Hook up Macbook to HDTV

[jonesh]

Actually, MonoPrice will be releasing a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter (supporting HDCP) by the end of January according to this link: http://www.macyourself.com/2008/12/11/macbook-owners-rejoice-mini-displayport-to-hdmi-adapter-soon/

The only problem with that is that audio will still need to be passed separately with its own cable to whatever speaker solution you'd like.

 

[lantzn]

OK, so it looks like we're set for the video connection : mini-dvi to dvi adapter + dvi to hdmi cable.

For the sound, it will be a toslink adapter to optical plug in the HDTV.

This clarifies the audio cable questions;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TOSLINK
Mini-TOSLINK jacks are commonly found on Apple computers and portable MiniDisc players. These provide the same capabilities but are almost exactly the same size and shape as the ubiquitous 3.5 mm stereo minijack (they are 0.5mm longer to prevent an analog plug from contacting the LED). Adapters are available to connect a TOSLINK cable to a Mini-TOSLINK jack.

They make TOSLINK to a Mini-TOSLINK cables, so no need for an adapter now.
http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-27016-Velocity-Toslink/dp/B0002JFN1A/ref=pd_cp_e_1


They also make mini-DVI to HDMI cables now, no need for an adapter.
http://www.depot888.com/mini-male-hdmi-male-cable-adapter-apple-p-1102.html

Now all we need is a mini-toslink/mini-dvi to HDMI cable and all would be perfect.

 

[DominusNovus]

So, I went through monoprice and picked up a mini-dvi to dvi and a dvi to hdmi. They arrived today and the mini-dvi doesn't fit my MBP.

Here's the product page, and it seems that everyone that bought it did so to hook it up to macs. So whats the problem here?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p..._id=1041912&p_id=4851&seq=1&format=4#feedback

 

[iEdd]

Macs haven't used mini-DVI for years. Don't just guess what port you have.

 

[AdamRock]

wrong section, this is macbook pro, not macbook.

 

[iEdd]

Are you talking to the OP? This thread is over 3 years old...

Now I can see how someone made the mistake of getting the wrong cable though.

 

[DominusNovus]

Bah. This wasn't the thread I originally found when looking this issue up, wish I had seen this one first, particular with the availability of the mini display to hdmi cables now. Ah well. When was the last year that macbooks used mini dvis? I've got plenty of friends that might find this a useful present.

EDIT: So, before I go make another purchase that I only think is the right one, this is the type of adapter I want, correct?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10246&cs_id=1024603&p_id=5997&seq=1&format=2

 

[iEdd]

IIRC, mini DisplayPort came in October 2008 with the first unibody MacBook Pros. Anything before that should be Mini DVI.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

DominusNovus, below you see an assortment of ports and plugs, maybe they can help you:

Mini DVI

Mini DVI is a digital common interface on the later G4 12" PowerBook, on Intel iMacs till 2009 and on the white and black pre-Unibody MacBooks and on Intel Mac minis before they changed the design to Unibody.

Mini DVI adapters can be bought online from:

Mini DVI to VGA adapter from Apple
Mini DVI to Video (Composite and S-Video) adapter from Apple
Mini DVI to DVI adapter from Apple

Mini DVI to VGA adapter from Monoprice
Mini DVI to HDMI adapter from Monoprice
Mini DVI to DVI adapter from Monoprice
​

Also of interest: "Mini DVI, what it is and how to capture it"
​

Mini DisplayPort (MDP)

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.

MDP adapters can be bought online from:

MDP to VGA adapter from Apple
MDP to DVI adapter from Apple
MDP to Dual-Link-DVI adapter from Apple

Moshi Mini DP to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support adapter from the Apple Online Store

Mini DisplayPort + USB to Dual-Link DVI adapter from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter from Monoprice - *NOTE* This product does NOT support audio for Macs that outputs audio through the Mini DisplayPort.
Mini Displayport Male and USB Male/Toslink Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter from Monoprice
Mini Displayport Male and USB Male Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter from Monoprice - *NOTE* Will only support 2 channel stereo. Will not support 5.1 Dolby Surround like the above adapter.

Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Cables from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to VGA Cables from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to DVI Cables from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Cables from Monoprice​

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?"
​

DVI (Digital Visual Interface)

The successor of VGA, which is capable of analog and digital video transfer, though Apple restricted their adapters to DVI-D, which is purely digital.

DVI cables can be bought online from:

Monoprice - DVI cables​

Also of interest: "Understanding the DVI Connector and Video Cable"
​

VGA (Video Graphics Array)

The oldest video connection for computers that is still around. It is transferring an analog video signal and go up to 2048 × 1536 pixel (QXGA). It is often found on most displays and projectors, sometimes even on TVs.

VGA cables can be bought online from:

Monoprice - VGA cables​

Also of interest: "VGA Connector Guide - the Port and Cable Explained"
​

 

[DominusNovus]

Very helpful. The new cable I'm looking at looked like it would fit into my port, but I wanted to make sure.

 

[ellischristian8]

Hook up MacBook to HDTV

Im trying to connect my black macbook (early 2008) to my vizio smart tv and i followed the directions to where the apple shows on my tv…..but it just flickers between the “no signal” screen and a blank blue screen. WHAT DO I DO???? #PleaseHelp !!!!!

 

[borostef]

Im trying to connect my black macbook (early 2008) to my vizio smart tv and i followed the directions to where the apple shows on my tv…..but it just flickers between the “no signal” screen and a blank blue screen. WHAT DO I DO???? #PleaseHelp !!!!!

What adapter/cable are you using to connect your macbook to the tv? I am using mini displayport to HDMI adapter to connect my 2008 macbook to my hdtv and it works with no problems...