As this isn't my territory, I need an answer for dummies 😕 Any links you can provide will be much appreciated! Thank you.
MacBook Pro (15-inch Mid 2009), OS X Mavericks (10.9.3)
Can you check About This Mac -> More Info -> System Report -> Audio? It should look like http://i.imgur.com/RCZpWAI.png.
Do you see HDMI/DisplayPort Output in the Audio section? NO
For the short-term if there is not audio from TV speakers, you can leave the Mac audio on. You may also want to consider a separate Optical Audio cable likehttp://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022902&p_id=1556&se q=1&format=2 . The thinner end goes to the Mac and the regular bigger end goes to the TV. WILL DO.
From MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) and (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) - Technical Specifications there is no mention of the DP outputting sound. Huh? Novice here... 🙂
Audio
THANK YOU SO MUCH for taking the time to walk me through this. I will take a picture of my guy watching his first live DSO concert from his living room and post it when this is all sorted out. His favorite way to "escape" is listening to Classical Music on his Bose since he's been unable to attend concerts live. He is a National Treasure to be sure. And if I can sort this out - it will bring him a measure of peace and joy he truly will cherish. So thank you!
Sound
System Preferences > Sound. There are 3 tabs in the window; Sound Effects, Output and Input. Be sure you are on the Sound Effects tab. Middle of the window select your TV where it says "Play sound effects through:".
The only choice I have in the Play Sound Effects Through drop down box is "Selected sound output device" or Internal Speakers. Neither Option takes me to the menu you've described below...
Select the middle tab named Output.
Select your TV from the drop-down list next to HDMI, below where it says "Select a device for sound output".
Any other thoughts?
Before you invest money in additional cables, can you test the alternative method via the Sound Effects/Audio Midi method.
You did test it. Disconnect the cable from the Mac and post a screen shot of the System Report -> Audio. It is unlikely it is a bad cable, since you bought new. If you can see the display, the only issue I can see is routing the audio to the DP port.
Can you check About This Mac -> More Info -> System Report -> Audio? It should look like http://i.imgur.com/RCZpWAI.png.
Do you see HDMI/DisplayPort Output in the Audio section?
I see: Devices -- Built in Microphone, Built In Input, Built in Output
I see: Intel High Definition Audio: Headphone, Speaker, Line Input, Internal Microphone, S/PDIF Optical Digital Audio Input, S/PDIF Optical Digital Audio Output, External Microphone/Iphone headset
Sleep deprived caregiver here...is that what I did here - below? If so, I didn't have the option. In Untechie-girl-English - what is the key issue we're dealing with anyway 😀 Thought: I ordered two cables so I could do this on multiple TVS. In the meantime, I will try the other cable which is identical and still in the packaging but you never know...
Sound
System Preferences > Sound. There are 3 tabs in the window; Sound Effects, Output and Input. Be sure you are on the Sound Effects tab. Middle of the window select your TV where it says "Play sound effects through:"....
Also, from EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs, can check if the firmware on your MBP is up-to-date? The separate Optical cable from Monoprice is only 3ft, which limits the mobility of the MBP. It may be the last option left, if your second cable does not work.
On the Sanyo TV, with HDMI3 connected, do you get the "Connect Successful" as shown in the TV manual?
There is a PC/Input Audio DVI "slot" on the back of the TV. Does that mean anything?
macbookchic wrote:
There is a PC/Input Audio DVI "slot" on the back of the TV. Does that mean anything?
It is typically used if you have a DVI connector on for Video and a separate Audio path for analog audio. Do the MBP speakers produce sound when the cable is connected to the TV? The speaker icon in the menu bar tells me that the MBP has no external audio destination, otherwise that icon should be greyed out.
There are two more things to try Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) and OS X Mavericks: Reset your computer’s PRAM.
Do the MBP speakers produce sound when the cable is connected to the TV? YES.
The speaker icon in the menu bar tells me that the MBP has no external audio destination, otherwise that icon should be greyed out.
I'm not sure what this means or if I need to do anything...
Also, from EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs, can check if the firmware on your MBP is up-to-date? The separate Optical cable from Monoprice is only 3ft, which limits the mobility of the MBP. It may be the last option left, if your second cable does not work.
I'm working on this now. Clicked on link provided. Found my model, clicked on the Download option. I got an error message saying I have to get the download from the Apple Store so I'm going to go through the steps again. Probably working too fast cuz my only window is before my guy wakes up 🙂
On the Sanyo TV, with HDMI3 connected, do you get the "Connect Successful" as shown in the TV manual?
This is the one step I haven't figured out yet...I tried it yesterday and again this morning. I will try again after I successfully complete the EFI and SMC firmware updates which I'm sure is probably NOT up to date...
2009 MBP's do not provide audio via the MDP port. This method won't work. The OP should not spend more time trying to make it work. (2011 models are the earliest that provide audio over the MDP)
The OP can run a separate line from the line out of the Mac to the Audio in on the TV as long as it is associated with the same input that the TV uses for video, many but not all TV's provide this.
There is an adaptor somewhere from MDP to HDMI with a separate connection for the audio out from the Mac (so it may be combined with the video signal) for TV's that don't have the feature, but I forget who makes it. I'll look.
OK
This should work
Audio is obtained via the USB connector and video from the MDP, they are then combined and sent to the HDMI connector.
Am I out of date? I figured you could tell me faster than I get the download to work 😉
From About Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapters, your MBP will NOT produce Audio over DP-to-HDMI. You need the separate Audio cable. I would recommend the Optical one, which should provide much cleaner sound.
I would like to get a longer cable, before I click buy - is this the right one?
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022902&p_id=1558&se q=1&format=2
Just checked the TV manual. You do not have an Optical Audio In, only an Optical Audio Out. You cannot use that cable because it will not produce anything on the TV.
I suggest you return the DP-to-HDMI cables to Monoprice. Your connection will need to look like what is on page 11 of the TV manual.
1. A DP-to-DVI going to HDMI1 - http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10246&cs_id=1024604&p_id=6001&se q=1&format=2
2. An Analog Audio going to PCI/DVI Audio In - http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021816&p_id=9298&se q=1&format=2
For the 95 yr old WW2 Vet I take care of, what specifically do I need to purchase to hook up a 15-inch Mid 2009 MacBook Pro to a Sanyo LCD HDMI TV? He wants to access the internet through his new flat screen!
