Macbook Pro won't connect to TV or Monitor via VGA cable

[jumbb]

I'm trying to connect a macbook pro to a Samsung television. It's connected like this:
Mini display port to DVI adapter>
>DVI adapter to VGA adapter>
>VGA adapter to VGA cable>
>VGA cable to TV.
When connecting, my mac's screen turns blue and when trying to set the TV it doesn't work, the thing is, my mac recognizes the tv in the ''Displays'' settings but it won't fully connect with it.
I thought it might be a problem with the TV so I connected it to a DELL monitor, and the same thing happened, my mac recognizes the monitor in the ''Displays'' settings, but nothing shows on the screen.
Am I doing something wrong? or is any of my adapters wrong?
Thanks for your help!

[simsaladimbamba]

That is a bit too many adapters.
Why not try an MDP to VGA adapter?

Mini DisplayPort (MDP) / Thunderbolt

Mini DisplayPort is the current digital standard on all current Macs to transfer video to an external display or TV. It has been introduced in 10/2008 with the release of the Unibody MacBook and MacBook Pros and has gradually been adopted on all other Macs.
MDP is capable of transmitting video, and since 2010, audio too. MDP is a miniaturised version of DisplayPort. It is also license free and can support resolutions of up to 2560 x 1600, which Mini DVI and Micro DVI are not able to do.
Since 2011, all Macs come with a Thunderbolt port, which is meant for fast data transfer and also as means to connect to an external display device to mirror or extend the Mac's screen.

To learn more about Thunderbolt (TB) and its compatibility with Mini DisplayPort (MDP): Introducing Thunderbolt

MDP adapters can be bought online from:

MDP to VGA adapter from Apple
MDP to DVI adapter from Apple
MDP to Dual-Link-DVI adapter from Apple

Moshi Mini DP to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support adapter from the Apple Online Store

Mini DisplayPort + USB to Dual-Link DVI adapter from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter from Monoprice - *NOTE* This product does NOT support audio for Macs that outputs audio through the Mini DisplayPort.
Mini Displayport Male and USB Male/Toslink Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter from Monoprice
Mini Displayport Male and USB Male Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter from Monoprice - *NOTE* Will only support 2 channel stereo. Will not support 5.1 Dolby Surround like the above adapter.

Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Cables from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to VGA Cables from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to DVI Cables from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Cables from Monoprice

Also of interest: "What is "Mini DisplayPort"? Is it an industry-standard? How is it different from or better than Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI?"

from

How to: Connect a MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro to a TV

Most common video interfaces on external computer displays and TVs

Common video interfaces on Macs and the appropriate adapters to connect to other display devices

Most common audio interfaces on external computer displays, TVs and the Mac

[jumbb]

Originally Posted by simsaladimbamba

That is a bit too many adapters.
Why not try an MDP to VGA adapter?

from

How to: Connect a MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro to a TV

Most common video interfaces on external computer displays and TVs

Common video interfaces on Macs and the appropriate adapters to connect to other display devices

Most common audio interfaces on external computer displays, TVs and the Mac

Thanks for your help!

It might be a problem wit the MDP to DVI adapter, the thing is, I couldn't find MDP to VGI so I had to use the extra adapter.

What I find odd is how my mac recognizes both monitors but nothing is shown, I'll try to find a direct one tomorrow or change it for another MDP to DVI to see if that helps...

[danmane]

I'm having the exact same problem! I'm trying to connect my MBP to a VGA monitor thru:

minidisplay to digital
digital to vga
vga to monitor

The macbook recognizes the monitor, but the monitor doesn't recognize the macbook.

I know that PC ->digital & digital->vga & vga->monitor works. And I know that the minidisplay component works too, because when I use another monitor and connect without anything else in between, it works fine. So for some reason it's just the combo that stops the monitor from seeing the macbook... I am at a loss to explain why, though.

[takeshi74]

See post 2. Use as few adapters as possible (1 in this case).

[andmoz]

Originally Posted by jumbb

Thanks for your help!

It might be a problem wit the MDP to DVI adapter, the thing is, I couldn't find MDP to VGI so I had to use the extra adapter.

So I have the MDP to VGA adapter and it shows my computer screen on my TV. However, when I try to play an iTunes movie it comes up with an error. Any ideas anyone please?

[simsaladimbamba]

Originally Posted by andmoz

So I have the MDP to VGA adapter and it shows my computer screen on my TV. However, when I try to play an iTunes movie it comes up with an error. Any ideas anyone please?

What exact error playing what exact movie on what exact iTunes version on what exact Mac running what exact Mac OS X version using what exact adapter
do you get?

Could it be a HDCP problem?

[andmoz]

Originally Posted by simsaladimbamba

What exact error playing what exact movie on what exact iTunes version on what exact Mac running what exact Mac OS X version using what exact adapter
do you get?

Could it be a HDCP problem?

Im on OSX 10.7.3 trying to rent an itunes movie (we bought a zoo fwiw) on a macbook air. The error said can't play movie on the auxiliary device. It seems I can play regular movies but not HD ones.......

[lixuelai]

For the OP your issue is that the DP -> DVI connector is not carrying over the VGA signals. it is specifically a DP -> DVI-D adapter. The computer will know it is connected to something but the signal is not getting through because the wires are not there. Most adapters assume that if you want to go DP -> VGA you won't be going DP -> DVI -> VGA.

As for the poster above me you cannot use DP -> VGA to play videos that require HDCP.

[MacKnowItAll]

Originally Posted by andmoz

Im on OSX 10.7.3 trying to rent an itunes movie (we bought a zoo fwiw) on a macbook air. The error said can't play movie on the auxiliary device. It seems I can play regular movies but not HD ones.......

What the problem is, is that you have the wrong cable. I had the same problem when trying to connect from iTunes to my external Monitor. What you need is simply a Mini-Display --> HDMI dongle. and a HDMI Cable from your TV to the dongle. Otherwise the VGA cable cannot support 1080p HD from iTunes.

Cheers,

MacKnowItAll