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Home: Video University Forums: Mac Video:
I need some serious Mac Gurus for this....

 
 


GmElliott
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Aug 30, 2007, 10:09 AM

Post #1 of 18 (1563 views)
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I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... Can't Post
I'm now connecting my Mac Pro to a new LCD TV as a monitor. This one, unlike the Westhinghouse, does not have DVI inputs. I'm connecting it via a DVI to HDMI cable. Here's the issue....

If I power the LCD up and then the Mac Pro it auto detects the monitor as being interlaced. I knew something was wrong because the top 4-5 pixels were cut off and webpages flickered if I scrolled them. Hitting the "info" button on the remote confirmed my belief that it was indeed recieving an interlaced signal. The only way I've found to fix this is go into System Properties> Monitors and change the resolution to something else and then BACK to the 1920x1080...at that point it detects it correctly as a progressive signal.

Additionally if I keep the LCD off boot up the Mac first, and THEN turn the LCD on- it'll first display the interlaced signal like before but then the screen will go blue (like it always does in OSX when it's detecting new displays) and come back automatically, after some screen flickering, with the correct progressive signal.

I want to avoid having to make the Mac/LCD mode switch every single time I boot up!

Lastly I noticed if I choose the checkbox to add the displays to the system bar at the top- when I click on it to show the last resolutions used it'll actually list TWO 1920x1080 resolutions. I found this to be a way to switch it out of the interlaced 1080, but want to find a way for the Mac to send the 1080 progressive signal right at boot up....without it having to mode switch every single boot up!

Can ANYONE help me with this issue?!








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com


Timothy Harry
Veteran


Aug 30, 2007, 1:10 PM

Post #2 of 18 (1547 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
glen I am not too sure, but my mac does some wierd things with the video too. I never can get it to correct the color on start up. I have to go to the control panel every time I start the computer and go to the display tab before it remember to apply the color correction to the monitors......Have you upgraded to 10.4.10??? it could help. Just DONT take the quicktime 7.2 update, I have heard other similar stories with problems with the recent pro apps update....

Tim Harry

Bandwagon Media
Dallas, TX


GmElliott
Veteran


Aug 30, 2007, 7:10 PM

Post #3 of 18 (1536 views)
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Re: [Timothy Harry] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
Yeah I have 10.4.10 and 7.1.3 for QT. I never had this problem until I switched to an LCD that didn't have DVI inputs. I'm forced to use a DVI to HDMI converter cable. I wonder if that has something to do with it.

The annoying thing is OSX "will" detect it and change it to the correct display resolution so long as I let it boot up and THEN turn the LCD on.








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com


Joel
Veteran


Aug 30, 2007, 11:38 PM

Post #4 of 18 (1526 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
Hey,

This isn't an answer, really, but how often do you start up? The Mac OS, being UNIX based, thrives on keeping on going. In fact a lot of the self actuated maintenance routines don't happen unless the Mac is left on. This all goes back to UNIX being a server OS and never needing to be shut down. Before I went to a laptop I went for weeks without rebooting my tower - just put it to sleep. Tap the space bar and away you go. Your monitors should retain all their settings.

Joel


"Think of this business as a room with a huge table and a bunch of chairs around the table. There is a big pie on the table. Your mission is to take your place at the table, pick up your fork, and eat your pie. Do not look to the left and do not look to the right. Just eat your pie. There is plenty of pie for everyone."


starting | perfectionists







GmElliott
Veteran


Aug 31, 2007, 8:28 AM

Post #5 of 18 (1508 views)
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Re: [Joel] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
I always power down. Howevever I have to give that a shot. Now sleep mode is when I hit the power button when the computer is ON correct?

I've heard the thing you mentioned about maintenance routines that run automatically- do they run when the computer is in sleep mode? If so how is that possible I believe it spins the harddrives down.

Lastly what happens when there is a surge and/or outtage when in sleep. Is the computer more succeptable to damage because it is technically "on"?








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com


GmElliott
Veteran


Aug 31, 2007, 8:32 AM

Post #6 of 18 (1506 views)
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Re: [Joel] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
PS I tried using the program SwitchResX last night (to no avail). I got rid of it in a hurry though it installed something called "Application Enhancer" along with the main program. It's supposedly a frame-work program that enables SwitchResX to work. Probably harmless but I don't like the fact that they are in my system tray next to flip4mac, etc.








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com


Timothy Harry
Veteran


Aug 31, 2007, 9:54 AM

Post #7 of 18 (1503 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
glen I would honestly think that if it was on a good UPS this would not matter much.....If you are really worried about surge, or it is a big problem in your area, one of the audio guys at our church swears by SurgeX power conditioners. they are really expensive, but apparently they work very well.

