Macbook TV Connection

[sgtpepper9]

I've got a MacBook with a Mini-DVI output port. My HDTV (and receiver) has HDMI, Component, PC In, and Standard Video Inputs. What would be the best way for me to hook it up to the TV to get the best picture? I assume I'll just use normal analog audio inputs to the receiver. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[mike c]

mini dvi to dvi adapter - then a DVI to HDMI cable

 

[sgtpepper9]

thanks for the quick reply mike. Would this allow me to get the max resolution allowed by my laptop?

EDIT: Or would it allow me to get 1080p?

 

[sgtpepper9]

Would this work? It seems like I could cut out the DVI to HDMI cable and just use an HDMI cable...

http://monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041912&p_id=4852&seq=1&format=2

 

[gus6464]

Would this work? It seems like I could cut out the DVI to HDMI cable and just use an HDMI cable...

http://monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041912&p_id=4852&seq=1&format=2

That was what I was about to recommend. I have one and it works pretty good. That way you don't have to worry about a dvi to hdmi cable and just use a regular hdmi.

 

[Adam]

Very nice find on that mini-DVI to HDMI adapter! I didn't know those even existed. My TV is older, so I'm using the regular video adapter and s-video.

I wanted to mention the audio part - I'd recommend using the digital optical output from the MacBook (assuming that yours has it like mine does...mine is from late 2006). If you're not familiar with that, it comes out of the same port as the analog audio. I use when I connect to my receiver, and it works great.

 

[sgtpepper9]

Its the output with the tiny headphones above it? I didn't realize there was an optical cable that could connect to that.

 

[sgtpepper9]

Is this what you are talking about? If not, could you post a link?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236&cs_id=1023601&p_id=620&seq=1&format=2

 

[Adam]

Its the output with the tiny headphones above it? I didn't realize there was an optical cable that could connect to that.

Yep, that's the connector. Be sure to check if your MacBook has the analog/digital hybrid jack (or let me know which one you have, and I'll check). You can get a minijack adapter at various places, but here's a cable with one from Monoprice. I bought a Belkin from Amazon a while back that has worked just fine for me.

 

[Adam]

Is this what you are talking about? If not, could you post a link?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236&cs_id=1023601&p_id=620&seq=1&format=2

You posted while I was typing. No, that's a digital coax cable. You want a digital optical cable, and I did put a link in my post above.

 

[gus6464]

I use a mini toslink to regular toslink on my airport express and it works pretty good. All macs from the ibook G4 and Powerbook G4 have a digital out through the headphone jack so your macbook has it as well. With the right software player you will be able to get DD to your receiver with the optical cable.

 

[Encryption]

Too bad the adapter doesn't carry the audio as well.

Since HDMI cable is capable of carrying both audio and video singles simultaneously it would be nice if the monoprice.com cable could combine the two at my MacBook thus requiring the running of a single cable. I guess the real problem lies with Apple, since their are PC video cards with HDMI output that have optical audio inputs on them (which combine the audio and video on the HDMI output). There should be a setting in my MacBook System preferences send audio over MiniDVI. But, I guess the fact that it is a MiniDVI and NOT a MiniHDMI supports why they didn't do this. Though, with the wide acceptance of HDMI and Apple's upgrading their system every few months I wouldn't doubt a switch from MiniDVI to allowing their new Mini Displayport to allow this.

Although, I imagine such a device would add to the cost because it would have to be an active rather than a passive device. I was only able to find one such device: sewelldirect.com/gefen-dvi-audio-hdmi-adapter.asp but at $269.95 I think it would be cheaper to run HDMI or DVI (same thing once you discount the audio ability of HDMI).

Oh well, in a couple of years these things will be $10 or so, but you most likely won't be able to buy a TV that supports HDMI (lol).

Encryption

 

[gus6464]

Since HDMI cable is capable of carrying both audio and video singles simultaneously it would be nice if the monoprice.com cable could combine the two at my MacBook thus requiring the running of a single cable. I guess the real problem lies with Apple, since their are PC video cards with HDMI output that have optical audio inputs on them (which combine the audio and video on the HDMI output). There should be a setting in my MacBook System preferences send audio over MiniDVI. But, I guess the fact that it is a MiniDVI and NOT a MiniHDMI supports why they didn't do this. Though, with the wide acceptance of HDMI and Apple's upgrading their system every few months I wouldn't doubt a switch from MiniDVI to allowing their new Mini Displayport to allow this.

Although, I imagine such a device would add to the cost because it would have to be an active rather than a passive device. I was only able to find one such device: sewelldirect.com/gefen-dvi-audio-hdmi-adapter.asp but at $269.95 I think it would be cheaper to run HDMI or DVI (same thing once you discount the audio ability of HDMI).

Oh well, in a couple of years these things will be $10 or so, but you most likely won't be able to buy a TV that supports HDMI (lol).

Encryption

It's a limitation of the video chipset. The 965GM chipset cannot process audio over HDMI. The new X3100 and X4500HD can though but it's up to the manufacturers to activate the feature in their drivers.