Connect unibody MacBook to analog TV??

scoobydoo

Hi All,



I'm a looooong time PC user seriously considering a new unibody MacBook for my portable needs. I'm really torn between the "devil I do know and the devil I don't," and whether I really ant to get the MacBook or an upgraded PC laptop. On other threads in this forum I'm reading many problems with WiFi that gives me pause enough. But what I want to ask here is if anyone has successfully connected the new mini DisplayPort output to an older analog TV? I like to view videos streamed over WiFi from a server PC to my laptop and then show them on the TV. I could connect the adapter that has the VGA pinout to one that converts to composite/S-Video, but my gut is telling me this is a digital signal and won't work without a pricey converter box. On my current HP laptop it's easy as pie through S-video.



Any thoughts? Any successes?? Many thanks.

evanjorgensen

Quote:

But what I want to ask here is if anyone has successfully connected the new mini DisplayPort output to an older analog TV? I like to view videos streamed over WiFi from a server PC to my laptop and then show them on the TV. I could connect the adapter that has the VGA pinout to one that converts to composite/S-Video, but my gut is telling me this is a digital signal and won't work without a pricey converter box. On my current HP laptop it's easy as pie through S-video.

Yes, this is possible and I have done it. Your gut is correct - you cannot use the digital signal from the mini DisplayPort. What you need to do is get yourself a common PC to TV converter box, available for purchase at most online retailers.



I have created a very n00b friendly video tutorial on the process of connecting the new Macbooks to an older analog television through the mini DisplayPort using either composite video or S-video:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa1C7...e=channel_page



This has been a huge issue for many users ever since the release of the new macbooks and macbook pros, and the solution is easier than most people think.



Contact me if you have any comments or concerns.

scoobydoo

Thanks very much, Evan. That's really helpful. In the time since I posted this I had found a couple of other discussion forums showing this, but not a video. I realize that digital is the future, but right now, what a royal pain to do this! Too many cables and adapters!!



One question I haven't seen addressed about this, is whether the external TV display can mirror or extend the laptop display. Or do you only have the TV display going and a blank screen on the laptop?



Thanks again!

Quote:

Originally Posted by evanjorgensen


Yes, this is possible and I have done it. Your gut is correct - you cannot use the digital signal from the mini DisplayPort. What you need to do is get yourself a common PC to TV converter box, available for purchase at most online retailers.



I have created a very n00b friendly video tutorial on the process of connecting the new Macbooks to an older analog television through the mini DisplayPort using either composite video or S-video:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa1C7...e=channel_page



This has been a huge issue for many users ever since the release of the new macbooks and macbook pros, and the solution is easier than most people think.



Contact me if you have any comments or concerns.

aresee

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoobydoo


One question I haven't seen addressed about this, is whether the external TV display can mirror or extend the laptop display. Or do you only have the TV display going and a blank screen on the laptop?

Yes. The TV will either mirror or extend the display. You could have a resolution issue if you mirror your laptop. So I would suggest that you extend the display.