as it is needed for the 2560 x 1440 resolution of your monitor. The DVI cable also needs to be dual link compatible. Downside is that it may be expensive. Try to find a USB-C adapter with Mac compatibility.
Just to add an RGB signal type is not going to mean you have Retina like image clarity. Even with an RGB signal text will still look pixelated and not that much better due to your monitor having a low pixels per inch of 110ppi. It’s always best to use monitors that are close to the Retina spec of 220ppi for macOS.
The advantage of using RGB is that usually avoids the limited dynamic range (16-235) output with YPbPr/YCbCr signal types on macOS. A limited dynamic range is meant for TVs. That can cause issues like a washed out image, gradient banding etc and should not be used on most monitors.
The advantage of using RGB is that usually avoids the limited dynamic range (16-235) output with YPbPr/YCbCr signal types on macOS. A limited dynamic range is meant for TVs. That can cause issues like a washed out image, gradient banding etc and should not be used on most monitors.
DisplayPort is preferable in every situation and the best to use. It is the default display connection type used in USB-C.
This is due to the older HDMI version on the Dell U2711. HDMI version 1.2 only supports QHD at 30hz and not QHD at 60hz, that’s why it is not available to use. HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2 & HDMI 2.1 all support QHD at 60 hz.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI
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Thanks GJtn7 that sounds logical. I tried plugging in an HDMI into the mini and the other end into DVI-D converter and into the monitor. This didn't work. The mini isn't sending a signal. I also tried plugging in the HDMI cable into the mini and then through an HDMI to DP-mini. Same result, no signal.
Reading up on DVI-DL now. I found a USB-C to DVI but it only goes up to 1080p.
Yes, I understand retina displays have high dpi, but I am completely happy with the 1440 detail level.
Reading up on DVI-DL now. I found a USB-C to DVI but it only goes up to 1080p.
Yes, I understand retina displays have high dpi, but I am completely happy with the 1440 detail level.
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This thread covers the issue with HDMI to DVI.
It mentions the Yogi basic USB-C to DVI DL adapter working with an M1 MacBook Air. However it is sold out on Amazon.
Were you able to try a USB-C to DisplayPort connection? It’s usually okay to convert signals to HDMI, but never works so well the other way.
Also in cases where an adapter doesn’t work it may be due to the difference between ‘active’ and ‘passive’ types. The passive types are cheaper and more like a signal pass through rather than full conversion.
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I don't have a USB-C to display port adaptor. Need to pick one up. That's the next thing I'll be trying. Looking for one now. They are sold out everywhere!
uni USB C to DisplayPort Cable for Home Office (4K@60Hz, 2K@165Hz), Sturdy Aluminum USB Type-C to DisplayPort Cable [Thunderbolt 3/4 Compatible] for MacBook Pro/Air, iPhone 15 Pro/Max, XPS, Surface
Important Note 1: Please ensure that your device's USB-C port supports video output function "DP Alt Mode". Thunderbolt 4/3 output ports are also compatible. Important Note 2: Unidirectional transmission: It can only transmit from the USB-C port to the DP interface. Important Note 3: The final re...
www.amazon.com
That's available for $16
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I bought the exact adapter as GJtn7 suggested i.e. the Yogi one, I can confirm, everything now works! RGB mode activated! Thanks GJtn7.
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