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Macbook Pro connect to TV

P

padagr

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 31, 2013
4
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Hello. I've read some other posts, but I'm still confused. I really want to connect my Macbook Pro into my HDTV to watch HBO Go online. First, can you go online while connected into the TV? Also what cord(s) should I buy? Do I need a cord for the sound and the image?

I have a 2012 Macbook Pro (13 in). It runs on Mountain Lion.

Thanks for your help!
 
A Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable should be fine if your TV supports 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​
MR_video_out_Mac_Mini_DP.png
MDP adapters and cables can be bought online from:


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?"
​
Click to expand...

from
And yes, you can go online while the TV is connected to the MBP.

To learn more about Mac OS X: Helpful Information for Any Mac User by GGJstudios​
 
What is the difference between MDP to VGA and MDP to DVI? Thanks for your help.
 
padagr said:
What is the difference between MDP to VGA and MDP to DVI? Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...

Does your TV not have HDMI?

Anyway, the difference is that VGA is analog and older and is of less visual quality and does not support higher resolutions (though 1920 x 1080 can be done) and DVI is digital and newer and has better visual quality and supports bigger resolutions, though with an HD TV is might not matter.
 
padagr said:
What is the difference between MDP to VGA and MDP to DVI? Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...

Different connections from your TV. VGA is actually analog, and will give you a worse signal with the same size adapter than DVI. Or, if you have the rMBP, use an HDMI able without any adapters to connect it to a TV at a max 1080p resolution in OSX (4K is supported in Bootcamp).
 
simsaladimbamba said:
Does your TV not have HDMI?

Anyway, the difference is that VGA is analog and older and is of less visual quality and does not support higher resolutions (though 1920 x 1080 can be done) and DVI is digital and newer and has better visual quality and supports bigger resolutions, though with an HD TV is might not matter.
Click to expand...

My TV does have HDMI. So if I got the MDP to DVI cord, would I need to get another cord to connect the DVI cord to the HDMI slot on the TV? I hope this makes sense. Also the DVI cord would connect the sound, right?
 
padagr said:
My TV does have HDMI. So if I got the MDP to DVI cord, would I need to get another cord to connect the DVI cord to the HDMI slot on the TV? I hope this makes sense.
Click to expand...

Yes, that would work, but as already mentioned, you just get a MDP to HDMI adapter or cable from any source you want, like MonoPrice or Apple or Amazon. Just verify, that is transmits audio via MDP>HDMI. Or is there a problem going that route?
 
padagr said:
My TV does have HDMI. So if I got the MDP to DVI cord, would I need to get another cord to connect the DVI cord to the HDMI slot on the TV? I hope this makes sense. Also the DVI cord would connect the sound, right?
Click to expand...

If your TV has DVI (which does sound, too), just get a DVI cord (male to male) and plug it into the MDP to DVI (female) adapter.
 
simsaladimbamba said:
Yes, that would work, but as already mentioned, you just get a MDP to HDMI adapter or cable from any source you want, like MonoPrice or Apple or Amazon. Just verify, that is transmits audio via MDP>HDMI. Or is there a problem going that route?
Click to expand...

That shouldn't be a problem. Thanks so much for your help!

----------
B... said:
If your TV has DVI (which does sound, too), just get a DVI cord (male to male) and plug it into the MDP to DVI (female) adapter.
Click to expand...

I think I'll go with the MDP to HDMI. I've never used DVI plugs before. Thanks for your help.
 
padagr said:
Hello. I've read some other posts, but I'm still confused. I really want to connect my Macbook Pro into my HDTV to watch HBO Go online. First, can you go online while connected into the TV? Also what cord(s) should I buy? Do I need a cord for the sound and the image?

I have a 2012 Macbook Pro (13 in). It runs on Mountain Lion.

Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...

Alternatively, if you have a Samsung TV. You could also install the "Mirror for Samsung TV" mac app. This app simply casts your screen to your TV. No extra hardware, cables or apps on your TV required: You can download this app from the App Store: http://apple.co/2242oo7
 
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Roeland said:
Alternatively, if you have a Samsung TV. You could also install the "Mirror for Samsung TV" mac app. This app simply casts your screen to your TV. No extra hardware, cables or apps on your TV required: You can download this app from the App Store: http://apple.co/2242oo7
Click to expand...

Or you could keep an eye on the dates in threads, this hasn't been active for over three years...
 
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