Library module Using 2 external displays with my macbook pro...

[Morris Taub]

Lightroom Version Number

13.4

Operating System

1. macOS 14 Sonoma

but display 2 won't stay on if i use the graphic processor so I leave it off...

it isn't the end of the world...the computer/lightroom/photoshop is damn fast even with it off...

and when i click it on I just have to go and click on [2] to get my second monitor to show me an image on the second monitor...

I've switched around cables, trying display port to displayport for monitor 2 and usb c to displayport...it doesn't help...

I wonder if it is because my monitors are old...both NEC, monitor 1 is a 2690wuxi 25" attached hdmi to dvi-i and monitor 2 is a PA271Q displayport (off my caldigit ts4) to the monitor. I tried monitor 2 with a usb c cable to displayport, direct to computer usb c and also via the TS4 and the issue isn't resolved.

Ok. That's all I got. I tried search here and on the adobe community and nothing is exactly like what i'm experiencing so I thought I'd ask here and see if someone has something similar going on.

Including system info below. Not sure it helps, but what do I know.

thanks
m



Lightroom Classic version: 13.4 [ 202406181129-60d181b7 ]
License: Creative Cloud
Language setting: en-US
Operating system: Mac OS 14
Version: 14.4.1 [23E224]
Application architecture: arm64
Logical processor count: 14
Processor speed: NA
SqLite Version: 3.36.0
Power Source: Plugged In, 80%
Built-in memory: 36,864.0 MB
Dedicated GPU memory used by Lightroom: 939.3MB / 27,648.0MB (3%)
Real memory available to Lightroom: 36,864.0 MB
Real memory used by Lightroom: 9,459.3 MB (25.6%)
Virtual memory used by Lightroom: 421,800.7 MB
Memory cache size: 2,683.2MB
Internal Camera Raw version: 16.4 [ 1897 ]
Maximum thread count used by Camera Raw: 5
Camera Raw SIMD optimization: SSE2
Camera Raw virtual memory: 1002MB / 18431MB (5%)
Camera Raw real memory: 1082MB / 36864MB (2%)

Cache1:
Preview1- RAM:22.0MB, VRAM:0.0MB, DSCF6120.RAF
Preview2- RAM:22.0MB, VRAM:0.0MB, DSCF6121.JPG
Final3- RAM:189.0MB, VRAM:0.0MB, DSCF6119.JPG
Final4- RAM:189.0MB, VRAM:0.0MB, DSCF6120.JPG
Preview5- RAM:22.0MB, VRAM:0.0MB, DSCF6117.JPG
Preview6- RAM:22.0MB, VRAM:0.0MB, DSCF6117.RAF
Preview7- RAM:22.0MB, VRAM:0.0MB, DSCF6118.RAF
Preview8- RAM:22.0MB, VRAM:0.0MB, DSCF6121.RAF
Preview9- RAM:22.0MB, VRAM:0.0MB, DSCF6122.JPG
Final10- RAM:189.0MB, VRAM:0.0MB, DSCF6119.RAF
Preview11- RAM:22.0MB, VRAM:0.0MB, DSCF6118.JPG
NT- RAM:743.0MB, VRAM:0.0MB, Combined:743.0MB

Cache2:
m:2,683.2MB, n:1,776.7MB

U-main: 135.0MB

Standard Preview Size: 2880 pixels
Displays: 1) 3024x1964, 2) 1920x1200, 3) 2560x1440

Graphics Processor Info:
Metal: Apple M3 Max
Init State: GPU for Export supported by default
User Preference: Off

Application folder: /Applications/Adobe Lightroom Classic
Library Path: /Volumes/Lr.cat.2019.previews/morristaub.2009-2-2/morristaubphotography-2-v13-3.lrcat
Settings Folder: /Users/morristaub/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom

Installed Plugins:
1) AdobeStock
2) Aperture/iPhoto Importer Plug-in
3) DxO PhotoLab 7
4) DxO PhotoLab 7 Importer
5) Flickr
6) Nik 6 HDR Efex
7) Nikon Tether Plugin

Config.lua flags:

 

[Conrad Chavez]

I wonder if it is because my monitors are old...both NEC, monitor 1 is a 2690wuxi 25" attached hdmi to dvi-i and monitor 2 is a PA271Q displayport (off my caldigit ts4) to the monitor. I tried monitor 2 with a usb c cable to displayport, direct to computer usb c and also via the TS4 and the issue isn't resolved.

