NewerTech
HDMI Headless 4K Display Emulator
Enjoy up to 4K resolution and full system responsiveness while remotely accessing a Mac or PC
View a remote machine’s desktop like you were sitting right in front of a connected display
Running your Mac or PC “headless” (no keyboard, mouse or monitor) is a great way to turn a machine into a network file and/or media server. Small form factor machines like the Mac mini or Intel NUC – as well the compact cylindrical Mac Pro 2013 - are ideal for placing into a space confined closet or rack. Remote accessing these machines used to mean being limited to viewing a hard to view, low resolution screen…even if you used an older monitor connected to the remote machine. With the NewerTech HDMI Headless 4K Display Emulator, you can now break free of limited 1024 x 768 or 1280 x 1024 resolution headaches when accessing macOS, Windows, and Linux machines remotely while viewing the desktop with up to full 4K 4096 x 2160 resolution.
Remote viewing options
- Operate machine headless and accept the resolution the machine will deliver. Uncertain and possibly frustrating outcome because various machines and/or operating systems will default in to lowest possible resolution and perhaps no display at all.
- Use older monitor but be limited to low resolution display. Far from ideal.
- Use newer, high resolution monitor. Cost prohibitive for the limited use.
- Use extremely affordable, benchmark tested proven NewerTech HDMI Headless 4K Display Emulator and enjoy up to 4096 x 2160 Ultra High Definition resolution.
See & Do It All: A Full-Sized Remote Desktop
Highlights
- Restores remote access view – up to 4096 x 2160* (4K) resolution
- Highly compatible - works with any macOS, Windows, and Linux machine with an open HDMI port
- Plug and Play - no driver downloads or configuration
Also known as a HDMI dummy plug, the NewerTech HDMI Headless 4K Display Emulator “ghosts” a physical video connection of an external display to unleash the full display resolution capability of your headless server:
WITHOUT NewerTech Emulator at 1280 x 1024 Resolution
A Hassle: limited view of open windows…requires minimizing stacked windows to find the one you’re looking for and then reopening it to full size.WITH NewerTech Emulator at 3840 x 2160 Resolution
See it All: see all your windows open on the desktop and just zoom in each one to see fuller sized.
(testing results performed with Macmini7,1 (Late 2014) under macOS 10.11.6 and 10.15 Beta)Maintains App Investment with Full Graphics Performance
If you have a substantial investment in earlier versions of creative production apps like Illustrator, InDesign, Creative Suite, and Final Cut Pro X, you know you need to run a Mac OS version that supports them. But, trying to use those apps remotely on a headless machine running OSX 10.12.x (Sierra) and earlier can cause choppy images and mouse lags because the GPU isn’t activated in those OS versions. Plugging the NewerTech HDMI Headless 4K Display Emulator into an open HDMI interface on your machine is the solution to eliminate hampered performance and a small desktop.
Easy to Use and Install
Using and installing the NewerTech HDMI Headless 4K Display Emulator might possibly be the easiest computing related task you’ve done. There’s no driver downloads or configuration… simply plug it into an open HDMI port on your remote Mac or PC and it immediately enables full performance capability on demand.
Real World Uses
- Are you a server admin? Install software, reboot, and run updates while viewing your progress just like you normally would on a directly connected display.
- Early adopter? Use a VR headset without needing a connected display.
- Compatibility testing an app or website? Easily remote into an older machine and operating system.
*4096 x 2160 achieved with MacPro6,1 (December 2013) and Mac mini8,1 (Late 2018) running macOS Mojave 10.14.5
Product Specifications:
Software Requirements
- OS
- OS X 10.6.8 or later
- Windows 7 or later
- Driver
- Driver not required for OS X
- Driver not required for Windows
Hardware Requirements
- Mac or PC featuring HDMI interface
Network Requirements
- Recommended (best performance)
- Wireless: 802.11n or better
- Wired: Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) or better
Connection
Resolution
- 4096x2160 @ 30Hz/29Hz/24Hz
- 3840x2160 @ 30Hz/29Hz/24Hz
- 2560x1600 @ 75Hz/30Hz/24Hz
- 2560x1440 @ 75Hz/60Hz
- 2560x1080 @ 30Hz
- 2048x1536 @ 30Hz/29Hz
- 1920x1440 @ 75Hz/60Hz
- 1920x1200 @ 90Hz/75Hz/60Hz
- 1920x1080 @ 120hz/100Hz/90Hz/75Hz/60Hz/30Hz
- 1440x900 @ 120hz/100Hz/90Hz/75Hz/60Hz/30Hz
- 800x600 @ 60Hz/30Hz
- 640x480 @ 100Hz/75Hz/60Hz/30Hz
- Actual resolutions presented on a system will vary depending on the computer and the operating system version.
