MacBook Pro to HD TV Screen Blank

First of all, no computer skills here...so feel free to talk to me in very simple sentences! lol I'm one of those that never mastered the clock on a VCR!
I am trying to connect my MacBook Pro to a TV with and HDMI port. I want to watch Netflix from the computer on the TV. When I connect the cable, nothing happens on the TV and the MacBook screen goes to an old desktop picture that is otherwise blank (no icons...just a blank background picture native to the MacBook). Would appreciate any assistance...I've Googled till my fingertips are numb!
I ordered this cable:
http://www.amazon.com/MC373LL-MC374LL-MC505LL-MC506LL-Displayport/dp/B004TENNUW
I have two TV's with HDMI ports (a Samsung-about 4 years old; a Samsung-not quite 2 years old)
MacBook info is:
Model Name:    MacBook Pro Mac OS X 10.6.8
Model Identifier:    MacBookPro8,1
Processor Name:    Intel Core i5
Processor Speed:    2.3 GHz
Number of Processors:    1
Total Number of Cores:    2
L2 Cache (per Core):    256 KB
L3 Cache:    3 MB
Memory:    4 GB
Boot ROM Version:    MBP81.0047.B24
SMC Version (system):    1.68f96
Purchased MacBook in May 2011

Welcome to the Apple discussions.
Depending on the connection at your TV .... a mini displayport to DVI adapter, then a DVI to HDMI cable. This will get a digital signal to your TV. You'll also need a cable to take audio from the minijack to connector at the TV. If you don't have an HDMI port on the TV, another way would be if it allows PC input, get a mini displayport to VGA adapter, then a normal computer VGA cable between the adapter and the TV.

Similar Messages

HT1338 When turning on Macbook pro laptop I receive a blank screen for a few seconds, then a folder with a ? is displayed and remains as if the computer is now Frozen. Mac book Pro leopard operating system. What can I do to get past the freeze?

When turning on Macbook pro laptop I receive a blank screen for a few seconds, then a folder with a ? is displayed and remains as if the computer is now Frozen. Mac book Pro leopard operating system. What can I do to get past the freeze?

Could the disk have failed?
Can you hear it?
Boot from the install DVD and see what Disk Utility says.

My MacBook Pro shows a grey screen at start-up how do I fix this problem?

My MacBook Pro shows a grey screen when I try to login and won't go onto my homepage. Why has this happened and how do I fix it?

