Connecting MacBook to Toshiba HDTV

Question

Connecting MacBook to Toshiba HDTV

My Toshiba (26AV500U) LCD HDTV has two options for hooking up my MacBook to the TV. The first is using something called a PC IN (RGB) connection, the second is an HDMI connection. Which is better? I want to have audio and video from the computer come through the tv. The MacBook has a mini display port. What cables or adapters will I need? Second, is there anything I have to configure in the system prefs, to do this? And, is there anything else I should know?

Aluminum MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Feb 9, 2009 4:35 PM

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Answer 1

Shadloon

Level 1

75 points

Feb 10, 2009 9:18 AM in response to Daniel Ferraro

HI,

Options available:

1. A mini-display port to HDMI adapter has been announced : http://i.gizmodo.com/5150484/mini-displayport-to-hdmi-adapter-coming-soon-for-14 You could get this and an HDMI Cable and your set.

2. If you need something now you can get a Mini Display to DVI adapter : http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB570Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDA3Ng&mco=MjE0ODQ0Mg In this case, you will need that adapter, a DVI cable, a DVI to HDMI (with the right female/male connectors) and then an HDMI cable.

3. Use your TVs pc port, which is essentially SVGA. You will need a Mini-Display to VGA Adapter http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB572Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDA3Ng&mco=MjE0ODQ2NQ and the appropriate VGA Cable. However, you won't get the maximum resolution that you Macbook's graphics card can display. This may be important to you.

However, all these choices are video only. You will need to run an RCA cable/Optical cable from the headphone jack on your Macbook to your Television or your Audio System to get sound to come from your television.

Also, to adjust display settings, go to "Displays" in the system preferences.

All the equipment can be found using the links provided or at monoprice.com

Hope this helps

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Answer 2

Feb 10, 2009 11:38 AM in response to Shadloon

Shadloon -

The MiniDisplay to HDMI cable looks promising, but why will I need an HDMI cable too? I looked at your first link and the cable looks like it will plug right into the back of the TV from the MacBook.

I think I need to just plug in a stereo jack to stereo jack plug (the same on both ends) from the MacBook to the TV. Is this a possibility?

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Answer 3

Shadloon

Level 1

75 points

Feb 10, 2009 1:13 PM in response to Daniel Ferraro

The adapter is Only 3 inches long give or take, so unless your going to glue your macbook to your tv, you might want an HDMI cable so you can place your macbook somewhere a little safer. 😉

And yes the stereo jack should work just fine.

Cheers!

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Answer 4

Feb 14, 2009 6:39 PM in response to Shadloon

I'm leaning towards getting the Mini Displayport to HDMI adapter. Just wondering if it's hot-swappable or does everything have to be off when hooking it up.

BTW, your right, I probably will need an HDMI cable.

Thanks, your help was much appreciated.

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Answer 5

Feb 17, 2009 12:25 AM in response to Daniel Ferraro

remember the minidisplayport has no audio included in the signal. You will need a seperate cable from the headphone jack to the audio in on the tv.

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Answer 6

iwallach

Level 1

0 points

Feb 21, 2009 7:47 AM in response to Daniel Ferraro

Hi, this may not be helpful, but I've heard that a DVI adapter that carries both audio and video (in stereo and 5.1) is set to be released in May, though not by apple. If you are currently using your headphone jack, be sure to protect yourself from feedback (which may cause injuries that not be covered under the warranty of your audio-visual system). If you are using IChat or Skype, make your the party with whom you are speaking is aware of YOUR potential for feedback, for YOUR feedback might injure their computer or speakers.

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