Macbook vs. Macbook Pro Video output to a projector which is better?

OK, so I am having an argument with another guy about this. He swears that a macbook doesnt look as good as a macbook pro when being displayed on a projector.
My argument is: if you have and dvd, it will look the same when projected because the resolution is the same be it a MB or MBP. They swear it would look better because the MBP has a better video card than the MB. I wouldnt think this would make a difference because the output from the DVD is not that high (its not an HD signal) so at the highest resolution of the DVD, either MB or MBP could read this exactly the same. (I am talking DVI to VGA or Svideo on both MBs.)
So if its apples to apples (no pun intended) and both are connected from DVI to VGA (lets say) to a projector, they would both look the same...correct? Or are these guys right and the MPB would actually look much better?
Help me out peoples...
Oh and one of the guys swears up and down that S-video is better than VGA....I keep telling him NO, but he doesnt get it.

they will output video pixel for pixel identically. no worries. screen spanning has been around for 5+ years now, so even the "weakest" machines can do it admirably nowadays.
The screen image starts out on your video card as a digital signal. VGA is an analog signal. So you downgrade your digital (DVI) signal to analog (VGA) to get a picture this way. All VGA signals will look like crap (though they will of course look much better than s-video because VGA is a newer standard). You need to get a projector that accepts a digital input such as DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort to have the best picture on whichever your machine is.
The only thing worse than this is using a DVI->VGA->DVI, which tries to convert a VGA signal back to digital DVI and degrades the signal further. It's like a xerox machine. Try to avoid digital->analog conversions!

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MacBook Air, MacBook Pro Retina, or Non- Retina for academic high school student?

I will be going into high school in September and am thinking of getting a MacBook for school. This is my first computer except for the family PC desktop. I am in all academic classes, and am taking business and exploring technology ( designing and building things) I would use the laptop for schoolwork as well as gaming ( nothing too intense, just stuff like portal and Garry's mod), internet, iTunes, and ilife. It will be a gift from at least 7 people, so price is important, but not a huge factor. I think a 13" screen in perfect for my needs. Would a MacBook Pro Retina, a MacBook Pro non- retina, or a MacBook Air be the best choice for me?

If you use DVDs and CDs more than often (most people don't) then go for the MacBook Pro nonretina. I would go for the MacBook Air or pro retina because their graphics cards are much better then get a $40 usb DVD drive to load movies and other content. The MacBook Air and MacBook Pro retina also have "flash storage" and haswell chips making them super fast at opening files and applications and boosts oversell performance. You sound like you're not going to be doing any editing or graphics intense work so I would recommend the MacBook Air with 8gb ram and however much storage as you want. For around $100 more you could get the MacBook Pro retina that has the amazing display and better graphics. In the end, if the retina display would be the only real upgrade for you and price is in consideration, I would recommend the MacBook Air (also apple usually releases new model macbook airs in June so you could get one now or just wait. I would wait).

Video output failure

I have a 2008 black MacBook, a Mini-DVI-to-VGA adapter and a Mini-DVI-to-"Video" adapter (AKA a Mini-DVI-to-RCA-and-S-Video adapter). The -to-VGA adapter /was/ working fine.
After I got the -to-video adapter I was having some problems making it work. A few places said I had to set it to 50Hz (which makes no sense as NTSC is 60Hz, but anyway), but that option wasn't available to me. I poked around, and apparently made the video out go completely insane. Now, when I plug in either adapter (regardless of whether anything is plugged in to them), the screen goes blue for a moment as if it's detecting a new display, but then it just goes back to normal with no new display detected. Running "detect displays" manually makes no difference, and neither does having something plugged in on the other end or not.
At this point, I can't use video output for any purpose, which is sort of annoying ...

Coverage of this problem here:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=2108
http://www.electronista.com/articles/08/08/08/nvidia.fault.in.macbooks/

My new (2 weeks old) Macbook Pro, wont send video output signal to beamer... What can I do? I have the adapter to vga but it does not work...

Hi, I have a new MacBook Pro and I dont get video output to a beamer although I have the regular
Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter and it works fine with my older MacBook...
Thanks a lot for your tips...

