I’m still hoping a future iMac will offer Blu-ray playback, at least as a build-to-order option. I also hope said upgrade will improve its support for input resolutions. Especially if Blu-ray support isn’t coming.
The EDID (extended display identification data) embedded in the iMac display only accepts two input resolutions: 2560 x 1440 and 1280 x 720. This limits its effectiveness with a device such as the Kanex XD, which lets you connect a PlayStation 3, Xbox or Blu-ray player to a 27-inch iMac and use it as a display for these gadgets.
The first resolution isn’t supported by PS3 and Xbox because the highest resolution output supported on those is 1920 x 1080, or 1080p. Since the iMac doesn’t recognize 1080p input resolution, the sources must be set to 720p for proper video pass-through and for the iMac to recognize. No biggie when it comes to the video games consoles, but a disappointment if you want to watch Blu-ray movies via the Kanex XD, in all their 1080p glory.
The XD features up to 1920×1200 resolution support which means that the XD is fully capable of supporting output resolution of 1920×1080, or 1080p. However, the current iMacs don’t recognize 1080p resolution input and go reject the signal. This means the video can’t pass through.
The XD is fully capable of supporting 1080p, it’s just the iMac can’t. If and when Apple decides to open up the ability, the XD is ready and waiting the folks at Kanex tell me.
Let’s hope it happens soon.
— Dennis Sellers
