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I have a TV with hdmi inputs, and I have an old Mac Book Pro with DVI output, and I'm going to buy a new Mac Book Pro which has mini DVI output.

When I want to use TV/projector with hdmi inputs as an external monitor, is it just simply connect them with dvi to hdmi connector?

  • If so, what vendors are favored with reasonable price?
  • If not, what equipment do I need to connect them?
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4 Answers

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It is that simple. However your resolution will be 1920 x 1080, so the benefit of a larger than 27" monitor is minimal at the distances you would typically have a monitor.

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up vote 3 down vote

New MacBook Pros don't have mini DVI; they have mini DisplayPort. You'll need a mini DisplayPort to HDMI adaptor (third party; Apple don't make one), and it will need to also have an audio connector since mini DisplayPort doesn't include an audio signal.

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Actually, newer Macs can output audio through mini DisplayPort. – Dori Feb 14 '11 at 5:49
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Yes you just need a mini-DisplayPort to HDMI converter cable for new Macs and a mini-DVI to HDMI converter cable for older MacBooks. There is no evidence to support that expensive HDMI cables (or DVI cables for that matter) with gold-plated contacts etc. are better than cheap ones. As long as the cable is built to a reasonable standard where it meets the appropriate safety regulations it should perform flawlessly unless you're buying the cable in lengths of 30 foot or more. There are plenty of tests out there to support what I'm saying, I've provided an image and link below to explain further.

HDMI rip off

http://www.40tech.com/2010/05/13/never-buy-expensive-hdmi-cables-buy-lots-of-cheap-ones-and-still-come-out-ahead/

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The image is slightly large, isn't it? – the-kenny Feb 13 '11 at 20:52
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Large? You mean slow to load? – conorgriffin Feb 13 '11 at 20:55
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Newest Macbooks appear to only come with Thunderbolt, thus no displayport connections.

EDIT: Thunderbolt accepts Mini Displayport cable connections.

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From apple.com: "And because Thunderbolt is based on DisplayPort technology, the video standard for high-resolution displays, any Mini DisplayPort display plugs right into the Thunderbolt port. To connect a DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI, or VGA display, just use an existing adapter." – koiyu Oct 16 '11 at 17:01
Ah, good info. I misread the lack of Displayport support, didn't realize Mini Dosplayport was supported. Thanks. – mt3 Oct 19 '11 at 6:40

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