Apple tv vs. dvi to hdmi

why would i buy an apple tv when i can just get a dvi to hdmi converter and use my tv as a monitor?

Because the Apple TV is a very specific product that does a very specific thing. Not everyone has a spare computer or wants their machine tethered to their TV to watch a movie.
You could use the same argument for a DVR or a DVD player - people just like stand alone devices and at $229 its much cheaper than buying a new comp.

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Having problems connecting iMac(late 2006) running 10.7.5 to a Samsung Flat Screen TV using separate audio/speaker cable and HDMI standard cable, mini-DVI to HDMI video converter. TV displays generic Apple galaxy background and "some" windows (e.g. scree

Not sure that I have selected the correct forum. Hope my questions are clearly stated.
Having problems connecting iMac(late 2006) running 10.7.5 to a Samsung Flat Screen TV using separate audio/speaker cable and HDMI standard cable, mini-DVI to HDMI video converter. TV displays generic Apple galaxy background and "some" windows (e.g. screen resolution choices). It does not show Mail or Safari menus. System preferences' display "gathered" the Samsung and chose its resolution. I did not find a way to select the Samsung as my display.
In addition to having old hardware, we have Verizon FIOS providing internet and TV access. Is there any way to make this work for us? We would like to stream video (Netflix) and view shows from the Web. Do we need Apple TV to do this? Or is it not possible with our old iMac? My husband thinks that our Airport could be a factor.
Thank you

Lately, I have been seeing a lot of posts with users trying to use their Macs/iMacs to mirror their streaming video from their Macs to an HDTV.
There are, actually, many alternatives to choose from than just from a Mac.
You need to have or invest in a WiFi capable router for all of these examples.
Apple TV only integrates with WiFi and newer Mac hardware. So, if you want to have total integrated experience, if you have a 2011 Mac or newer, you might as well pay the $100 for the AppleTV box.
If you have a older Mac, like I have noticed many users do, then you have other options.
If you want to elimate long cable clutter and having your Mac at the mercy of your TV all of the time, you can still use the AppleTV box independently or purchase cheaper alternative media streaming boxes from Roku, Sony, Boxee or any number of electronics manufacturers that now have media streaming boxes and media streaming capability built into DVD/Blu-ray players.
These eliminate long cable clutter by being close to the HDTV where shorter, less expensive cables can be used.
Another alternative for iPad users is to use an iPad with the USB/HDMI video adapter and use your iPad as the streaming box. This ties up your iPad in much the same way as it does with your Mac, but again the iPad can be close to the TV and use minimal cables to the TV.
Another alternative to is to use a combination of an iPad and your Mac to stream content that is only available to stream online from a computer. In this case, you can use a desktop remote app on your iPad and Mac. A good and cheap Desktop Remote app is Splashtop Remote. This allows you to completely connect your iPad remotely, over Wifi, to your iMac desktop. The app streams both video and sound to the iPad which is still connected to your HDTV. The resultant stream video picture will be smaller than the size of your HDTV, but it will still be plenty large enough to watch. Again, if you own a iPad and an Intel Mac, this method also allows minimal cabling to the TV.

Belkin DVI to HDMI cable on Apple Store

When I ordered my Mac Mini just now from the Apple Store, I also ordered the Belkin 6ft DVI to HDMI cable they offered.
However I just noticed on the Apple Store site there was one review of this cable, dated 1 Dec 08, and it states:
"Unfortunately the graphics card on the mini wont power the screen even in low resolutions."
Is the above statement true? Have I ordered the wrong cable?

It should work. Remember that review was for the last generation of mini's where the gpu was an intel model. The mini you bought uses the nvidia 9400m.
I'd worry about your monitor/tv being compatible with the mini heh.

My macbook pro no longer connects to my TV with the mini dvi to hdmi adapter. A while ago the computer fell down and hit the cable. How can I tell if the computer is working ok. Doesn't show mirroring any more.

My macbook pro no longer connects to my TV with the mini dvi to hdmi adapter. A while ago the computer fell down and hit the cable. How can I tell if the computer is working ok. Doesn't show mirroring any more. Was working while watching a movie but when I pulled it out from the computer and put it back in the system would no longer mirrorr the screen on the TV.

