The MacBook Is Not Detecting the TV Display
In most cases, when you connect a TV to a MacBook, the MacBook immediately detects the TV, resulting in an image of your computer displayed on the TV screen. If this doesn't happen, and the TV is not listed as a display in the MacBook Displays Preferences window, the cause could be the MacBook itself, the TV or the cable between. Take a few minutes to investigate each possibility before deciding you need a new cable, a new TV or a new computer.
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Cables and Adapters
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Not all cables and adapters are created equal. Just because an inexpensive cable or adapter works with your MacBook on one TV or external monitor does not guarantee it will work on a different TV. Apple recommends that if you use a third-party Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, it should conform to the VESA v1.1.a DisplayPort Interoperability Guidelines. These guidelines ensure interoperability between different products. Apple also provides links to recommended cables and adapters on their online store.
Powering On
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Sometimes a MacBook and a TV may not detect each other because of the order they are turned on. In most cases you should connect the cable while both devices are off, then turn on the TV before powering on the MacBook. If this does not work, however, try turning on the devices in reverse order. Some Mac users have reported that connecting the computer to a different TV or external monitor, disconnecting it and then connecting it to the first TV again will solve the connection problem.
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TV Settings
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When trying to troubleshoot a problem between any computer and a TV, you should consult your TV user manual to see the manufacturer's instructions for connecting it to a computer. Some TV's have a specified port to be used for computers, identified as "PC In," for example. Others may have different ports available for different devices, and require you to specify what is being connected to a port. You may also have to use the TV remote control to specify that computer input should be used, rather than using input from other connected devices, such as a cable or satellite receiver or DVD player.
Software
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If you are having difficulty connecting your MacBook to your TV, you should check to see if Apple has released a software or firmware update that may address external display issues. In May 2011, for example, Apple released a software update specifically to address issues with external displays on MacBook Pros running Mac OS X 10.6.7. Six months earlier Apple had released a firmware update for the MacBook Pro to address discoloration on some external displays.
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