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Mini DisplayPort to DVI / HDMI / VGA ??

M

MacVault

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Which should I go with? I have a 13" MacBook. I want to connect it to a 24" Dell LCD which has all three ports. I want to use the external display for watching movies and for regular computer work.

What is the best port to use for the video, and why?
 
I would get HDMI because it can then be used with TVs for example. HDMI and DVI provide similar quality, VGA is worse
 
Agreed. HDMI and DVI are identical when it comes to video, and both are digital so will carry the signal to your TV without the need for digital to analogue conversion. VGA is analogue so there's a bit more processing involved -- it may not make much difference when you're watching movies but in most cases the digital connection will give you sharper text etc if you're using the LCD to work on.
 
How can I transfer sound to the TV? The sound is play from my computer. I have a mini-DVI to HDMI connection...I thought HDMI transfers sound? Please help.
 
GtotheK said:
How can I transfer sound to the TV? The sound is play from my computer. I have a mini-DVI to HDMI connection...I thought HDMI transfers sound? Please help.
Click to expand...

HDMI does transfer sound but mini-DVI does not. Depending on the inputs of your TV, a normal 3.5mm audio cable might be enough.
 
Wheeler said:
Which 13" Macbook do you have? If it is the new one, the video out is a mini-display port, which will support audio over hdmi with one of these adapters:

http://www.meritline.com/mini-displayport-to-hdmi-adapter---p-34680.aspx

If you have an older model with the mini-dvi you unfortunately have to use the headphone jack for audio
Click to expand...

Good info! I have a Macbook that I purchased new in May, so I assume these adapters that pass audio too will work. I have been using the separate cable and headphone jack, but would rather have it all just go through my HDMI cable. Thanks!!
 
BigDukeSix said:
... I assume these adapters that pass audio too will work...
Click to expand...

Just bear in mind that after you connect the monitor to your mac, you still have to go to the sound preferences pane and select your TV as the sound output. Otherwise, the sound still will come out of your laptop.
 
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