How to connect Macbook Pro Mid 2009 to LCD TV

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Jonnyp2010 Author

Level 1

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How to connect Macbook Pro Mid 2009 to LCD TV

I want to connect so that I can watch HD 1080p video from my mac to my TV, with sound (which I added to the request because I heard it isn't possible?).

Here's spec of machine:

Model Name: MacBook Pro

Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,3

Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo

Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz

Number Of Processors: 1

Total Number Of Cores: 2

L2 Cache: 3 MB

Memory: 8 GB

Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz

Boot ROM Version: MBP53.00AC.B03

SMC Version (system): 1.48f2

Thanks,

John

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jan 26, 2013 12:29 PM

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Answer 1

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Jan 26, 2013 3:58 PM in response to Jonnyp2010

You will have to use the minidisplay port for video with an adapter and the appropriate cable for the connection to your TV. It usually will be HDMI or VGA.

For sound you will have to tap your audio output port with a RCA 'Y' connector. Some thing on the order of this will be required:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/PODCONNECTOR/

Ciao.

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Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

238,997 points

Jan 26, 2013 3:59 PM in response to Jonnyp2010

Hi John,

Your MBP has a MiniDisplay Port, but what does the TV have for input ports? And Sound input ports?

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Answer 3

Jonnyp2010 Author

Level 1

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Jan 27, 2013 3:03 AM in response to BDAqua

Hi,

It has 3 spare HDMI, also audio in R and L (red and white) and PC IN which looks optical (it has small circular hole) but I'm not sure.

Thanks,

John

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Answer 4

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Jan 27, 2013 3:15 AM in response to Jonnyp2010

The red and white are probably the RCA audio inputs. Check the TV manual for the proper HDMI connection (that will be for video). If there is no information, you will have to test each of them.

Ciao.

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Answer 5

Jonnyp2010 Author

Level 1

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Apr 13, 2014 11:57 AM in response to Jonnyp2010

Hi,

I got this working a little while ago, but there was this terrible hiss coming through the TV's speakers. I'd try to get rid of it by lowering the volume but you have to lower it to near silence before it disappears.

Now I can't even get the sound to work and I've tried every port with the Red and White wires connected to my mac.

The R+W wire was quite cheap (about £3), would that make any difference?

And why won't it work at all now? Ive tried plugging them in while the movies playing and when it begins but nothing.

Thanks,

John.

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Answer 6

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Apr 14, 2014 4:32 AM in response to Jonnyp2010

Jonnyp2010 wrote:

The R+W wire was quite cheap (about £3), would that make any difference?

Cost is not always a determinant of quality. You could check for continuity or try another cable set. It is very difficult to trouble shoot these things from this vantage point.

Ciao.

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Answer 7

Jonnyp2010 Author

Level 1

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Apr 19, 2014 2:33 PM in response to Jonnyp2010

Hi,

Finally worked it out, for my Samsung LCD TV it's MDP to HDMI 2 (via converter) and the RCA ports are right next to it.

I got it working once before a long time ago but the sound was terrible (and I forgot how I did it), so this time I weighed out for some 'shielded' RCA cables that are more robust and have all metal connection parts.

This time the sound is brilliant.

Thanks to everyone that tried to help, so happy I've finally got it working it was really starting to p£ss me off!

Ta,

John.

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