Just wondering if some of the trusty EFers out there could help me out here... I'm wanting to connect my Macbook to our TV, to be able to watch movies (& Aussie TV) etc on the bigger screen, but am confused as to which cable to buy to connect it.

My Macbook is a late 2008 / early 2009 model. The macbook with the aluminium case that ISN'T a Macbook Pro. It has the Mini Display Port on the side.

My question is: Which do you think is better? Using VGA or HDMI? What is your experience/which do you use?

I use a VGA cable, but it doesn't include sound, but my laptop is right behind the TV, so the internal speakers of the laptop are fine for things like BBC iPlayer repeats. To connect for sound I would have to select another input location on the TV - and I can't have two.

Tried with a HDMI cable, but for whatever reason, it didn't seem to want to work - I will probably reinvestigate at some point.

Another possible option is S-video, plus sound, if you have those connections. I have an old (tape) video camera which came with a 3-way connection cable (yellow for pic. and red/white for stereo sound) which plug into a Scart plug with the S-video - which then connects to the TV .... but I've never tried this (just the S-video cable alone).

Really? Wait, so if I use VGA or HDMI will I not be able to plug in the sound? As I have a cable that I can plug into my headphone jack that splits into the red & white...

There was no sound with VGA only. HDMI, when connected, should include sound - but as of yet mine didn't work - it may be just HDMI "IN" on my laptop and not OUTPUT.

Your headphone connection cable should work if you don't have to select the input sockets on you your TV separately instead of VGA.

VGA is for video graphics only and doesn't support sound - certainly in the mini VGA connector my laptop uses.

Ah, okay. I get it.

I might try first with HDMI & see how that goes...

Thanks so much!

HDMI!!!!! ALL DAY!!! It is the highest res you will be able to display on a TV, VGA is lower res..old old format. As for sound mini port to DVI / HDMI won't support the sound... your TV needs an extra audio return channel.

Wait, mini display port to HDMI won't support the sound? Why is that?

I think it had to do with the older versions of MDP. I had the same version MacBook as you have and it didn't support sound through HDMI. The newer ones do support it though. So you will need an extra cable from your sound output of your MB to your TV.

Exactly right or audio into AV receiver etc. Some TV's like the samsungs have an extra audio input you can assign to HDMI / DVI input 1...

Ah ok... Yeah, I've got that cable for sound, as my bass amp in Australia had red/white input for an ipod :-P so bought it for that!

Just like everything else, I guess... The next model released will always leave people behind if they aren't constantly upgrading... haha

That is the case unfortunately But then again, you didn't feel the need to upgrade until you realized that you had this 'issue' now did you? It's all about the balance between wants and needs

I didn't have to pay for TV before, until I got here either Or, not have sufficient DVD rental places...

Hi,

Do you need a VGA to HDMI converter, i have one for sale and have put it up on the forum.

Let me know and i can send you details.

Cheers,
MM