That should work. When you first hook it up it will probably have the display set in Extended Desktop mode. The Menu Bar and Dock will be on the MacBook display and your background screen on the TV but you can move the cursor onto the TV screen.
In SystemPreferences>Display on the MacBook screen there should be an Arrangement tab when you have the MacBook hooked up to the TV and both screens working. When you click the Arrangement tab do you see two monitors side by side? One of them will have a Menu Bar at the top. Just click on the Menu Bar and drag it to the second monitor. That will make the second monitor your main screen. You can now use your MacBook in Clamshell Mode with a wired or Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3131 When you disconnect from the TV your Menu Bar will automatically change back to the MacBook.
Or if you want to work on the MacBook screen while showing it on a TV you can check the Mirror Display box on the lower left hand side of the Arrangement tab under the two monitors box.
If you also want audio you'll need audio cables to the TV using a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack to RCA sound plugs. You attach it from the headphone jack of your MacBook to the appropriate input plugs on your TV http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=min i-dvi&x=9&y=13#/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_19?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=macboo k+audio+cable&sprefix=macbook+audio+cable&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Amacbook+audio+cable

MacBook Pro to TV, Video Output Too Dark

Hi,
I have an 2010 model 15" MacBook Pro i5.
I got this video converter for Christmas:
http://www.amazon.com/VideoSecu-VGA2TV-Computer-Presentation-Converter/dp/B000X3 FAJU/ref=sr14?ie=UTF8&qid=1295210644&sr=8-4
Using this in conjunction with an Apple Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter and a standard RCA video cable, I am able to connect my MacBook to my TV so I can stream video from sites like Hulu.
My TV is a Sanyo flat screen CRT that's, probably, 6-7 years old (exact model probably isn't important).
I have no issues with the quality of the video output I'm getting (i.e. resolution, color). The issue I'm having is that the video is too dark. The video looks great on my MacBook screen, but the TV display is too dark. I have tried playing with the settings on the TV and on the converter (through which I can adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, and sharpness) and I can't, for the life of me, get the output to my TV brightened up to an acceptable level.
I have tried to use the display calibration tool in the Mac's display preferences and that didn't seem to help (I'll admit that I don't think I'm doing it correctly).
Can anyone suggest some steps that I might try in order to improve my video output?
Thanks.

No Answer, but related problem...please see my original post: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2773439&stqc=true

MacBook Pro 3,1 - no video output

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Coverage of this problem here:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=2108
http://www.electronista.com/articles/08/08/08/nvidia.fault.in.macbooks/

Video Output for Musical on new Macbook Air

Doing first production of a musical.
I'm thinking of buying Logic Pro 9 to control the output of recorded audio and video for the show (as well as to compose a few extra pieces).
The features page on the Apple site says: Logic can let you view synchronized QuickTime movies on a separate monitor using output options like Digital Cinema Desktop.
http://www.apple.com/logicpro/top-features/
The Tech Specs page on the Apple site says: External video output via FireWire or DVCPRO HD.
http://www.apple.com/se/logicpro/specs/
I've bought a brand spanking new Macbook Air which has a Thunderbolt and two USB ports.
Would I be able to use Logic on my Macbook Air to output my video? (I was thinking I would do it to a projector either through WiFi or a (yellow) composite cable.)
(The alternative I was thinking of was to use MuseScore to enter the notation for the extra pieces. Garageband for the audio output (it's missing a few instruments [e.g. clarinet, xylophone]) and plain old Quicktime for the video output.
Thanks!
John
(I've already spent way more than I can afford.)

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from the drop down.
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Type in resetpassword and press enter on the keyboard.
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Choosing an external hard drive for MacBook Pro video editing?

This summer, I'll be taking an introductory video production/editing class, using Final Cut Express 4.
I own a late 2009 MacBook Pro (2.26Ghz Core 2 Duo, 8GB RAM, FireWire 800, GeForce 9400M), which I'd like to use for editing at home, i.e. when I don't have access to the class video lab.
I've heard that I should buy an external hard drive, so as not to fill up and wear out my laptop's 160GB hard drive. Google returns a tsunami of information on hard drive choices, much of it undated, and mostly geared towards pro video editors. Overwhelming, and not that helpful so far.
For my basic needs, are all hard drives more or less interchangable? Is one brand/model better suited for video editing (versus backups)? What are the critical specs to consider?
I hope to continue with movie-making as hobby - and to promote my small business - but I do not expect to put together a pro setup.
Thanks.

Get as big a firewire drive as you can afford, making sure it runs at 7200rpm. Media files are huge: regular DV is around 13GB/hour. Most HD media is transcoded to Apple Intermediate Codec in FCE as it's ingested, around 40GB/hour.
I've had very good luck with drives from Other World Computing (http://macsales.com/). If you'll be transporting the drive between school and home regularly, I'd suggest a bus-powered drive, just because it's smaller. Lots of folks in this forum swear by LaCie drives.

