Connecting the 2017 MBP to an HDMI TV

[camner]

I just bought a 2017 MBP (no touchbar) and I love it! But I'm struggling with how to connect the MBP via the USB-C port to a (not 4K) TV via HDMI.

I used to have a 2011 MBAir, and I used a minidisplayport to HDMI 16' cable to do the job. I've read in a number of places that doing two signal conversions is dodgy, so my original idea of getting a USB-C to minidisplayport dongle and use the current cable is a no-go.

Apple advertises their USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter for $69, but the reviews are terrible (on the Apple Store site!), saying that too often it just doesn't work.

Amazon has a number of USB-C to HDMI dongles, but several of them say that they don't work with the 2017 MBP or MB, others say they will, but only if the HDMI cable is an "active chip" cable, whatever that means...most Amazon HDMI cable listings are silent on whether the cable is "active chip" or "passive chip").

I know I could buy an Apple TV and use AirPlay, but it seems a bit of overkill to buy a $149/$199 device just to connect my computer to my TV...

Thoughts/suggestions?

 

[Sheppard]

Anker USB-C to HDMI works great for me.

 

[serkan]

I am also interested in a dongle that can work with 17 MBP and I heard that Hyperdrive works pretty fine.

Anyone uses Hyperdrive that can give me comments ?

 

[ZapNZs]

I have the older generation of this that is NOT for the 2017 and it works great with the 2016. It appears the company makes an updated model for the 2017
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XP9NV4G/ref=cm_cd_asin_lnk

 

[Hrodriguez77]

I am also interested in a dongle that can work with 17 MBP and I heard that Hyperdrive works pretty fine.

Anyone uses Hyperdrive that can give me comments ?

I actually have one that I'm selling brand new never opened. I purchased it on kickstarter with the intention of using it for a MacBook Pro I was buying, but I'm leaning more towards getting an iMac instead. Since I never opened it I can't comment on the hdmi functionality, but I'm sure it works fine.

 

[serkan]

I actually have one that I'm selling brand new never opened. I purchased it on kickstarter with the intention of using it for a MacBook Pro I was buying, but I'm leaning more towards getting an iMac instead. Since I never opened it I can't comment on the hdmi functionality, but I'm sure it works fine.

Interesting. How much are you thinking about selling it for ?

 

[EugW]

I have the older generation of this that is NOT for the 2017 and it works great with the 2016. It appears the company makes an updated model for the 2017
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XP9NV4G/ref=cm_cd_asin_lnk

Apple changed something with the 2017 Macs, as many 2016-compatible dongles don't work with the 2017 Macs. However, that specific cable description says it works with the 2017 MBP. No mention of 2017 MacBook though.

Plugable states their USBC to HDMI cable also works with the 2017 models, but their USBC to HDMI dongle does not.

 

[Hrodriguez77]

Interesting. How much are you thinking about selling it for ?

PM sent

 

[robvas]

Apple USB-C to HDMI works perfect for me

 

[jerryk]

Amazon has a number of USB-C to HDMI dongles, but several of them say that they don't work with the 2017 MBP or MB, others say they will, but only if the HDMI cable is an "active chip" cable, whatever that means...most Amazon HDMI cable listings are silent on whether the cable is "active chip" or "passive chip").


Thoughts/suggestions?

Active HDMI cables are balanced with a signal equalizer. If you need over 15 feet cables you want to make sure they are equalized. If you don't you can get signal dropout, which appears as screen flashing periodically. HDMI cables listed as high-speed or HDMI 2.0 are often balanced. And on Amazon, you can always ask the seller to verify if the cable is an "active" HDMI cables.

 

[Broke boi]

I just bought a 2017 MBP (no touchbar) and I love it! But I'm struggling with how to connect the MBP via the USB-C port to a (not 4K) TV via HDMI.

I used to have a 2011 MBAir, and I used a minidisplayport to HDMI 16' cable to do the job. I've read in a number of places that doing two signal conversions is dodgy, so my original idea of getting a USB-C to minidisplayport dongle and use the current cable is a no-go.

Apple advertises their USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter for $69, but the reviews are terrible (on the Apple Store site!), saying that too often it just doesn't work.

Amazon has a number of USB-C to HDMI dongles, but several of them say that they don't work with the 2017 MBP or MB, others say they will, but only if the HDMI cable is an "active chip" cable, whatever that means...most Amazon HDMI cable listings are silent on whether the cable is "active chip" or "passive chip").

I know I could buy an Apple TV and use AirPlay, but it seems a bit of overkill to buy a $149/$199 device just to connect my computer to my TV...

Thoughts/suggestions?

i recently bought a 3rd generation Apple TV for 60 euros. works just fine