MacBook Pro 16" HDMI Problem with ATEM TVS

I've been trying like crazy to get a MBP 16" into my TVS using HDMI and I just can't make it happen. I've tried the Apple USB-C to HDMI and a Sonnet thunderbolt 3 to HDMI adapter. MBP sees the switcher but I just get black. Same HDMI into a Video Assist works fine. Any thoughts?

[Dmitry Kitsov BMD]

Hello,
you may need to control the resolution being sent out. Depending on the ATEM Television Studio model it may not support UHD/4K formats, which the Video Assist may.

In most cases, you want to set the output resolution for a connected display manually (Scaled instead of default for display)

You will need to match the working video format of the ATEM Television Studio.
So if, for example, your ATEM Television Studio is running at 1080p29.97 you will need to set the output of the MacBook Pro to match (1080p30 will be the appropriate option for HDMI out of the MBP)


If you have any further questions please contact your local Blackmagic Design support team.

You need SwitchresX, the displays pref is broken, it gets more handicapped with each OS iteration.

Look how many of these Mac display problems are on the board right now, the sandbox keeps getting smaller for Apple users.

Howard Roll, thanks! I was hoping to avoid that but it was my next choice. I have seen a bunch of posts in various places with issues and SRX is usually the fix.

Thanks again.

Well I tried SRX and still get black. I even updated to 10.15.4 this morning when it hit thinking it might help. Maybe I need to make a custom resolution?

I'm running the TVS at 1080i 59.94. I've tried 1080i 60 and 1080p 60 from the MBP but still just get black.

As soon as I plug that MBP into a Video Assist monitor, though, it lights right up. Going through a MicroConverter HDMI to SDI, and send that to the Video Assist, it works as well.

My Mid 2015 MBP into the TVS works great. Maddening!

[Gary Adams]

If this is of any help. I have 3 Macbook Pros. 2008, 2011, and 2014. The 2008 and 2011 have no problem with the ATEM (to include the old TVS). The 2014 will not connect. I did some testing and found the video frequency (60Hz) was much faster than 60 Hz on the 2014. The others were closer. There is a window of acceptance for all types of inputs. My guess is the laptops probably were not designed to broadcast frequency standards. I think the best solution in this type of case is to use the UpDownCross HD which will accept a wider range of frequencies (including odd computer resolutions) and make a signal that will work on the ATEM.

Regards, Gary

I have a Mac mini that outputs 60Hz, even when SwithResX tells it to do 59.94. Curiously, if you boot it in Windows natively it does 59.94 just fine. Can't say I'm liking where OSX is headed

I hate seeing people struggle with this very common problem, but to also see them all taking stabs in the dark as to what is happening is just as frustrating to me. Invest in something that will tell you EXACTLY what video signals are doing. Relying on a monitor's info screen isn't always accurate, many won't show you the difference between 59/60. Something like the Decimator MD-HX is good, or the Cineroid PG32 is even better. Plugging into one of these will tell you instantly what frame/rate you are outputting and eliminate this whole issue of "why doesn't it work?". If you can't get the device to output an ATEM friendly signal, the Decimator will convert it for you-added bonus.

I had to go to an UpDownCross to solve this problem.

Switchres used to have a column that would denote "hidpi" modes. The first listed resolution from the attached list is 2160p actual. If you want the true 1080 modes you need to scroll way down. Not obvious.

I recall trying to get non-integer frame rates out of a 2016 MBP and giving up after sending the machine into a tailspin. Safe Boot mode kills my curiousity quickly, I leave things alone after that.....for awhile.

Good Luck

SRX.jpg (255.45 KiB) Viewed 5634 times

Thanks Harold. I made sure I stayed away from the HiDPI versions. Still no go. Maybe it's afraid to handshake because of social distancing. I shouldn't say that. The EDID seems to read and it connects just fine. It's just not spitting out anything.

I did try it into a BlackMagic Web Presenter at 1080 and it works great. It's just the Television Studio (the thing I really need!) that seems to have an issue.

I'll head to the shop and grab a Decimator to see what's really happening.

I am having the exact same issue. HOWEVER, When I plug my laptop in the picture shows in my ATEM for about 3 seconds and then disappears. Every time I unplug and plug back it is the exact same process. NOT SURE what is going on here. Someone please help.

Same issue on MacBook Air 2018+ and MacBook Pro 2017+. Older works fine. New MacBook Pro on M1 chip works fine with any resolutions supported by my ATEMs (tv pro 4k and 4M/E).

I am having the exact same issue. HOWEVER, When I plug my laptop in the picture shows in my ATEM for about 3 seconds and then disappears. Every time I unplug and plug back it is the exact same process. NOT SURE what is going on here. Someone please help.

Did you find a solution. Having same problem but with ATEM Mini Pro.

same prb with a 13" 2019 touchbar macbook pro and an Atem Television Studio HD...
SwitchresX did not solve this issue, and I wonder why Blackmagic does not communicate about this problem. This is not a detail, most web or broadcast live events need to hook up a computer in their live workflow...

Same issue here. Just got a new MacBook Air (Apple silicon), and I am trying to use it with my Atem Mini Pro ISO. I have an USB-C adapter with HDMI output attached to the MBA. If I attach it to an external monitor, no problem. If I attach it to the port 1 of the Atem Mini, I can see the image for 1 second, then it goes black (reattaching it again continues to behave in this way). If I attach the MBA to port 2, 3, 4, the image is shown, but it "flickers" (that is, it can be seen, but for a very short time, it goes black and then it is shown again). Tried to use an HDMI splitter - the external monitor has no problem, while the Atem still shows this flickering.
Tried my luck with SwitchResX trying various resolutions, tried to set the resolution via Atem Software Control; instead of Automatic I've tried to set a resolution and to match it via SwitchResX. No luck.
Anyone found a solution? Is BMD aware of the problem? Should I just get a Mini Converter UpDownCross HD? That would be just a pity because I think it might just be a firmware bug in the Atem, and a Mini Converter would just be a hassle in the terms of one wall plug less, but if there is no other solution... Anyone tried that?
Thank you in advance for any response!

EDIT: just updated to the 8.6 version but the issue persists.

Ok, I managed to solve the issue using a simple USB-C to HDMI cable without resorting to the USB-C hub. Works flawlessly now. Hope this can help some of you.

We do hundreds of live events per year, and it has always been a headache trying to get some Macs to work with Blackmagic Atems. Here are my findings:
If the Mac has an HDMI output port, it is usually easier to connect.
The issue just gets worse with the newer macs that only have the usb-c port
Some macs can output 1080i - most will only do 1080p
So setting the Atem system to 1080p is the first step
Get your hands on a single usb-c to hdmi cable or adapter (Uni brand has worked fine for me)
Now the trick to get the mac synced to atem is being able to 1. select secondary monitor and set it NOT mirror and set the secondary monitor to 1080p 2. still can't see it? The default Mac setting is probably "30Hz" change that to "60Hz" and presto your computer will be seen by the Atem.
Of course mac hides every important setting from everyone... so i use a program called "Retina Display Manager" to quickly access all the available resolutions and Hz settings.
If all else fails use a Decimator to connect to the Atem