MacBook Pro Video Update 1.0 problem

I downloaded MacBook Pro Video Update 1.0 (Snow Leopard) and I am using Mac OS X Ver 10.6.8 however it alerts that this software is not supported on your system. I have the problem of black screen of death. I am using an extra display. I arranged mirrors displays so I can use the computer.
What should I do?
By the way I am in Turkey.

I went the authorized service in Ankara Turkey. They said they have to change whole screen and wanted to get 800$. Of course, I rejected. Then, they said they have a second hand display connector cable (which was the suspected piece for the problem) to replace for $80. I accepted and gave $80. Problem fixed! My computer is still working perfectly.

Macbook or Macbook Pro? Help!

Ok so recently I ran into some trouble with my old laptop which was a Sony Vaio 1.73 pentium M, 1 gig ram, 128mb geforce 6200, 80 gig 5400rpm hd and I now need to get a new laptop. Right now I am currently leaning towards a mac or macbook pro but I cant decide which is best.
The usual things I do with my old laptop are just downloading music/movies talking on MSN and listening to music. I also play WoW a lot and most of the time I have MSN/itunes/WoW running all at the same time and my old laptop ran that fine (WoW at max settings too). For the most part my question is, from experienced owners of macbooks, how well would this laptop hold up to the things that I usually do?

Hi ericm777,
The MacBook and MacBook Pro are very similar machines. Both have pretty much identical processors (the Pro has slightly faster variants, but that barely ever makes any noticeable difference); both have the same type and speed of ram (although the Pro can be ordered with 3GB instead of just 2GB like the non-Pro; and both have very similar hard drive options (only difference is that the 17" Pro can be ordered with a high-speed 7200rpm 100GB HD instead of the standard 5400- or 4200rpm variants). Those are the main components that will affect performance in a computer (other than the graphics card, which is coming up), so a MacBook and MacBook Pro are very similar in performance when doing tasks such as music, web-browsing, e-mail, and casual gaming.
The difference in the two comes in two factors: graphics and design. In terms of graphics, the Pro is much better than the basic one. It has a dedicated graphics card with either 2 (basic model) or 4 (other two models) times the video ram that the MacBook has. And, dedicated video cards are a LOT better than integrated ones. Also an advantage that the Pro has in terms of graphics is what it can display. The built-in displays are bigger (1440x900 and 1680x1050 instead of 1280x800 on the basic MacBook), and they can output to bigger screens (MacBook can output to 1920x1200, whereas the Pro can output to 2560x1600).
In terms of design, the Pro is slightly better. Its aluminum case is better-looking than the MacBook's white/black plastic case (IMO), and it has better I/O. It has an ExpressCard/34 expansion slot and a Firewire 800 port (and, one more USB on the 17").
So, yes, the MacBook Pro is better than the MacBook, but it's usually not worth it. It is significantly more expensive (if you configure a white MacBook to have the same ram and HD as a 2.13GHz Pro then it is still $550 less than the Pro (in Canada)). So, that's the price of improved graphics and design.
So, what do you need? Both laptops will download/listen to music/movies and talk on MSN just as well as the other. And, other common tasks like internet, e-mail, word-processing, iPhoto, and iMovie (to an extent -- the Pro is better if you're doing big projects, though) will be pretty much identical. But, WoW MAY stutter on the base MacBook. I have never played the game, but from what its system requirements say in the Apple store you should be alright with the standard MacBook -- it doesn't seem to be an extremely demanding game. Also, if it ran fine on the Pentium M, then it should be alright on the base MacBook (the MacBook's graphics aren't as good as the Vaio's, but its processor is better, which will make up for that). Also, if WoW runs fine, then it will also run fine while other non-demanding apps like MSN and iTunes are open.
One final comparison is portability and battery performance. The MacBook has slightly longer battery life, is lighter, and is smaller. So, if you need portability then the base MacBook is better.
So, if you can afford to spend an extra $500+, then get a Pro. But generally, it is not worth it unless you are doing intense video editing or high-end gaming.
Hope that helps!
-Eric

Macbook, Mini-dvi to video, TVs

I bought the mini-dvi to video adapter to use with my Macbook. I plugged it in and connected it to the TV using the yellow wire. The TV (a Toshiba HDTV) does not display correctly.. it's basically just black, sometimes I can see a little green or whatever.
On my Macbook display, I know it think it is working, since a second display is listed and Spaces shows the extra display as well.
What do I do?
THANKSSSS

