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Hooking up a Macbook to Sony Bravia HDTV

M

MacMan96

macrumors newbie
Original poster
I have a Macbook Unibody (late 08) with the mini displayport. I want to hook it up to my Sony Bravia (KDL-40V3000). Since the HDMI ports are all used up, the only ports available are the VGA, and Component.

My questions are pretty basic:
What is my best option to hook it up, giving me the highest resolution (the TV says it does 1920 x 1080). Will both VGA and Component do that?

Also, I do already have the mini displayport to DVI adapter for another monitor I use, so I could get a DVI->VGA adapter I think. But if that's going to degrade the video, or whatnot, I don't mind getting a different adapter for this project.

Thoughts or experiences doing this...

Thanks,
Jeff
 
According to the TV's user manual can be found here, 1080p is supported over VGA. However, you cannot go MDP-->DVI-->VGA via a DVI-to-VGA dongle/passive adapter, as the DVI signal output by the MiniDisplayport is only DVI-D (only a digital signal). You'll need the MiniDisplayport-->VGA adapter from either Apple or monoprice.
 
if your tv has an HDMI input (it should) I highly recommend trying that. you will need a separate audio cable
 
NewMacbookPlz said:
According to the TV's user manual can be found here, 1080p is supported over VGA. However, you cannot go MDP-->DVI-->VGA via a DVI-to-VGA dongle/passive adapter, as the DVI signal output by the MiniDisplayport is only DVI-D (only a digital signal). You'll need the MiniDisplayport-->VGA adapter from either Apple or monoprice.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Looks like monoprice has a cable that I wouldn't need an adapter with, except it's not in stock or not made yet. :-( At least I know what I need now.
 
Go to monoprice.com and get:
1. minidisplay port to hdmi adapter
2. monoprice hdmi switch 1.3 compatible with remote
3. any hdmi cables you might need
4. whatever audio cables you decide to use (see below)


The displayport to hdmi works great but doesn't carry audio. Use Apple's optical out to a receiver, or mini stereo to RCA to the tv. The switch also works very well and I highly recommend it. Monoprice's site is down right now so I can't get links for you, but the switch is not expensive ($30 runs in my mind). This is what I use from my mini to my 1080p big screen and it is excellent.


Mooch
 
Might sound silly, but that's the difference between VGA and HDMI with regards to picture quality. Won't both achieve the maximum 1920 x 1080 resolution?
 
MacMan96 said:
Might sound silly, but that's the difference between VGA and HDMI with regards to picture quality. Won't both achieve the maximum 1920 x 1080 resolution?
Click to expand...

Quality will be pretty similar. Sometimes, the digital-->analog conversion (MiniDisplayport-->VGA) can add some noise/reduce sharpness in the picture. If you can't see the difference, then it really doesn't matter 🙂
 
the easiest thing to do would be to remove one device that is plugged into your HDMI ports now. If you have an HD cable box, for example, just use component video for that. I would bet that you would see absolutely no difference between HDMI and component on a cable box
 
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