lostverse

Q: Having problems connecting iMac(late 2006) running 10.7.5 to a Samsung Flat Screen TV using separate audio/speaker cable and HDMI standard cable, mini-DVI to HDMI video converter.  TV displays generic Apple galaxy background and "some" windows (e.g. scree

Not sure that I have selected the correct forum.  Hope my questions are clearly stated.

 

Having problems connecting iMac(late 2006) running 10.7.5 to a Samsung Flat Screen TV using separate audio/speaker cable and HDMI standard cable, mini-DVI to HDMI video converter.  TV displays generic Apple galaxy background and "some" windows (e.g. screen resolution choices).   It does not show Mail or Safari menus.  System preferences'  display "gathered" the Samsung and chose its resolution.  I did not find a way to select the Samsung as my display.

 

In addition to having old hardware, we have Verizon FIOS providing internet and TV access.  Is there any way to make this work for us?  We would like to stream video (Netflix) and view shows from the Web.  Do we need Apple TV to do this?  Or is it not possible with our old iMac?  My husband thinks that our Airport could be a factor. 

 

Thank you

iMac (20-inch Late 2006), Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on May 10, 2013 11:50 AM

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Q: Having problems connecting iMac(late 2006) running 10.7.5 to a Samsung Flat Screen TV using separate audio/speaker cable and HDMI ... more

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  • by mende1,

    mende1 mende1 May 10, 2013 11:56 AM in response to lostverse
    Level 10 (93,329 points)
    Desktops
    May 10, 2013 11:56 AM in response to lostverse

    There are different ways to use an external display with a Mac. The one used by default is the extended display. In this mode, move windows to the right part of the iMac's display and they will appear on your TV.

     

    If you want a different method, read > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5019

  • by MichelPM,

    MichelPM MichelPM May 10, 2013 12:52 PM in response to lostverse
    Level 6 (14,087 points)
    iPad
    May 10, 2013 12:52 PM in response to lostverse

    Lately, I have been seeing a lot of posts with users trying to use their Macs/iMacs to mirror their streaming video from their Macs to an HDTV.

    There are, actually, many alternatives to choose from than just from a Mac.

    You need to have or invest in a WiFi capable router for all of these examples.

    Apple TV only integrates with WiFi and newer Mac hardware. So, if you want to have total integrated experience, if you have a 2011 Mac or newer, you might as well pay the $100 for the AppleTV box.

     

    If you have a older Mac, like I have noticed many users do, then you have other options.

    If you want to elimate long cable clutter and having your Mac at the mercy of your TV all of the time,  you can still use the AppleTV box independently or purchase cheaper alternative media streaming boxes from Roku, Sony, Boxee or any number of electronics manufacturers that now have media streaming boxes and media streaming capability built into DVD/Blu-ray players.

    These eliminate long cable clutter by being close to the HDTV where shorter, less expensive cables can be used.

     

    Another alternative for iPad users is to use an iPad with the USB/HDMI video adapter and use your iPad as the streaming box. This ties up your iPad in much the same way as it does with your Mac, but again the iPad can be close to the TV and use minimal cables to the TV.

     

    Another alternative to is to use a combination of an iPad and your Mac to stream content that is only available to stream online from a computer. In this case, you can use a desktop remote app on your iPad and Mac. A good and cheap Desktop Remote app is Splashtop Remote. This allows you to completely connect your iPad remotely, over Wifi, to your iMac desktop. The app streams both video and sound to the iPad which is still connected to your HDTV. The resultant stream video picture will be smaller than the size of your HDTV, but it will still be plenty large enough to watch. Again, if you own a iPad and an Intel Mac, this method also allows minimal cabling to the TV.