MacBook Pro on KDL40W2000 over HDMI

[ne0star]

I'm trying to connect my Macbook Pro to my Sony KDL40W2000 via a DVI > HDMI lead.

To be fair it works, but i'm not convinced its right. I have the TV set to 'Full Pixel' as Sony calls it, but I have black borders round the screen.

It does go full screen if I set the 'overscan' option on my mac, but from what I have read this isn't a good option, and I shouldnt have to use it.

The TV states it is recieving a 1080p signal.

Any help?

[Brad]

What resolution is your MacBook set to? 1680 x 1050 is common. If this is the case then yes, you will see borders around your 1920 x 1080 display. If you set your Macbook to output 1920 x 1080 all should be well. Leave overscan off!

[ne0star]

Well my macbook pro has a native resolution of 1440x900 , but i'm actually using the Sony TV as a second monitor rather than replicating the macbook pro screen.

I think from what you are saying though it might still be trying to display a 1440x900 resolution on the TV as well.

[Brad]

Ah, now, my Macbook is native 1280 x 800 but I have a second monitor at 1440 x 900 whcih I use same as you, to extend my display. When you go to display settings you should get one on each display so just choose 1920 x 1280 on the tv and you should be good to go.

[ne0star]

Cool cheers. I will have a bash at that tonight.

[ne0star]

I managed to sort this in the end. Basically, I have to run it in Clamshell mode for it to output the correct resolution.

This appears to be due to it always trying to replicate the aspect ratio the macbooks built in screen.

Its a shame there isn't a way to only display on the TV, and not on the in built LCD, but I cycled through all the options on the F7 key, and none of them did this.

[Brad]

That can't be right. My Macbook runs 1280x800 on its own screen and 1440x900 on the samsung at the same time, both using their native resolution. Each screen having its own contents so I can move a window from the Macbook screen and drag it onto the Samsung. I'm connected to the Samsung using a Mini DVI adapter and DVI cable.

[ne0star]

I can't seem to find any other explanation for it, other than maybe the TV is interpreting the signal wrong, but it certianly seems to think its getting a 1080p signal.

The thing is as soon as I shut the lid on my macbook pro it works perfectly.

I'm using a straight DVI-HDMI lead.

It could also be a driver issue as my macbook pro as a dedicated ATI card.

[wakka]

That can't be right. My Macbook runs 1280x800 on its own screen and 1440x900 on the samsung at the same time, both using their native resolution. Each screen having its own contents so I can move a window from the Macbook screen and drag it onto the Samsung. I'm connected to the Samsung using a Mini DVI adapter and DVI cable.

TVs are weird though, and don't always interpret DVI/VGA signals in the same perfect way as monitors.

[Brad]

Thing is, the MBP clearly is able to output a 1920 x 1080 signal that the TV handles perfectly. It's just a case of getting it to do so whilst having the MBP display open as well (at its native res).