Macbook: mini-DVI to DVI; then DVI >> HDMI = awesomeness?

[Jayems]

In eager anticipation for NHL's GameCentre Live, I'm looking to take the streaming video on my Macbook (the 13" white one) to a TV. Now, there are two TVs that will see the benefit of the gamecentre live, and both have the input that looks like a computer monitor input and HDMI inputs.

Now, I know that I have a mini-dvi. I call the macbook place in market mall, and they said i need a mini-dvi to dvi adaptor. After looking at the apple store online, I see that the adaptor is only a few inches long. Not enough to go from laptop to TV. So now, I have to go from DVI to the TV.

Since I'm already forced to use a second cord, would I have good quality to go from DVI to HDMI (taking in to account that HD isn't a concern, as Gamecentre isn't in HD) but more for ease of just plugging into the TV, rather than screwing the DVI component thing... get what I'm going for here?

Or is there a direct mini-dvi to HDMI?

What should I do?

PS: I'm on a spotty wireless connection at school. It has taken me 20 minutes just to get here, and I don't have time to search, nor the available internet, to search.

[jar_e]

http://www.shopati.ca/product.asp?sku=3526142

There's an adapter like that available...and probably would be easier just to connect that from your macbook and than use an hdmi cable imo.

[jar_e]

Strike that last link...this will probably be best. Its an dvi to HDMI cable...I tried to find a mini-dvi to hdmi but those don't seem to exsist in my 5 seconds of searching.

http://www.gadgetstorecanada.com/pro...products_id=53

[Jayems]

Originally Posted by jar_e

http://www.shopati.ca/product.asp?sku=3526142

There's an adapter like that available...and probably would be easier just to connect that from your macbook and than use an hdmi cable imo.

hmm... that'd make 3 adaptions... hopefully they just have a mini-dvi to DVI that's long enough to get to my TV.

Plus, I'd like to swing by your place around 4 today? You working?

[jar_e]

Yeah sorry read the post just after that. The cable would be easiest...though its still mini dvi to dvi to hdmi.

I work until 6ish...anytime after that work? If not I can set it up as a torrent if you have the ability to do that.

[@theCBE]

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

something like this should work. All you need then is a HDMI cable.. and something for the audio because DVI doesn't do audio output.

[OBCT]

Originally Posted by @theCBE

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

something like this should work. All you need then is a HDMI cable.. and something for the audio because DVI doesn't do audio output.

Yeah, that adapter should work great for you. Only thing to watch out for (as one person on that monoprice page mentioned in their review of the product) is that the signal strength will not be as strong as usual after traveling through the adapter. Try to keep the HDMI cord length after the adapter to 15 ft or less to stay away from any potential signal loss issues.

As for the sound issue, you have two main options:
#1. Just use your computer speakers (probably not great for your setup, but it could work);
#2. Get an adapter (such as this), and plug the 1/8" mini jack side of it into the same jack you'd normally plug your speakers into (often colour-coded green), and then get regular (red and white) stereo rca cables (such as this) and run them from the other side of the adapter to whatever audio input you use (ie. a reciever, a DVD player, your TV, etc).

[Jayems]

so, here's another question... what about sound? word on the internet street is that the mini-dvi output doesn't deal with sound? Is this true? I'd have to run another cable from my earphone jack to the tv?

[Cliche]

Yes you will have to run another cable from the earphone jack to the TV as the dvi that is there is video only.

Stereo minjack to rca is probably your best bet depending on what connections your tv has.

[llama64]

I'm sitting next to a Powerbook hooked up to a Sony Bravia via a DVI-HDMI adapter. The adaptor plugs into a Mini-DVI to DVI cable (standard Apple issue). No problems -- works great.

Sound is handled using a stereo mini plug to RCA cable.

[Titan]

Originally Posted by Jayems

so, here's another question... what about sound? word on the internet street is that the mini-dvi output doesn't deal with sound? Is this true? I'd have to run another cable from my earphone jack to the tv?

LOOK UP ^

[Rathji]

This will work but you will need a longer HDMI cable

[OBCT]

No to be a jerk ... but I think I covered it in post #7 of this very thread.


I will re-state:

The only issue you might have is if you need a long HDMI cable to connect from the mini-DVI/HDMI adapter to your TV. As I already stated, a run longer than 15 feet could cause some problems, so keep the HDMI cable in this range or less and you will be totally fine.

If you happen to need a longer cable run to get from your Macbook to your TV(s), then it might be worth experimenting. But seriously, a $10 adapter + $10 in cables and S&H from monoprice is hardly a deterrent. In all likelihood, the setup will work flawlessly for years just like that.

[Rathji]

yeah apparently I missed the link to the exact same product I linked.

My bad.