Isadora 3 + multiple displays + hdmi/cat 6 extenders

jrhooker

I'm having a horrific time getting out to three displays on my MacBook Pro (2013) without using a Triplehead. Is that the only way? I was REALLY trying to not use VGA and so was trying to run through various configurations of hdmi over cat 5. I first tried a J-Tech 4 port hdmi extender, but I couldn't get isadora to read it as a large display. Then I tried three individual hdmi extenders -- one running straight from hdmi and two running from thunderbolt adaptors and/or one thunderbolt and one usb. But i can never get all three signals at once -- but I can get any combination of two. I just read that the is a MacOS limitation, which I somehow never knew... So is my only option to get three display out of the mbp a triplehead? Thanks for urgent replies.

CitizenJoe

I'm not a MAC guy, but would one of these work? https://www.startech.com/ca/AV/display-and-video-adapters/Displayport-Adapters/Triple-Head-DisplayPort-Multi-Monitor-MST-Hub~MSTDP123DP

Note this requirement: DisplayPort 1.2 with MST+HBR2 support from the GPU is required for independent display output...

Cheers,

Hugh

Michel

@jrhooker

I never had any problem getting 3 outputs from a MacBook Pro (1xHDMI direct, 2 x MiniDisplayPort to HDMI converter). I am not sure what you mean with "Then I tried three individual hdmi extenders"? Did you add extenders to the "one running straight from hdmi and two running from thunderbolt adaptors"? I did have problems when not using Apple's original MiniDisplayPort to HDMI converters. Which ones are you using?

Best Michel

bonemap

@jrhooker

The only time I have had any issues with output has been related to resolution. There is a maximum combined resolution for working with Mac displays. If you set the resolution of all your monitors, using System Preferences, to be within the maximum resolution specified for the machine. Sometimes I have recourse to use the app called SwitchResX to adjust the resolution of each video output.

Best wishes

Russell

DusX

Note: unless Mac has recently added support, MST is a PC only option.

If you are a Mac user and know otherwsie, please correct me.

CitizenJoe

@dusx well, there ya go.

bonemap

@dusx said:

you are a Mac user and know

There is this advice from Apple support that includes information about compatibility for MST monitors. I have used a number of hubs/docks like this and this to run external monitors from a MBP successfully.

best wishes

Russell

jrhooker

@michel @bonemap @DusX @ everybody else. Yes, it's kind of strange. I'm using apple thunderbolt to hdmi adaptors into initially the 4-port cat 5 extender and then individual line cat-5 extenders. And the thing is I've done this before with Izzy 2 and different projectors. I double checked my resolutions and everything seems fine. I already succumbed to matrox and vga, because I need to move on. I'll troubleshoot it later, but I appreciate the help, as always.

barneybroomer

are the thunderbolt to hdmi active ones ? I know on my mac pro only the startech’s work, standard hdmi adapter give me only 2 channels output.

Michel

@barneybroomer

The limitation of 2 digital outputs without active adapters is only for the MacPros, the MacBook Pros don't have that.

Best Michel

Woland

@bonemap said:

use the app called SwitchResX to adjust the resolution of each video output.

I love SwitchResX, it's amazing

Woland

@michel said:

The limitation of 2 digital outputs without active adapters is only for the MacPros, the MacBook Pros don't have that.

Still, always better to go with active adaptors just in case