Connecting Mac Pro with GeForce GT120 to monitor and TV at same time

Question

Level 2

150 points

Connecting Mac Pro with GeForce GT120 to monitor and TV at same time

Hi - I just want to know in advance of buying the latest 8 core Mac Pro with a single NVIDIA GeForce GT120 graphics card, will this connect to both my apple cinema display 20'' and my Panasonic Viera LCD TV's 'PC Input' at the same time?

From what I can tell this graphics card has a small output port and a wider one - am I right in thinking the smaller one is a mini-display port which would connect to my TV's 'pc input' and the other is DVI which connects to the Apple cinema display? --- is the 'mini display port' something that connects directly into thr TV or is an adaptor required?

Thanks for reading!

G5 2.3 Dual, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jun 1, 2009 8:25 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Jun 1, 2009 9:07 AM in response to Florence

No TVs use Mini DisplayPort. There are adapters available from Mini DisplayPort or DVI to DVI, HDMI, or VGA. If your TV has only S-Video or Composite Video, you will need a VGA to Video converter box.

Reply

Answer 2

Florence Author

Level 2

150 points

Jun 1, 2009 12:26 PM in response to Malcolm Rayfield

The TV has a PC input - i don't know what it's officially called - its a smaller squarish port - not as wide as DVI..... so is there a cable that will go from the graphics card to the TV? (in combo with an adaptor if necessary)

Reply

Answer 3

noice_T

Level 3

545 points

Jun 1, 2009 6:39 PM in response to Florence

The PC input is most likely VGA. A standard (old, but still common) connection port for most laptops (which is the primary usage). If you had a desktop, you would probably connect through DVI to HDMI.

You need a DVI to VGA adapter. Also check if you need male or female, as you might need an VGA adapter, plus VGA cord.

This adapter usually comes with all Mac Pros:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/M8754G/A?mco=NDcyMDY3OA

Then you just need to buy a long VGA cord.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812105807
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812105805

Again double check the if you need male/male or male/female, etc.

Reply

Answer 4

Florence Author

Level 2

150 points

Jun 3, 2009 10:30 AM in response to noice_T

thanks for that -- so the outputs on that Mac Pro graphics card - one will connect to the Apple cinema screen (monitor - 20'') and one will connect to the TV - simultaneously - right?

Sorry - i just need it really spelled out 🙂

Thx!

Reply

Answer 5

Jun 3, 2009 10:37 AM in response to Florence

thanks for that -- so the outputs on that Mac Pro graphics card - one will connect to the Apple cinema screen (monitor - 20'') and one will connect to the TV - simultaneously - right?

Yes. In the "Arrangement" tab of "Displays" system preference you can set the positions of the displays, or turn on mirroring to have the display the same image.

Reply

Answer 6

noice_T

Level 3

545 points

Jun 3, 2009 1:51 PM in response to Florence

Yes, you can choose between "extending your desktop", or "mirroring your desktop". On a notebook, you can also run "in closed lid mode", which is running only one monitor, while using the notebook keyboard or bluetooth keyboard. Of course, that's not possible on the MP, but just fyi 🙂

Reply