Height
Width
Length
Weight
Manufacturer provided specifications for Newer Technology p/n ADP4KHEAD UPC#: 811643015470
The HDMI Headless Video Accelerator is compatible with...
MacBook Pro (15-inch Retina display Mid 2015)
(May, 2015)
Model ID: MacBookPro11,4; MacBookPro11,5
2.2GHz, 2.5GHz, 2.8GHz
MacBook Pro (13-inch Retina display Early 2015)
(March, 2015)
Model ID: MacBookPro12,1
2.7GHz, 2.9GHz, 3.1GHz
MacBook Pro (15-inch Retina Display 2013 - 2014)
(October, 2013 - July, 2014)
Model ID: MacBookPro11,3
2.3GHz, 2.5GHz, 2.6GHz, 2.8GHz
MacBook Pro (15-inch Retina Display 2013 - 2014)
(October, 2013 - July, 2014)
Model ID: MacBookPro11,2
2.0GHz, 2.2GHz, 2.5GHz, 2.8GHz
MacBook Pro (13-inch Retina Display 2013 - 2014)
(October, 2013 - July, 2014)
Model ID: MacBookPro11,1
2.4GHz, 2.6GHz, 2.8GHz, 2.9GHz, 3.0GHz
MacBook Pro (13-inch Retina Display 2013)
(January, 2013)
Model ID: MacBookPro10,2
2.5GHz, 2.6GHz, 2.9GHz, 3.0GHz
MacBook Pro (15-inch Retina Display 2013)
(January, 2013)
Model ID: MacBookPro10,1
2.4GHz, 2.7GHz, 2.8GHz
Mac Pro
(December, 2013)
Model ID: MacPro6,1
2.7GHz 3.0GHz, 3.5GHz, 3.7GHz
Mac mini (Late 2020)
(November, 2020)
Model ID: Macmini9,1
Apple M1
Mac mini (Late 2018)
(November, 2018)
Model ID: Macmini8,1
3.6GHz i3, 3.0GHz i5, 3.2GHz i7
Mac mini (Late 2014)
(October, 2014)
Model ID: Macmini7,1
1.4GHz, 2.6GHz, 2.8GHz, 3.0GHz
Mac mini (Late 2012)
(October, 2012)
Model ID: Macmini6,1 & Macmini6,2
2.3GHz, 2.5GHz, 2.6GHz
Mac mini (Late 2012 Server)
(October, 2012)
Model ID: Macmini6,2
2.3GHz, 2.6GHz
Mac mini (Mid 2011)
(July, 2011)
Model ID: Macmini5,1 & Macmini5,2
2.3GHz, 2.5GHz, 2.7GHz
Mac mini (Mid 2011 Server)
(July, 2011)
Model ID: Macmini5,3
2.0GHz
Mac mini (Mid 2010)
(June, 2010)
Model ID: Macmini4,1
2.4GHz, 2.66GHz
Mac mini (Mid 2010 Server)
(June, 2010)
Model ID: Macmini4,1
2.66GHz
PC Desktops
Compatible with Intel / AMD Process based PCs capable with
the specifications listed above. Memory complies with JEDEC
Specifications, document JESD79-3B.
PC Laptops
Compatible with Intel / AMD Process based PCs capable with
the specifications listed above. Memory complies with JEDEC
Specifications, document JESD79-3B.
Customer Ratings
Write a Review
4.8 / 5
17 out of 20 (85%) reviewers would recommend this product
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: QuaintImpala-33344
Rating: 5/5
MacMini server solution
December 20, 2021
Perfect for my MacMini in the garage, running as a server on the network! I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: ComfortableAntelope-23723
Rating: 3/5
It's OK
December 15, 2021
The purchase and delivery were fine. I'm not seeing the expected resolution when using the emulator. It generates 1080p and nothing higher.
Response from OWC, Support
December 20, 2021
Thank you so much ComfortableAntelope-23723 for taking the time to leave your review. We appreciate all feedback and we are sorry that the emulator did not work as expected. Please feel free to contact us if you have concerns about the emulator and our Tech support should be able to see what may be going on.
