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Which cable to I need to connect my MacBook Pro to my tv?

J

james7891

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 5, 2012
2
0
I'm having some trouble finding the information I need for this question. I have looked and found some, but all the connections don't look the same as mine and I would like to make sure before I go out and buy one.
macbookpro_2011_side.jpg


The side looks like that, but do I need one for Firewire or is it for the Thunderbolt?

Thanks, James.
 
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 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?"
​
Click to expand...
from
 
Thanks everyone, so I need a mini displayport cable and that should slot right into my Thunderbolt port?
 
Apple

I see that (of course) Apple adapter is $34.95 and the link that is on this thread is $7.00. I also have a MacBook Pro and want to order Netflix. Is this cable, being relatively less, safe to use and (being somewhat computer savvy) I assume I disconnect HDMI already in my cable box and connect to my Mac using the adapter. Thank you for your input. :)
 
trntogl said:
I see that (of course) Apple adapter is $34.95 and the link that is on this thread is $7.00. I also have a MacBook Pro and want to order Netflix. Is this cable, being relatively less, safe to use and (being somewhat computer savvy) I assume I disconnect HDMI already in my cable box and connect to my Mac using the adapter. Thank you for your input. :)
Click to expand...


The cable should be fine. Never buy cables from Apple; they are absurdly expensive. All of the cheap rip-offs that I've bought over the years work just fine.
 
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