Need Interface for PC Based Device

This will irritate everyone because I don't know what anything is called.

I'm a college prof. In my classroom, there is an overhead projector that will project DVDs. By the instructor's desk is an input plug with approx 15 pins. I don't know what they are called but my colleagues on PC are able to plug it right into their laptops and use their laptops as DVD players. This plug has a second wire that is an audio output jack (goes in the headphones port).

Is there an adaptor that will allow me to use my MacBook Pro 13" with my classroom AV system?

I hope I have come anywhere near making myself clear. Sorry for my computer dumbness.

Sounds like a VGA.
See post #4 here.
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/other-hardware-peripherals/193239-connecting-your-mac-your-tv.html

It depends on which Macbook Pro you have as to what adapter you need.
You will find the info in the thread I linked you to.

It looks like what I have in my classroom is a male VGA plug.

I'm using a 13" MacBook Pro, so that has a mini-VGA.

The adaptors featured in the links above ( like this one >> Griffin Technology: Video Display Converter - MacBook Mini DisplayPort to HDMI or DVI ) don't look like they will work, but it's hard to tell from the images.

Mini display port to VGA.
This is what you need.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB572Z/A

6string has it correct. You'll need to add a VGA cable along with the adapter he has linked to.

Just as an FYI:

There has never been a mini-VGA on a 13" MBP. Every 13" MBP produced to date has a mini displayport (mdp).

A mini-VGA, mini-DVI and mdp are three individual terms indicating one of three distinct ports and neither the terms nor the cables are inter-changeable.

Thanks, 6. That mdp-to-VGA adaptor looks like the one. Did I read that this adaptor runs audio _and_ video through it? In other words, you don't need a separate connection for the audio portion?


Thanks, bob. Why do I need a VGA cable?

No, there is no audio pass thru via VGA. VGA is not capable of passing audio. Yes, you will need a separate audio cable.

Because that is only an adapter. The VGA cable is what will attach between the adapter and the port for the projector. If the projector has a VGA cable attached to it, then naturally, you would not require another.

And, both of us are making an "assumption" based on you being correct that the port for the projector is indeed VGA and looks like the VGA connection I have posted here.

bobtomay said:

And, both of us are making an "assumption" based on you being correct that the port for the projector is indeed VGA and looks like the VGA connection I have posted here.

Click to expand...

Yes, that's the tricky part, going by the picture in your link. I believe that what is in my classroom is a male version of that link. It had what looks like a separate audio jack that is bundled with it.

I'll have another look at things in my classroom today and then try to get down to the Apple store some time to look at what's on their shelves.

Thanks, again.

Re: Going into the Apple Store

Marrk said:

I'll have another look at things in my classroom today and then try to get down to the Apple store some time to look at what's on their shelves.

Click to expand...

If you have a cameraphone / digital camera, you could take a close-up picture of the 15-pin/audio-jack connection you're talking about & take it into the Apple store with you along with your MBP. I'm sure one of the helpers/geniuses could instantly identify the connection in question from the picture & immediately provide you with the appropriate adapter