Phone 1-800-275-4576 or +1-815-338-8685
Customer Service/Sales & Technical Support - Monday-Friday (8am-8pm CT) - Saturday & Sunday (Closed)
Live Chat Technical Support - Monday-Friday (8am-8pm CT) - Saturday (9am-5pm CT) - Sunday (Closed)
Live Chat Customer Service/Sales - Monday-Friday (7am-10pm CT) - Saturday & Sunday (9am-5pm CT).
Thanks for choosing OWC, and have a great Holiday!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: merry3-92564
Rating: 5/5
Work as expected
December 3, 2021
What more can I say? They work great! I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: FierceFish-86850
Rating: 5/5
HDMI Display Imulator
May 29, 2021
I am glad I purchased the item. I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: normd
Rating: 5/5
Excellent Product for Seeing Remote Computer Screen
May 13, 2021
This product works exactly as advertised. I allows me to remote into my headless Mac mini music server using Screen Sharing and see the remote screen in high resolution and a full window. I wish I would have found this years ago! I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: dzouras
Location: Chicago, IL
Age: 45-54
Experience Level: Power User
Owned Product: 1-3 months
Rating: 5/5
Fake monitor is just what I needed
April 14, 2020
I have been struggling for years with a couple of headless Mac Minis that live in my basement equipment rack. I access them through Screen Sharing on my primary Mac with 27" monitors. It was very frustrating to have them only use a small fraction of my available screen real estate. I had searched for a solution several times, but had never found this product until recently. I wish I didn't have to pay to not have a monitor, but this product does just what it promises.
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: WGFinley
Location: Elkhorn, WI
Age: 45-54
Experience Level: IT Professional
Owned Product: less than a month
Rating: 5/5
Why The Heck Did I Not Know About This?
July 11, 2018
I've had a Mac Mini in my utility room acting as a Plex and file server for a couple of years. Remoting into it was always a nightmare to the point that I thought there was something wrong with it.
Then I was shopping for other stuff and saw this little adapter. I figured, for this price, why the heck not give it a try? Jumping Jehoshaphat why did I not find this thing sooner???
The difference is night and day, even on a base model (1.4 i5, 4 GB RAM) Late 2014 Mini I'm mad I put up with it for so long. Before it was borderline unusable remotely, even on a wire, everything shut down, it didn't matter.
Now it runs in a decent screen size and is downright snappy. It is still a base Mini, don't get me wrong, but it is definitely usable now and what I had intended for it all along. MUST BUY if you are using a headless Mini.
I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: tezzy808
Location: Calgary, AB
Age: 35-44
Experience Level: Power User
Owned Product: less than a month
Rating: 5/5
Great when you need a virtual monitor!
November 17, 2017
I'm using it primarily for TeamViewer as well as having an additional monitor in VR. With TeamViewer, it was an inconvenience for the screen resolution to always switch back 640x480 (even though I told TeamViewer to lock in at 1920x1080) so using the headless ghost is great! I have yet to try it for VR... but based on other reviews I'm confident it will work well too.
Found some similar products on Amazon for cheaper but decided to stick with and support the original!
It took over a month for it to be delivered to me but that's no fault of MacSales.
Overall, I'm pretty happy so far!
I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: RioBlanco
Rating: 4/5
Works well
September 7, 2017
Only issue is the default screen resolution (which can't be changed as far as I can figure out) of 2560 x 1080 which is not ideal when controlling a Mac mini with an iPad mini I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: bwdakota
Location: South Dakota
Age: 55-65
Experience Level: Power User
Owned Product: 1-3 months
Rating: 5/5
Great little utility!
August 13, 2017
This is a have-to-have tool to run a headless Mac Mini trouble free. Before this little gem I had to clutter up my desk with another monitor. ZERO config - just removed my monitor & plugged this in. Then I sold my old monitor for $50 - ended up making $30 on this purchase. I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: garydr
Location: Winnipeg, MB
Age: Over 65
Experience Level: IT Professional
Owned Product: less than a month
Rating: 5/5
Great product
March 27, 2017
The HDMI Headless Video Accelerator arrived promptly and works as advertised. It made a huge difference in my productivity on the server where it is installed.
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: DHStarr
Location: San Jose, CA
Age: Over 65
Experience Level: Power User
Owned Product: less than a month
Rating: 5/5
It Works!!
