Upgrading 1.4 HDMI port to a 2.0 HDMI port?
At CES, HDMI 2.0 TVs were demonstrated as well as 8K displays. I do not think the current HDMI port provided by Apple will be sufficient.
Is this a good question?
The 2013 revamp of the desktop Mac series known as the Mac Pro.
At CES, HDMI 2.0 TVs were demonstrated as well as 8K displays. I do not think the current HDMI port provided by Apple will be sufficient.
Apples' web site shows the ability to support up to three 4K displays or six Thunderbolt connected displays. Review this: Mac Pro Specs
== Update==
As of July '15 Apple now supports 3 - 5K displays and the HDMI is now called HDMI 1.4 UltraHD
Comments:
Not on the market yet... but they were demoed. They may never be out in the market. My question is concerning the hdmi port on the new Mac Pro. Can it be upgraded? Apple has claimed that the hdmi port (1.4) on the new Mac Pro can support 4k displays but my concern is at what frame rate. (30 or 60) It is my understanding that hdmi 2.0 is an improvement. (Can play video at 60 frames per second.) So again, Can the HDMI port on the Mac Pro be upgraded from 1.4 to the "new" 2.0 standard.
As to upgrading its too soon to say what Apple will do. HDMI 2.0 is so new I don't know of any system currently on the market that has support for it. As the signal processing hardware is what is being improved Apple would likely need to release a new logic board (which would be no different for any other system). Bottom-line here is you are way ahead of the curve.
by Dan
So, you buy a new Mac Pro for 4 to 5 grand today and it is already basically obsolete. What a deal? This was the future according to Apple. Not. If HDMI port can not be upgraded easily (Firmware update or a simple module replacement).
by rtrutter
Hold on here! I don't think it's as bad as you are thinking! First the Mac Pro is very modular, so only the I/O board will likely need replacing and maybe some firmware: I/O Board. You also have to remember Apple is not the only one thats behind the eight ball here all of the hardware vendors are. Until a standard is ratified and the needed components are even available at the levels needed for production it's just speculation when a new standard will be made available.
by Dan
HDMI 2 was adopted September 2013. CES 2014 demoed this in January 2014. I wonder how much this I/O Board will cost?
by rtrutter
Yes, now add 6 or so months for Apple (or any hardware vendor) to do the needed design alterations, test and then the last two steps waiting for enough parts to be produced so they can even start making the new assembly in quantities to sell and then a few more tests with the finished version of the product. That would be the earliest, then you have to look at Apples management deciding if jumping to the new standard is worth all of this effort if no one cares today or even needs it (timing) and then the costs of the changes given their roadmap on the next version of the model. Remember other things are also being improved like CPU's. Maybe Apple will wait a bit until a newer CPU comes out and roll out the two together. While I understand your wants here Apple also needs to make sure its not too far ahead of the curve of the others it needs to sell to. Maybe you need to write an email to Cook.
by Dan
All I wanted to know is if the HDMI port can be upgraded. The answer is no or at least not easily. Cool. I understand. HDMI 2 is a new format. Okay. Fine. You must be an Apple zealot. I understand it takes time to adopt a new standard. Apple waited until Thunderbolt 2 was available but could not devote the same attention to HDMI 2. Okay that possibly was a money decision. All understandable. You trying to defend Apple is silly. I do not care what the reason is for Apple not to adopt HDMI 2. I just know Apple does not care about their customers opinions. By the way, you don't understand my wants or needs as well. All I asked was I wonder how much an I/O Board would cost. If you do not know, Fine... too early to know. Okay. I do not need a lecture why Apple did not do something just if it could be upgraded. Thank you for your verbal scolding.
by rtrutter
As I stated at the beginning - "Your ahead off the curve" Presently I know of no PC system or workstation class system which supports HDMI 2.0. If you know of one please enlighten us. My comments were based on your disgruntled response and false expectations.
by Dan
Hi Richard,
I might be an Apple fanatic in the eyes of some, but that does not mean i agree with the way Apple answered your questions.
For me there is no alternative to OSX. Windows has never been, and it will never be an alternative for me. It's garbage. I have worked with it for many years on the job but it will never be present in my home. Ever.
But that does not mean i agree with every decision Apple makes. For instance; why is the 10-core processor option missing in the Mac Pro ? And indeed, why not offer more transparency on HDMI 2.0, a forthcoming (4K) Thunderbolt Display ? And why not offer a desktop class graphics solution in a (thicker) iMac ? Who cares looking at an iMac all day from the side ? And also; why not offer a 32 GB or even a 64 GB iPod Nano ? And a phablet, why not offer it right away ? Why spend hundreds of millions of dollars on legal fees and at the same time offer Samesung the best opportunity in the industry with their phablets ?
It certainly holds me back as well, at spending around 5.000 dollar on a new Mac Pro. Even though i... (we) have been waiting for an insane amount of time !
Cheers !
by Harrie
Don't stare yourself blind on HDMI 2.0 since the HDMI-signal is on the same bus as the Thunderbold 2 signal which already supports 4K 60fps.
Second, electrically, HDMI 2.0 is exactly the same so a firmware update should be enough.
Don't forget that HDMI is originally designed for DRM. So in the end you are better off buying an adapter (TB to HDMI or DVI which is the same without audio) and use an optical Toslink cable for audio which gives the ultimate quality since it is optical.
So, to conclude that the Mac Pro 2013 is obsolete due to a connector-type is rather silly to put it mildly !
Comments:
Thank you Harrie. I hope you are not an Apple fanatic. I have moved on. Getting info from Apple concerning this issue was non existent. The Applecare techs questioned me for asking the HDMI question. So I decided to look for another alternative. I could not see spending up to 5,000 dollars for a Mac Pro and getting no support or information from Apple. That is a lot of money and not to be treated properly by those you are paying ... No Way. Thank you for your answer anyway.
by rtrutter
Comments:
Thank you Ron,
But this makes things a bit more confusing. All I wanted was a yes or a no about the possibility of the 2013's Mac Pro's 1.4 HDMI port being upgrading to HDMI 2.0. If it can, How? Firmware or hardware? No debates just a yes or no. If no one knows, fine.
Thanks again
by rtrutter
You're expecting an answer none of us can give you here. You need to speak with the Apple hardware designers them selves to ask them. That is if you can even get to them to ask.
by Dan
You are correct. I was hoping someone could answer my question. My dealing with Apple technicians has not been fruitful. They question why you want to use their hardware a certain way and instead of helping they ridicule. Thanks anyway. I have called Apple again today and got a "Apple has no plans..." statement. They act like I was asking about their "new products" which I am not.
by rtrutter
There is no point asking a tech support person questions regarding future upgradability of the product. Too many uncertainties out of his or her control. Even if it is upgradable, I doubt he can tell you the price. If HDMI 2.0 is a must for you. You should just wait. I have the late 2013 Mac Pro and I'm using the Thunderbolt to Display port for my 4k monitor. Works like a charm!
by davidkanglee
Past 24 Hours: 3
Past 7 Days: 24
Past 30 Days: 119
All Time: 7,332
I don't know of any 8K displays on the market, do you mean 4K? I also don't know of many systems out there that can even support 4K displays let alone anything higher.
by Dan