I don’t have a good answer, just contributing that I don’t think it’s the age of the displays.

My M1 Pro MacBook Pro on macOS 14.5 is running two displays through an OWC Thunderbolt dock, and it is stable.
One display is from 2015 (NEC PA272), and the other display is from 2007 and running through a DVI adapter.
On this configuration I use Lightroom Classic with the Secondary Display on my other display practically all the time.

On my Mac the main cause of seeing a display go black is if I attach a third display, because an M1 Pro supports only two external displays. But your M3 Max doesn’t have that limitation, so even if you are connecting a third display it shouldn’t cause another display to go black.

Another cause can be when I’m running the BetterDisplay app and click an advanced setting that these old displays don’t like. I only mention that in case you’ve installed any power-user display software; if so, try updating or disabling it and see if it improves.

 

[Johan Elzenga]

I use an M1 Max MBP 16” and also two (4K) monitors. No issues whatsoever. It could indeed be a non-standard resolution setting. I use SwitchRes X and it has a wealth of settings, but not every one may be good for a particular monitor.

 

[jrobnz]

I'm guessing it's either the dock or resolution as noted earlier.

I've also recently upgraded to a MacBook Pro M3 Max (Sonoma 14.5) and it works really well with 2 monitors. I'm using an old Plugable Thunderbolt 3 dock with two older Philips 24" monitors. One monitor plugs into the HDMI port on the dock and the other is via DisplayPort. I would have preferred them both use the same interface but the dock only has one of each and I didn't want to use an adapter unless I have to. I haven't had any problems with it. Only two slightly weird things are the monitor with DisplayPort goes in and out of sleep often when the laptop is sleeping. It doesn't affect anything other than the monitor displays a message saying it is going back to sleep. When awake it is 100% stable. The only other thing is Lightroom Classic opens randomly on one monitor or another and I have to drag it across to where I want it. Sometimes it remembers across restarts and other times it doesn't.

 

[Johan Elzenga]

I think the latter may have something to do with Apple’s “Spaces”. I don’t use Spaces and so I have only one monitor with the menu bar. The other monitors do not have a menu bar. Then I use Lightroom Classic with the main window in ‘Full screen with menu bar’, so that means Lightroom Classic cannot place the main window on any other screen, even if it wanted to.

 

[jrobnz]

Thanks Johan for the suggestion. I do use Spaces so maybe that's the source of the issue. I like them because I often have multiple things going at once and switch back and forth. But I'll switch Spaces off and give your suggestion a try even if just as a test

 

[karl.nyhus]

But I'll switch Spaces off and give your suggestion a try even if just as a test

Also check the Mission Control setting called "Displays have separate spaces" and see if turning that on or off helps.

 

[jrobnz]

Also check the Mission Control setting called "Displays have separate spaces" and see if turning that on or off helps.

That seems to have solved it, although it changes other stuff but I can live with it. Thanks!

 

[Morris Taub]

Just wanted to thank you all for your input. I keep trying different combinations. Now, both monitors direct into the computer. One on usb c and the other hdmi. The same. No matter what i use, 'custom' with various choices or auto, the two external monitors might work for a day or less. Lots of changes going between library and develop, but eventually it stops working. I need to click on {2} to get the second monitor working. It only works kinda normal if i shut off the use of graphics processor.

Over the last week I've tried all sorts of cable combinations. It's the same.

Ordered one last cable that should be here by Thursday. Thought it worth a shot. A usb c cable to dvi-i instead of using the hdmi port on the macbook. I'm not sure what i'm hoping for at this point.

