how to connect 2010 MBP to older Tv

[steve jobz]

So first of all, this is my very first post on Mac Rumors although I have been following this very forum for almost a year waiting for an arrandale MBP like so many others.

I am a college student and I have an older TV and I wanted to connect my MBP to it so I can watch movies on a larger screen. The only problem is that my tv only has the input for the component, red white and yellow, and i cant find a wire that goes from that to ANYTHING that I could then buy the adapter for the mini display port to. Does anyone know what I should buy, other than a newer TV, in order to make this work. Links would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sadcamper]

Don't quote me on this, but I believe the signal coming from the computer is digital, while the (I assume you meant composite, not component) is analogue. So it's either not possible, or you'd need some sort of converter between the two.

I'm sure someone else here is more learned on the subject than I.

 

[robbieduncan]

There is no cheap way to do it. Your MBP is outputting a purely digital signal. You need an analogue one. The only solution is to capture the digitial signal, render it into a framebuffer then re-output as analogue.

Something like this will work but I suspect you can get a small LCD TV with HDMI input for a similar price.

 

[revbarabbas]

So first of all, this is my very first post on Mac Rumors although I have been following this very forum for almost a year waiting for an arrandale MBP like so many others.

I am a college student and I have an older TV and I wanted to connect my MBP to it so I can watch movies on a larger screen. The only problem is that my tv only has the input for the component, red white and yellow, and i cant find a wire that goes from that to ANYTHING that I could then buy the adapter for the mini display port to. Does anyone know what I should buy, other than a newer TV, in order to make this work. Links would be greatly appreciated.

This:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB570Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDA5OQ&mco=MTA4MzU1NTE

Connected to this:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/M9267G/A?fnode=MTY1NDA5OQ&mco=MTA4MzU1NjA

Then for audio get an 1/8 inch to RCA cable from Radio Shack

 

[robbieduncan]

This:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB570Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDA5OQ&mco=MTA4MzU1NTE

Connected to this:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/M9267G/A?fnode=MTY1NDA5OQ&mco=MTA4MzU1NjA

Then for audio get an 1/8 inch to RCA cable from Radio Shack

I'm about 99% sure that won't work. The Apple DVI->Video adaptor only works with Macs with DVI (full size or mini). That's because those Macs have DVI-I ports. The Mini Display Port->DVI gives you a DVD-D port. So no dice.

 

[revbarabbas]

I'm about 99% sure that won't work. The Apple DVI->Video adaptor only works with Macs with DVI (full size or mini). That's because those Macs have DVI-I ports. The Mini Display Port->DVI gives you a DVD-D port. So no dice.

Damn...good catch...I guess there is no cheap way to do it then.

Seriously then the only "good" solution is to upgrade your tv to one that either does component or hdmi. Then use the appropriate adapters. Cause a solution that goes from mini-display port to composite is going to cost close to or more than a new smaller sized TV.

EDIT:

Found a solution but it's a little pricey at ~$65 plus tax and shipping.

This:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB572Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDA5OQ&mco=MTA4MzU1NDg

Connected to this:
http://www.amazon.com/HD15-Male-Min...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1276465970&sr=8-1

Connected to THIS:
http://sewelldirect.com/pc-to-tv.asp

Will definitely work. But to be honest thats a lot of daisy chaining and I would rather save up for a new TV. Plus I can't vouch for the quality of the VGA to RCA adapter...it could in all respects be a POS, but it's up to you really. Also don't forget to set your resolution to 640x480 when you connect it to the TV.

 

[djasterix]

MDP to VGA and then VGA to Video...

 

[steve jobz]

Thanks for all of your help. these solutions are all very costly but not as much as a new 50 inch flat screen to replace my 50 inch projector TV with HD. I miss the good old days, like 4 years back, when these cables were all available basically anywhere

 

[dr. shdw]

Time to get a 50" Plasma, I got mine for $600~!