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Get macbook pro video on TV

J

johnpc

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 15, 2010
43
0
I'm essentially looking for a an adapter between mini DisplayPort and RCA connectors. I'm using a 13 inch macbook pro to a TC with only the red, white, and yellow (RCA) connectors. Unfortunately I can not find the cable anywhere online. Suggestions would be appreciated.
 
aeboi said:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mini-Display-Po...538726593?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0#ht_3555wt_913

+

http://cgi.ebay.com/6FT-DVI-I-3-RGB...-LP-PC-TV-1-8M-/320571820050?pt=AU_Components

problem solved
Click to expand...

Component is not the same as RCA.

YUV.GIF
 
"TC" was a typo (sorry). Just a "TV". Television. The TV only has RCA ports and a headphone jack.
 
That Audio jack is perfect. If only I could get video on there, too.
 
Yes, thankyou! I noticed that right after I posted. Is there any risk that a two adapter video solution just wouldn't work? Like would it need a converter?

Right now as I understand it I need two cables:
http://cgi.ebay.com/VGA-TV-Converte...530995228?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0#ht_1052wt_913
+
http://cgi.ebay.com/Genuine-Apple-M...-MB572Z-A-/280552551283?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0

to get video to work

then one more cable:
http://cgi.ebay.com/3-5mm-3-5-Jack-...deo-AV-TV-/250639332983?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0

for audio.
 
johnpc said:
I'm assuming this is the converter box necessary to get video working:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10114&cs_id=1011407&p_id=4724&seq=1&format=2

So essentially, hooking up a macbook pro to an RCA television is a $30/$40 project in total, for three cables and a converter box. Is this right?
Click to expand...

Don't think you actually need that converter box, I've connected my older MBP to VGA using a similar converter cable as I linked to and it worked, didn't need a converter box. I'm looking for my vga to rca cable right now...haven't used it in a long time

anyone know?
 
there was a really good post that talked about it. lemme see if I can find it.

here ya go. Explains in detail, bold for emphasis. Taken from http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/1011186-post7.html:

First off, with the mini displayport and the mini-DVI port beginning in late 2008 and early 2009, analog is not so easy any longer.

1A. Early 2009 mini-DVI port to composite or S-Video

Beginning with these models, the mini-DVI to video cable that Apple has been selling will no longer work.
You'll need a converter now in order to use these connections.
First you'll need a mini-DVI to VGA adapter - Apple - monoprice
Then you'll need one of the converters listed in # 2 below.

1B. For every analog connection from the mini displayport, you must have:
A mini displayport to VGA adapter. You can grab Apple's or save some money and pick it up from monoprice.
(If you get the Apple adapter, first time you plug it in while connected to the TV, you should run 'Software Update'. Apple released an update for this adapter a few months ago, and I do not know if all the current ones have the new firmware or not.)

Add a VGA cable and you're good to go with any monitor or TV with a VGA port.

2. For composite and S-video, you'll need a converter along with the above adapters. A simple adapter will not work. You must have a converter. These were all around $100 when first released. But, have I got a deal for you.
At under $30, head over to monoprice again.
For those that prefer Amazon, the currently best reviewed one is here.

Both of these are powered by USB. I believe both models have a composite cable and the monoprice model includes an S-Video cable.

You cannot use an adapter, such as one of these, instead of a converter. An adapter and a converter are two different items.

See Post # 15 below

3. Just to complete this post for future readers, those interested in a component connection, you will also need a converter. You're not going to get away with $30 though. Don't even bother looking at all those VGA to component cables out there... they will not work on your Mac... nor on most any computer for that matter. I have seen some cheapie converters recently as low as $80, but typically they have been priced in the $150-$250 range.


4. Audio Most folks using these older connections already know what they need. But for those few that are new to the whole concept of connecting your computer to a TV, typically you will need what's called a stereo mini-plug (aka 3.5 mm stereo plug) to RCA cable similar to this one. The small single end plugs into your Mac and the red and white ends will plug into the TV next to the video port you are using.
Click to expand...
 
OP here.

Those cables finally shipped from Hong Kong (sorry it took so long) and I tried it. It's my macbook pro to apple's miniDisplayPort to VGA to VGA to RCA to my RCA TV. The connection seems sound but the video simply does not work. I've tried messing with the Display Settings (mirror displays, etc.) but I get nothing. The TV reacts by making electrical sounds and offering different "white noise" images when I check/uncheck mirror displays but nothing results in working video. Help?
 
Thats because you outputting a digital signal from the mdp port.

You need a converter box.

Precisely what are you trying to do? Because anything other than just watching movies on your telly..isn't going to be anything like enjoyable.

You won't be able to use it as a second monitor as the resolution is FAR too low.
 
I really do mainly want it for movie watching. It's kinda a shame. A flat panel TV with free shipping is available for buy it now on ebay for $89. A converter box costs more than that. Looks like I won't be able to do it.
 
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