Connecting your Mac to your TV

[bobtomay]

From the reports I've read, yes. Have not used it myself. Have been fortunate thus far and not had any issues connecting any of my computers to the TVs I've had over the last 5-6 years or so - except for the hassle of dealing with overscan.

You would have to get the mini displayport to DVI adapter, then a DVI cable to the DVI Doctor and then a HDMI cable. That's why if it were me, I'd just go ahead and move to VGA. Your owner's manual says it will take 1080 via VGA so you should be ok there.

If you want to try the DVI Doctor, make sure and check the resolutions it's capable of. From memory, I'm thinking it doesn't support 1080.

 

[Trippe2k]

I am having so much trouble with this

Hi,
ahead of time thank you all for your help, i am at my wits end.

My specs on my computer are

Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro1,1
Processor Name: Intel Core Duo
Processor Speed: 2.16 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 2 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MBP11.0055.B08
SMC Version (system): 1.2f10
Serial Number (system): W86171KGVWX
Hardware UUID: 00000000-0000-1000-8000-0016CB915EC6
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State: Enabled

and recently i got a Vizio LCD HDTV E322VL

My macbook pro has the larger NOT the mini, but the larger normal size DVI port on its side. I tried to buy the DVI to HDMI cord but my computer never reconized it at all, and the tv never found the computer
THIS IS THE CABLE I BOUGHT
Dynex™ - 6' DVI-D-to-HDMI Cable - DX-C114193

So i returned that and got a DVI to VGA adapter
THIS IS WHAT I BOUGHT
Dynex™ - DVI-to-VGA Adapter - DX-D1114

SO i plugged that in and was only able to get a resolution of 800 X 600 after that my tv no longer accepted or got the signal, it would say (invalid signal)

I did try down loading some programs as well to alter my resolution to the spec, stated in the manual of 1920X 1080. but never had any luck

The annoying thing is my piece of crap PC plugs in with a normal VGA cable, and goes right to 1920 X 1080 on the tv no problem, the macbook pro on the other hand, fight with me, and wont go any higher than the 800 X 600.

I am sorry if i missed the answer in this post already, but i have been at this for a few days now with no luck, and I dont know what else to do?

Any help would be great, thank you ahead of time.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

Hi,
ahead of time thank you all for your help, i am at my wits end.

My specs on my computer are

Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro1,1
Processor Name: Intel Core Duo
Processor Speed: 2.16 GHz

<snip>

and recently i got a Vizio LCD HDTV E322VL

My macbook pro has the larger NOT the mini, but the larger normal size DVI port on its side. I tried to buy the DVI to HDMI cord but my computer never reconized it at all, and the tv never found the computer
THIS IS THE CABLE I BOUGHT
Dynex™ - 6' DVI-D-to-HDMI Cable - DX-C114193

So i returned that and got a DVI to VGA adapter
THIS IS WHAT I BOUGHT
Dynex™ - DVI-to-VGA Adapter - DX-D1114

SO i plugged that in and was only able to get a resolution of 800 X 600 after that my tv no longer accepted or got the signal, it would say (invalid signal)

I did try down loading some programs as well to alter my resolution to the spec, stated in the manual of 1920X 1080. but never had any luck

The annoying thing is my piece of crap PC plugs in with a normal VGA cable, and goes right to 1920 X 1080 on the tv no problem, the macbook pro on the other hand, fight with me, and wont go any higher than the 800 X 600.

Here's a thread I dug up off Apple's discussion forums:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2221978?threadID=2221978

One solution that worked for someone with the same problem was to get a dual-link DVI to HDMI adapter. Your MacBook Pro has a dual-link DVI port, so hopefully this will be what you need. Be sure to read through the thread entirely though, including the link to another discussion, to be sure all bases are covered. Here's a link to the proper adapter (the one linked to in that discussion is NOT the dual-link version), but bear in mind you will still need an HDMI cable to plug into this:
Amazon.com: Dvi/hdmi Dual Link Adptr HDmi Femal Adptr: Electronics

If you compare that photo to that of the adapter you used previously, your old one is clearly a single-link version (note the number of pins inside the connector). Hopefully this will do the trick for you.

 

[Trippe2k]

Thank you

Here's a thread I dug up off Apple's discussion forums:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2221978?threadID=2221978

One solution that worked for someone with the same problem was to get a dual-link DVI to HDMI adapter. Your MacBook Pro has a dual-link DVI port, so hopefully this will be what you need. Be sure to read through the thread entirely though, including the link to another discussion, to be sure all bases are covered. Here's a link to the proper adapter (the one linked to in that discussion is NOT the dual-link version), but bear in mind you will still need an HDMI cable to plug into this:
Amazon.com: Dvi/hdmi Dual Link Adptr HDmi Femal Adptr: Electronics

If you compare that photo to that of the adapter you used previously, your old one is clearly a single-link version (note the number of pins inside the connector). Hopefully this will do the trick for you.

