Classroom: Troubleshoot Projection Issue with Apple Devices using M1 processor

Apple computers or iPads using the silicon M1 chip have known issues with projecting video. 

This article explains how to troubleshoot M1-related video issues in University of Minnesota classrooms. It also details the efforts that the Office of Classroom Management (OCM) is taking to prevent this issue from occurring in classrooms that they manage. 

In this article:

• Description of the Issue
• Troubleshooting the Issue
  • Manually Adjusting the Resolution (MacOS Devices)
  • Using a USB-C to VGA Adapter (MacOS, iPadOS and iOS Devices)
• Office of Classroom Management Classroom Upgrades

Description of the Issue

When a device that uses Apple silicon (M1) is connected via a digital connection (HDMI or USB-C) to an external video output (such as an external monitor or classroom presentation system), the video flickers briefly. 

• The video can be flickering as often as once every 3 to 5 seconds, a few times a minute, or only a few times an hour.
• See Connect a display to your Mac for more information on this known issue

Troubleshooting the Issue

To resolve the video flickering, follow the below steps based on the device you are using: 

• Manually Adjusting the Resolution (on this page)
  • Use if you're on a Mac
• Using a USB-C to VGA Adapter (on this page)
  • Use if you're on a Mac, iPad, or iPhone

Manually Adjusting the Resolution (MacOS Devices)

While the device is connected to the classroom system, attempt to manually adjust the resolution using these instructions:

1. Click on the Apple menu
2. Choose System Preferences and then select Displays
3. Click Display Settings.
   • You should see the external display listed as ExtronScalerD
4. Click on the ExtronScalerD display and then click Scaled to reveal options for specific resolutions.
5. Manually toggle to any lower resolution and then back to the full resolution. 
   • The video signal will cut out for 7 seconds as this change is implemented.
6. If you are still experiencing flickering, follow Using a USB-C to VGA Adapter (on this page) below.

Using a USB-C to VGA Adapter (MacOS, iPadOS and iOS Devices)

A known workaround for this issue is to use a USB-C to VGA adapter to connect M1 chip Apple devices to on-campus projection systems. 

• This option is only available in classrooms that feature VGA connections to the in-room projection systems. 
  • To determine if a given classroom can accommodate VGA connections today, use OCM's RoomSearch tool.

Note: OCM is in the process of removing VGA connections from general purpose classrooms. As of April 2022, it remains available in 229 of the 330 rooms. 

Office of Classroom Management Classroom Upgrades

Most general purpose classroom presentation systems have been reconfigured to be more compatible with these devices.

• This work was largely completed between October 2021 and January 2022.
• OCM is reviewing additional solutions for iPads using M1 chips as iOS doesn't provide a way to adjust resolution sent to an external display. 
• If you find that you're using an M1 device that still can't connect to classroom projection systems after trying the troubleshooting steps above, contact the Office of Classroom Management at [email protected]