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dandersen · Jan 21, 2005, 08:33 PM

So my Mac mini arrived today...exciting. Well, it should be. Unfortately, once the Apple logo is done being displayed on start up (I believe the screen should be turning blue) it instead goes blank and says, "unsupported video mode." This is on a Samsung LCD that does 1280x1024, using VGA.

Any ideas to get this working before Apple gets back to their support lines? Thanks.

NDBounce · Jan 21, 2005, 08:59 PM

Hmmm, Maybe try changing the resolution on the monitor if that is possible. Whatever the explanation is, please let us know.

You do get the initial startup screen though, so that's a sign things are properly connected.

Peace,

O
B unce!

dandersen · Jan 21, 2005, 09:02 PM

I always thought one had to get into the OS to change resolutions? I tried starting up from the inlcuded startup CD's, as well as resetting PMU and PRAM. Everything yields the same disappointing results.

osxisfun · Jan 21, 2005, 09:08 PM

maybe starting up without the LCD plugged in? then plug it in after some period of start up?

(note only does this if it does not harm your LCD. but i think vga should be fine.)

Hi I'm Ben · Jan 21, 2005, 09:27 PM

that display mode also should not be invalid.

dandersen · Jan 21, 2005, 09:32 PM

Neither starting up with the monitor off or unplugged, and then turning it on or plugging it back in solves the problem.

dandersen · Jan 21, 2005, 10:14 PM

After browsing the Apple forums, I got the idea from some one else's question, to plug my Mini into my DLP projector. It works perfectally. And after seing a 103 inch picture from the comfort of my couch, I don't think I'll mind loosing out on the ability to use my 17 inch LCD. Thanks for all the help.

Thraxes · Jan 21, 2005, 10:25 PM

The problem is most likely to be the refresh rate! Some LCDs go into a fit when presented with a signal that goes above 72Hz. If I recall correctly the default refresh rate on a mac is 75HZ. This wouldn't be an issue if the LCD would transmit valid DDC information, it obviously doesn't though.

dandersen · Jan 22, 2005, 12:07 AM

It was actually defaulting to 85, which is claimed to be supported on my monitor, but I'll check it out later. Just happy to have it working. Now a I can begin offloading all my files from my brand new media center PC (any one want a media center pc before it goes onto eBay?)

Ganesha · Jan 22, 2005, 12:40 AM

Hold down shift and see if you can boot up in safe mode. Then see if you can make the needed changes system preferences.

Eug Wanker · Jan 22, 2005, 04:55 AM

Hmmm... My Samsung 172T supports 75 Hz at 1280x1024 just fine. However, try setting the Mac mini up at 60 Hz and then plugging in your Samsung monitor.

EDIT: I see it was defaulting to 85 Hz. I've never tried 85 Hz on my Samsung 172T.

Cory Bauer · Jan 22, 2005, 09:07 AM

Originally posted by Ganesha:
Hold down shift and see if you can boot up in safe mode. Then see if you can make the needed changes system preferences.

...OS X has a safe mode?

Ganesha · Jan 22, 2005, 12:27 PM

Yes, OS X.2 and up as a Safe Boot Mode which loads only the minimal kernel extensions needed to boot the system.

ref: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=153383