Using A TV As A Monitor

[Marrk]

Someone gave me a Toshiba Model 23HLV86 television. It looks like I can use an adaptor to line in my MacBook Pro (Model Year 2010).

Here's a pic. The blue 15-pin fitting looks like it should work, but I need me some cables and adaptors. Go to Best Buy . . . ?

Your guidance is welcome.

Thanks.

 

[Slydude]

I assume that you would like to use the set as a monitor. When I first looked at the connections available for that set I thought it would be possible to connect the Mac to the TV via the HDMI port. The manbual for that unit specifically says not to use HDMI to conbnect a computer. It does not explain why though that was not uncommon on sets of this vintage. The mmanual can be found here. Instructions for connecting computers are on page 20.

An adapter such as this should do the trick. Connecting that way does not transmit sound from the computer to the TV. That would require an additional Thunderbolt 3 to RCA adapter. I tried to find something that had both VGA and RCA connections in one unit but have not had much success. I'd suggest checking with someone like Monoprice.com for suggestions.

BTW if picture quality is important to you be aware that the picture quality over a VGA connection will be nowhere near what you are likely getting on that nice shiny Mac.

 

[chscag]

You're going to need an adaptor Thunderbolt 3 to HDMI. Check out Amazon.com offerings.

 

[chscag]

@Slydude:

I believe the instructions in that manual are out of date. TB3 to HDMI should work. The OP should give that a try first and if it doesn't work, return it to Amazon.

 

[ferrarr]

OP specifically said 2010 MBP. Why would they need Thunderbolt 3?

Edit: It looks like in your picture, you have a DVI adapter already for your 2010 MBP? You are going to need either an adapter for DVI to VGA, or a MiniDisplay Port to VGA adapter. Then the VGA cord from the adapter to the blue port you were referring to. If you already have the DVI cord, then the DVI/VGA adapter would be cheapest route.

 

[Slydude]

You're right Bob. I looked up my info based on the 2017 model listed below thee pic.

You're right Charlie. I should have mentioned that.

 

[chscag]

Well, I guess were both wrong in thinking he wanted to use the Toshiba for his 2017 MacBook Pro?

Looking closely at the picture he submitted of the Toshiba: There is a VGA input and L, R, audio inputs. So Bob would be correct except he forgot to mention about needing audio cables.

However, if he intends to use the Toshiba for his 2017 MacBook Pro, he'll need what I and Slydude recommended.

 

[Marrk]

Thanks, gentlemen.

As you have gathered, I would like to set this up for my old (ca. 2010) MacBook Pro. I have a VGA adaptor for that MacBook Pro (partially visible in pic). I would think the simplest solution would be a VGA Male-to-Male Cable, but maybe they don't make those.

More in the morning.

Thanks, again.

 

[Slydude]

They do indeed make male to male VGA cables. See here for example. The cables are available in various lengths. Look carefully at the connections though. Some versions of these cables are male on one end and female on the opposite end.

 

[Marrk]

Thanks, guys.

Unless I have misunderstood everything, this cable

https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Coaxia...ga+cable&psc=1?tag=macforums0e4-20

ought to do the job. I just need to figure out how to stand the unit up. I don't want to use the wall mount bracket.

 

[chscag]

For some reason your link does not work. But since Amazon has a good return policy, you can always return it if it's not what you need.

 

[Marrk]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OZL3HLO/?tag=macforums0e4-20


UGREEN VGA SVGA HD15 Male to Male Video Coaxial Monitor Cable with Ferrite Cores Gold Plated Connectors Support 1080P Full HD for Projectors, HDTVs, Displays and More VGA Enabled Devices

 

[Slydude]

That cable should work.