MacBook to HDTV via Mini-DVI to DVI-HDMI.

Okay guys, here's specific question about color calibration / resolution with DVI-HDMI output from my MacBook (or maybe any machine) to my LNT-4665. I've been trolling the forums for an answer. If you know of a thread, let me know.
The TV:
Samsung LNT-4665
It's a 46" with resolutions up to 1080p.
The MacBook:
MacBook C2D, 2GHz, 2 GB RAM, Leopard
Outputting through to a DVI-d to HDMI cable to my HDMI2 port on the Sammy.
The PC
PC with Windows XP, ATI X800 GTO graphics card. The PC is not available to me and was only used for this test.
Outputting through VGA to VGA input on the Sammy.
Images!
I took a bunch of photos in RAW format and converted them to .PNG. Alt-tabbing through New Windows gives you a better comparison.
LNT-4665 via PC using VGA - Color Bars
LNT-4665 via PC using VGA - Desktop
LNT-4665 via MacBook using DVI - Color Bars
LNT-4665 via MacBook using DVI - Desktop
LNT-4665 via MacBook using DVI - Desktop with Dock
MacBook Display - Color Bars
MacBook Display - Desktop
Baja 1000 Image - Original Res
Color Bars Image - Fit for Alt-Tabbing
Color Bars Image - Original Res
Using Photoshop and a template I found online, I created this image. It is pixel perfect. The colors are exact RGB colors.
Combined Comparison Image - Color Bars
Combined Comparison Image - Desktop
So, first of all, the resolution changes between DVI and VGA due to overscan(?). Maybe the Start Menu distorts the background image? I never fully understood how this works. Why would the picture look any different? How can I make it look the same? However, this is not my top priority.
The big issue, as you can see, are the colors. The color difference between VGA and DVI is laughable! The MacBook Display colors look better than the TVs. The DVI colors are totally washed out.
Am I outputting the wrong signal? Anyone know how to check that? Or.. fix it? I'd appreciate a crash course on any of this.
On the MacBook I played with the System Preferences>Displays>Color>Calibrate settings (I've created 5 different color profiles) to no avail.

Just to continue documenting my progress here.
From my TV's forum thread:
jinqui242 wrote:
When you hook up the Macbook to the TV, it is acting as an extended desktop. I used to do this and wondered why I kept getting dropped frames and slowdown even on DVDs and DivX video. It did not fill the screen at 1080p even though Windows filled it.
To get it to fill up the entire screen, you have to close the Macbook ("clamshell mode"), wait until it goes to sleep, then plug an external USB keyboard or mouse in to wake it up. Then it will be working in 1080p mode and should fill up the entire LCD screen. Some people don't like this because they worry about the MB overheating.
I prefer to boot up in Windows XP on my Macbook. You can right-click on the desktop and it gives you an option to "Output to Digital Television." Then it blanks out the Macbook screen and outputs on the TV in full 1080p. The MB shell can stay open. High quality video usually runs better this way IMO. The Core Media Player is pretty good with most video files.
This is pretty strange/frustrating. I successfully booted the computer in clamshell mode but it still doesn't fill the screen. However, I rebooted the machine in clamshell and the BOOT SCREEN filled the screen! Then it reverts back to the little screen when the desktop opens up. Ugh!
Windows is my Plan B. Unfortunately, it requires backing up and reformatting.
Plus, why do I have to install Windows on my MacBook in order for this to work? Totally unacceptable. Why is this so difficult?! If Apple wants to get into the home theater market this MUST be worked out. I have no interest in buying an Apple TV if I already own a MacBook that SHOULD work fine. Why would I buy an Apple TV if it turns out I have to install WINDOWS on my MacBook for it to work?!
I hope you guys are listening.

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Message was edited by: barndoor34

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