Thunderbolt to HDMI - low res only?

[urimils]

Hi,

Using the latest MBP 15", I'm connecting the mac to a projector via a monoprice Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter, and whenever I try to use a higher resolution the 1024x768(60 Hertz), everything on the screen lags, the mouse, movies, etc.
Any idea what might be the problem?

It was suggested that perhaps the monoprice isn't high-quality enough, but i don't wanna go around spending unnecessary $ without being certain.

I would point out that a notebook PC, much older than my new MBP, but with a built in HDMI port, outputs 1600x1200 w/o a glitch.
Needless to say, the projector supports full HD.

Any ideas would be great

 

[ergdegdeg]

Unless you have a faulty unit, the adapter should work. I'm using the same thing and my MBP can use an HD monitor without a problem.

What model of computer do you have exactly and are you using mirrored mode?

 

[urimils]

What model of computer do you have exactly and are you using mirrored mode?

MBP 15"
2.3 GHz
8GB RAM
Antiglare version(hi res)
with 6750M graphics

anything else?

not sure if I tried mirrored, but I did try using it as the only screen output(i.e. the macbook screen is off).

I did notice some improvements when turning off background applications, but still, when playing movies(either with VLC or built in dvd player) there is a noticeable lag.

 

[snaky69]

MBP 15"
2.3 GHz
8GB RAM
Antiglare version(hi res)
with 6750M graphics

anything else?

not sure if I tried mirrored, but I did try using it as the only screen output(i.e. the macbook screen is off).

I did notice some improvements when turning off background applications, but still, when playing movies(either with VLC or built in dvd player) there is a noticeable lag.

Something is wrong with your machine or TV, I doubt it's the adapter.

 

[T4R06]

i have MBP 13"
here's what i bought @ amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003OC6LWM

it gives me the full resolution 1080p on my 23" external monitor

 

[urimils]

How can I test the various components?


Is it possible the Raedon card doesn't kick in when needed?(is it needed for DVD viewing and such?)

 

[jimmie32]

Try gfxCardStatus (Google it) to manually switch to discrete.
The adapter should technically work since even your old laptop worked. Try another HDMI adapter if the GPU does kick in. You might be wasting money, but you have to track down to whether its your Adapter or your MBP.

It shouldn't be the GPU though. Even my old integrated Intel X3100 IGP could output full HD. As pointed by posters above, even if you are using the integrated GPU, the HD 3000 (as evidenced by the 13") is certainly capable of powering external monitors (or HDMI ports, in your case).

Good luck!

 

[urimils]

Try gfxCardStatus (Google it) to manually switch to discrete.
The adapter should technically work since even your old laptop worked.
Good luck!

The old laptop has an HDMI port on it, so no adapter was used.

I guess i'll have to check a direct connection to some apple display, and see how that goes.

many thanks to all of you

 

[alFR]

IIRC the latest MBPs always use the discrete GPU when driving an external monitor: the integrated card doesn't have a connection to the Thunderbolt port, apparently. Try using a known good adapter (if you can get hold of one) and cable to rule those out: alternatively, maybe get someone you know who has a 2011 MBP to come round and try their machine in your setup? If that's OK and the problem persists with your MBP I guess it's your machine.