MB Operation w/lid closed using FrontRow, BT keyboard & Mini-DVI to Video

Ok - after some tribulations here's how FrontRow works using a Bluetooth Keyboard and no mouse for your Living room TV enjoyment.
Ensure MagSafe attached to MB and plugged into wall electrical socket
1. Pair the Bluetooth keyboard to the MacBook
2. Close lid and wait for it to sleep
3. Connect Mini-DVI adapter to MB
4. Connect Mini-DVI to TV's video input and MB sound output to the TV's audio L/R sockets if you want TV sound, otherwise your sound will come from the MB speakers
5. Wait a few seconds and then press the Keyboard space bar (this is what I did but you may also be able to press any key)
6. After a few moments the MacBook will wakeup
7. Now use the remote and press Menu to launch FrontRow - it may take a few moments for things to happen on the TV screen - but hang in there as FrontRow will eventually show on the TV screen.
8. Now you can navigate FrontRow and play iTunes (and it shows playlist and tune info data - cool), DVD movie, Slide shows from iPhoto, etc.
Hey - it does work with a BT keyboard and there's no need to plug a mouse in either.
Remember that the MagSafe must stay connected otherwise you will lose your video feed to the TV.
You can also dispense with Bluetooth keyboard once you have things rolling. I did so, as I needed it for operating my PowerMac G5 which has only the Bluetooth keyboard feature for operating it - have no USB keyboard in the house.
This is all very very cool and my wife will love this setup.
Enjoy your FrontRow in the LR now.

A followup...
After playing some with FrontRow while MacBook connected to my TV I decide to revert back to normal operations and disconnected it from TV. Using the MacBook (Black with 1gig RAM) as normal I took a look at Top.app to see what resources had been used or were still in use. I found all the FrontRow Apps - iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie etc were still active and my RAM had been paged out furiously during the time it had been connected to the TV. Some 73,000 pageouts had occured and it had been zero before connecting to the TV.
This tells me that my 1gig was being over subscribed and that 2gig might serve me better and could explain why FrontRow stuttered a few time and appeared unresponsive.
I would say at this time that if you are going to be using FrontRow as I did then having as much RAM as you can afford in this little Black beauty will help things run more smoothly. I'm up for adding another 1gig to our MacBook.

Similar Messages

Resolution using Mini-DVI to Video Adapter

I have a Mini-DVI to Video Adapter that I connect to a television set. When I connect it my resolution drops from 1280x800 on my MacBook to 1024x768 on the television. On the MacBook tech specs screen it says: "Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 1920 by 1200 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colours".
Is it just something that I'll have to live with when switching to the television, or is there any way that I can increase this resolution?

You can make the TV the main monitor by dragging the menu bar to it in the "Arrangement" pane of "Displays" System Preference, or if you connect the power adapter and an external mouse and keyboard, just close the lid. It will sleep, but will wake when you use the mouse or keyboard.

Iphoto crashing after using mini-dvi to video adapter

Hi, IPhoto on my Macbook is crashing. I can open it, then as soon as I scroll down it locks up and I have to force quit.
This started happening right after I used a Mini-DVI to Video Adapter cable to hook my macbook up to my TV. The adapter/s-video connection worked and I was able to see the video on the tv. But iphoto immediately locked up the computer when I went to slide show and now it locks every time I open it.
Any ideas?
Thank you:)
Dorothy

It means that the issue resides in your existing Library.
Option 1
Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild. Choose to Rebuild iPhoto Library Database from automatic backup.
If that fails:
Option 2
Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. This will create a new library based on data in the albumdata.xml file. Not everything will be brought over - no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your albums and keywords, faces and places back.
Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one.
Regards
TD

Using S-Video w/ the Mini DVI to Video Adapter

I just purchased a MacBook last week and I also purchased a Mini DVI to Video adapter for it so I can use the built-in DVD player to watch movies on my TV. I have a composite to composite cable and that worked fine when I connected the cable between the Mini DVI to Video Adapter and my TV. However, when I tried to use a S-Video cable and connected that between the Mini DVI to Video Adapter and my TV; then I got no picture at all. All I saw on the TV was a picture of the MAC desktop w/o the dock and the movie or nothing else played at all.
Is the composite connection a better connection for the MAC, or, are there some settings I need to work with on the MAC to get the S-Video connection to work?

