Unibody MacBook Pro to TV

jjhammerstein · Post by **jjhammerstein** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 10:43 am

I can't figure out how to connect a TV as a second monitor.

Does anyone know how?

Post by **bicostp** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 10:50 am

Depends.

If it has a TV-Out jack, that might work. However, almost every computer I've seen can only mirror the current display on the TV, or use the TV exclusively.

If it has some sort of DVI-Out, you can use a DVI to HDMI adapter to connect to an HDTV.

Otherwise, you'll need an external VGA to analog video converter box to extend the image to the TV. This isn't worth it for practical desktop use, because the boxes cost more than $50 on average and even 1024x768 on a 27" TV is borderline unusable. (You can read 800x600 on a 13" TV if you squint hard enough.) If you want a second monitor, you're better off spending the money on a real monitor. However they are great for videos and emulators. (Things that belong on a TV in the first place.)

jjhammerstein · Post by **jjhammerstein** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 10:51 am

I know all that, I'm looking for the actual cords needed.
This laptop only has Mini-DisplayPort out, and I need RCA or S-video.

Post by **bicostp** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 11:02 am

Then you need a DisplayPort to VGA adapter, and a TV scan converter box on top of that.

Apple sells an adapter for $30, but you might be able to find a cheaper one elsewhere. You can easily find TV converter boxes for $50 or so on NewEgg and Tiger Direct.

jjhammerstein · Post by **jjhammerstein** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 12:31 pm

Well, mirroring is totally okay.

I just need the adapter then?

Post by **bicostp** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 1:02 pm

You need both adapters.

Macbook -> Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter -> VGA to TV adapter -> TV

Harshboy · Post by **Harshboy** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 2:33 pm

bicostp wrote:You need both adapters.

Macbook -> Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter -> VGA to TV adapter -> TV

Apple sells cables for this kind of stuff right on their site.

Mini DisplayPort to DVI
DVI to Composite/S-video

Not sure if the two DVI are male and female so you might need to pick a male-male or female-female adapter at Radio Shack for < $5.

bgnome · Post by **bgnome** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 11:11 pm

Harshboy wrote:
bicostp wrote:You need both adapters.

Macbook -> Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter -> VGA to TV adapter -> TV
Apple sells cables for this kind of stuff right on their site.

Mini DisplayPort to DVI
DVI to Composite/S-video

Not sure if the two DVI are male and female so you might need to pick a male-male or female-female adapter at Radio Shack for < $5.

that second adapter is somewhat misleading. it is only meant to be used in specific mac models that have a tv-out built in to their dvi port. as far as i can tell, the new mini displayport lacks tv-out support so the scan converter is probably the way to go.