Mac mini DVI output to VGA (SONY HDTV) and DVI (to Apple DVI to Video Cable)

[wfsommer]

I purchased a SW-4878 to connect the subject equipment.  It doesn't work.  I notice the DVI connectors are not the same on the 4878 and the other Apple DVI connectors. 
I see there is another DVI to DVI and VGA cable (SW-4706.)  Will that work on my system?

Thanks,

Bill

[Jonathan]

While most DVI ports can support both an analog VGA signal and a digital DVI signal, very very few video cards actually support both at the same time.  I'm not positive, but if i remember correctly, the Mac Mini video cards can only do one or the other at any given time.  So when you try and run both displays it cannot do both. 

It will often just pick one display or the other while completely ignoring the other.  Is that the trouble you're having with that one?

[mark]

The difference between the two DVI connectors is the digital/analog difference.  there are actually three types of DVI, with a couple variations on each.  The port on the mac mini (Assuming they haven't changed it with the intel version) is a DVI-I port.  (I = Integrated) So it can support either digital DVI-D or Analog DVI-A (which is essentially identical to VGA)

Most often, when given both options computers tend to connect with VGA first.  So I would guess that it recognizes the VGA HDTV, and ignores the DVI to video cable.

You might be able to "switch" which display is active, but you will have to completely turn off the unused display.  That can be more difficult than it sounds since many current displays simply enter a standby-type mode when you press the power button.  Often the only way to totally power off a display is by unplugging it.

[wfsommer]

Thanks Johathan and Mark.  I bought the SW-4706 splitter cable and the VGA works but not the DVI.  It doesn't matter if the VGA is connected or not, the DVI signal won't pass from the input of the cable to the output. Weird.  Essentially the cable is worthless, I already have a DVI to VGA adapter and a DVI to Video Adapter.  I just wanted to use both at the same time - guess that's not possilbe from what you say.

I apprecriate your input.

Bill Sommer