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I have a late 2011 15" MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt/mini DisplayPort. What cable do I need which will transmit both audio AND video?

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It is important to note that depending on which TV you use, there might be problems with the HDMI-CEC feature. Basically if the TV realises a new HDMI+Audio connection it sends a query whether it is allowed to control the connected Computer (which, of course, isn´t the case) and some TVs then shutdown the CEC feature completely. In case of e.g. the Sony NX series the Soundbar (if used) then becomes useless. – Asmus Mar 23 '12 at 12:08

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Dr. Bott have HDMI adapters that can transmit audio as well as video, assuming your MacBook supports it (yours does): http://www.drbott.net/product/5499-MDHD/

Then, get a Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter by Apple which transmits both video and audio. Note that Thunderbolt is backwards compatible with Mini DisplayPort as far as these cables/adapters are concerned.

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That first one has hdmi at both ends - I dont have a port like that on my mac. – codecowboy Mar 22 '12 at 14:23
@codecowboy I updated the post to clarify. You need a Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter plus an HDMI to HDMI cable. I have this exact setup at home and it works flawlessly. – Mathias Bynens Mar 22 '12 at 14:24
Aha - I already have HDMI cables so will just need the adapter. – codecowboy Mar 22 '12 at 14:31
up vote 2 down vote

Monoprice has this adapter. They say it's Thunderbolt compatible, and for $7, I'd give it a try!

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I recently purchased their MDP/Thunderbolt to DP/DVI/HMDI adapter and that did support audio over HDMI for my 2011 MacBook Air. – Stephen Rudolph Mar 22 '12 at 19:56
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As @Asmus mentioned, you have to have a CEC channel or else it messes up your home theater setup. I am experiencing the same problem where I have a Samsung TV, an Onkyo 7.1 Surround Sound system, a 3D Blu-Ray player and then I have XBMC installed on my iMac as an HTPC. However, if I have my iMac plugged in using a Griffin Thunderbolt to HDMI, It causes my whole CEC system to fail.

The only solution I have found (and it isn't cheap) is a USB-CEC adapter. It's pricey at $47 without shipping, but it completely solved my problem - as well as made it so I can use my TV remote to control my XBMC on iMac.

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