Use Your TV as a High-Definition Computer Monitor

If you have a MacBook, MacBook Pro, or other Mac with a mini-dvi slot, you are able to connect your Mac to your TV for use as a monitor. All you need is a High-definition TV with an open HDMI port, some cables, and some cash.

Cables: Part 1

Your Mac, as usual, is unique is the connections it has. One of these unique connections is the Mini-DVI port. This allows you to connect your Mac to an external display. While allowing you to connect to a HDTV, this unique port means you also need a special adapter. This adapter is called a Mini-DVI to DVI adapter. This adapter turns your Mac-compatible port into a more universally accepted port.

This small adapter can be found at Apple's online store, Apple stores, some retail stores such as select Best Buy locations, and online from places such as Amazon and eBay. From Apple, this adapter currently goes for $19, but it can be found for much less at other online stores.

Cables: Part 2

Now that your adapter makes your Mac compatible with more common cables, the next steps is to find a DVI to HDMI cable. Be sure to make sure that the DVI side of this cable is the male connection (differentiated from the female connection by a screw on each side), as the DVI connection on the Mac adapter is female.

These cables can be somewhat expensive, going up to over $100. However, not nearly this much money has to be spent on one. Cheaper cables can be found at most retail stores such as Radio Shack, and at online places such as eBay and Amazon. My cord was $35, and the picture quality is superb. In my opinion, there is no reason to spend more money on a nicer cable.

Piecing it all Together

Now that you have all the necessary cables, the connection is quite easy. Simply plug the Mini-DVI connection into your Mac, and connect the DVI connection to the DVI connection on the DVI to HDMI cable. Once this is done, simply plug in the HDMI end of the cable into your TV, switch your TV input to that connection, and enjoy.

Why HDMI Rather than VGA, etc.

This connection offers superb picture quality and a couple options. First, you will get the choice of display type. Whether you want 720p or full HD (1080p), you can get it with this connection. Full HD will yield a higher-quality picture, although the text will be smaller than when connecting to 720p. However, you will have more space to work with on 1080p. The display type can be controlled through opening up System Preferences, clicking on Displays, and adjusting the display of the TV. After clicking "Displays," you will be presented with two windows - one which controls your Mac display, and one which controls the TV display. Be sure to adjust the TV display.

While the HDMI connections are more expensive, they also yield a higher-quality picture. This also gives you more room to work, which can be especially important if you are a multi-task type of person. Also, this increase in picture quality is really nice if you plan on watching videos or movies online.

Additional Things to Consider: Audio

While this connection will yield a large, high-quality picture, the sound will still be transmitted through your Mac. If you wish to listen to music or watch videos or movies, my suggestion would be to invest in some good laptop speakers. This will make the experience that much better.

Hopefully this article helps those of you who are interested in the idea of using your TV as a monitor. It is a great idea for any of you who want a larger screen, or for those of you who like to browse photos and videos on your computer. For photographers, videographers, and for anyone who just needs more space to work, this is a great alternative to getting a larger monitor.