27" imac being used as a moniter - connect to tv?

powerhouse7 · Oct 21, 2009, 06:04 PM

I've just discovered that the new 27" iMac can be connected to a macbook and used as a monitor. Does this mean that it now has the capabilities to be connected to a digital set top box and used as a TV? (even if it can't record, but just watch) or do i still need to buy eyeTV?

skorpien · Oct 21, 2009, 07:46 PM

Quote:

27-inch models also support input from external DisplayPort sources (adapters sold separately).

Nope.

powerhouse7 · Oct 27, 2009, 03:04 AM

Just answering my question, you can watch tv on the mac, but not because it's a 27" new imac. All you need is digital set top box with a firewire/USB connection (and the appropriate software - there is freeware about) and you can watch and record with any mac.

skorpien · Oct 27, 2009, 01:01 PM

That's good to know, thanks for the update. I wish Apple had made it so only the display needed to be on (using it as a true monitor/TV) and included other inputs. Would make it quite appealing to those that require a smaller TV and a Mac computer (two birds, one stone). But alas, the iMac needs to be completely powered on whether using it with a Display Port computer or with the method you posted

powerhouse7 · Nov 1, 2009, 05:05 AM

After rummaging around my house, i discovered an old (3-4 years) set top box with a VGA output, but no firewire. So, I have connected it up to my second display via the VGA cable (the screen has two inputs, so i can have both my computer and set top box plugged in at the same time) and put audio in my stereo (but I imagine you can also plug audio into the audio input jack on imac's). While I can only watch live tv, this is how I have solved the problem without spending money.

Oct 21, 2009, 06:04 PM	#1
powerhouse7 macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2009	27" imac being used as a moniter - connect to tv? I've just discovered that the new 27" iMac can be connected to a macbook and used as a monitor. Does this mean that it now has the capabilities to be connected to a digital set top box and used as a TV? (even if it can't record, but just watch) or do i still need to buy eyeTV?

Oct 27, 2009, 03:04 AM	#3
powerhouse7 Thread Starter macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2009	You Can Just answering my question, you can watch tv on the mac, but not because it's a 27" new imac. All you need is digital set top box with a firewire/USB connection (and the appropriate software - there is freeware about) and you can watch and record with any mac.

Oct 27, 2009, 01:01 PM	#4
skorpien macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jan 2008	That's good to know, thanks for the update. I wish Apple had made it so only the display needed to be on (using it as a true monitor/TV) and included other inputs. Would make it quite appealing to those that require a smaller TV and a Mac computer (two birds, one stone). But alas, the iMac needs to be completely powered on whether using it with a Display Port computer or with the method you posted __________________ 17" 2.6 GHz Penryn MBP Collector's Edition 2.4 GHz Alu MB Time Capsule 1.5TB; Apple TV 160GB; iPhone 3G S 32GB; iPhone 3G 16GB; iPod Video 30GB

Nov 1, 2009, 05:05 AM	#5
powerhouse7 Thread Starter macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2009	Another Way After rummaging around my house, i discovered an old (3-4 years) set top box with a VGA output, but no firewire. So, I have connected it up to my second display via the VGA cable (the screen has two inputs, so i can have both my computer and set top box plugged in at the same time) and put audio in my stereo (but I imagine you can also plug audio into the audio input jack on imac's). While I can only watch live tv, this is how I have solved the problem without spending money.

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