Thank you so much for your time and help, I am going to give this a shot, and see how it goes, thanks again.

ONE last stupid question, can you link me to the HDMI wire i would need as well, i assume its a female to male? But just want to make sure

Edit: Now that i look at it, it looks like I would need a male to male. right?

 

[FreddyFrooh]

Hey Dudes

1) This is my Mac specs: MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.3 13" Early 2011 Specs (Early 2011 13", MC700LL/A, MacBookPro8,1, A1278, 2351*) @ EveryMac.com

2) I have no idea at all where to find out about my TV but it's a Phillips and it's got ONLY a scart input and an s-video input and a headphone input

3) i want the sound to come out of the tv

I have spent about 2 hours trawling through stuff to try and find a solution
Any help is supremely appreciated!

Thankyooouuu

 

[bobtomay]

If it will work, you will need:

Apple's mini displayport to VGA adapter
Attach a VGA cable from there to
a VGA to composite converter (an adapter will not work)
and then a S-Video cable to the TV.

See post 4 to determine what audio port is on the TV next to the S-Video port.

Personally, wouldn't waste my time connecting a computer to a TV of that age.

 

[FreddyFrooh]

haha
My old mac just needed one adapter and 2 cables to do this
I broke this one and got a replacement on insurance and i've lost compatibility, this sucks monkey nuts
Alas, i am a poor student and cannot afford a new TV so this be my only option
Thanks ever so much though my man, you're a top guy!

 

[teamtomo]

Hey, so i bought a mini display port to DVI adapter to connect my iMac to a 20" samsung monitor HDTV i had. I connected all the ports together and there is no picture on the Samsung. Does anyone know why? this is really bugging me!

Thanks!

 

[bobtomay]

Did you change the input on the monitor to the correct input?

What other adapter/cable(s) are you using and what port are you connecting to on the monitor?

 

[teamtomo]

Yes i changed it to DVI input, i'm using DVI.

 

[bobtomay]

Did you unplug both the adapter and cable and plug them in again?

Then work through the troubleshooting steps outlined in Post # 2 of this thread.

 

[yamamotob]

Older iMac to Television

I appreciate you taking the time to help everyone. I am seriously thinking of giving this a try

My Mac:
iMac G5
2004-2005?
1.8 GHz PowerPC G5 (3.0)
1 CPU
512MB DDR SDRAM, L2 cache 512KB, Bus Speed 600 MHz, Boot ROM Version 5.2.5f1
OS 10.5.8
ports
mini-VGA, Firewire 400, USB, stereo-mini out and in (Audio line in)

My Television
Sharp Aquos model LC-C3237U
ports
HDMI, S-Video, RCA, Component Video

From what I can tell I need a "Apple Video Adapter" (mini-VGA to S-Video and RCA) for the video and a stereo mini to RCA cable. Am I correct?

Thanks for helping everyone.

y

 

[wkjeep]

having issues

Hey guys! new here! just a question I can not solve at all!!!

I have a macbook pro that was purchased in like november. I also have a mini dvi to hdmi cord. I have been able to attach that to a hdmi, then plug into tv, then mirror over image and it works... HOWEVER...

now i have surround sound.... i have a sony receiver. I have my cable box hooked to receiver with hdmi, and my tv connected to receiver via hdmi. Now i have an extra hdmi cord for connecting tv to computer... i just cant figure out how!!

I was able to get my computer to recognize the samsung tv, and clicked arrangment, and mirrored over image... computer screen flashed blue.... but the tv stayed the same.. and it just said no signal...


guys im stumped plz help

this is a link to my receiver if that helps
Amazon.com: Sony STR-DH500 5.1-Channel A/V Receiver (Black): Electronics

 

[bobtomay]

Hey guys! new here! just a question I can not solve at all!!!

I have a macbook pro that was purchased in like november. I also have a mini dvi to hdmi cord. I have been able to attach that to a hdmi, then plug into tv, then mirror over image and it works...

Ok.

However, you can't be using a mini-DVI to attach to your computer because there has never been such a port on any MacBook Pro. All MBPs have had either a DVI or mini displayport (mdp) for video out.

We'll assume you must be using a mdp to HDMI cable.

HOWEVER...

now i have surround sound.... i have a sony receiver. I have my cable box hooked to receiver with hdmi, and my tv connected to receiver via hdmi.

I'm still with ya.

Now i have an extra hdmi cord for connecting tv to computer... i just cant figure out how!!

