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What cables will I need to connect a MacBook Pro to a TV?
I want to connect my MacBook Pro to my TV so that I can play different video clips on a much bigger screen. However I have no idea of how to go about this.
Answer
According to the Apple website, all models of the MacBook Pro have DVI output. If you want to connect you laptop to an HDTV, most will have a DVI input on them. A simple DVI cable is all you would need.
If the HDTV does not have a DVI input, most come with VGA input. You would need a DVI-to-VGA adapter (included with new MacBooks or sold at most computer stores for cheap) and a VGA cable.
Finally, if you want to connect to a TV that does not have DVI or VGA input, you would need to buy a converter box. All of the remaining common inputs- RCA, S-Video, and component, are analog video signals. DVI is digital. You would need a device to convert the digital signal from your MacBook to an analog signal those inputs can use.
Other Answer
You need the DVI to S-Video adaptor. The exact version you'll need will depend on the version of your Macbook (Mini/Micro/Full).
2010-3-9 7:27:48My MacBook Pro came with two adaptor dongles, one from its dinky little video connection to VGA, one from the dinky little video connector to DVI-D.
I have two TVs,a large Sony Bravia and a smaller and older no-name (well, OK, Acer). Both sets have a VGA input, the Bravia has HDMI inputs and the no-name DVI-D in.
So for both sets I can use a VGA-to-VGA cable. For the no-name DVI-D-to-DVI-D also works. For the Sony I have a DVD-D-to-HDMI cable. (DVD-D and HDMI are basically the same, DVD-D has a different connector and doesn't carry audio.)
If you don't have the Apple dongles, then you'll need to buy them from an Apple store, for example.
The various cables from dongle-to-TV you should be able to find on Amazon. They are all passive (no electronics in them) and should be a few
s or ￡s, if you buy them at a retail outlet they are likely to charge far more than they are worth as they're a fairly specialist item.