The best option is an appointment at an Apple store genius bar. The evaluation will be for FREE!
Ciao.

Can I use a mini-DVI to HDMI adapter to use my HDTV as a monitor?

I've been looking into this and haven't found a direct and complete answer yet. I read this article that states its possible when using mini-DVI to VGA/DVI adapters, but didn't mention mini-DVI to HDMI adapters.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3413
Apple also doesn't offer mini-DVI to HDMI adapters, so where would be a good place to look for one and what do you think I should pay for it?

If you have a unibody MBP, you need a mini-Displayport adapter, not a mini-DVI adapter.
If you don't mind running a separate audio cable in addition to the HDMI cable from your MBP to your TV set, buy this adapter:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/search.asp?keyword=5311&x=0&y=0
If you want to combine video and audio into a single HDMI cable, buy one of these two adapters:
http://kanexlive.com/products/item.aspx?id=3323 (for two-channel stereo audio)
http://kanexlive.com/products/item.aspx?id=3495 (for 5.1-channel digital surround audio from sources that include it)

Mini dvi to hdmi adapter

I have ordered a mini dvi to female hdmi adapter for my MacBook...and hdmi cable to run to my Pansonic HDTV; so I can watch movies I rent from iTunes.
Do I need an additional cable for sound? If so, please inform what I need? I do have HDMI Audio input wht/red connections on back of TV. I just don't know what to buy if I need an additional long cable for audio?
Can I set this up to have video and audio connection with one cable?

I had a similar question a couple days ago. Below is a link to the discussion. It may help
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1866409&tstart=15
I also recently started a discussion related to weather Mini DVI to HDMI adaptors really work. If any of you have insight on the subject please go to the linked discussion below and provide your expertise. Thanks in advance
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1871277&tstart=0

Mini-DVI to HDMI adapter or Mini-DVI to DVI cable?

I know Apple has a couple different Mini-DVI adapters for their Powerbook and MacBook computers. I don't especially like adapters and was wondering if anyone knows of a Mini-DVI to DVI cable.
Also, with the gaining popularity of HDMI, do you think we will ever see a Mini-DVI to HDMI adapter or cable?

Hi,
I know it is changing the subject, but I've been long frustrated by Apple's penchant for odd connectors, especially video connectors. Remember old quadras with 13 pin D connectors, powerbooks with square connectors, 7100s with I-don't-know-what connectors? All the while, ye olde VGA 15-pin D-sub connector was on just about everything else - even gas chromatographs.
We also got that funny mini-dix (Digital-Intel-Xerox) Ethernet connector on powerbooks when PCs were outfitted with familiar RJ-45 jacks. I did see one other machine that had the mini-dix: a government spec Zenith notebook.
I'm surprised Apple didn't use a VGA connector on the Macbook, given its above average exposure in the educational environment and greater than average odds of being hooked up to a lectern in a distance learning room. Pretty much to a tee, every distance learning setup I've seen has a VGA cable at the presenter's lectern. I worked in a university IT department, and it was pretty common for our loaner laptops to come back missing just about any ancillary goodie that could be misplaced. It isn't so bad to have to routinely stuff a new $2.00 cat-5 cable in the bag, but a $20.00 video dongle - not so good!
If Apple just couldn't countenance the idea of a VGA connector, I wonder how hard it would have been to have a normal size DVI connector? At least DVI-to-VGA connectors are easier to find, and better, aren't so expensive.
Bill
Message was edited by: impulse_telecom

HT3153 Can the early 2006 MAC mini support a DVI to hdmi adapter for TV monitor support?

Can the early 2006 MAC Mini support a DVI to HDMI adapter for a TV Monitor?