Take each of these steps that you haven't already tried. Stop when the problem is resolved.
Step 1
The first step in dealing with a startup failure is to secure the data. If you want to preserve the contents of the startup drive, and you don't already have at least one current backup, you must try to back up now, before you do anything else. It may or may not be possible. If you don't care about the data that has changed since the last backup, you can skip this step.
There are several ways to back up a Mac that is unable to start. You need an external hard drive to hold the backup data.
a. Start up from the Recovery partition, or from a local Time Machine backup volume (option key at startup.) When the OS X Utilities screen appears, launch Disk Utility and follow the instructions in this support article, under “Instructions for backing up to an external hard disk via Disk Utility.” The article refers to starting up from a DVD, but the procedure in Recovery mode is the same. You don't need a DVD if you're running OS X 10.7 or later.
b. If Step 1a fails because of disk errors, and no other Mac is available, then you may be able to salvage some of your files by copying them in the Finder. If you already have an external drive with OS X installed, start up from it. Otherwise, if you have Internet access, follow the instructions on this page to prepare the external drive and install OS X on it. You'll use the Recovery installer, rather than downloading it from the App Store.
c. If you have access to a working Mac, and both it and the non-working Mac have FireWire or Thunderbolt ports, start the non-working Mac in target disk mode. Use the working Mac to copy the data to another drive. This technique won't work with USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
d. If the internal drive of the non-working Mac is user-replaceable, remove it and mount it in an external enclosure or drive dock. Use another Mac to copy the data.
Step 2
If the startup process stops at a blank gray screen with no Apple logo or spinning "daisy wheel," then the startup volume may be full. If you had previously seen warnings of low disk space, this is almost certainly the case. You might be able to start up in safe mode even though you can't start up normally. Otherwise, start up from an external drive, or else use the technique in Step 1b, 1c, or 1d to mount the internal drive and delete some files. According to Apple documentation, you need at least 9 GB of available space on the startup volume (as shown in the Finder Info window) for normal operation.
Step 3
Sometimes a startup failure can be resolved by resetting the NVRAM.
Step 4
If you use a wireless keyboard, trackpad, or mouse, replace or recharge the batteries. The battery level shown in the Bluetooth menu item may not be accurate.
Step 5
If there's a built-in optical drive, a disc may be stuck in it. Follow these instructions to eject it.
Step 6
Press and hold the power button until the power shuts off. Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed to start up, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Use a different keyboard and/or mouse, if those devices are wired. If you can start up now, one of the devices you disconnected, or a combination of them, is causing the problem. Finding out which one is a process of elimination.
Step 7
If you've started from an external storage device, make sure that the internal startup volume is selected in the Startup Disk pane of System Preferences.
Start up in safe mode. Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Post for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to start and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including wireless networking on certain Macs.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know the login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
When you start up in safe mode, it's normal to see a dark gray progress bar on a light gray background. If the progress bar gets stuck for more than a few minutes, or if the system shuts down automatically while the progress bar is displayed, the startup volume is corrupt and the drive is probably malfunctioning. In that case, go to Step 11. If you ever have another problem with the drive, replace it immediately.
If you can start and log in in safe mode, empty the Trash, and then open the Finder Info window on the startup volume ("Macintosh HD," unless you gave it a different name.) Check that you have at least 9 GB of available space, as shown in the window. If you don't, copy as many files as necessary to another volume (not another folder on the same volume) and delete the originals. Deletion isn't complete until you empty the Trash again. Do this until the available space is more than 9 GB. Then restart as usual (i.e., not in safe mode.)
If the startup process hangs again, the problem is likely caused by a third-party system modification that you installed. Post for further instructions.
Step 8
Launch Disk Utility in Recovery mode (see Step 1.) Select the startup volume, then run Repair Disk. If any problems are found, repeat until clear. If Disk Utility reports that the volume can't be repaired, the drive has malfunctioned and should be replaced. You might choose to tolerate one such malfunction in the life of the drive. In that case, erase the volume and restore from a backup. If the same thing ever happens again, replace the drive immediately.
This is one of the rare situations in which you should also run Repair Permissions, ignoring the false warnings it may produce. Look for the line "Permissions repair complete" at the end of the output. Then restart as usual.
Step 9
If the startup device is an aftermarket SSD, it may need a firmware update and/or a forced "garbage collection." Instructions for doing this with a Crucial-branded SSD were posted here. Some of those instructions may apply to other brands of SSD, but you should check with the vendor's tech support.
Step 10
Reinstall the OS. If the Mac was upgraded from an older version of OS X, you’ll need the Apple ID and password you used to upgrade.
Step 11
Do as in Step 9, but this time erase the startup volume in Disk Utility before installing. The system should automatically restart into the Setup Assistant. Follow the prompts to transfer the data from a Time Machine or other backup.
Step 12
This step applies only to models that have a logic-board ("PRAM") battery: all Mac Pro's and some others (not current models.) Both desktop and portable Macs used to have such a battery. The logic-board battery, if there is one, is separate from the main battery of a portable. A dead logic-board battery can cause a startup failure. Typically the failure will be preceded by loss of the settings for the startup disk and system clock. See the user manual for replacement instructions. You may have to take the machine to a service provider to have the battery replaced.
Step 13
If you get this far, you're probably dealing with a hardware fault. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service provider.

In my macbook pro sees in the screen very wide a vertical black bar and it does not let see what this underneath that bar

in my macbook pro sees in the screen very wide a vertical black bar and it does not let see what this underneath that bar

Take it in for service. Your screen probably needs to be replaced.

How can I set up Cinema Display as a main screen and leave my macbook pro as a second screen instead?

How can I set up Cinema Display as a main screen and leave my macbook pro as a second screen instead?

I learned that the Dock is positioned at the chosen edge of whatever Display is positioned farthest to that side. E.g. for the Dock to be positioned on the right side of the Cinema Display (instead of the right side of the MacBook), the Cinema Display must be oriented (by dragging) to the right of the MacBook monitor on the "Arrangement" tab of the Displays Preference Panel.

