Best way to connect MBP Retina to TV ?

[Tacticus]

Hi, does anybody have any advice on what the best cable is to connect MacBook Pro Retina to TV for mirroring ? Should I use the HDMI slot or Thunderbolt ? Any recommendations for buying the cable too ?

 

[simsaladimbamba]

HDMI is the best and simplest way. Just get any HDMI cable you like.

 

[Tacticus]

Ok thanks, I'll do that.

 

[MassMacMan]

I do this all the time to watch HBO-Go shows on my TV screen. HDMI is the way to go.

 

[mohawkapple]

HDMI is the best and simplest way. Just get any HDMI cable you like.

i have a mid mbp,is there a hdmi port on my mac? i don't see one lol
just curious thanks

 

[simsaladimbamba]

i have a mid mbp,is there a hdmi port on my mac? i don't see one lol
just curious thanks

As I do not know, what you mean with "mid mbp", I presume you mean a mid 2012 MBP without Retina Display. If it say "MacBook Pro" on the bezel of your display, you do not have HDMI.

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?"
​

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​

 

[chuges]

Why is hdmi better?

 

[swerve147]

HDMI is a simple, tried and true plug and play connection, that's all. The cables are cheap and it works as intended almost 100% of the time. The only problem with the MBP implementation however is that it only supports up to 1080p (as do other devices, but the 1.4 spec supports higher resolutions).

EDIT: HDMI in OS X seems only to support 1080p. Apparently the port itself can support higher resolutions, someone else posted they can output 4k resolution in Windows.

 

[ColdCase]

HDMI for TV is just simpler, if your TV is new enough to have HDMI inputs. One cable, rarely an issue, full resolution. Some DRM protected content needs HDMI displays.

On my 2008 MacPro I've used a mini display port to HDMI converter (a monoprice one I think) for years without issue

 

[jmxp69]

HDMI also gives video and sound on a single connection.