MacBook to HDTV - VGA or HDMI?

VaatiKaiba · 06:57 AM

EDIT: Never mind, got it sorted! Thanks for all your input!

Original Post: So, I have a white MacBook (late 2007), and a 40" Sony Bravia (KDL-40L4000 if it makes any difference), and I want to watch my HD movies in iTunes on the TV without buying an Apple TV.

Having done a bit of research, there doesn't seem to be a clear decision about whether VGA or HDMI is better. I'd like the MB to output in 1080p, so which is better?

Also, would something like this be suitable for the audio? The Bravia manual talks about a mono audio port - I assume this is where it'd go?

Thanks in advance for your help!

thunderboltspro · Nov 7, 2009, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaatiKaiba

So, I have a white MacBook (late 2007), and a 40" Sony Bravia (KDL-40L4000 if it makes any difference), and I want to watch my HD movies in iTunes on the TV without buying an Apple TV.

Having done a bit of research, there doesn't seem to be a clear decision about whether VGA or HDMI is better. I'd like the MB to output in 1080p, so which is better?

Also, would something like this be suitable for the audio? The Bravia manual talks about a mono audio port - I assume this is where it'd go?

Thanks in advance for your help!

hdmi is the way to go plus a cord for the sound.

boston44 · Nov 7, 2009, 06:13 PM

I would also say HDMI..

thunderboltspro · Nov 7, 2009, 06:31 PM

and im pretty positive you can find a cheaper quality sound cable then on the apple store.

boston44 · Nov 7, 2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thunderboltspro

and im pretty positive you can find a cheaper quality sound cable then on the apple store.

You can find almost everything cheaper than on the apple store, lol.

kbotc · Nov 7, 2009, 07:04 PM

If you've got available HDMI slots use those, as HDMI is digital while VGA will use analog. The longer you can keep a signal from a computer in it's uncompressed digital format, the better.

As a plus, HDMI supports HDCP, so you'll be able to watch some content that would be restricted over VGA.

Corrode · Nov 7, 2009, 08:17 PM

Take advantage of one of the cooler features of a macbook... the optical audio out. If you have a home theatre receiver, then it will most likely be compatible. You need a cable like this: http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...t=1#largeimage

Connect the mini end to your macbook and the toslink end to your home theatre receiver, and you've got yourself some digital audio. Actually, most HDTVs have an optical audio in, but playing digital sound out of TV speakers kinda defeats the purpose.

VaatiKaiba · 06:58 AM

OK, so I think I'll go for the HDMI then! Just regarding the audio, the Bravia manual refers to connecting mono audio - is that what the output from the MacBook would be? And if so, would that be cable be the correct one?

Thanks again for all your help!

Never mind guys, got it sorted. Thanks again for all your help!

Gav2k · Nov 8, 2009, 06:58 AM

Check your hdmi ports one of them should have a 3.5mm audio port or left right audio in. Find out which one has this and buy the correct lead.

ildondeigiocchi · Nov 8, 2009, 08:13 PM

HDMI is a wise choice since it delivers much better picture quality than analog VGA... enjoy your HD setup sensation. I'm sure it'll be wonderful

Nov 7, 2009, 05:59 PM	#1
VaatiKaiba macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2008	MacBook to HDTV - VGA or HDMI? EDIT: Never mind, got it sorted! Thanks for all your input! Original Post: So, I have a white MacBook (late 2007), and a 40" Sony Bravia (KDL-40L4000 if it makes any difference), and I want to watch my HD movies in iTunes on the TV without buying an Apple TV. Having done a bit of research, there doesn't seem to be a clear decision about whether VGA or HDMI is better. I'd like the MB to output in 1080p, so which is better? Also, would something like this be suitable for the audio? The Bravia manual talks about a mono audio port - I assume this is where it'd go? Thanks in advance for your help! Last edited by VaatiKaiba : Nov 8, 2009 at 06:57 AM. Reason: Added top edit

Nov 7, 2009, 06:13 PM	#3
boston44 macrumors 6502 Join Date: May 2009	I would also say HDMI.. __________________ 13.3 MBP, 2.26 GHz, Black iPhone 3G, 8 GB; Windows: Life Without Walls.. If we have no walls, why do we need windows?

Nov 7, 2009, 08:17 PM	#7
Corrode macrumors regular Join Date: Dec 2008	Take advantage of one of the cooler features of a macbook... the optical audio out. If you have a home theatre receiver, then it will most likely be compatible. You need a cable like this: http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...t=1#largeimage Connect the mini end to your macbook and the toslink end to your home theatre receiver, and you've got yourself some digital audio. Actually, most HDTVs have an optical audio in, but playing digital sound out of TV speakers kinda defeats the purpose. __________________ 13" MBP, 2.26 GHz, 2GB, 250GB HD; 80GB iPod Classic

Nov 8, 2009, 06:50 AM	#8
VaatiKaiba Thread Starter macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2008	OK, so I think I'll go for the HDMI then! Just regarding the audio, the Bravia manual refers to connecting mono audio - is that what the output from the MacBook would be? And if so, would that be cable be the correct one? Thanks again for all your help! Never mind guys, got it sorted. Thanks again for all your help! Last edited by Mitthrawnuruodo : Nov 8, 2009 at 06:58 AM. Reason: Merging, please use EDIT to add to a post...

Nov 8, 2009, 06:58 AM	#9
Gav2k macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Jul 2009	Check your hdmi ports one of them should have a 3.5mm audio port or left right audio in. Find out which one has this and buy the correct lead. __________________ iPhone 2g 8gb - iPhone 3g 8gb - iPhone 3gs 16gb - mac mini 2ghz, 4gb ram, 500gb hdd

Nov 7, 2009, 06:31 PM	#4
thunderboltspro macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2009	and im pretty positive you can find a cheaper quality sound cable then on the apple store.

Nov 7, 2009, 07:04 PM	#6
kbotc macrumors newbie Join Date: Apr 2008	If you've got available HDMI slots use those, as HDMI is digital while VGA will use analog. The longer you can keep a signal from a computer in it's uncompressed digital format, the better. As a plus, HDMI supports HDCP, so you'll be able to watch some content that would be restricted over VGA.

Nov 8, 2009, 08:13 PM	#10
ildondeigiocchi macrumors 6502 Join Date: Dec 2007	HDMI is a wise choice since it delivers much better picture quality than analog VGA... enjoy your HD setup sensation. I'm sure it'll be wonderful __________________ 2009 Mac Pro, Intel 2.66GHZ Octocore, 640 GB Hitachi, 4870, 1Superdrive, 1 BD Drive, 6 GB RAM, 30" ACD, 32" HDTV, Blackbook 2006

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