Video Out to Coax

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Level 1

10 points

Video Out to Coax

I know I should get an Apple TV or something, but is there a way to send video with audio) from my Intel iMac to my old analog TV on the other side of the house? I have a coax cable conveniently spanning the entire reach of about 150 feet. If I can output from the iMac's mini DVI through an adapter (or two) to a standard coax connection, would it work? I'm basically trying to hook up the computer like a distant DVD player. Does the mini DVI carry audio or would that also have to be taken into consideration with adapters?

Intel iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Dec 11, 2008 8:46 AM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

91,576 points

Dec 11, 2008 4:58 PM in response to Vic Larson

{quote:title=Vic Larson wrote:} If I can output from the iMac's mini DVI through an adapter (or two) to a standard coax connection, would it work? I'm basically trying to hook up the computer like a distant DVD player. {quote}

Hi Vic

I never tried it, but you might try patching the video and audio from the iMac to a VCR, DVD player with coax output or black-box converter and send the signal down the coax cable.

For the Video you would need the Apple Mini-DVI to Video Adapter using the yellow video cable:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/M9319G/A

For the Audio you would need a Twin Phono to 3.5mm Stereo Jack Lead or the adapter shown below:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?TabID=1&ModuleNo=31700&doy=19m2
http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat%5Fid=118&sku=40645

Your best bet is to ask Santa for the Apple TV, because any other way the signal quality would not even begin to compare.

Dennis

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Answer 2

Vic Larson Author

Level 1

10 points

Dec 13, 2008 5:50 AM in response to den.thed

Thanks Dennis. I was thinking about the DVD player intermediate step as you suggested. I agree, I need to get an Apple TV, but my bigger problem is a really old TV that has composite but not component. I thought the hard-wired coax workaround might be my ticket. I've also heard rumors that the Apple TV and Mac Mini are long overdue for a refresh and could merge into a single product at some point. I'm reluctant to commit to either.
Vic

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

91,576 points

Dec 13, 2008 7:33 AM in response to Vic Larson

One other downside to a wired setup in a different location, is that you will spend countless hours walking back and forth between the iMac and TV.

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