Help! Can't mirror 2009 Macbook Pro to TV via Apple TV3

Question

Arya- Author

Level 1

8 points

Help! Can't mirror 2009 Macbook Pro to TV via Apple TV3

Hey all,

Hoping someone can help here. What do I need?

I have a mid 2009 Macbook Pro, fully updated through this date with El Capitan, 2/14/16.

I also have a 3rd Generation Apple TV, which I would like to use to mirror what is on my Macbook to my television.

Asking some of you experts here how to do it and (if any) what cables I need to do so.

Not sure if Airplay is an option, as I don't see it in my tabs.

Thank you in advance- here's a pic of my setup.

Posted on Feb 14, 2016 4:07 PM

Reply

Answer 1

vazandrew

Level 8

40,840 points

Feb 15, 2016 4:32 PM in response to Arya-

Mirroring requires a Mac from 2011 or later. You would need to use a 3rd party program like Airparrot, results vary so use the trial first

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Answer 2

Arya- Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 15, 2016 4:35 PM in response to vazandrew

Thank you for your reply.

That's interesting, so there is no way to mirror the MCP (2009) to a TV (with or without the Apple TV)?

That's basically all I'm trying to do, I just assumed the Apple TV was the best way to go.

Thank you again.

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Answer 3

vazandrew

Level 8

40,840 points

Feb 15, 2016 4:43 PM in response to Arya-

You need an Apple TV to use AirPlay mirroring regardless. It's your Mac that is too old, mirroring requires the newer chip to do video encoding. As I said, you could use a 3rd party program like Airparrot, however as it is done through software and relying on the CPU results will vary.

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Answer 4

Protodd

Level 4

2,092 points

Feb 15, 2016 6:25 PM in response to Arya-

Here's a link to the minimum requirements for AirPlay Use AirPlay to display video from your Mac on an HDTV - Apple Support

Minimum requirements if your Mac and Apple TV are on the same network:

Apple TV (2nd generation or later) with the latest Apple TV software
For mirroring your display or extending your desktop, any of the following Mac computers with OS X Mountain Lion v10.8 or later:

Minimum requirements for peer-to-peer AirPlay, which lets visitors quickly and easily connect their Mac or iOS device to your Apple TV without gaining passwords and connecting to the Wi-Fi network:

Apple TV (3rd generation rev A, model A1469 or later) with the latest Apple TV software
A Mac (2012 or later) with OS X Yosemite v10.10 or later

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