Ok. Sorry it took a while to report back. Hectic week. Also, lots of testing this and that. Nonetheless, thanks for your experience.

By the way, none of this happened while using my old 2015 macbook pro and the old 'older' OS. I think it went back to Monterey before I was unable to update anymore. It was flawless. It started happening with this new computer and apple's latest OS Sonoma. Go figure. So I'm thinking it isn't adobe/lightroom, but I don't know.

Like I said up top, it's a small pain that i can live with it. Maybe Sequoia will fix things in the fall? Maybe an update from adobe? I'm not sure where the problem stems from.

m

 

[Morris Taub]

I don’t have a good answer, just contributing that I don’t think it’s the age of the displays.

My M1 Pro MacBook Pro on macOS 14.5 is running two displays through an OWC Thunderbolt dock, and it is stable.
One display is from 2015 (NEC PA272), and the other display is from 2007 and running through a DVI adapter.
On this configuration I use Lightroom Classic with the Secondary Display on my other display practically all the time.

On my Mac the main cause of seeing a display go black is if I attach a third display, because an M1 Pro supports only two external displays. But your M3 Max doesn’t have that limitation, so even if you are connecting a third display it shouldn’t cause another display to go black.

Another cause can be when I’m running the BetterDisplay app and click an advanced setting that these old displays don’t like. I only mention that in case you’ve installed any power-user display software; if so, try updating or disabling it and see if it improves.

hi Conrad, can you please tell me which OWC TB dock you are using...i'm now using both monitors connected via usb c direct to my computer, at least since this morning, and they seem to work this way so maybe it is the TS4 dock from caldigit?
thanks,
m

 

[Conrad Chavez]

It’s an OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock, released in 2018 I think.

I hope it isn’t a problem with the CalDigit TS4, because I was thinking of that as a possibility in case my current dock ever dies.
If you’re thinking of replacing your dock, another one I’m considering is the Sonnet Echo 20.

 

[Morris Taub]

It’s an OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock, released in 2018 I think.

I hope it isn’t a problem with the CalDigit TS4, because I was thinking of that as a possibility in case my current dock ever dies.
If you’re thinking of replacing your dock, another one I’m considering is the Sonnet Echo 20.

Thanks so much Conrad. Well. This morning I put all my connections to monitors back on the TS4. One via displayport. The other usb c. Even though i hooked both monitors directly to my computer for a few days via usb c, late yesterday monitor {2} started flickering off to the point where I just had to click on the '2' monitor symbol, lower left hand corner of the library module, to get it to work anyway.

Again the monitors are both working via the caldigit TS4. But. The {2} symbol flickers and then monitor 2 comes on. Not sure how long it will work. Seems it lasts a while and then stops working. I think the TS4 is fine. It's the same behavior with both hooked up directly to the macbook pro.

I am starting to think that just maybe I should bring my computer to the genius bar at the apple store and have them check the thing for any anamoly. Maybe something is weird with the m3 max silicon? With the chip? This was a refurb I bought from Apple. I do have applecare for it. Not sure they can do anything, but it might be worth a shot.

Again. This doesn't prevent me from doing my work, but it isn't behaving like it should. Like I expected it to work.

Ok. Thanks again for your help, Conrad. Oh, and though a bit pricey, that sonnet Echo 2 looks good.

m

 

[clee01l]

I am starting to think that just maybe I should bring my computer to the genius bar at the apple store and have them check the thing for any anamoly. Maybe something is weird with the m3 max silicon? With the chip? This was a refurb I bought from Apple. I do have applecare for it. Not sure they can do anything, but it might be worth a shot.

You should be able to support two monitors and a MBP display with the M3 Mac. I got an M2 Ultra Mac Studio in January. All I needed to do was plug them in to my Mac Studio. (One is DP the other is HDMI) Is the CalDigit TS4 powered or does it draw its power from the TB port on the computer? It should have its own power supply.