Tim Harry

Bandwagon Media
Dallas, TX


MLiebergot
Veteran


Aug 31, 2007, 10:02 AM

Post #8 of 18 (1501 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
Glen, I wonder if this ahs anything to do with this.

Just some background. I purchased this KVM DVI switcher (I use this to connect both my MAC and PC systems) from Gefen (BTW, they have great products for great prices) earlier this year (I wanted to use the DVI port on my Dell 27 monitor and not AGP). In the list of issues that could occur with this switcher and monitors was this...

"One of the most common problems with HDTV sources not working with monitors or projectors is HDCP (high definition content protection). HDCP compliant sources (DVD players, satellite receivers, cable boxes) all require a HDCP compliant display. Often you will see a picture producing snow if your display is not in HDCP compliance. There is no workaround for HDCP. You must have a HDCP compliant display in order to view protected content."

"Q: How do I convert from HDMI to DVI or DVI to HDMI to connect HD sources and displays with different connectors?
A: Gefen provides multiple conversion solutions: HDMI to DVI cables (M-M) and a wide assortment of HDMI to DVI (F-F),(M-F), and (F-M) Adapters. Both enable HD video sent through HDMI connectors to be communicated to DVI displays." It's posted on this page.

BTW you may want to ask a question in their forum. It's very educational.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!


Joel
Veteran


Aug 31, 2007, 11:15 AM

Post #9 of 18 (1496 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
Hey,

In Reply To
PS I tried using the program SwitchResX last night (to no avail). I got rid of it in a hurry though it installed something called "Application Enhancer" along with the main program. It's supposedly a frame-work program that enables SwitchResX to work. Probably harmless but I don't like the fact that they are in my system tray next to flip4mac, etc.
IF you're using Smart Scroll the Application Enhancer is already running. It has its own control panel and didn't need the APE panel to operate, but its running. I've never had a problem with it. My favorite APE app is WindowShadeX

http://www.unsanity.com/haxies/wsx

This describes exactly what APE is doing:

http://www.unsanity.com/haxies/ape


If you want to uninstall it because it gives you the heebeegeebees you can do that right from the APE control panel. You can't just right click on the panel and select remove - the extensions will still be in place. You need to use the uninstall in the Troubleshooting tab. (App removal ut's like CleanApp and AppZapper won't remove those files.) To double check if the uninstall has been done completely you can check for the associated files:

/Library/Frameworks/ApplicationEnhancer.framework
/System/Library/SystemConfiguration/ApplicationEnhancer.bundle
com.unsanity.* plist files from ~/Library/Preferences

Anything that relies on the APE mods will stop working, but sometimes having a completely clean system is the way to go.

Joel


"Think of this business as a room with a huge table and a bunch of chairs around the table. There is a big pie on the table. Your mission is to take your place at the table, pick up your fork, and eat your pie. Do not look to the left and do not look to the right. Just eat your pie. There is plenty of pie for everyone."


starting | perfectionists







Joel
Veteran


Aug 31, 2007, 11:36 AM

Post #10 of 18 (1493 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
I always power down. Howevever I have to give that a shot. Now sleep mode is when I hit the power button when the computer is ON correct?
That's one way. There is also a sleep command in the apple menu. I have mine to sleep after about an hour of inactivity also.

In Reply To
I've heard the thing you mentioned about maintenance routines that run automatically- do they run when the computer is in sleep mode? If so how is that possible I believe it spins the harddrives down.
Nice resource here:

http://www.macmerc.com/..._Tip_of_the_Week/255

I don't use Yasu for my required maintenance. Instead I use a tool bar utility called MainMenu:

http://www.santasw.com/

In Reply To
Lastly what happens when there is a surge and/or outtage when in sleep. Is the computer more succeptable to damage because it is technically "on"?
Good questions. I would think surge protectors and UPS would take care of that?

Joel


"Think of this business as a room with a huge table and a bunch of chairs around the table. There is a big pie on the table. Your mission is to take your place at the table, pick up your fork, and eat your pie. Do not look to the left and do not look to the right. Just eat your pie. There is plenty of pie for everyone."


starting | perfectionists







(This post was edited by Joel on Aug 31, 2007, 11:37 AM)


GmElliott
Veteran


Aug 31, 2007, 1:00 PM

Post #11 of 18 (1485 views)
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Re: [Joel] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
Joel I uninstalled SwitchResX via the installer which had an uninstaller built in. Of course, like always, I do a Finder search and remove whatever was left over in the library/preferences folders. Regarding the Application Enhancer I simply did a Finder search for "Application Enhancer" and removed all the components that way.

