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I use the latest model of iMac 27 inch and output to an Samsung 40 inch HDTV, and found that the Menu Bar is missing on the HDTV. This is usually known as the "overscan" issue, that the top 10 or 15 lines are missing (and so are the bottom, left, and right) -- this is because in the old days, there are some signals for TV info piggy-backed in the TV signal (usually at the bottom) and the TV won't want to display it, so the top, left, right, bottom 10 or 15 lines are cut off.

This isn't a problem with a Dell Studio 15 Notebook: the notebook computer output HDMI directly, and 100%, every single pixel is visible on the HDTV.

Also, I tried both a generic Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable (from Monoprice), as well as an expensive, Belkin cable sold at the Apple Store -- they are the same.

Also, this issue happens no matter I choose the "Mirror Mode" or the "Individual Display Mode" on the iMac -- in either case, the 10 or 15 lines are missing at the top, bottom, left, and right.

Is there a way to solve this? To make it work like the Dell notebook? (either by hardware, software, or settings?)

Update: a better solution I found later on was to change the HDTV to not overscan at all, if that's possible. More details in: How to solve the "overscan" issue if the iMac is connected to an HDTV and using BootCamp and Windows 7?

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2 Answers

up vote 3 down vote accepted

There should be an "Underscan" adjustment in display preferences. Open up the Displays in System Preferences. Have a look at your available resolutions. There should be a 720p, 1080i and 1080p, choose whichever is appropriate for your TV, and a slider labelled Underscan should appear. Adjust as necessary to get the picture right on your TV.

Underscan adjustment

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this is perfect answer... if I mirror the display, the iMac side won't have the underscan, but the TV has another dialog that has the "underscan" control – 動靜能量 Nov 8 '11 at 5:34
please also see the "Update" in the original question for another solution – 動靜能量 Mar 31 '12 at 8:05
up vote -2 down vote

you lose this in mountain lion

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Welcome to this site! Your answer is somehow hard to understand, can you please elaborate and explain in more details? – patrix♦ Mar 27 at 7:02
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This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post - you can always comment on your own posts, and once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post. – Thecafremo Mar 27 at 9:02

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