FAQ:fit-Headless

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What problem fit-Headless solves?

On Mac Mini Server

Screen sharing on a Mac Mini Server that has no display attached (headless) is low-resolution and slow.

On a headless PC

One of the key requirements in using a PC without a display attached (headless PC) is remote desktop access, but in many cases configuring the headless PC to support high resolution remote desktop proves to be so challenging that sometimes users connect a display to the PC just to be able to have remote desktop access!

How fit-Headless solves the problem?

fit-Headless is a small, low-cost HDMI plug that emulates a high resolution display. Once plugged, the Mac Mini / PC detects a connected display and enables the GPU. With the GPU enabled, screen-sharing / remote desktop access can work in high resolution.

Does fit-Headless help in running a headless Intel NUC?

Yes. See for example http://www.vfrank.org/2015/04/28/running-the-intel-nuc-headless-with-vmware-esxi/
fit-Headless solves a problem known as "AMT/vPro blank screen", see http://www.tekhead.org/blog/2015/05/

Supported resolutions on fit-Headless emulators

Under different OS (Windows, OSX and Linux) available resolutions may vary. Available resolutions depend on OS, display driver and GPU capabilities.

The below programmed EDID resolutions given for reference only (may be overridden by OS/GPU/driver):

fit-Headless fit-Headless 4K fit-Headless GS

1920x1080 (default)
1280x1024
1280x720
1152x864
1024x768
800x600
720x576
720x480
720x400
640x480

4088x2304
3840x2160
2880x1800
2560x1600
2560x1440
2048x1536
1920x1080
1680x1050
1600x1200
1600x900
1440x480
1368x768
1366x768
1360x768
1360x765
1280x1024
1280x800
1280x720
1152x870
1024x576
1024x768
832x624
800x600
720x400
640x480

4096x2160@60Hz
4096x2160@30Hz
3840x2160@60Hz
3840x2160@30Hz
3440x1440@120Hz
2560x1080@120Hz
1920x1200@88Hz
1920x1080@120Hz
1920x1080@88Hz
1920x1080@75Hz
1920x1080@60Hz
1680x1050@60Hz
1600x1200@60Hz
1600x900@60Hz
1368x769@60Hz
1360x765@60Hz
1280x1024@75Hz
1152x870@75Hz
1024x768@75Hz
1024x768@60Hz
832x624@75Hz
800x600@60Hz
800x600@75Hz
720x400@70Hz
640x480@75Hz
640x480@60Hz

How can I get more resolutions with fit-Headless 4K on OSX?

To unleash the full potential of fit-Headless 4K under OSX we recommend the freeware utility "Display Menu" available on iTunes App Store. In most cases fit-Headless 4K will support up to 30 different resolutions:
https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/display-menu/id549083868?mt=12

Please also see the explanations and notes on fit-pc website:
http://www.fit-pc.com/web/fit-headless-4k-overview/

Google+ page that shows the resolutions related to OSX operation:
https://plus.google.com/+Fitpc-by-compulab/posts/cw5KR7CbTYU

SwitchResX

SwitchResX is a tool for Apple computers to take control of any screen connected to the Mac. No matter whether a MacBook Screen, an external monitor, a Retina display, a TV set or a beamer: SwitchResX can handle them all – if you want, straight from the menubar, a contextual menu or both.
http://www.madrau.com/
http://www.madrau.com/srx_howtouseit/howtouseit.html

Can I increase refresh rate?

Maybe, but it has no meaning. fit-Headless is connected to the host that streams the desktop through the network to the client PC.

  • The screen refresh rate the user is seeing is defined by the client, not the host.
  • The actual refresh rate of the host-remote-desktop-window is limited by the network capabilities and not by the host refresh rate.