How can I display on my TV only?

Question

Level 1

4 points

How can I display on my TV only?

I have searched the internet everywhere but I cannot find anything that lists a way for me to display what I am streaming only on my TV through an HDMI cable. I have the new Macbook that has the HDMI port built in. I have figured out how to mirror my Macbook's screen but the Macbook cannot keep up with displaying the same thing on the Macbook and the TV. I have tried extended the display but still the screen is on on the Macbook and the TV and it has some jitter from the Macbook being over worked just like when it is mirrored. So how can I make the Macbook screen go black and not be used when I hook my TV up to the HDMI port of my Macbook?

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch,Early 2015)

Posted on Aug 6, 2016 1:47 PM

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Answer 1

Patcell

Level 1

47 points

Aug 6, 2016 4:18 PM in response to ButtHoney

Is it a 4k television? What type of video are you trying to display on the screen? I am puzzled as to why it would be difficult for your relatively brand new MacBook Pro to display the video on the television...

In any event, it is possible to run your Macbook in closed (clamshell) mode using your television as the only display - in this case the built-in display will be completely off. In order to do this you will need an external mouse and keyboard (either bluetooth or USB) and your MacBook will need to be connected to AC power.

Take a look at this Apple Support document for complete info on using your computer in clamshell mode:

Use your Mac notebook computer in closed-display mode with an external display - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Patcell

Level 1

47 points

Aug 6, 2016 4:23 PM in response to ButtHoney

Also, be aware that is is not possible (as far as I am aware) to completely disable the built-in display while the notebook is open. You can dim the screen to the point where you cannot see anything on it; however, it will still be active and the GPU will still be rendering an image to the built-in display.

In order to disable the built-in display, your Mac will need to be closed (i.e. in clamshell mode) as discussed above...

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