Noob Question - MAC Laptop to TV

Dutchy · 21-05-2012 12:15PM #1

Hi folks,

I'm sure there is a fairly simple answer to this one, but being a technophobe, I thought it wise to ask the question here first before I splashed out.

My girlfriend has a MAC laptop and she wants a cable to connect her MAC laptop to her new LCD TV. The idea is that she wants to steam AERTV, movies, etc from her laptop so she can watch/hear on the TV

Will the below do the trick?

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/9030820/Trail/searchtext%3ELAPTOP+TO+TV+CABLE.htm

or

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/9048513.htm

Also, can either of the above leads be bought cheaper in Dublin city? She looking to hook it up ASAP so I'm not sure if online is an option thus a B&M shop would be better.

Thanks in advance, lads.

nicewon

acotone · 21-05-2012 12:21PM

Hi,

Check if there is a HDMI port on the laptop and the TV, probably should be there:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI

maggy_thatcher · 21-05-2012 12:26PM

Depending on the age/model, Mac laptops either have one of these connectors:

Mini-DVI
DVI
Mini-Displayport

In all cases, you can get applicable -HDMI cables to allow you to connect the two together. If it's a new enough model, then the Mini-DisplayPort -> HDMI cable also includes audio.

Neither of the cables you suggested will work, as they're for VGA outputs.

Dutchy · 21-05-2012 02:10PM

Thanks lads - not sure what model Mac Laptop she has. I know it's a Mac Book purchased in 2008 - not sure if this helps!

maggy_thatcher · 21-05-2012 02:25PM

Dutchy wrote: »

Thanks lads - not sure what model Mac Laptop she has. I know it's a Mac Book purchased in 2008 - not sure if this helps!

That's the transition period - between Minidvi and MiniDisplayPort (the aluminium MacBook's released in October '08 had MDP).

Easiest option is to bring the MacBook to somewhere like Compu-B on Grafton St, and see which one fits (or send a picture of the side).

Dutchy · 21-05-2012 03:14PM

Thanks Maggie - I'll do just that:)

riclad · 22-05-2012 07:21PM

Look on tv .has it dvi interface,
http://images.appleinsider.com/closer-081014-3.png
if mac has a dvi full size port,not mini dvi,
then get a dvi to dvi cable,
if tv has no dvi,get dvi to hdmi cable,
http://www.amazon.com/DVI-HDMI-Cable-6ft-Male-Male/dp/B0002CZHN6
I,M not a mac expert ,so i dont know if dvi out, has to be turned on,activated ,or selected ,external dvi display /on.off propertys,
like in a windows os,control panel,grahics ,external displays,options.
see
http://www.ehow.com/how_5212686_connect-dvi-tv.html
on tv control,, see menu, select,source,input, hdmi, or dvi , to acess mac signal.
IF not sure select 1024x768 resolution on the mac ,most hdtvs will display that
with no interference or distortion .
if mac standard resolution is 1200x1000,
it may be too high ,out of range for your tv.
See tv manual, re pc input,
standard resolutions ,recommended.
IF possible set Graphics card adaptor,refresh rate 60mhz,before you plug in any cables into tv.
my hdtv only accepts 60mhz max refresh rate,
will not work on 75mhz refresh rate signals.http://support.apple.com/kb/SP5
says likely you have a mini dvi interface
grahics card
supports 1024x768 resolution .
i,d say you,ll need a minidvi to hdmi ,
or maybe a dvi to hdmi cable.
theres also mini dvi to vga cables as stated in that link, avaidable ,most tvs now have one
vga in interface.

Noob Question - MAC Laptop to TV

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