I managed to figure this one out, by fluke. The MacBook has to be powered on and ready for user input prior to connecting the mini DVI to video adapter with the s video already connected to it, and to the TV. Once I did it this way, it worked fine. I just thought I'd share this.

Display problems using mini-dvi to video adapter

I recently purchased the mini-dvi to video adapter for my powerbook to use my TV as a monitor and to play pictures and videos from the laptop to the TV. I am getting a full color display on the TV, but it's only the screen saver. None of my files, text, or any other desktop folders or menus appear when I open them up on the laptop. The only screen that opens is the display preferences when I open that up, but it's a different set of preferences than what's in my computer's display preferences, as it's header is "NTSC/PAL". But other than that 1 menu, nothing is appearing but the screen saver.

OK, I discovered that I didn't know what I was doing. With the Mini-DVI to video adapter, you need to use an S-Video cable that plugs into an S-video jack on the TV, and then you need a separate cable to plug into the audio out jack on the MacBook to plug into the TV.
I think you could also use an S-video to RCA component cable if you have a TV with component video input, but I couldn't get that to work so I went to the s-video to s-video cable.

IPhoto slideshow using mini-dvi to video adapter

When using the mini-dvi to video adapter to connect to my widescreen tv (via composite), to show iPhoto slideshows, the transistions between slides dont apear and there are no ken burns effects. The slideshow runs fine on my MacBook display (ie when not conected to the tv), and the is no other distortion or flickering (as reported in other threads), this seems odd to me or is it just a limitation of analogue output.
2Ghz MacBook, White Mac OS X (10.4.7)

It means that the issue resides in your existing Library.
Option 1
Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild. Choose to Rebuild iPhoto Library Database from automatic backup.
If that fails:
Option 2
Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. This will create a new library based on data in the albumdata.xml file. Not everything will be brought over - no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your albums and keywords, faces and places back.
Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one.
Regards
TD

I have a Mac OSX version 10.75 with just one Thunderbolt port. and it has been my Thunderbolt port to connect with Blackmagic wear my intensity. and I no longer can use the port for mini-DVI adapter to connect with me. I do not want to ask any other way f

i have a Mac OSX version 10.75 with just one Thunderbolt port. and it has been my Thunderbolt port to connect with Blackmagic wear my intensity. and I no longer can use the port for mini-DVI adapter to connect with me. I do not want to ask any other way for me to use to use my monitor. I monitor LG FLATRON E2041 brand .. PLEASE Helpp ME

i have a Mac OSX version 10.75 with just one Thunderbolt port. and it has been my Thunderbolt port to connect with Blackmagic wear my intensity. and I no longer can use the port for mini-DVI adapter to connect with me. I do not want to ask any other way for me to use to use my monitor. I monitor LG FLATRON E2041 brand .. PLEASE Helpp ME

I want to use my I Pad mini to play videos from my Gopro Hero HD camera and also to use as a monitor if possible?

I want to use my I Pad mini to play videos from my Gopro Hero HD camera and also to use as a monitor if possible? What software would i need to use ? I movie is what i use with my I Mac not sure if this will work on I Pad Mini?

At first I thought that this solved my problem, but alas it didn't. It does appear to add display area for your computer or to suplement it. But it is not a view screen for your Mini. I guess I will just have to live on with my monitor and use my Ipad and the "remote" app to run Itunes.
Once I have the system all set up, I could use the display but I don't know why I would. Thanks for your help.

Operating with lid closed

I'm intending to use my MBP as a desktop machine for much of the time. I anticipate connecting to a 24" screen and probably using a mouse & keyboard while on the desk. I'm a bit pressed for space would really like to operate the MBP with its lid closed.
I understand that there are third party utilities that prevent lid closure from activating sleep mode, but am concerned that the machine might get a bit hot.
What's the view of the panel on this issue?

What you're asking for is very common and the machines are designed to do it. The ventilation system doesn't really care whether the lid is closed or not, because the vents are out the back. The only danger of overheating is if it somehow runs while it's all sealed up in a bag.

Operating in Lid Closed mode without power connected!

