Updated MacBook Supports Both Audio and Video Output via Mini DisplayPort

[MacRumors]

A new support document posted today outlining the ports and connectors included on Apple's updated MacBook confirms that the new model supports transmission of both audio and video via its Mini DisplayPort output. The feature allows users to run a single cable (when using a compatible Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter) from their computer to their home theater system or television.

Mini DisplayPort (video out): Connect to an external display, projection device, or TV that uses a DVI, HDMI (audio and video) or VGA connector with a separate adapter.

According to a footnote regarding the HDMI compatibility, users should be sure to use a VESA-compliant adapter to enable the full capabilities.

Apple's current MacBook Pro and iMac models already support this functionality, and it will be reassuring to some potential customers that even Apple's low-end notebook also offers the convenient connectivity.

Apple has yet to update its support document regarding non-compliant Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapters to reflect the new MacBook's capabilities, but will likely do so in the near future.

Article Link: Updated MacBook Supports Both Audio and Video Output via Mini DisplayPort

 

[cababah]

sucks for me!

 

[unr1]

do the 13" MBP first gen aluminum models support this feature?

 

[Arms19]

do the 13" MBP (first gen aluminum models) support this feature?

It says it in the article... (yes.)

 

[The Tuck]

do the 13" MBP first gen aluminum models support this feature?

Not officially, but there has been talk about it being a firmware issue. Apple could update it later to support audio and video if they wanted to.

-The Tuck

 

[lewchenko]

This deserves a very slow clap...

Apple could have simply equipped the laptop with a HDMI port instead if they wanted to.

Now they should atleast throw in a mini Display port to DVI or HDMI adapter in the box. The laptop is god damn expensive enough to say its supposed to be 'low end'... christ... £850 in the UK.. That is very expensive for a low end laptop. The specs compare to a mid range Sony or Hp machine which are around £500.

Basically this laptop connects to no screen other than Apple's LED screen's (which hardly anybody owns) unless you buy an adapter.

That's apple all over that is. Colour me unimpressed.... not by the laptop mostly, but by the outrageous price for so little features.

 

[apmagetatto]

Sorry if stupid question, but:

Is this a hardware or software change?

Ie, any chance this feature will ever be duplicated on my late 2009 unibody white macbook?

 

[koruki]

love how someone already clicked negative for this post

 

[adamw]

This seems to be a move in the right direction! Thanks Apple...

 

[HLdan]

This really pisses me off that Apple NOW fixes the mini displayport and the rest of us with Macbook/Pros before the most recent ones are left out in the cold. Knowing Apple they are not going to issue a firmware fix for the older Macbooks. Just bought my office a projector that uses HDMI and it has a built-in speaker. I'm screwed because the mini displayport on my Macbook doesn't transfer audio. That's tech for ya.

 

[bilbo--baggins]

Why doesn't it specify anywhere if the Apple mini displayport to HDMI adaptor is VESA compliant? Not even on their own support page is it mentioned.

 

[scottparker999]

this is just stereo i guess?

 

[Duncan-UK]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260584744833

This works perfectly with the 2010 15 inch MBP

 

[Icaras]

This deserves a very slow clap...

Apple could have simply equipped the laptop with a HDMI port instead if they wanted to.

Now they should atleast throw in a mini Display port to DVI or HDMI adapter in the box. The laptop is god damn expensive enough to say its supposed to be 'low end'... christ... £850 in the UK.. That is very expensive for a low end laptop. The specs compare to a mid range Sony or Hp machine which are around £500.

Basically this laptop connects to no screen other than Apple's LED screen's (which hardly anybody owns) unless you buy an adapter.

That's apple all over that is. Colour me unimpressed.... not by the laptop mostly, but by the outrageous price for so little features.

Why do people make such a huge deal over adapters or two connector cables? I for one prefer the MDP over HDMI. Just get a MDP to HDMI cable over at monoprice for like $10 and get over it. Theres no need to make this a big deal. The thing sends digital signals just like HDMI.

this is just stereo i guess?

I would think multi-channel support.

 

[jminush]

This deserves a very slow clap...

Apple could have simply equipped the laptop with a HDMI port instead if they wanted to.

Now they should atleast throw in a mini Display port to DVI or HDMI adapter in the box. The laptop is god damn expensive enough to say its supposed to be 'low end'... christ... £850 in the UK.. That is very expensive for a low end laptop. The specs compare to a mid range Sony or Hp machine which are around £500.

Basically this laptop connects to no screen other than Apple's LED screen's (which hardly anybody owns) unless you buy an adapter.

That's apple all over that is. Colour me unimpressed.... not by the laptop mostly, but by the outrageous price for so little features.

I think I'm going to have to totally agree with you. I was hoping they would have at least bump the 2GB RAM up to 4GB ... surely ... I mean they really didn't do very much IMO to the machine & price pointed it the same & took back $50 bucks of the $100 education discount on it. Why even buy this when you can just pay $150 bucks more & buy yourself a low end 13" MacBook Pro. I see no reason why anyone would spend the money on a regular MacBook. If $150 bucks means that much to you in the long run then you should probably think about buying a mediocre HP for $400-$500 from Wal-Mart.

 

[ValSalva]

This is good news. Finally.

 

[Dont Hurt Me]

Apples response....since we didnt invent HDMI we wont use it, just stupid in todays world of hdtv. Start adding the hdmi jacks you bunch of greedy morons. HDMI! This is the kind of stupid stuff that makes people want to buy Dell.

 

[manu chao]

Knowing Apple they are not going to issue a firmware fix for the older Macbooks. Just bought my office a projector that uses HDMI and it has a built-in speaker. I'm screwed because the mini displayport on my Macbook doesn't transfer audio.

And plugging in an extra audio cable would kill you?

 

[rikers_mailbox]

FYI, the monoprice adaptor doesn't work for audio.

 

[fpnc]

this is just stereo i guess?

That appears to be the unanswered question. I'd also guess that it won't pass multi-channel so you'll still need the optical output if you want to try to enable Dolby surround sound.

 

[PAC88]

OMGGGGGGGGGG! this makes the new macbook totally amazing!

 

[manu chao]

Apples response....since we didnt invent HDMI we wont use it, just stupid in todays world of hdtv.

Yeah, and since Apple did not invent DP or DVI (or VGA), they won't use it either.
Apple made a decision for DP over HDMI. But apparently only morons would do so. And all those people shipping anything with DP in it are morons.

 

[Icaras]

do the 13" MBP first gen aluminum models support this feature?

It says it in the article... (yes.)

Sorry, but where exactly do you read this? Checking with the support document for the 2009 13" MBP does not list the MDP as video and audio.

 

[manu chao]

Basically this laptop connects to no screen other than Apple's LED screen's (which hardly anybody owns) unless you buy an adapter.

My MBP had a mDP to VGA adaptor in its box, so you can hardly say it only connects to Apple's screen.

 

[rikers_mailbox]

this is just stereo i guess?

or maybe the option of bitstream? audio decoding can be done in a separate component.