My Macbook Pro has a black screen when running in Bootcamp Windows 7. Since I updated the mac side my windows side now starts up with completely black screen - no prompt, nothing, Cap keys still light up as does mouse and DVD drive seems to run.

My Macbook Pro has a black screen when running in Bootcamp Windows 7. Since I updated the mac side my windows side now starts up with completely black screen - no prompt, nothing, Cap keys still light up as does mouse and DVD drive seems to run.
Will not show up in safe mode, will not show when started from Windows 7 DVD.
I suspect the Mac update wiped out my PC video drivers but can not think of a way to re-install?
Can see the PC volume from Mac side with files.
I've looked at all the online solutions so far and have tried most of them without success. Please help!
Specs:
2009 Macbook Pro, 3.06 GHz Intel 2 core, Max 10.6.8.
Model Name:          MacBook Pro
Model Identifier:          MacBookPro5,2
Processor Name:          Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed:          3.06 GHz
Number Of Processors:          1
Total Number Of Cores:          2
L2 Cache:          6 MB
Memory:          4 GB
Bus Speed:          1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version:          MBP52.008E.B05
SMC Version (system):          1.42f4
Serial Number (system):          7302300GANE
Hardware UUID:          B2D4B4B4-CD92-5C7A-BDC2-527D30DD8DF3
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State:          Enabled

EDIT: RESOLVED
For anyone else who finds their way here like I did, this link did it for me: https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/527599/windows-8-issues-solved-please-r ead-if-you-39-re-having-black-screen-and-or-flickering-/
Specifically, the posts by Dunsany and valkyr did the trick. I booted in safe mode, uninstalled and deleted the Nvidia driver, disabled automatic driver installation, and restarted normally. I then manually downloaded and installed the previous Nvidia driver for my graphics card (which at the time of this writing was 335.23, rather than the latest which was 337.88), and everything is now bueno!
Two hiccoughs along the way: First, when I tried to uninstall the Nvidia driver the first time, when I restarted I got the login screen (which was a good sign), but it quickly went black again. I powered down, restarted in safe mode again, and repeated the uninstallation process, and it worked the second time. Second, when I started the manual install of the 335.23 driver, the computer played a sound similar to the one for disconnecting a USB device, and the screen went black. I'd seen a lot about trying to increase the brightness (though it hadn't worked up to this point; but if you haven't tried it yet, might as well); I tried it, and it worked! So far I'm back up and running. [/fingers crossed]
Hope this helps someone else!

HT204347 macbook pro hung on gray screen with spinner

macbook pro hung on gray screen with spinner.any answers??

See this Apple note: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570

My macbook pro randomly turns the screen black!

my macbook pro randomly turns the screen black when it's still on!
i tried to change the energy saver settings but it still happens.
i turn my computer off aprox. every 2 days i tried to bring a solution to this but its just weird
please help!
ps. this has been happening since i downloaded the first version of OS X Lion

Mine does this too, have you had any luck with any solutions?

My macbook pro 12 laptop home screen is black

my macbook pro 12 laptop home screen is black and won't do anything. I can log onto my guest account but not my main account. How can i fix this?

What is a Macbook Pro 12? Which os is installed on your computer?

My macbook pro went from startup screen to grey vertical stripes

my macbook pro went from startup screen to grey vertical stripes with a bit of flashing. Force quit twice and it is still doing it. Had a bit of problem last time I started it with flashing screen, but it settled. After leaving it on screen went black (as usual) and on waking had desktop up but continued to flash. Any suggestions?

Hi there Lochside,
You may find the troubleshooting steps in the article below helpful.
Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displayshttp://support.apple.com/kb/ht1573
-Griff W.

Macbook pro-Freezes with black screen at start up.

Macbook pro-Freezes with black screen at start up. I've tried inserting the Mac OS X install disc to run the hardware test(Restart and hold down D), But it still does nothing. Just the black screen. Now I can't get the disc out. I've tried holding down the track pad key upon start up but that doesn't work neither.
What do I do??? Please help.

