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connect macbook to hdtv

I'd like to know exactly what parts & cables I need to connect my MacBook to my Sony HDTV to play videos that aren't compatible with iTunes & Apple TV. Thank you!

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8), 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

Posted on Jul 29, 2011 6:19 AM

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15 replies

Jul 29, 2011 7:37 AM in response to maybe-sew

The model 4,1 uses a Mini-DVI adapter. Which one you get depends on what input plug you'll be using on your TV. VGA, DVI, Composite or HDMI. You'll need a Mini-DVI adapter and a cable from that to your TV. Here's the various types of Mini-DVI adapters on Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=min i-dvi&x=9&y=13

You'll also need audio cables to the TV for VGA, DVI or Composite. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=min i-dvi&x=9&y=13#/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_19?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=macboo k+audio+cable&sprefix=macbook+audio+cable&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Amacbook+audio+cable

If you connect the MacBook using a Mini-DVI to HDMI adapter you will probably need to use external speakers or a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack to RCA sound plugs connected to a stereo system for audio. The Mini-DVI to HDMI doesn't carry audio and there're no audio plugs on most TVs to work with HDMI since it's expecting audio with the HDMI.

P.S. Composite is the red,white and yellow RCA plugs on your TV or red, white and S-Video plugs.

Apr 12, 2012 5:26 PM in response to jcinmn

The Late 2008 model 5,1 MacBook has a Mini DisplayPort and there is an adapter that uses the Mini DisplayPort and a USB port to combine video and audio to HDMI. It's only 2 channel stereo not 5.1 Dolby Surround.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10428&cs_id=1042802 &p_id=5969&seq=1&format=2

The MacBook does send optical digital audio out through the headphone port but I've never used it so I cn't help you with that.

Mar 7, 2013 2:36 PM in response to windyknolls

I have been having similar problems also although I did get it to work a few times. Did you ask the laptop to detect displays? If not, go to system preferences, displays and click it on. If that doesn't work turn the tv off, connect the hdmi and turn it on again. My last resort was to restart the Mac. I don't know what the answer is. Did you get instructions with the converter cable?

connect macbook to hdtv

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