How to Troubleshoot a MacBook to an HDTV
A MacBook can be attached to a high-definition TV (HDTV) through an external monitor adapter made by Apple and third-party retailers. If the MacBook's video is not being seen on the HDTV, there could be a physical or software-related problem. Following a few procedures in a specific order can free the video from having problems so it will be displayed on the HDTV. No special software is needed nor must you buy any special tools.
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Things You'll Need
- HDTV remote control
- MacBook external monitor adapter
- DVI-to-HDMI adapter
- HDMI cable
Instructions
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1
Check that the MacBook external monitor adapter is plugged into the monitor input on the MacBook, that the DVI-to-HDMI adapter is plugged into the external monitor adapter and that the ends of the HDMI cable are inserted into the HDMI end of the DVI-to-HDMI adapter and the other end is in the HDMI input on the HDTV. Press the "Menu" button on the HDTV remote control. Go to "Settings." Select "Video" from beneath "Settings." Select "Video input" from beneath "Video." Select "HDMI" from the list of choices presented beneath "Video input." Press the "Menu" button.
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2
Click the "Apple" menu at the top of the screen. Select "System Preferences" from the drop-down menu. Click on "Displays" in the window that appears. Click the "Display" tab at the top of the window that replaces the one that was just clicked on. Select the maximum resolution of the HDTV from the "Resolutions" column beneath "Display"--for example, "1900 x 1080" for a "1080i" or "1080p" HDTV, or "1900 x 720" for a "720p" HDTV. Close the window by clicking the red button at the upper left.
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3
Go to the "Apple" menu at the top of the screen. Select "System Preferences" from the drop-down menu. Select "Displays" from beneath "Hardware" on the window that appears. Select the "Options" tab at the top of the new window that appears. Select "TV Preferences" beneath "Options." Check the "Overscan" box in the "TV Preferences" column. Close the window by clicking the red button at the upper left.
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