Mini display port to composite?

I'm a video DJ and have gotten tired of lugging around 2 DVJs, 2 mixers, and a case of DVDs to my gigs, so I decided to get a MacBook and join the ranks of the laptop DJs. I'm really starting to regret that decision. After dropping almost 3 grand on a MacBook, Virtual DJ software, and a midi player, I discovered that the only way to play video out of the MacBook is by the mini display port. No problem, I found an adaptor (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VV8R86/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_img) and it'll work fine. Couldn't be more wrong. While that adaptor worked (and I've tried a variety of configurations also that worked to equal quality - Mini Display to VGA to RCA, Mini Display to HDMI to RCA with a variety of brands and converters) the picture quality is fuzzy, washed out and movement in the video is jerky to the point of being distracting.
I understand the whole conversion from mini display to composite is not the easiest thing. I've done a ton of research and reading about how the whole process works ( http://www.epanorama.net/circuits/vga2tv/vga_to_tv_techniques.html is an excellent article explaining a lot of it) but this just *****. Does anyone know a way I can get a good picture? Most clubs (I've actually never seen one here in the US or in Europe) don't use HDMI cables to hook up their TVs, I've always had to run composite, and if this doesn't work I'm looking at going back to my old equipment and selling the MacBook - which is not what I want to do!

As long as the clubs you're working in persist using antiquated analog TVs, you aren't ging to be able to make them display high-quality images.

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Convert mini display port signal to a composite by software

I have already bought a VGA to RCA cable and when I connect it to my original Apple MDP to VGA adapter the screen freaks out. Most probably it's because the 3rd party cable has to receive a composite signal and not an separate RGB + other signals (Hor Sync, Ver Sync) etc.
When I was searching for these kind of adapters I sometimes read that one has to check if his computer can output a tv signal from their VGA port. Most probably they would be referring to the fact that your computer has to manage to output a composite signal through your VGA port.
So I was wondering if there is a way to get my mac to output a composite signal from my mini display port using some kind of software.
Thanks for your help in advance.

Hi Jim,
Just to clarify, you state that you have a MacBookPro5,1, which is the late 2008 model. The video output on that model is a mini-DisplayPort, not a mini-DVI (like the pre-unibody MacBooks) or a micro-DVI (like your 1st gen MBA). DisplayPort is a different type of port. (Note - I requested an edit of the title of your post to clarify that).
When you connect the TV, in what sequence are you connecting? The 'proper' sequence is to connect the DVI-HDMI cable to the mini-DisplayPort to DVI adapter, have the HDMI end connected to the TV, have the TV set to Line-In, looking for a signal, then connect to the MBP last.
What happens when you connect it like that? Have you tried System Preferences > Displays > Detect Displays?

Mini Display Port to VGA - S-Video/Composite

I'm trying to connect my MacBook Pro to (essentially to a projector) a splitter than only has inputs for S-Video and Composite. I know the only adapter is the Mini Display port to VGA. Is there a hub that I can run VGA into and output S-Video to the splitter? Will my laptop read this as a second monitor?

Yes to both questions. With the converter box linked below or something similar, a mini-Displayport to VGA adapter, and an S-video or composite video cable, you should be set to connect directly to a monitor or projector that has no VGA, DVI or HDMI inputs. It will appear as a second monitor. (A projector is just a very tiny flat-screen monitor with a big light bulb behind it and a lens in front.)
http://www.amazon.com/PC-To-TV-Video-Converter/dp/B001CJOLBW/ref=pdcp_e2
A word of caution, though: I don't know what effect your splitter may have. And if there are two or more monitors or projectors connected to the splitter, I don't know how that will work out either.

Mini Display Port to RCA (Yellow Phono)

I would like to connect my iMac to a secondary display like a TFT LCD TV Monitor or a projector via the Mini Display Port. Now since I used to connect my older iMac via it's Mini DVI port by an Apple Original Mini DVI to RCA/SVideo composite adapter, I had installed a 15 meters RCA cable from my computer to my TV/Projector.
Now I have already bought an Apple Original adapter for my new iMac that converts the Mini Display Port to VGA. I have also bought a VGA to RCA cable from eBay too, but when I connect the VGA to RCA cable to the Apple's MDP to VGA adapter the computer screen freaks. It's seems that they are not fully compatible.
Do I have to buy a Digital to Analogue converter which I found to be around 40 sterlings or shall I replace my previously installed RCA cable to a VGA cable?

Hi there, I'm not sure you'll find a lot of people here in the Tiger forums with 10.6.2 & a Mini Display Port, you might ask over here...
http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=132

What do I need to connect my late 2009 Mac book (mini display port) to the TV and get sound?

I'm totally confused!
I have a late 2009 model Macbook. And I want to connect it to my TV.
So my research has led to believing I need a Mini display port adapter and a HDMI cable - but from some of what I have read, this won't carry sound...
Can anyone clarify this and what I do actually need?

