Very unusual problem with extended desktop

Discussion in 'MacBook Air' started by PAC88, May 2, 2012.

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  1. PAC88, May 2, 2012
    Last edited: May 2, 2012

    PAC88 macrumors 6502

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2009
    #1
    I'm trying to connect to my 24" 1920x1200 LG monitor through mdp>hdmi. The extended desktop is working and displaying an image on my external monitor.

    However, the big issue is that the image is way off center and has empty black space on the bottom and right side of the external monitor... What could be causing this? I'm using a third party mdp>hdmi adapter but it works fine when connected to my 40" sony tv... just off center with this monitor


    by the way, it's a 2010 MBA with nvidia gpu.
     
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  2. Ubuntu, May 2, 2012

    Ubuntu macrumors 68000

    Ubuntu

    Joined:
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    Location:
    UK/US
    #2
    What resolution are you running the MBA? 1920 x 1200? Just confirm it, first. Otherwise, select the Detect Displays button in the Displays Preference pane and if that does not help I'd probably reset the PRAM although it doesn't seem to be the MBA, but that fixed it for me. My issue was that there was a black band on the left and the monitor seemed to think it was all fine. Resetting the PRAM on the MBA reseted the display settings.
     
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  3. PAC88, May 3, 2012

    PAC88 thread starter macrumors 6502

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    #3
    the air is running at 1440x900 (I'll try changing it to see what happens). and the external setting is 1920x1200. I just reset the PRAM and that didn't fix it.

    You are probably right. I think it's an issue related to the LG display b/c I plugged in a family members 15" MBP (mdp>hdmi) and it's doing the exact same thing.

    I've used this monitor for just about everything in the past and it always worked fine (including a Macbook w/9400m).. weird.

    Thanks for trying to help
     
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  4. gentlefury, May 3, 2012

    gentlefury macrumors 68030

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    #4
    Why are you using HDMI and not DVI or DisplayPort (is there a DisplayPort adapter?) I use the DVI adapter and it works perfectly. I've heard HDMI has lots of issues going to anything other than a 1080p television.
     
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  5. PAC88, May 3, 2012

    PAC88 thread starter macrumors 6502

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    Apr 23, 2009
    #5
    well, this is the monitor I've had for a few years http://www.lg.com/uk/it-products/monitors/LG-lcd-monitor-L246WH.jsp

    the only inputs it has are hdmi, vga or component. It's the main monitor for my win 7 desktop through hdmi (which works very well).. so this is puzzling me

    I don't feel like buying another adapter.. but I bet a mdp>vga adapter would work w/out a problem
     
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  6. PAC88, May 3, 2012

    PAC88 thread starter macrumors 6502

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    Apr 23, 2009
    #6
    a little update. this is beyond frustrating..

    I just bought a Mini DP > VGA adapter which is working. But it's only showing a max resolution of 1920x1080 !! It's all nice and blurry.... why is it doing that when the native res of my monitor is 1920x1200? I"m so annoyed right now b/c I was sure this would solve the problem..

    One of the main reason I bought this MBA was the ability to use it with this monitor... Now I'm pissed..

    Maybe I should call Apple and tell them to update the drivers for my monitor or something.. I feel like it's their problem & not the displays
     
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  7. bigsneakysnake, May 3, 2012

    bigsneakysnake macrumors newbie

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    May 3, 2012
    #7
    Hey there! Thought I would chime in.

    OS X is a little bit of a turd when it comes to extra monitors most of the time, specifically those with "odd resolutions"

    I was having similar issues trying to connect my mac pro to my HDTV. I would recommend trying SwitchResX 4 (http://www.madrau.com/indexSRX4.html) I haven't used it but it looks useful, although it costs $20 :p

    Theres also a way to force custom resolutions by editing a certain .plist file, just google it real quick if your curious but be careful if you do go this route not to screw things up.

    That's all I can offer, hope it helps.
     
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