How to Display Your MacBook Onto Your TV

With the correct cable, you can connect your MacBook to your television as an external monitor.

If your MacBook's monitor becomes overcrowded when mixing audio, editing photos or performing other major tasks, you should connect an external monitor. The MacBook is equipped with either a Mini DisplayPort or an HDMI output, both of which can connect to a monitor. With the external monitor connected, the extra screen can perform as a second monitor or mirror the actions on the laptop's primary monitor. Since most HDTVs have both VGA and HDMI ports, you can connect your MacBook to your television and work with your computer in the comfort of your living room.

Things You'll Need

• Mini DisplayPort adapter
• VGA, HDMI or DVI cable
• 1/8th-inch audio cable

Instructions

1. Determine what cables will be necessary to connect the computer to your television. The HDMI port uses a single cable to simultaneously connect audio and video to the television set. The Mini DisplayPort requires an adapter and a VGA or DVI cable, depending on the adapter. Additionally, with the Mini DisplayPort, you need an eighth-inch audio cable to connect the MacBook's audio to the television set.

2. Connect the cables to their corresponding inputs on the back of your television set. Press the "Input" button on your remote control and select the proper input setting: VGA, HDMI, etc. Your television will display the MacBook's default space wallpaper when the connection is complete and you select the correct input.

3. Set your MacBook on a clean, sturdy surface. Don't rest your MacBook on the floor, especially if the floor is carpeted. Even leaving the computer on a hardwood floor can invite a significant amount of dust contamination inside your hardware.

4. Click the Apple menu in the primary toolbar and select "System Preferences." Click the "Displays" menu. If you want the television to mirror the monitor display on the computer, check the box labeled "Mirror Displays." Both screens may go blank for a moment. Click "OK" to confirm the new setup. Your television display will precisely emulate the display on your computer. Otherwise, leave the "Mirror Displays" box unchecked.

5. Drag items and windows from your primary monitor to the television for a much wider display (if the mirror displays function is off), in addition to your monitor's display. You can manage major tasks by dragging frequently used applications to the television screen, while keeping other applications in the laptop monitor. By default, the image on the television, or any external monitor, continues the image from the right edge of the computer monitor. This setup can be rearranged with the "Displays" menu from Step 4.

References

• Apple: Apple Mini DisplayPort adapters - Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
• Apple: MacBook Pro User's Guide
• Apple: MacBook User's Guide