The Mini DisplayPort to HDMI doesn't carry audio unless you have the Mid 2010 model 7,1 and there're no audio plugs on most TVs to work with HDMI since it's expecting audio with theHDMI.
If you have the Late 2009 model 6,1 White Unibody with the MiniDisplay Port there is an adapter that can combine video and audio to HDMI.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10428&cs_id=1042802 &p_id=5969&seq=1&format=2

How do I use a VGA adapter with my MacBook Air when it has no mini display port?

I bought this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200968578311 to connect my MacBook Air to a monitor but it only works in a mini display port instead, and my MacBook Air doesn't have one. What kind of adapter can I buy instead? It looks like lots of adapters are wrongly described on eBay as fitting all Macs when they don't Help gratefully received!!

If your computer has a Thunderbolt port, plug it in. Otherwise, check what type of display port your computer has and get an adapter for it.
(109794)

I have a MacAir, mid 2011 model, and want to view video on my TV. I see that I need a mini display port to Hdmi but there are many of these. What exatly do I need and how does one view a movie downloaded to the MacAir on a TV screen?

I have a MacAir, mid 2011 model, and want to view video on my TV. I see that I need a mini display port to Hdmi but there are many of these. What exatly do I need and how does one go about viewing a movie downloaded to the MacAir on a TV screen?

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
That's exactly what you need. A Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter and a HDMI cable. See > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4241?viewlocale=en_US
This is the only way to view a video on the TV. After connecting your MacBook Air to the TV, image on your TV should show immediately. Then, press Command and F1 keys to mirror your MacBook Air display, and open the video

How can I connect a new mac mini to my old vga monitor? There doesn't seem to be a mini display port

I have an old monitor with VGA port, and was wondering if anyone knows how to connect this to the new mac mini. Older mac minis have the mini display port, and if that were the case I would use the mini display port to VGA adapter, but this new mac mini doesn't have one. It just has the thunderbolt port or HDMI port for displays... I've been looking for an adapter to connect my display to one of these but cannot seem to figure it out. Any advice? Thanks in advance.

The Thunderbolt port is the one to use; you use the same mini-DisplayPort adapter you used for the older minis.
Regards.

How do I connect MacBook Pro without mini-display port to my HDMI TV?

I have a MacBook Pro computer purchased around 2008. I want to connect it to my Panasonic HDMI TV; however, this MacBook Pro doesn't have a mini-display port. Is there a work around? I would like audio & video.
Thanks so much in advance for any help.

You will need a [DVI-to-HDMI adapter|http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?cid=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041902&pid=2029&seq=1&format=2], a standard HDMI cable to connect the adapter to your TV set, and an audio cable with a headphone plug on one end to connect to your MBP's headphone port and two RCA plugs on the other to connect your your TV's audio inputs. I know of no way you can get audio into the HDMI cable.

I have a Macbook Pro 13.3 i5 w/ no hdmi port. How can I connect my Mac to TV to watch video, photo ? Is the Thunderbolt port a mini display port where I can use a mini display port to HDMI cable? If not, what are my options??

I have a Macbook pro 13.3 w/ i5 that has no hdmi port. I want to be able to connect the Mac to my TV set to watch Video, Photos and files from Mac to TV.
Is the Thunderbolt port similar to a display port or mini display port? Can I use thunderbolt port to connect thru a mini displayport to HDMI cable or converter?
Been trying to locate a USB to HDMI cable or converter (at a reasonable price) but all I found is a displayport or mini displayport to HDMI cable/converter.
What other options are available ?
Thanks a lot for your assistance.

Thunderbolt uses a Mini DisplayPort adapter to send video and audio to HDMI. Here's some on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_2_8?url=search-alias%3Dcomputers&field-ke ywords=mini+displayport+to+hdmi&sprefix=mini+dis%2Caps%2C249#/ref=nb_sb_noss?ur l =search-alias%3Dcomputers&field-keywords=mini+displayport+to+hdmi+with+audio&rh = n%3A172282%2Cn%3A!493964%2Cn%3A541966%2Ck%3Amini+displayport+to+hdmi+with+audio

How can I connect multiple devices to Mac mini display port? I need to connect a Canon 5D to my Mac and display the result on a VGA video projector. I am using mini hdmi to mini display for the camera. Can I connect the VGA to any other port?

Hi there I am connecting a Canon 5D to my laptop trying to use it as a webcam trough camtwist.
At the same time I need to output the streaming to a videoprojector.
The cam is connected to the mini display port do there is no port available for the VGA cable anymore.
Do I need to use a different port for the projector? Should I buy a video card?
Can't connect the camera via USB as that is too slow and it will freeze.
Many thanks for all your help
Best
Faeve

You might do better on a forum other than this one, which is "Using iPhone"

How do Dual Monitor with my Mac Book Pro (Boot camped with Windows 8) through my mini display port VIA Thunderbolt to a iMac (Model Mid 2011)?