Thought you just said in the first paragraph, you had the computer connected to the TV via HDMI. How many times are you going to connect it to the TV?

I was able to get my computer to recognize the samsung tv, and clicked arrangment, and mirrored over image... computer screen flashed blue.... but the tv stayed the same.. and it just said no signal...


guys im stumped plz help

I'm stumped also. Do you have the computer connected to the TV and you get video or you don't?

What is it that you are actually attempting to do

this is a link to my receiver if that helps
Amazon.com: Sony STR-DH500 5.1-Channel A/V Receiver (Black): Electronics

Not really sure what the link to your receiver is for unless you're trying to get the sound from your Mac to it perhaps? Is this the real question?

 

[zoi]

Hi, My system specs are as follows:
MacBook Pro 2010 i7 4GB RAM 2.6 GHz.
I am aware that I have an MDP.
I am about to buy an LED TV and want to make sure I buy the best one for connection as the prime use of the TV will be use my mcbook pro and stream movies.
I was wondering whether there was an efficient wireless method of connecting my mcbook to my TV?
Also if there isn't what would be the best setup if I had a budget of about £250 just to connect my mcbook to my TV and stream movies as well use the mcbook?
All help will be appreciated?
BTW I will also be receiving my iPad2 soon so it would be gret to connect that to this TV wirelessly too
A link to the manual of the TV, it's a Samung UE32D6530, is as follows:
Support for 32

Many Thanks

 

[Fillysports]

Bobtomay - Just a follow up from last year. I posted here on 10/4, you gave me some good suggestions but was never able to get it to work - really odd as the cable and Mac worked well on a monitor and another TV but not the Mits. Long story short after numerous other attempts, TV firmware updates, customized software for the Mac display etc, I took a chance and asked a co-worker to borrow his adapter - where mine was an Mini Display to HDMI cable, his was just an adapter. For sure I did not think it would work - but it did, it worked great. Ordered one from Walmart that supported the audio also and that one is working without an issue. I could have gotten it cheaper at Amazon but for the $18.00 I had to option to take back vs shipping back as I still was not confident that it would work but it did.

I'm only bringing this up for anyone else that may be having issues with the mini display to HDMI cable on certain TVs. Mine was a Mitsubishi DLP, although it worked fine on all other devices, not this TV, but the adapter works great with video and audio also. I'll post the link for the device below but note you can get likely get it cheaper at Amazon or other places, although $18.00 is not bad.

Walmart.com: Cables Unlimited MiniDisplay Port to HDMI Adapter, White: Computers

Anyway, I did want to pass this onto you in case it may be helpful to you in the future. Thanks again for suggestions in the past and keeping this thread going, certainly is valuable to a lot of people.

Regards

 

[Penzor17]

Sound through TV

My Macbook (2007) is

2.16 HGz Intel Core 2 Duo
1 GB 667 MHZ DDR2 SDRAM

The cords I am using

KANEX Mini DVI to HDMI Adapter

Tv is a SHARP flat screen that is only a few years old. I purchased the adapter today and the person at the store said that the adapter carried sound.

I currently have the video hooked up to the TV but no sound. I have read through the four posts but I am confused.

Do I need another cord for audio?

 

[bobtomay]

Fillysports

I appreciate the feedback.

I'm extremely hesitant to put forth advice to spend money unless I'm pretty darn sure what I'm advising will work. In the case of an adapter working with one monitor and not with another - that's a tough sell, especially to most folks that don't have a clue about what they're doing to start with.

Glad you got yours working and I like it well enough, I'm going to add this option to the troubleshooting section.

Again, thanks much. (And Cables Unlimited does make some nicer cables - I've bought quite a few of their cables through Amazon and am willing to pay the extra dollar or two they usually cost over the no name brands.)

 

[bobtomay]

Penzor17

The person at the store was flat out wrong. Not only does there not exist any '07 Mac that will output audio via it's video port, DVI does not and never has carried audio.

If you have the adapter shown below, no, it will not carry audio.

You will need to head back to Post # 3 and read the Second: section to learn how to get audio to your particular TV.

If you need help after reading that, then you'll need to provide the make and model # of your TV.

 

[bobtomay]

zoi

For wireless, I would suggest you start looking at devices such as the AppleTV, Roku, PS3, WD TV Live and many others out there. If you, like me, want full access to everything that is on your computer on your TV screen, then I suggest you begin looking at setting up a Windows 7 HTPC.

At this time, there is nothing that is going to give you your computer's screen, on your TV, with full keyboard and mouse control, while your computer sits several rooms away - wirelessly.

There is one that requires line of site and works up to 15' away I think it was. I forget the name of it, but hardly seems to be worth $250 bucks. If your computer is already sitting in the same room, might as well just wire them together.