Can You Use Your Mac on Your TV?
You can use your TV as a display for some Mac computers, as long as the ports on your Mac and TV are compatible. If you want to share media wirelessly from your Mac to your TV, the Apple TV device works with any Mac running the most recent version of iTunes.
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Mac Types
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A Mac Mini can be readily adapted to using a TV as a monitor, and the computer itself is small enough to fit in unobtrusively with most entertainment systems. The iMac is not designed specifically to work with external monitors, since the monitor is an integrated part of the computer. However, if you have a TV that accepts Thunderbolt connector input, you can use an iMac with the TV. Other Mac models may present connectivity problems, but if you have an output port and the proper video adapter, the Mac OS X operating system will support a TV as an external display.
TV Connection
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For most Macs, you need a TV with a DVI or HDMI input port. Older TVs may not have these ports, but most HDTV models will give you at least one compatible input. Turn off your computer and TV before you make the connection. Connect a cable from the HDMI port on your Mac to the HDMI input on your TV, or use a cable with an HDMI-to-DVI adapter. When all cables are plugged in, turn on the TV and your Mac. Use your TV remote to change any settings to select your Mac as the TV’s active input device.
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Apple TV
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Apple makes a device designed to stream content to your TV. While the Apple TV device can get some content from the Internet, you can also share your Mac's content with your TV through the device. You'll need a wireless home network, or you can plug both the Apple TV and your Mac into the same home network using Ethernet cables. The sharing feature is called "AirPlay." When you start an iTunes video, playlist or iPhoto slideshow, click the “AirPlay” icon and select “Apple TV” as your output. The item will play on your TV.
Considerations
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Connecting your Mac to your TV directly allows you to use the TV for all content on a single computer, whether you are working on documents, watching movies or creating a Keynote presentation. The TV acts just like your Mac's screen in this configuration. With Apple TV, you can only view specific types of content on your TV, but if you have a home wireless network, you can use the same Apple TV device with multiple Macs and iOS devices. You can still only use the TV with one device at a time, but you can switch devices without changing the configuration.
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References
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