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Macbook Pro to Samsung LCD TV

I'm trying to hook up a MacBook Pro to a Samsung LCD TV (Model: LE40A656A1FXXU) but when I connected it up the message on the screen was something along the lines of 'mode not supported'. Can someone tell me what I need to do? Currently I'm using the external monitor connection on the MacBook Pro to the PC input of the TV.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Oct 30, 2008 11:02 AM

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Posted on Oct 30, 2008 3:50 PM

Connect the TV and then open System Preferences/Displays/Samsung TV

Make sure the Refresh Rate is set at 60 Hertz (NTSC) then click the Options Tab and make sure 'Overscan' is checked, this should then get you an image showing on the TV. Play about with the Resolution setting to get one that looks best for you.
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Oct 30, 2008 3:50 PM in response to SBKTonic

Connect the TV and then open System Preferences/Displays/Samsung TV

Make sure the Refresh Rate is set at 60 Hertz (NTSC) then click the Options Tab and make sure 'Overscan' is checked, this should then get you an image showing on the TV. Play about with the Resolution setting to get one that looks best for you.

Nov 4, 2008 2:01 PM in response to iVmichael

Interrestingly, I'm having a similar issue with my Macbook Pro (latest Oct 08) and my Samsung 32" LCD.
I've connected the TV through it's VGA input to a Display Port then to a VGA adapter.
While the Mac detects the other display, the TV won't let me select the input...
I wonder if the problem could come from the fact that I'm in the UK, and therefore work in PAL (50Hz), which is not an option in the Display menu of OSX leopard.
Any ideas anyone? I've tried all the resolution and refresh rates possible, so I'm out of ideas...
HELP!

Nov 9, 2008 5:33 PM in response to shnex0

Not a solution, I'm afraid, but I don't think it's a PAL/50Hz issue. We just saw the same problem when we tried to connect an Oct-08 MacBook to a 32in Samsung 450 in a store here in Vancouver. MacBook knew it was connected to a Samsung and knew it resolution, but the TV said there was nothing connected. We tried with a newer 1080P 40in Samsung and got a similar result. OTOH, when we connected my 3 yr old iBook, it just worked.

Speculation is that the problem is in the Samsung firmware. Googling to investigate that brought up this post, so I thought I'd add my $0.02 worth.

Nov 9, 2008 11:45 PM in response to iVmichael

Okay, that's interesting. When connected to my TV, I don't get all these options. I think you guys are right, it does look like the Samsung software is the issue here. The question is now whether Samsung have brought out an update of there firmware for my TV (doubtful).
Still it's nice to see I'm not the only one with the issue.
I'll post again if I find a solution.

Nov 10, 2008 9:52 PM in response to SBKTonic

I seem to be having the same problem. My aluminum MacBook detects my Samsung TV, knows the correct resolution, and extends the desktop, but the TV will not let me switch to the VGA input. I know the VGA works on the TV because I've used it with my PC. I also know the display port and VGA adapter on my MacBook work because I've used other LCD monitors on it.

My TV is a LN40A550. It's full HD 1080P and the VGA is capable of using that resolution (verified on the PC). The only firmware update for my TV only fixes an "intermittent red blur" that I haven't even noticed. I hope either Samsung or Apple can fix this problem soon.

Dec 3, 2008 5:46 PM in response to SBKTonic

I think I may have found something half useful;

I have the late 2008 MB ->MDP-VGA->VGA->samsung 32" LCD TV and I don't get anything on the TV display. I have a MDP->DVI adaptor on the way so I'll have to see how it goes when it gets here.

Hope this works guys and girls for all of our sake.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=589607

Dec 11, 2008 9:31 PM in response to ChrisFu672819227364

I recommend not going this route, the exchange did nothing as I expected, with nothing else to try I figured why not.

After calling in about the issue after they had replaced the old macbook they told me that the "apple engineers" were working on it and to just wait out for that to happen.

Also new update,

Computer recognizes the TV when I have MDP->VGA->VGA cable 6'->TV VGA input (but the TV does not recognize the macbook)

*The TV* recognizes the macbook (only) when in addition to the above configuration I connect a 10' VGA extension cable. The would seem to be a resolution but I say the TV sees the macbook but now the macbook can't get the driver info from the Tv and there I am stuck with 1024x768 (stretched).

There is one way trick both devices into working and that is to plug in the MDP->VGa adaptor connect the 6' VGa cable to the MacBook can get the info from the TV. Leave the adaptor connected to the computer and remove the VGA cable from the adaptor assemble the combination of the 6'and 10' cables and then plug it in and it works fine.

Kinda of a pain though when you have to do this everytime you connect the Macbook to the TV.


I really hope apple can get this driver straighten out ASAP.

Macbook Pro to Samsung LCD TV

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