Hi, I can't see why not...
Supports digital resolutions up to 1920x1200 and analog resolutions as high as 1920x1080.
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/specs/mac_mini_cd_1.66.html

I have one of the old macbooks and wish to hook it up to my tv. do i need a mini dvi to hdmi adapter plus a 3 rca phono lead with a jack for the sound. please help as im useless at this stuff. cheers

i have one of the old macbooks and wish to hook it up to my tv. do i need a mini dvi to hdmi adapter plus a 3 rca phono lead with a jack for the sound. please help as im useless at this stuff. cheers

First we need to know which one of the 9 different models of MacBook you have. To see which model you have go to the Apple in the upper left corner and select About This Mac, then click on More Info (and then System Report if you’re running 10.7 Lion). When System Profiler comes up check the Model Identifier and post it back here.
The Late 2008 model 5,1 Aluminum Unibody and the Late 2009 model 6,1 and Mid 2010 model 7,1 White Unibody have a Mini DisplayPort. The Early 2006 model 1,1 through Early 2008 model 4,1s plus the Early and Mid 2009 model 5,2s have Mini-DVI ports. Each would take a different adapter to connect with the TV.

I want to buy a new apple tv but it used hdmi cables and my house is only wired for analog. Is there any way I can use the apple tv on analog cables?

I want to buy a new apple tv but it used hdmi cables and my house is only wired for analog. Is there any way I can use the apple tv on analog cables?

Welcome to the Apple Community.
It's do-able, but I don't think it's a great idea.
DVI
Some users with DVI have managed to get their TV's to work with DVI-HDMI cables. DVI carries no audio, so alternative connections need to be explored to enable audio. DVI doesn't necessarily support HDCP as well as other standards used by HDMI (which may or may not be an issue)
Analogue
There are hardware converters that will convert HDMI to various other types of output, however there are some issues with doing so that you should be aware of.
HDCP
HDCP compliant converters will not allow you to watch HDCP protected content such as that from the iTunes Store. Non compliant converters exist but we cannot discuss them under the Terms of Use for these communities.
Resolution and aspect ratio
I'm not aware of any converters that will scale the output from the Apple TV, any TV or projector which is used will need to be widescreen and support resolutions of 720p (Apple TV 2), 720p/1080p (Apple TV 3)
DAC
DAC (Example Only - Not a recommendation or suggestion that this is suitable in your circumstances)

I have a late 2008 white macbook. I have a mini dvi to hdmi adapter, and a hdmi cord. My cannot get my MB to detect an external monitor. Nothing happens when plugged in. Also, my display settings does not have an option for mirroring or arrangment tab

I have a late 2008 white macbook. I have a mini dvi to hdmi adapter, and a hdmi cord. My cannot get my MB to detect an external monitor. Nothing happens when plugged in. Also, my display settings does not have an option for mirroring or arrangment tab

Yeah, I'm having the same exact problem - It seems that the thunderbolt minidisplay port is only able to output the analog VGA signal, not the digital signal to support DVI and HDMI. This is a bug that came up after installing 10.7.1. I bought my macbook air with 10.7 on it, upgraded it to 10.7.1 as soon as I got it, so I have never been able to use hdmi or dvi with my macbook air. This is an extremely frustrating problem for me, I used HDMI on a daily basis with my PC. I have spent many hours at the genius bar running diagnostic tests so Apple can get as much information as possible to create a fix for this problem. I have been emailing tech support for 3 or so weeks now, they keep saying that they are working on a fix and it should be out soon, but 10.7.2 has come and gone and I still have no HDMI functionality with my MacBook Air!

HDTV won't display as mirror or extra display via mini-dvi to HDMI

Hi
I have a MacBook running 10.5.7 connected to a 1080P-capable Toshishba TV (model 42XV555). I also tried this with 10.5.6 with same results.
They are connected via a "shuttlez" mini-dvi to hdmi dongle and then via a "wegi" hdmi to hmdi cable.
The TV has three HDMI inputs, one designated for computer input via HDMI with a separate input for analogue sound.
THE MB recognizes the TV and displays a separate Toshiba-specific control panel with display control panel is up. It defaults to 1600x90 and 60Hz. The Macbook adjusts every time the tv is connected - there is communication - flashing screen, MB screen re-adjusts.
S-video works fine, via mini-dvi to s-video donglr, then svideo cable.
It has worked twice with the MB and connected with HDMI - just twice. I have spent hour after hour tweaking resolutions, re-booting, changing cables, HDMI ports on the TV etc! When it worked I could mirror and use the screen as a separate, larger display. It worked in clam-shell mode too.
My question is - are there any know problems getting this combination to work (ie MB, mini-dvi to HDMI)? It can work but I am missing some knowledge on the exact combination required.
What are the optimum settings to have this TV display HD from the MB, or come to that any HD 1080p-capable TV??