So I have a Mac Book Pro with a bootcamp Windows 8. I dual monitor on the Mac side with my Mid 2011 iMac through my mini display port via thunder bolt cable. In my perfect world, I would be able to switch to the Windows side and have the iMac mirror or extend my windows display for my gaming pleasure, etc. I'm not sure if it's just a simple driver or that it cannot be done. Please help. Thanks.

so you want the notebook forum, not this one
MacBook Pro
https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks/macbook_pro
https://discussions.apple.com/community/mac_os?view=discussions
http://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro

Help using a mini display port to HDMI cable with MacBook Air and TV

Hi, Apple gurus. I need help setting up my MacBook Air to my Vizio TV using a mini display port to HDMI cable that I just purchased on Amazon.
And here's info about my MacBook Air:
In the Amazon reviews, someone posted the following how-tos, which aren't working for me:
1. Plug in both ends, mini display port on your macbook and the HDMI on any available port on your LCD.
2. Go to upper left Apple menu and scroll down to system preference. Or use your FINDER from the dock, go to applications, then system preference.
3. Click on Displays
4. Click on DETECT DISPLAY
5. A similar screen pops up with name of your LCD, mine says SONY LCD, click on ARRANGEMENT
6. Click the box that says MIRROR DISPLAYS.
7. Go back into system preferences and go to SOUNDS which is located under HARDWARE.
8. Click on OUTPUT, then select HDMI, which should be listed next to your LCD name.
I ran into trouble at step #4. My MacBook Air doesn't list the option of "detecting display." I do, however, have the box mentioned in step #6, "Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available."
Regarding step #8, HDMI didn't appear in the list — I only see "internal speakers."
So, what am I doing wrong? Or, did I buy the wrong cable?
Thanks in advance for your help!

Or you need to get an appropriate adaptor. The Griffin adaptor sold on Apple's Online Store will work with a standard HDMI cable.

Is it possible to add a Mini Display Port converter to my MBP's thunderbolt to add a display ?

I use MBP (late 2011). I find the hunderbolt port to be similar to the mini-display port of older mac. I wish to have another display, but not ready to spend $999 over a thunderbolt display from mac. So would like to know if a Mini-diaplay port converter from apple would help me connect a exernal display via the thunderbolt port? Thanks .
Koushik

Koushik,
Did you check all of the display adapters Apple carries to see if there is one to fit your needs? There are also third-party adapters on the market that may do that conversion.
Ralph

Mini display port to HDMI...help

I have all my options selected and was just about ready to click purchase on a new 2010 17" MBP and thought I would double check one more thing...Mini display port to HDMI with audio.
I see many post about this, but most seem to be on 08 models...have the new ones changed? I am more less getting this for my wife to use and she needs it for presentations. I finally got her to go from PC to my old 17" G4 laptop and it's time for an upgrade. The one issue we run into is that files are commonly sent as Power Point, but we got through that with a Mac/Microsoft upgrade.
I am told the location that these presentations are displayed, plans to get a new monitor and they are looking at BestBuy and such for TV style monitors with the HDMI option. This seems like a cheap way to get away from the projector system they have now that only supports S-video or VGA. I'm hoping that Apple now supplies audio thru the HDMI cable which is in my (limited) understanding the main reason the change over from DVI to HDMI was implemented in the first place.
If the no audio issue is still a factor, maybe I should put off the new MBP, because I am trying to get away from having to make the trip with her, in order to make sure we have both audio/video. With the projector system they now run, I have to take a PA and output the audio from the headphone jack and then run the S-video to the projector. I am hoping the new MBP will have one cable connection and she be on her way!
M

Well for starters, anyone who puts audio into a PPT presentation needs to be taken out back, beaten, drawn and quartered, beaten again, put in a stockade, flogged, then beaten one final time for good measure. The only audio coming from a presentation should be the presenter speaking. The PPT slides are meant to be secondary in nature, highlighting the major points of the presentation as you go along, not be the presentation. Audio and video, even those stupid transition effects, just distract from the content. The people at Microsoft responsible for putting those features into PowerPoint, and thus opening the floodgates for all their competitors, should have all the above happen to them, and then add being shot to the very end of it. It's still far too good a fate for the **** those people have loosed unto the world.
That being said, I'm under no illusion that this is going to do anything but get worse over time, so here's the deal.
You need a MDP to HDMI adapter that is designed to also carry the audio signal. But it couldn't hurt to teach her how to ensure that the audio output device is set properly. Just in case. Or, you could do the right thing, and start smacking the people who think it's cute to put all these animations and sound effects into presentations. There are a very select few times when that sort of thing is justified, and 99.99999999999999999999999999999% of the time when one is used, it's not one of those times. Then you wouldn't really have to worry about getting audio AND video. Might be rather cathartic too.

Mini display port to composite?

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