Problems connecting MacBook to HDTV via HDMI

[westcoastsci]

Hi,

I've purchased all the cables to connect my MacBook to my HDTV. Is there any software I need to use in order to make a connection? When it's set up, all I see is a picture of the desktop, but no icons or mouse pointer etc?

It seems like the TV is getting a signal, but not showing a picture?

Thanks!

 

[spinnerlys]

System Preferences > Displays > Arrangement

MIRROR DISPLAYS will mirror your MB's internal display onto the TV.

What you have now, is an extended display.



Also have a look at the following links, as the information presented there might be helpful in your future endeavours into Mac OS X and could clear up initial confusion and may even prevent harm to your system or your files.

 

[nearlynormal]

Problems connecting to HDTV via HDMI

I had exactly the same problem, and the answer from spinnerlys was the only one I could find on the web -thanks very much.
However, I don't know if I'm giving myself away as a newbie (which I am, 3rd day owning a Mac!) but there was one extra piece of information needed, the Arrangement tab only appears when the Mac & TV are connected. I spent some time searching for the missing tab prior to connecting!

 

[grue]