Video output port?

For an iMac G5, unfortunately, no. Intel iMac's have a Mini-DVI port that can be adapted to either full DVI or HDMI. From Mini-VGA, if the HDTV has a "PC" port, it is probably VGA so you can try using this adapter

http://store.apple.com/us/product/M8639G/A

On an iMac G5, the video output port is set to mirror the built-in display, so the results on an HDTV may not be ideal.

You can also adapt the mini-VGA port to composite (RCA or S-Video connector) using this adapter

http://store.apple.com/us/product/M9109G/A

This provides +standard definition+ output.

Again, if it's an iMac G5 (PowerPC), it will not work with DVI or any type. You can only adapt the output to VGA or composite (RCA/S-Video).

I have a question concerning hooking up my G5 to a flat panel TV. I have the VGA adapter and when I plug it in the video port the screen gets a lot bigger. How do I set the resolution for the TV and computer monitor to appear correctly?

The iMac G5 will only mirror on the external display. Therefore, when you connect the external display, Mac OS X chooses a resolution that will work on both displays. As designed, you cannot set it to extend the Desktop, which would allow the external display and built-in display to use different resolution settings (like you can with Intel iMacs).

There is a third-party hack that enabled the iMac G5 to use extended Desktop mode instead of mirroring

http://www.rutemoeller.com/mp/ibook/ibook_e.html

However, updating this type of firmware should not be taken lightly. I don't think there is a way to undo such a change. So, use do it at your own risk.

Hi Guys. I've just purchased a new custom built 21.5 inch iMac (yet to receive). Ive also added a 24 inch LED Cinema display to the order to enhance the my graphic design and photography workspace. I hope i have misinterpreted or just not understood some info i glanced over today, but I read somewhere that the 27 inch iMac is the only system that supports an external screen. Does anybody know if the 21.5 iMac works seamlessly with the 24inch LED like I and the salesperson expected?

Gnome21, Welcome to the discussion area!

Congratulations on the new iMac. You have landed in the wrong discussion area. This is for the older iMac G5. You have just purchased an Intel-based iMac and should ask future questions in that discussion area.

I hope i have misinterpreted or just not understood some info i glanced over today, but I read somewhere that the 27 inch iMac is the only system that supports an external screen.

You misread that information or that information was wrong. What it should have stated is that the 27 inch iMac is the only iMac with a video INPUT. Nearly every iMac supports an external monitor.

Does anybody know if the 21.5 iMac works seamlessly with the 24inch LED like I and the salesperson expected?

I have no idea about the connection to or the capabilities of the 24 inch LED, but your iMac supports an external monitor.

The 24-inch LED-backlit LCD Cinema Display connects using a Mini DisplayPort connector. The new iMacs have a Mini DisplayPort. So it will connect directly, with no need for any type of adapter.

It will work well with the current iMacs, and be a very nice display, but you will have some redundant features; if you had not purchased it already, you could have looked at some less expensive non-Apple DVI display options. For example, that Apple display has its own iSight Camera, built-in speakers, microphone, a Mag-safe power connector (for use with MacBooks), and maybe some other features that are geared more toward using with MacBooks and the Mac mini (or Mac Pro). But there is no problem with having extra things I suppose... 🙂

Thanks Duane and Kenichi Watanabe, thats very helpful. I've since thought of those factors about redundant features and i agree. I guess its the same for the macbook pro's and it was made specifically for those and i was wondering the same thing. Anyway, it's a bit indulgent but good to have those extra's just in case. It will come in handy when i use it with my old 15" powerbook G4 (obviously need an adapter there.) Thanks very much for the info guys - appreciate it.

There is no simple adapter to go from DVI or Mini-DVI to Mini DisplayPort, unfortunately. It's more than just changing the shape of the connector, so the converters I've seen cost well over $100. Not worth it for use with your PowerBook G4, probably.

For use with a MacBook, the extra features are not so redundant, because the user is trying to use the MacBook as a desktop computer, connected to a large display (probably with a separate keyboard/mouse). So it is beneficial to have that extra iSight camera located at the top of the main display, plus the microphone is there, and the nice sounding speakers. And the Mag-safe power connection is there specifically for use with a MacBook, so the user does not have to pull out and connect to a separate power brick.