February 21, 2017
This is a great product. Just plugged it in and I got great performance remote control from my headless MacMini server. I highly recommend this product and the great service from OWC. I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: lgnch
Location: New Zealand
Age: 35-44
Experience Level: IT Professional
Owned Product: 1-3 months
Rating: 5/5
Excellent product
February 1, 2017
I am using the product as a headless unit to breath life back into my old Apple TV 1. Using this allows me to get the full benefit of the Apple TV as a wireless music player. Highly recommend the product and MacSales as the place to buy. They were fast, reliable, and delivered the product well packaged. I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: mrkitty
Location: New York, NY
Rating: 4/5
Great for servers, not for HTPCs
November 16, 2016
This is great for speeding up the performance of headless servers that you want to control via VNC or Apple Remote Desktop. Plug it in, and it activates the GPU (macOS doesn't use the GPU if there is no monitor detected).
I also have a Mac mini that I wirelessly mirror to AppleTV to play media. This does NOT work for that, as video playback drops frames and gets super choppy with this plugged in.
I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: Halifax, NS
Age: 55-65
Experience Level: Power User
Owned Product: 1-3 months
Rating: 5/5
Unique, but simple and solves a problem
June 16, 2016
This device is pretty simple, so I might consider it to be a little over-priced, except for the fact that is far more convenient and tidier than building my own and as far as I could find, the only device of it's kind that is readily available.
I installed the headless video accelerator on a Mac Mini that I am using as a music server, which I access either from my MacBook Air or iPad, so it has no monitor or keyboard. Without a monitor attached, the screen resolution presented to a remote login was a low resolution 4:3 image with a lot of lag. But with the video accelerator plugged into the HDMI port, I get a full, high resolution image when I login and control the Mini from my Air. Problem solved!
I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: NJ
Age: 35-44
Experience Level: Power User
Owned Product: less than a month
Rating: 5/5
Simple and inexpensive!
February 8, 2016
I didn't know this existed until last week. I have been running a monitorless mac mini for quite some time now. Using screen sharing, I have been able to access the mini. However I would always have some lagging desktop problems from the mini's desktop. If i dragged a window, sometimes the screen would turn black as if the window had a shadow.Other times the windows would become fragmented for a few seconds before going back to normal.
After finding this here at OWC. I ordered one right away. The price was just right. I've been a customer of OWC for several years. They haven't steered me wrong yet with previous purchases. They back what they sell and they didn't fail this time.
The adapter arrived today. Powered down the Mini, and plugged the adapter into the HDMI port. Powered up and once the desktop appeared on my main mac, I could see the difference right away. I can actually fill my monitor with this desktop; something I couldn't do prior to having the adapter. Moving windows around is no longer choppy. In fact its rather seamless; very smooth.
Once again I am very satisfied with another item sold by OWC. Kudos to NewerTech for making a simple device that makes a world of a difference. I highly recommend this inexpensive item to anyone who runs a headless mac mini!
I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: waltham, ma
Age: 55-65
Experience Level: IT Professional
Owned Product: less than a month
Rating: 5/5
Works as promised
January 26, 2016
I have a headless mac mini acting as a database server, it was painful at best to access via screen sharing, especially with window redrawing. I tripped across this product at OWC and thought "hey, i need that". Turns out I did need it... remote control via screen sharing is vastly improved. I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: Montréal, QC
Age: 35-44
Experience Level: IT Professional
Owned Product: 1-3 months
Rating: 5/5
Does the job
January 3, 2016
I ordered this headless HDMI plug to use my Mac Mini as media server and without it the Mac would perform poorly because the video acceleration would not kick in as it wasn't connected to any monitor. Now that I use it the video acceleration is working as if a real monitor would be connected to my computer which is exactly what I was looking for! I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Age: 35-44
Experience Level: IT Professional
Owned Product: 1-3 months
Rating: 5/5
a necessity for remote control
January 1, 2016
If you do any work with headless minis, this tool is a must. Without it, screen refresh is slow and bazaar - sometimes large blocks of the screen black out and you have to drag a window over the area to get it to redraw correctly. At least this has been my experience on the 4 mini servers I am managing. . . .It's a real hassle and can distract from the task at hand. With this device installed, not only does the "display" operate as you would expect over ARD, but it works in a higher resolution, by default. . . . and I suspect, with Grand Central, the overall performance of the system should be improved too, although I have not tested for that. I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer Top 250 Contributor
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: Mauren, Liechtenstein
Age: 55-65
Experience Level: IT Professional
Owned Product: 1-3 months
Rating: 5/5
Screensharing issues fixed with this Adapter
November 20, 2015
I've got 3 Mac mini computers running OS X server each without a connected display. Before installing this adapter I kept having issues with screen sharing: the display would not fully update. After installing this adapter screen sharing works just as it should. Thank you. I would recommend this item to a friend!
(testing results performed with Macmini7,1 (Late 2014) under macOS 10.11.6 and 10.15 Beta)
