Connect 2010 Imac to new Vizio via HDMI?

Question

Connect 2010 Imac to new Vizio via HDMI?

I have an 21.5-inch, Mid 2010 imac and want to connect it to my new 39in Vizio TV. The store said I could connect via an HDMI cable so I bought one. But I dont see an HDMI port on the back of my Imac. I want to use the TV as a second monitor when I play my online games...do I need some kinda adapter or if my 2010 just too old to marry it to my brand new TV? hope not as I have no moola for a newer one.

Thanks for any advice.

Katherine

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Jun 13, 2014 12:16 PM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,540 points

Jun 13, 2014 12:37 PM in response to lucidbydesign

You need a MiniDisplay Port to HDMI adapter like:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/HFQL2VC/A/moshi-mini-displayport-to-hdmi-adapt er-4k?fnode=51

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Answer 2

Jun 13, 2014 12:40 PM in response to lucidbydesign

I found some additional information regarding this issue. I guess I need a mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter. The ones linked to in other posts no longer is sold. Ill put the new link below. While Im waiting for the cable to ship Id still like any information on how I will get my IMAC to use the TV as a second monitor. I thnk there is some setting for this in system preferences?

The one from apple is 34.95

http://store.apple.com/us/product/HFQL2VC/A/moshi-mini-displayport-to-hdmi-adapt er-4k?fnode=51

amazon.com sells cheaper ones but Im unsure if going with something other is a good idea so Im just going to get the one from the applestore as my belief is that is the one that will deliver the best resu

If anyone else had alternate ones that worked just as well please post here to make it easy for others to get all in one place.

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Answer 3

Jun 13, 2014 12:42 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Thank you rkaufmann87! I just found the cable a moment ago. But definitely appreciate you taking the time to post this. :-)

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Answer 4

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,540 points

Jun 13, 2014 12:42 PM in response to lucidbydesign

Not all adapters are created alike, I would stay with the Apple adapter. You also need to read Apple's article on connecting an external display:

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5019

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Answer 5

Jun 13, 2014 12:43 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Thank you for that link rkaufmann87. I appreciate it and will read it right away!

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Answer 6

Jun 13, 2014 12:44 PM in response to rkaufmann87

ooh I just noted this says Mountain Lion and earlier. But I have the latest OSX Mavericks.

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Answer 7

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,540 points

Jun 13, 2014 12:50 PM in response to lucidbydesign

It's still valid using Mavericks.

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Answer 8

Jun 13, 2014 1:07 PM in response to rkaufmann87

My display menu doesnt look like the menu on this page (http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5019). No thrunderbolt display whatever that is.

Maybe it changes when you actually have a second monitor hooked up? Ill refer back to the page once my moshi cable gets here next week and post my results in case anyone else has an older 2010 Imac.

thanks again Rkaufman87

Editing post to add another helpful link and make a running list.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5019 (how to use multiple displays with older mac)

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5891 (using OSX mavericks mission control for multiple displays)

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Answer 9

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,540 points

Jun 13, 2014 1:05 PM in response to lucidbydesign

Once you connect the external display system preferences will change, I've been doing this for years and have connected many external displays. It doesn't matter if it's a TV or a computer display they all work the same.

Another item you may be interested in at some point is an AppleTV, particularly if you have photos, music or movies stored on your computer. I have over 400 movies stored on my computer and use my AppleTV which is connected to my iMac and wirelessly watch movies from my iMac on my big screen TV. AppleTV's are only $75 from Apple's refurbished store, if you are at all interested here is the link.

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/appletv

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Answer 10

Jun 13, 2014 1:17 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Hi rkaufman 87...Im kinda lame in the tech area these days.

I have a smart TV which has apps that connect to the internet on it and it wirelessly connected to my xfinity modem. I dont think it can wirelessly connect to my computer as I do not have airport...and I thought using the HDMI cable and the smart tv as a second monitor resolves the need for yet another box. I know my brother has a PC instead of a mac and he does not need another box...but I know less about PCS than I do Macs these days.

I was hoping since my TV is smart I can just use the tv like a second monitor and play my online games and watch streaming movies on it. I dont really understand why I would need another box. Kinda confusing..all the things one needs to connect.

I like doing two things at once so I was kinda hoping while my game is on the tv I can surf the web on the computer screen. I also like the idea of watching a movie from my xfinity account (uses a web browser) on the tv screen while checking email on the computer screen. I thought just hooking them up with the tv as a second monitor allows this. I dont get the need for the apple tv box

I don't have any movies on my computer...but if I did..couldnt I just watch them in quicktime with that app open on the second monitor (Tv)?

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Answer 11

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,540 points

Jun 13, 2014 1:39 PM in response to lucidbydesign

Read up on the AppleTV, it will show you how it works. If you have an Apple Store in your general area you can visit them and they can explain how to connect an AppleTV to your computer television and then get your iMac to send content from the iMac to the AppleTV. It's really pretty simple, in short you connect the AppleTV to your computer with a HDMI connection and follow the on-screen setup instructions. Then to get your content from your iMac to your AppleTV, open iTunes turn on Home Sharing (see link below) and you will connect automatically to the ATV. The only thing you need to have running on the iMac is iTunes when you want to watch a video on your TV or listen to music stored on your iMac or look at photos stored on your iMac.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4352

It really is simple, however to see how easy the experience is you need to see it in person at an Apple Store.

Also if you happen to use an iPad or later iPhone you can connect those devices to the AppleTV and watch and/or listen to content stored on the IOS device on your big screen tv. For example, my wife keeps a lot of photos on her iPad and views them via the ATV on our big screen.

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