Is DisplayPort an input as well as output on macbook pro?

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Level 1

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Is DisplayPort an input as well as output on macbook pro?

I have a 2011 Macbook Pro 17" and i know that it has Thunderbolt/DisplayPort. i know the cinema displays use displayport input and the macbook can provide the output signal for an external monitor, however i want to do just the opposite and use my macbook pro screen as a display for my xbox360. I was looking at the Atlona DP300 which converts and scales a 1080p HDMI signal to a 1920x1200 resolution output in the form of display port, however im trying to find out if my macbook pro could accept this signal. the maximum resolution of my screen is 1920x1200. if this is possible, what software would need to be used since i know the input would have to actually be through the operating system as the screen will not operate independently.

thanks a bunch

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8), 2011 17" model

Posted on Jul 14, 2011 3:01 PM

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Answer 1

tjk

Level 9

51,192 points

Jul 14, 2011 6:28 PM in response to amorgan93

Hi a,

That's an interesting question. On the Thunderbolt page (http://www.apple.com/thunderbolt/) it says "Which means you can connect external devices like . . . video capture solutions directly to MacBook Pro or iMac — and get PCI Express performance," and lists "Video Capture: Blackmagic UltraStudio 3D, Matrox MX02." Note that BUS 3D is "only $995," and the MX02 only twice that much!

So, it sounds like the potential is there, but I think you've asked the operative question: "what software would need to be used?" And I suspect that at this point in time, although the hardware potential is there, the software to control exactly what you want to do, with the hardware you want to use, is not.

Somebody's always got to be the first one to try something, so maybe s/he already has and will post here. If not, and you give it a try, I hope we'll hear from you. Good luck to you. 😉

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Answer 2

JaEvo

Level 2

395 points

Jul 14, 2011 8:40 PM in response to amorgan93

While it sounds interesting I highly doubt that it's possible. I know you can view input from say an HD camcorder but that's through final cut... and yes it can be a live feed. But the poster above me is right the software is it really there yet....? I know on windows 7 you have the option of viewing live tv through a tv tuner... maybe something similar in design could be used on the mac..... but I don't think the hdmi adapters made for the mini display port or thunderbolt port for that matter are bi-directional.... This is all pure speculation though, I couldn't find any material myself on the subject...

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