Since you mentioned your TV is HDTV:
Did you connect the yellow wire to the Composite Video input or the Component Video Input? These are very different, but uses the same connector and cable shape. It sounds like you plugged it in into the Component input.
If want to check my suspicions, plug that yellow wire to the input right next to it, and you will see occasional blues instead of greens. And move it over one more and you'll see occasional reds instead of blues!
The yellow thing from the mini-dvi to Video is composite, but most HDTV inputs are component.
Here are your options:
1. Free:
Does your HDTV have a composite input? It might be labeled as standard analogue or something like that. If so, use your yellow cable and plug it into that input instead.
2. Better:
The mini-dvi to video adaptor also has a S-Video output. Use an s-video cable to connect from mabcook to TV.
3. BEST:
Does your HDTV have a DVI input? If so, you will get a MUCH better picture if you buy the mini-dvi to DVI adaptor and then use a DVI cable to connect macbook-TV. That will cost you money, but it'll look great.

How do i connect my macbook pro retina display to lcd projector

How do i connect my macbook pro retina display to lcd projector?

Depends on what type of video connection the projector accepts. Most common would be DVI, VGA or HDMI. Review this article for more information: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3235

I am trying to hook my macbook pro to a projector, which has a VGA cable. I bought a VGA to HDMI adapter, but whenever I hook it up, the screen on my macbook just goes black and I can't make it do anything else or even show up on the projector.

I am trying to hook my macbook pro to a projector, which has a VGA cable. I bought a VGA to HDMI adapter, but whenever I hook it up, the screen on my macbook just goes black and I can't make it do anything else or even show up on the projector.
My laptop is still on; it just has a black screen that I can't get rid of without shutting down the computer by holding the power button.

Hey there lynmrigg,
It sounds like have an HDMI to VGA adapter connecting your MacBook Pro and your projector but the screen on your computer goes black and no image appears on the projector. I would use the troubleshooting in the following article to help resolve or isolate the issue here, named:
Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays
Try unplugging the video adapter or cable and then plug it back in.
If more than one video adapter is in use (or "daisy-chained"), troubleshoot by using only one adapter.
Example: A mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter connected to a DVI to HDMI adapter is an unsupported configuration because there is a series of adapters in use.
If available, try using a different display and or adapter (or use a different connector by using DVI instead of VGA, for instance).
Reset the system
You can reset the Mac's parameter RAM and SMC.
Reset the resolution
Start by resetting the Mac's parameter RAM. If the display does not come up, was previously set to an unsupported resolution, and still results in no video:
Start up in Safe Mode.
From the Apple () menu, choose System Preferences.
Choose Displays from the View menu to open the preferences pane.
Select any resolution and refresh rate that your display supports.
Restart your computer.
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
Take care,
Sterling

Which is better(generally): MacBook Pro with Retina Display or MacBook Air?

Which is better(generally): MacBook Pro with Retina Display or MacBook Air?

Better for what? These are two very different computers. Tell us which things you are looking for and we may be able to help you. Examples - weight, standard RAM and flash memory available, video resolution, etc.
See the technical specifications articles for each -
MacBook Air.
MacBook Pro retina display.
Best of luck.

Macbook vs Macbook Pro - confused

Was going to buy my daughter a Macbook. Bump it up to 4GB of RAM and add Apple Care. Total cost: £1,020.00
Then I checked out the 13" Macbook Pro. Comes with 4GB of RAM by default. Comes with 320 GB storage by default (Macbook comes with 250 by default). Cost of the Pro with AppleCare is £1,107.60
Now here's why I'm confused. For just £87.60 more I get a more powerful machine but is also lighter?? It's the lighter part that's really surprised me. I would have expected the Pro to weigh more. The Macbook weighs in at 4.7 lbs. The 13" Pro weighs in at 4.5 lbs.
I would have expected the Pro's casing to be heavier than the standard Macbook. Just trying to figure out why anyone would go with a Macbook if for such a small amount more you get a better machine all around. Am I missing something or is this just all by design, ie Apple's way of getting those who compare to pony up that little more?

Lucky daughter, indeed.
There are two other differences between the two machines that are worth considering. (1) The video quality of the MBP is significantly better than the MB, with an image that's brighter and seems to have more detail. (2) The MBP's aluminum casing is thinner and lighter than a polycarbonate MB, and the aluminum resists dirt and scuffs somewhat better.
If you purchase a '10 generation MBP on refurb on the Apple Store, you should be able to save even more, while avoiding the heat issues of the '11 generation MBP. And you get a full warranty.
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/macbook_pro/13?mco=MjEwNz M4MTE

Macbook vs. Macbook Pro Video output to a projector which is better?

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