NewerTech

Name: HDMI Headless 4K Display Emulator
SKU: NWTADP4KHEAD
Price: 14.75 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.86 (14 reviews)

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.

WITH vs WITHOUT NewerTech Emulator at 3840 x 2160 Resolution

(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

HDMI

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

6 mm (0.2 in)

Width

18 mm (0.7 in)

Length

25 mm (1.0 in)

Weight

5.7 g (0.2 oz)

Manufacturer provided specifications for Newer Technology p/n ADP4KHEAD UPC#: 811643015470

Gallery

Take a First Look at NewerTech's HDMI Headless Video Accelerator

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

Detailed specs

Install Videos

MacBook Pro (13-inch Retina display Early 2015)

(March, 2015)

Model ID: MacBookPro12,1

2.7GHz, 2.9GHz, 3.1GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

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

Detailed specs

MacBook Pro (15-inch Retina Display 2013)

(January, 2013)

Model ID: MacBookPro10,1

2.4GHz, 2.7GHz, 2.8GHz

Detailed specs

Mac Pro

(December, 2013)

Model ID: MacPro6,1

2.7GHz 3.0GHz, 3.5GHz, 3.7GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

Mac mini (Late 2018)

(November, 2018)

Model ID: Macmini8,1

3.6GHz i3, 3.0GHz i5, 3.2GHz i7

Detailed specs

Install Videos

Mac mini (Late 2014)

(October, 2014)

Model ID: Macmini7,1

1.4GHz, 2.6GHz, 2.8GHz, 3.0GHz

Detailed specs

Mac mini (Late 2012)

(October, 2012)

Model ID: Macmini6,1 & Macmini6,2

2.3GHz, 2.5GHz, 2.6GHz

Detailed specs

Mac mini (Late 2012 Server)

(October, 2012)

Model ID: Macmini6,2

2.3GHz, 2.6GHz

Detailed specs

Mac mini (Mid 2011)

(July, 2011)

Model ID: Macmini5,1 & Macmini5,2

2.3GHz, 2.5GHz, 2.7GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

Mac mini (Mid 2011 Server)

(July, 2011)

Model ID: Macmini5,3

2.0GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

Mac mini (Mid 2010)

(June, 2010)

Model ID: Macmini4,1

2.4GHz, 2.66GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

Mac mini (Mid 2010 Server)

(June, 2010)

Model ID: Macmini4,1

2.66GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

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.

Reviews

"A really useful little edition if using a Mac Mini in headless mode and accessing it remotely…" — Steve Karmeinsky, EuroTech News

Customer Ratings

Write a Review 4.8 / 5 13 out of 14 (93%) reviewers would recommend this product

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! Customer Videos:

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! Customer Videos:

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! Customer Videos:

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! Customer Videos:

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.

Customer Videos:

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! Customer Videos:

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! Customer Videos:

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! Customer Videos:

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!

NewerTech HDMI Headless 4K Display Emulator Mfr P/N: ADP4KHEAD OWC SKU: NWTADP4KHEAD Enjoy up to 4K resolution and full system responsiveness while remotely accessing a Mac or PC 3 Year Newer Technology Limited Warranty Ships: Same Day

Reviews (14)

Only ~~$19.99~~OWC Price $14.75

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