1080p display to iMac

[ventuss]

I want to connect a 1080p display to my 2013 iMac, but I can't find any Thunderbolt to HDMI cable on Apple Store (online). Is there any other way to do it? If I use an Apple TV, will there be lags when gaming?

 

[simsaladimbamba]

You use a MiniDisplayPort to HDMI adapter from Apple or MonoPrice.

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 and cables can be bought online from:

Apple Online Store (or the physical Apple Store)

• MDP to VGA adapter
• MDP to DVI adapter
• MDP to Dual-Link-DVI adapter
• Moshi Mini DP to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support adapter

Monoprice

• Mini DisplayPort + USB to Dual-Link DVI adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter
• Mini Displayport Male and USB Male/Toslink Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter
• Mini Displayport Male and USB Male Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter - *NOTE* Will only support 2 channel stereo. Will not support 5.1 Dolby Surround like the above adapter.

• Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cables
• Mini DisplayPort to VGA cables
• Mini DisplayPort to DVI cables
• Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables
• Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cables

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?"
​

 

[ventuss]

So basically the Thunderbolt port is the same as the Mini DisplayPort? I didn't know that at all. My iMac only says that I have 4x USB3, 2 ThunderBolt and 1 Giga...

 

[Wuiffi]

So basically the Thunderbolt port is the same as the Mini DisplayPort? I didn't know that at all. My iMac only says that I have 4x USB3, 2 ThunderBolt and 1 Giga...

Yes. Thunderbolt basically combines PCIe and displayport into one cable. Afaik the Thunderbolt 1 as in your iMac integrates displayport 1.1a.

But back to your question: You can use a mini displayport to HDMI adapter for your display, as the thunderbolt ports function as mini displayports too

 

[CH12671]

To answer the other part of your question.....you will not be able to game, or really do anything real time for that matter by screen sharing over ATv. It's great for pushing movies to, and it's great for using as a second monitor for presentations (keynote) (this was a new feature in mavericks and is awesome!), but it is not great just to use as a second monitor for any kind of production work....it lags way too much for that!

 

[gmanist1000]

I want to connect a 1080p display to my 2013 iMac, but I can't find any Thunderbolt to HDMI cable on Apple Store (online). Is there any other way to do it? If I use an Apple TV, will there be lags when gaming?

I bought this Thunderbolt to HDMI cable for myself, it works flawlessly.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C7RNOXO/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1