Possible ghetto(?) HDMI solution? :)

Discussion in 'MacBook Pro' started by philophob, Jul 22, 2009.

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  1. philophob, Jul 22, 2009

    philophob macrumors newbie

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    #1
    Ok you can flame me for being ghetto(?) here. :D

    I was thinking about displaying some movies from my MBP 13 to my HDTV.
    As of today, :apple: does not offer HDMI (HD+Audio) cable.
    I googled around and found relatively cheap solution.
    I guess we can use USB to Optical Audio and Mini Display port to HDMI adapter

    What do you think guys/gals?
    Is this a feasible solution? I am not an expert in video/audio, so I'd appreciate it if PRO/Expert in audio/video can provide feedback here.

    I am not sure if the USB to Optical thing will work with OSX though. (But I am sure there are other products that works with Mac)

    So flame on. :eek:
     
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  2. getz76, Jul 22, 2009

    getz76 macrumors 6502a

    getz76

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    #2
    The Macbook Pro 13" has an optical out alreadly. You just need a mini-Toslink adapter. Check monoprice.
     
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  3. Nugget, Jul 22, 2009

    Nugget macrumors 65816

    Nugget

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    #3
    It's also possible that your television won't cooperate, expecting to receive both the audio and video over the HDMI. It will only work if your television's setup allows you to choose the optical audio input on top of the HDMI video. Odds are good it will, but some can't, so it's worth mentioning.

    And this is the audio cable getz76 was talking about.
     
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  4. mcpryon2, Jul 22, 2009

    mcpryon2 macrumors 6502a

    mcpryon2

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    #4
    Or get the minidisplayport + USB to HDMI cable from monoprice.
     
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  5. philophob, Jul 22, 2009

    philophob thread starter macrumors newbie

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    #5
    Thank you for the reply.
    Ok, I just checked the spec and indeed MBP 13 has optical digital out.
    So the analog out is also functioning as optical digital out?
    Please excuse my noobness and explain exactly what I need to get the optical audio output with mini-Toslink?
    Looking at the picture of mini-Toslink on the Amazon, I have no idea what goes where. :confused:
    Do I stick that thing to the analog audio input on the left side??
     
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  6. philophob, Jul 22, 2009

    philophob thread starter macrumors newbie

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    #6
    Oh I forgot to mention but I have separate 5.1 speaker system so I will directly connect the optical audio output to the speaker system not to the TV.;)
    I think that is the cable I need. So one end goes to the MBP audio out port and other one goes to the speaker system's optical in port, right?

    Will it be safe to connect the sound to the 5.1 speaker system? I am just bit worried that precious MBP might get any damage in anyways. :D
     
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  7. geoffreak, Jul 22, 2009

    geoffreak macrumors 68020

    geoffreak

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    #7
    Yep. Its that simple. Keep in mind that you will not be able to control volume on your computer while using optical audio. This is not a flaw, as the signal being sent is digital and is not decoded until it arrives at the receiver, where volume takes comes into play.

    Well, I suppose you could damage your MBP if you ramped up the speaker system's volume to the max and set the computer directly in front of the speaker. Even then, it may take awhile before you see any kind of damage, if at all.
     
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  8. philophob, Jul 22, 2009

    philophob thread starter macrumors newbie

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    #8
    Perfect answers!
    Thanks alot!!:D
    Arigatto!!
     
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