I would take the computer, the Caldigit TS4 and both monitors along for the appointment.

 

[karl.nyhus]

Is the CalDigit TS4 powered or does it draw its power from the TB port on the computer? It should have its own power supply.

That's a good point! It has a port to plug in an external power supply.

 

[Gnits]

I was going to suggest to check the power. Flickering is a clear hint. I purchased one of these devices, but do not use it because it came with a massive heavy power supply brick.

 

[Conrad Chavez]

Ok. Thanks again for your help, Conrad. Oh, and though a bit pricey, that sonnet Echo 2 looks good.

Actually, the reason I was looking at the Echo 2 is because it costs $100 less than the CalDigit TS4…

I was going to suggest to check the power. Flickering is a clear hint. I purchased one of these devices, but do not use it because it came with a massive heavy power supply brick.

Good tip. Yeah, the reason a lot of these docks have a large power supply is because of the increased power levels that the USB-C Power Delivery and Thunderbolt ports support. Back when laptops had different and specific power specs, old docks didn't bother to charge laptops, but now that most laptops have moved to USB-C PD, docks added the ability to charge at 60 watts, and now 100 watts or more. On top of that, USB-A ports were very power limited, but now that docks have multiple USB-C or Thunderbolt ports that support higher power delivery levels than USB-A, today’s dock power supplies must be able to handle the total potential power draw of all of those ports plus a laptop that might be charging at its maximum wattage.

If you want a smaller power brick, it helps if you don’t need the dock to have high charging capacity; then you shop for a dock that’s more about data and video than charging. Or, if we’re lucky, some dock makers might switch to more compact GaN adapters.

The tradeoff with the big dock power bricks is that the more devices can be charged through the dock’s USB ports instead of having to use their own AC adapters, the more outlets are freed up at the power strip, potentially reducing clutter around the desk. You just have to find a place behind the desk to stash the dock’s huge power brick…

 

[Gnits]

I wanted good Thunderbolt hub for travel. The spec looked great, the pics looked great, but none showed the monster power brick.

 

[karl.nyhus]

I think the TS4 is fine. It's the same behavior with both hooked up directly to the macbook pro.

How would you know? Have you at least compared the power that the dock is rated to deliver compared to what the display monitors are rated to draw?

This is where I would get out my Kill-A-Watt Energy Monitor Device - YouTube and see what is actually happening.

 

[Morris Taub]

OKokok...after all the cable changes, hooking up to the macbook direct and via the TS4 dock, and even switching electric outlets from power strip to wall and back again, when nothing seemed to work, this morning I uninstalled Lightroom classic and reinstalled...that changed nothing until tonight...tonight I tried something new...

Tonight I was playing with the display presets for the macbook pro display...I changed the setting from P3-600 nits to Digital Cinema p3-D65 and damn, Lightroom now works flawlessly. I mean it is smooth with transitions between Library, Develop, and Print modules. No more screen {2} flicker.

It's all like before. Images come up on the screens as they should. And, best of all, Lightroom is lightning fast. It was not this immediate before. Having never used any M silicon before I had no idea what to expect. I was happy with the speed. But damn, it is like a night and day difference.

I tried a few of the presets in the system settings/display area and this p3-d65 for color and brightness matched closest to my NEC monitors. I'm not sure why this preset change is working, but it has changed everything.

It's only a few hours now, but I think my problem is solved. Fingers and toes crossed.

Yay!!!

Thanks to you all for help. I did try things I wouldn't have thought of thanks to you. And my playing around with these laptop presets, just chance.

 

[Morris Taub]

Just wanted to confirm that 24 hours later all works as it should. I've no idea why switching the preset for the macbook pro laptop screen would affect how Lightroom Classic works, why it being set to its default of p3-600 would screw around with how my external monitors were working.

I never bothered with the laptop screen settings. It looked good so I was ok with it. I didn't use it for my photo work.

Alright. Such is life. Again. Thanks to you all for trying to help me out.

m