Using a HDMI cable to view computer content on my TV

sciencemagic wrote:

Hello community,

I have a question of connecting my iMac to my non smart TV. It seems I can connect a HDMI cable from my iMac to the TV and see what my Apple computer sees. Great. But, my Apple computer doesn't have a HDMI port so I can connect the HDMI cable. I see there are connectors that transition from HDMI to USB. But, do I have to connect that transition cable to a USB port or one of the thunderbolt connector ports? I'm using all the USB ports right now. Not sure what thunderbolt is all about? Can someone explain?

USB-A does not carry video signals.

USB-C is a connector that can carry several types of signals. Which ones depends on the particular USB-C port. There are some USB-C ports that support charging only, or carrying traditional USB 2/3 data only. Other USB-C ports have more advanced capabilities.

All of the USB-C ports that Apple calls Thunderbolt 3, 4, or 5 ports are multi-purpose ports that support

• USB 2/3
• DisplayPort
• Thunderbolt

They adapt to whatever compatible devices are plugged in.

Thunderbolt is a high-speed protocol that allows connection of high-end docks and SSDs, 5K/6K screens, etc. In many cases, you won't be using Thunderbolt, but it's nice to have it if you need it. (And it's typically an indication that both USB 2/3 and DisplayPort are present.)

You can get USB-C to HDMI adapters and adapter cables that take USB-C (DisplayPort) input from your computer and convert it into HDMI form for a TV or monitor. These adapters are generally one-way: the USB-C end must be connected to the video source, and the HDMI end must be connected to the display.

What year model is the iMac...?

Identify your iMac model - Apple Support

If it is a 2017 or newer, it has Thunderbolt/USB-C ports and you need a USB-C to HDMI adapter.

If it is a 2015 or earlier, it has Thunderbolt/Mini DisplayPort ports and you need a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter.

sciencemagic wrote:

Hi Servants of Cats,

Thanks for the reply. Sort of understand your comments. Not fully understanding all your tech jargon, (my lack of Apple computer knowledge), it appears a USB C is a Thunderbolt connection.

USB-C is a connector, and a set of standards for determining what things can co-exist on a connector. Nothing more. A USB-C port can support everything under the Sun, but the standards also allow USB-C ports to support only USB 2.0 (which is sort of a sick joke).

On Macs that have Thunderbolt 3, 4, or 5 ports, those are multi-purpose ports that support USB 2/3, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt. On Apple Silicon Macs, they also support USB4 20 Gbps and 40 Gbps, and on Mac notebooks, they also support charging the notebook.

Some Macs have USB-C ports that are not Thunderbolt ports. These include the M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis – the front-panel and back-panel USB ports are all USB-C ports, but only the back-panel ones are multi-purpose ports that support DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, and USB4. The front-panel ones are USB 3 only, so while they are useful for plugging in drives, card readers, keyboards, and mice, they are no good for making video connections.

sciencemagic wrote:

Hello community,

I have a question of connecting my iMac to my non smart TV. It seems I can connect a HDMI cable from my iMac to the TV and see what my Apple computer sees. Great. But, my Apple computer doesn't have a HDMI port so I can connect the HDMI cable. I see there are connectors that transition from HDMI to USB. But, do I have to connect that transition cable to a USB port or one of the thunderbolt connector ports? I'm using all the USB ports right now. Not sure what thunderbolt is all about? Can someone explain?

Nonetheless, which port do I can to? USB or the thunderbolt port? What should be the specification of the connector and the HDMI cable itself. It seems there are various specifications for the HDMI cable and connector.

Sure would appreciate help so I can view my Apple computer content on my TV. Again, I don't have a smart TV. Not sure if that complicates things or not? Thank you, Apple community.

Rick

Typically a USB-C > HDMI adapter + HDMI cable is sufficient. However, without providing specifics on what year + model iMac you have, it's difficult to know what adapter/cables will work for your iMac.