When you say APE does that stand for Application Enhancer?

Regarding Smart Scroll, I installed it on my laptop not the desktop. I'm very guarded what I put on my work machine. I'm also pretty anal about how "clean" it is- it's a habit left over from my PC days.








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com


GmElliott
Veteran


Aug 31, 2007, 1:08 PM

Post #12 of 18 (1483 views)
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Re: [Joel] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
In Reply To
I always power down. Howevever I have to give that a shot. Now sleep mode is when I hit the power button when the computer is ON correct?
That's one way. There is also a sleep command in the apple menu. I have mine to sleep after about an hour of inactivity also.

In Reply To
I've heard the thing you mentioned about maintenance routines that run automatically- do they run when the computer is in sleep mode? If so how is that possible I believe it spins the harddrives down.
Nice resource here:

http://www.macmerc.com/..._Tip_of_the_Week/255

I don't use Yasu for my required maintenance. Instead I use a tool bar utility called MainMenu:

http://www.santasw.com/

In Reply To
Lastly what happens when there is a surge and/or outtage when in sleep. Is the computer more succeptable to damage because it is technically "on"?
Good questions. I would think surge protectors and UPS would take care of that?

How does Main Menu compare against Yasu? Do you use Preferential Treatment and the other programs mentioned in the link?








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com


GmElliott
Veteran


Aug 31, 2007, 1:12 PM

Post #13 of 18 (1481 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
For the same reason as you I picked up a Gefen DVI switcher back when I got my frist Mac (G5) and was running my first Dell 24". I'm not using it anymore but in fact still use the blue DVI cables that came with it on my other monitor(s). lol








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com


GmElliott
Veteran


Aug 31, 2007, 1:13 PM

Post #14 of 18 (1480 views)
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Re: [Timothy Harry] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
Yeah I have a Monster Power Bar (power conditioner/surge protector) but not a UPS.








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com


Joel
Veteran


Aug 31, 2007, 2:25 PM

Post #15 of 18 (1475 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To


How does Main Menu compare against Yasu? Do you use Preferential Treatment and the other programs mentioned in the link?
I like MainMenu because it sits in my Tool Bar and reminds me to do it. I just Batch Execute everything every few days. It takes care of repairing the permissions too so I don't have to open Disk Utility.
I've never used Preferential Treatment. It seems that that would be something to pull out if your start up routine was wonky or stalling or you were having a problem but didn't know what was causing it.

Joel


"Think of this business as a room with a huge table and a bunch of chairs around the table. There is a big pie on the table. Your mission is to take your place at the table, pick up your fork, and eat your pie. Do not look to the left and do not look to the right. Just eat your pie. There is plenty of pie for everyone."


starting | perfectionists







Timothy Harry
Veteran


Aug 31, 2007, 2:51 PM

Post #16 of 18 (1473 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
I would highly suggest one as it really sucks to lose your render in the middle of the night when lightning strikes. I have an apc 1500 VA unit with an LCD readout. I found it on sale one day at circuit city for 129 bucks. For a mac pro you really need one with at least 750VA. Look for a sale, they have them quite a bit on newegg and at staples. THat device has saved my butt more times than I can count!

Tim Harry

Bandwagon Media
Dallas, TX


GmElliott
Veteran


Sep 4, 2007, 2:05 PM

Post #17 of 18 (1393 views)
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Re: [Timothy Harry] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
Do they have one with 10 or more outlets. I use practically all of mine on my jumbo sized Monster Power Bar.
- Computer
- Display
- External HD
- DSR-11
- Sony Production monitor
- Cable Modem
- Router
- Speakers


Also do they "require' you to install the software on your Mac? What's the point of the software?








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com


Timothy Harry
Veteran


Sep 4, 2007, 3:58 PM

Post #18 of 18 (1388 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] I need some serious Mac Gurus for this.... [In reply to] Can't Post
All you want on the UPS is the Computer, moniter, External HD, and deck if you do long captures. Your should plug the UPS into the power bar, leaving the rest of it on the power bar. My UPS has 8 battery outlets I believe. (I know I only use 4) I have none of the software installed on my mac, but thats mainly because I never have had the time, but I do shut mine down every night when I leave unless I am rendering something. It does the trick for those times that the power goes out in the building (at least once a week) and keeps me from losing my crap. Mine says with the load I have on it that I have 15 minutes or so of runtime. My thoughts are if the power is not back up after 15 minutes, it will probably be much longer than any UPS could run.

Tim Harry

Bandwagon Media
Dallas, TX

(This post was edited by Timothy Harry on Sep 4, 2007, 4:00 PM)