I was able to hook up my 17" ADC Studio display to my MacBook and operate with the built in display turned off, and with no power adapter. First close the lid of the the MacBook and let it go to sleep. Attach the monitor cable and using an external keyboard, wake the computer. Let the Display turn on and then open the lid on the MacBook. This will prevent the computer from going back to sleep. With the lid open you should still be running in a single display mode. You can check the displays preference pane to see that the computer only sees the external display. Hope this helps.
Power Mac G4 APG Graphics MacBook Pro 2.16 Mac OS X (10.4.6)

I'm just wondering if it is bad to run the
MacBook with the adapter always plugged in.
If you read the battery guidelines it says this:
"Exercise Your Machine
Lithium-ion batteries need to be used for maximum performance. If you don’t use your device often, be sure to complete a charge cycle at least once per month. Click the links below to add regular reminders to your iCal calendar."
So you should definitely run without the power adapter some of the time but you don't have to be crazy about it. As a matter of fact, batteries are consumable items. That means as you use them, they start to become less effective over time. So using them sparingly will extend the lifespan of the battery but use them occasionally to make sure they are exercised.

Using external Display via Mini-DVI to VGA Adapter does'nt work

Hey Guys,
i recently bought a mini-dvi-to-vga adapter.
When I plug it into my macbook and connect it to my 19" external TFT, the MB recognizes the TFT as [Medion] MD30219PH but the display stays blank (no matter if i choose mirroring mode or extended desktop)...
Already changed the Hz-Rate between 59.9, 60 and 75 Hertz and the Resolution also... but nothing happens.
In extended Desktop mode i can even slide the cursor into the area where the display is supposed to be...
Hope u can help me
thx

From what I've been told, using the computer's video output isn't outputting a true NTSC picture. I was told when talking about how the Macbook Pros dropped the S-vdieo port that I shouldn't use that anyways, but rather to go the firewire route. THat was actually converts the video source to true NTSC instead of taking a computer output to a TV. While I have no doubt that it works, I'm willing to bet that you'll see a noticeable difference between the G5 S-video and your MB using firewire. Most consumer camcorders from the past several years do digital (firewire) to analogue (NTSC) conversion, so you probably don't even need a new box.
-Brian

Using both MDP and Mini DVI on 2009 Mini

Can anyone confirm that you can use both video ports to mirror on the 2009 mini? Or is it an either/or situation?

No-one can confirm it until there is an actual 2009 model mini to test. However, all the evidence so far indicates the new mini will support two displays.
The page at http://www.apple.com/macmini/features.html includes:
There’s nothing quite like seeing your photos and movies on a big, beautiful display. Unless, of course, you add a second. Mac mini comes with both mini-DVI and Mini DisplayPort output ports, so you can connect up to two displays....

Using a mini-DVI to video adapter

I have connected the video adapter and everything works fine. I use the internet for my video source and I was just wondering, is it possible to have video playing fullscreen on the tv and have another window open on my desktop that I can work with without disrupting the video from the browser? Every time I watch something I am unable to work on my computer while the video is playing.

As far as I know, you can't go full screen on one monitor without it interfering with the other. I believe this would require a second video card, which isn't possible for a MacBook.
~Lyssa

Connecting Audiovox TV (FPE3205) using Apple Mini-DVI to Video Adapter

I can't figure out what I'm missing here. All the connections look right, but... well, it's possible that I just don't know what I'm supposed to do now. I restarted both devices, but still, nothing. Any ideas?

You've posted in the iMac G3 CRT area. Are you asking this question about an iMac?
David

How to connect my PB to TV using Mini-DVI to Video Adapter

I went through the posts, so I'm sure this is a stupid question, but:
I have a mini-dvi to video adapter for my powerbook, which I want to connect to my TV. What's the extra cable I need to connect the adapter to the TV?

"I'm hoping that simply connecting the two via a firewire cable will create some sort of mini-network?... but that sounds to easy..."
But it is that easy. Network the iBook and PowerBook via IP over FireWire:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh1845.html
PowerBook G4 (15 FW800); 17 iMac G5; Mac mini 1.42 Mac OS X (10.4.3)

MB Operation w/lid closed using FrontRow, BT keyboard & Mini-DVI to Video

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for