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General discussion

Hooking Mac Into TV

Jul 20, 2010 9:05AM PDT

I know that using the DVI to VGA device, one can get their mac picture to show up on TV, but is there any way to also hook sound up from mac into TVs?

I have some TV shows I've bought on iTunes that aren't on DVD and I'd like to watch them on my TV. Is there an all-in-one picture AND sound method to get my mac to play video on my TV?

Discussion is locked

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Not an all in one solution
Jul 20, 2010 9:19AM PDT

but you can take the sound from the Sound Out port and run it to your TV Audio In ports.

You may need to get a 3.5mm to RCA (left and right) adapter.

P

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Re:
Jul 26, 2010 8:39AM PDT

Which is the sound out port? The one that looks sort of like this >O< (two arrows into a circle?)

Is this a better option than just buying an iPod to TV device? I could just drop my shows on my iPod instead...

Is there a big quality difference if I do that or since they are iTunes shows, it's same quality whether it is iPod to TV or Mac to TV?

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Decisions
Jul 26, 2010 10:55AM PDT

Sound out usually has a headphone icon on it.
The one you describe is Audio in.

Quality will be about the same with the iPod or Mac. You already have the DVI to VGA adapter, all you need is the sound cable.

P

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No
Jul 20, 2010 11:27AM PDT

No, only with one of the new Mac Minis is this really possible since they have native HDMI. And while the suggestion offered may work, it may depend on your TV if that will work or not. If not, then your only real option would be some kind of expensive device like a home theater receiver.

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Does the HDMI output on the Mini
Jul 20, 2010 9:59PM PDT

support Audio?

P

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Sure
Jul 20, 2010 11:21PM PDT

Sure... Why wouldn't it? The only thing about it, is that it's a Mini-HDMI port, so you'd need some kind of mini to regular sized cable or adapter. Don't know for sure, but betting Monoprice would have both.

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OK, but
Jul 21, 2010 2:29AM PDT

I see no mention of this HDMI port being a Mini-HDMI and Apple do not sell any form of adapter for it.

When they produce something out of the ordinary, mini-display port or mini-DVI for example, they usually have the adapter in the store on the same day.

P

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It comes with one
Jul 21, 2010 11:01AM PDT

It comes with one in the box, a Mini-HDMI to DVI adapter, since it's that or Mini-DisplayPort for output options. At least it looks like a Mini-HDMI port to me. Seems about maybe 75% of the size of the ports on my receiver, but I'll accept that there's a possibility I'm wrong and it's regular sized. I really didn't spend a lot of time looking at it.

Had one come across my desk at work which needed a new fan and DVD drive. One of the big problems with the Mini has always been it relies on a single fan to cool the entire thing, so if the fan goes out, or just doesn't perform to spec, you've got problems. But the new Mini is much easier to work on compared to the old ones, with the exception of the sensor board they solder to the side of the drives. So if you break one of those annoying little vertical insert cables, the entire drive has to be replaced. It also limits your options for using off the shelf parts.

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HDMI connectors are small anyway,
Jul 21, 2010 9:53PM PDT

and the adapter in the box would be a step backwards and negate the purpose of having an HDMI output in the first place.

They do look nice though, the mini's that is.


P

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Hooking Mac Into TV
Jul 31, 2010 11:14PM PDT

Your posting spoke about getting the TV shows you downloaded from Apple to your TV. I recently purchased the Apple TV. You plug it in and hook it up to your TV with an HDMI cable. (It's that simple.) You wirelessly send your programs, pictures, music, and video (via iTunes)to the Apple TV device and watch and listen to whatever you like whenever you like. I've ripped my DVD collection to iTunes. That's on the Apple TV now. I'm doing the same with my favorite VCR's. I no longer have a VCR or DVD player hooked up to my main TV, only the Apple TV device. The Apple TV device is the best consumer product I've purchased in years.

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Use a dedicated cable
Aug 1, 2010 11:12AM PDT

You did not say what type of connector you have on the back of your Mac and you did not say what type of connector you have on your TV. You can buy a cable that will bridge nearly any gap. For, example, I use the Kanex Mini-DisplayPort to HDMI connector with my iMac and my television set. I get an HD picture and surround sound on my TV. You can see the Kanex cable here: http://www.amazon.com/Kanex-iAdapt-DisplayPort-Channel-Digital/dp/B0031QH1BG

You mentioned DVI, so perhaps you have an older Mac with a DVI output. In that case, you could use a DVI to HDMI converter cable like this one: http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-HDMI-Adapter-Cable-Meters/dp/B001TH7T2U/ref=tag_dpp_lp_edpp_ttl_ex

In this case, you will want to add a sound cable like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-F8V235-12-12-Foot-Audio-Cable/dp/B000067RBT/ref=pd_sim_gs_e_1_1

If these cables are not right for the connections that you have, just Google the two types of connectors that you need and you should find the right cable. If you get a video converter, be sure to add a sound cable. The first link that I gave you, above, includes both video and sound in one converter.

Good luck!

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Sure you have all the info, but just in case
Aug 9, 2010 5:37PM PDT

I have a Mac Book Pro connected by using a Mini Display port to HDMI which connects directly to my tv. Then I took a normal dual male 3.5mm cable from the "head phone" jack to the AUX on my surround sound, a normal audio to L-R cable to your tv will work as well.

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Single Cable MDP to HDMI on new MBP?
Nov 4, 2010 11:47AM PDT

Eduardo,

Noticed you have posted about a MDP port to HDMI direct connection and was curious if you knew if the new cable from Monoprice (I'm sure other outlets sell the same item, just happen to use Monoprice) (MDP to HDMI/ONE CABLE ONLY!) works? There is another thread that I found that states that an adapter has to be used? but not sure why I would use a MDP to HDMI adapter then add a HDMI to HDMI cable. Would not the single cable perform the same function? Is there a step missing or does the single cable simply not work with the Mac Book Pro? Any help would be much appreciated!!

PS: Have searched and watched multiple how-to videos and threads but have yet to see anyone address the single cable question. Tks.

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That Monoprice cable will work
Nov 4, 2010 11:54AM PDT

That Monoprice cable will work just fine. I'm using a MDP to HDMI cable right now for a second monitor. Even got it from Monoprice. Only issue is the MDP end is a bit "thick" and will not work on a laptop. Works fine on an iMac though.