I'm attempting to connect my MB to a plasma 50 inch Panasonic TV, and am about to purchase the necessary cables from www.monoprice.com.
I've discovered so far that the HDMI connection directly between the MB and the TV (using the appropriate mini DVI adapter of course - product # 4852 at monochrome.com and an Apple HDMI cable which I'll return to get a better price at monochrome) transmits only video/pictures but not audio.
So far, an old, short RCA (red/white) 2-way audio test cable (again using the appropriate adapter to connect to the headphone jack on the MB) does not transmit audio directly to the TV.
1) Could audio be transmitted from the MB to the TV using a "Coax (RCA) to Optical Toslink Digital Audio Converter" (product ID # 2947 at www.monochrome.com) to connect directly to the TV (in which case, what digital audio cable would I need to connect the converter to the TV)? And if so, would it be stereo or mono?
OR...
2) Should I wait until I get my Onkyo surround sound system (later this week) to see if the RCA cable will transmit directly from the MB to the sound system?
Thanks.

Recently I bought a mini DVI to HDMI converter from eBay for my iMac 21.5 Mid 2011, but only later I realised that it does not have the mini DVI port in that. How can I connect my iMac to a LG smart TV through a HDMI cable?

This is the picture of all the ports from my iMac
This is the mini DVI to HDMI converter which I bought from ebay. And I have the HDMI cable to connect it to my TV
Could anyone please suggest me a solution how I could connect my iMac to the LG smart TV? Also I need to know if this transmits the audio as well to the smart TV?
Suggestions are welcomed. I really appreciate and thank you for your time

I would suggest looking into a Thunderbolt to HDMI connector. In this case, you may be able to use the TV as an external monitor. For this option, please confirm through additional research. I have not tested it personally.
You can also use an Apple TV, which connects with HDMI. In this case, you can use Airplay Mirroring. Not all Macs support Airplay Mirroring, so you need to check first. I have a Mid-2011 27" iMac, and it supports Airplay Mirroring. I don't use it often because my TV is in another room, but I just tried it and it worked. It had to change the screen resolution to work well, so I don't know if I would want to use it as my day to day monitor. http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5404

I bought a mini DVI to HDMI convertor and a HDMI to VGA cable to connect my mac book pro to a tv but it doesn't work any one can help.\\\\\

i bought a mini DVI to HDMI convertor and a HDMI to VGA cable to connect my mac book pro to a tv but it doesn't work any one can help.

I would suggest looking into a Thunderbolt to HDMI connector. In this case, you may be able to use the TV as an external monitor. For this option, please confirm through additional research. I have not tested it personally.
You can also use an Apple TV, which connects with HDMI. In this case, you can use Airplay Mirroring. Not all Macs support Airplay Mirroring, so you need to check first. I have a Mid-2011 27" iMac, and it supports Airplay Mirroring. I don't use it often because my TV is in another room, but I just tried it and it worked. It had to change the screen resolution to work well, so I don't know if I would want to use it as my day to day monitor. http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5404

Mini DVI to HDMI problems with 46" Samsung TV

I bought a cable with mini DVI to HDMI at the Apple store. My new TV works great with a PC laptop, but my MBA (13") doesn't seem to be sending all the info to the TV. I get some windows, but not all of the window. I think I'm dead in the water here. Any ideas?

Hey redhead,
I have the same setup. Try messing around with the cable, it might not be properly connecting. Mine is pretty finicky and can lose connection if it's not sitting "just right". Also, just in case, click on "gather windows" on the bottom of the display settings dialog box. Then check to see if the Toshiba settings dialog box shows up. If it does, that means the TV is actually connected but the resolution settings have not be properly set yet. So if "gathering windows" gets you your TV's settings window, change the resolution to "1080p" if it offers that. If it doesn't, just go through all of the resolutions until you find one that works/works best.

Apple tv vs. dvi to hdmi

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