Remove the battery to find your serial number in the battery bay. Then you can look your MBP up on EveryMac.com:
http://www.everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/
That will give you all the information on your Mac.
This is assuming that you have the MBP with the removable battery and not the unibody. The unibody has different graphic chips.
Good luck!
Message was edited by: S.U.

Macbook pro boots to white screen and a ?

macbook pro boots to white screen and a ?

Gus@MaggiesFarm,
try this: boot your MacBook Pro into Recovery mode by holding down a Command key and the R key as it starts up. Once the Mac OS X Utilities menu appears, select Disk Utility. On the left-hand side of the Disk Utility window, select your internal disk’s boot partition (typically called “Macintosh HD”). On the right-hand side, press the Verify Disk button if it’s not greyed out; if it is greyed out, or if it reports that errors were found, press the Repair Disk button. Once the verification/repair is completed, exit Disk Utility and select Restart from the Apple menu to restart in normal mode. Does it get past the white screen now?

Hello All, I have a Model - MacBook Pro Laptop and the screen recently turned grey giving me zero visibility or access to the computer. Has anyone else seen or had this problem? Is it fixable or should I get a new unit?

Hello all,
I have a Model - MacBook Pro Laptop and the screen recently turned the colour grey, giving me no visibility or access to the unit.
Has anyone had or seen this problem before? Can it be fixed? I had a repair guy from my local Mac Store take a look at it - he said I needed a whole new screen and top of the computer, but this didn't fix the problem. I took the unit home unrepaired, and a week later it was all of a sudden working fine.
What is happening with my Laptop? Once this happens (grey screen) does it mean that it's going to become a chronic problem?
Please advise....Thanks

It's kind of difficult to diagnosis your problem without a visual clue, because there is a (mostly) software based "gray screen" at boot issue.
But if you got the screen replaced, took it home and now it works, why the repair shop didn't get it working before it left the store is beyond me.
Unless the repair shop is a authorized apple reseller/repair, I wouldn't have taken it to them, and of you did, they should have fixed the issue right away.

Macbook Pro 2008. My screen stayed black and is unresponsive.

Macbook Pro 2008. My screen stayed black and is unresponsive and sleep light is on. I shut down and then restarted and nothing happened on screen but sleep light came on and is solid.

It could possibly be the video card, or the logic board. You could try a smc reset if you have not done s yet. smc reset:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
I had an issue similar to this, and there was a bad logic board, hard drive and video card.
You might want to bring it in to the Apple store, they do the diagnostic for free and give you a repair price.
They offer a flat repair rate, which they fix what ever is wrong as long it was due to liquid damage.
The repair cost me about 1/3rd the price of a new machine and the machine has been fine ever since.
It's worth getting it checked out.
ATB

Macbook pro show only white screen.

Hello,
Just one month ago, i got macbook pro,
Recently i installed windows 8 on macbook and i made three partition by Disk Utility. Whatever it was working perfetly.
After that i start windows 8 and tried to deleted number three partition by administration tool from windows. After that all partition shown yellow colour, then i resart the macbook pro. But now macbook pro only show white screen.
I holded option key, their only show window partition, no Recovery HD. On my macbook pro i have many important which i do not want to lose data.
Macbook Pro Model No: A1286, OS X: 10.6 (May be), 2.6GHz processor
I am new user of mac. Please give me easy solution for me.
I am live in Bangladesh. Is there any service center of MacBook? if there has, it gives free service for my problem.
Shomon

Follow these documents.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1440
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1455
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3964
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1509
If you get a external USB or Firewire drive, you can hold c and boot off the installer disk #1 that comes with your computer, the second screen in is a Utilities Menu and Disk Utility.
Select the EXTERNAL DRIVE and Erase, format HFS+ Journaled GUID partition.
When that's completed quit Disk Utility and your back in the OS X installer, install OS X on the EXTERNAL DRIVE.
When that's complete quit and reboot hold down the OPTION KEY and select the External drive to boot from.
Now GRAB THOSE FILES!!!
After that you can do what you want to the boot drive, if you can't fix it, you can always install OS X again (without formatting) and it should leave your programs and files alone. But if something goes wrong you have a copy on the external drive.
If for some reason you can't access your internal drive, either booted from the install disk in Disk Utility or via the external drive, it's possible your hard drive died.

MacBook Pro to HD TV Screen Blank

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for