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Topic: Thinking of jumping ship, PC to Macbook Pro, but..........

This topic is old and might contain outdated or incorrect information.

........... there seems to a problem with external video output with the new 2010 Macbook Pros. I use 100% videos in my residency and need to display on external screens via composite video (most clubs in the UK use Composite video for distribution to their screens). There doesn't appear to be an adapter from the new mini Displayport direct to composite video. I can probably use the Mini Displayport to VGA adapter then use my current PCtoTV convertor, not a very elegant solution........ and will it work? Alternatively, could I use Mini Displayport to DVI then DVI to Composite video? ......is that even possible, it would cut down on wiring if so. My PCtoTV convertor needs USB power which I normally supply with a 7 port mains powered hub (not connected to the laptop, only supplies power to cooling plate and hub).

So, anybody have experience with the new 2010 Macbook Pros and video output???
 
Posted Mon 05 Jul 10 @ 4:57 am
According to the Apple expert(?) in PCWorld today, a Mini Displayport to DVI adapter and then connecting a DVI to Composite Video adapter (and has S-Video too) together should work OK. Both are Apple products.

If this works then I don't need my PCtoTV convertor and I probably don't need my cooling plate or 7 port hub, plus all associated wires. Only need the above adapters and one USB to Hercules RMX cable + Mac power lead, job done. :-)
 
No response from the Apple community......... ah well.......

The beast is being delivered tomorrow;

Melted the plastic on the new Apple Macbook Pro 15" i7, Magic Mouse, Mini Displayport to DVI-I adapter. :-)

Been to the Apple Store today and bought the DVI-I to Composite Video & S-Video adapter, we'll see if it works tomorrow. The Apple "Experts" don't think so, but, they said if does work come back and tell us so we can tell other Apple users lol :-) If it doesn't work then I will return the 2 adapters and get the Mini Displayport to VGA adapter and use my current PCtoTV convertor.

Already took delivery of an extension cable (1.5mtr) for the Mini Displayport, I use the Stanton Uberstand so don't want any unnecessary stress from the adapters hanging. ;-)

Looking forward to tomorrow................... :-)
 
Maybe we do not respond because we have different set ups. I hope your configuration works. What I do with a unibody Macbook pro is to use minidisplay port to VGA to a VGA Hub to multiple proyectors (3) using 50, 30 and 6 feet cables and everything works great, the hub has a signal expander. I have also tried minidisplay port to DVI and using a DVI to HDMI to an HDMI hub and use multiple LCD's screens (up to 4) and also work ok.

Good luck.
 
Cheers, thought there was nobody here lol

What I'm hoping for is to reduce the equipment to a more elegant solution.

I currently use an HP laptop with VGA ouput to a KWorld PCtoTV Convertor. This convertor is powered from USB, however, when I first started using it 2 1/2 years ago the convertor was draining too much power from the laptops USB port and overheating the chips inside. After around 3 hours at my nightclub residency the laptop would start to break up and getting erratic until eventually shutting down.

My solution was to use a powered Hub. The Hub is not connected in any way to the laptop and is only to provide power to the PCtoTV Convertor and my cooling plate. This solution has worked great for 2 1/2 years. Hopefully, I may not need to use this with the Mac.

Cheers
 
Hmmm....... so far the adapters connected together are not working on my old Analogue TV at home. The laptop recognises a second screen display but it's not putting anything on it. I suspect its the resolution thats the problem. Going to my club residency today to try it on the actual system with large LCDs. If it doesn't work then it's a visit to the local Applestore to return their adapter and get a VGA adapter. :-(
 
Did you adjust the resolution to 640 x 480 for the analogue TV?

Regards.
 
Can't, won't let me. :-(
 
Also, on the bootcamped Windows 7 side, if the video cable is connected to the external screens then it just blue screens on startup.

Back to the Applestore today to swap for a Mini Displayport to VGA adapter. Oh well, ho hum.
 
You shouldn't have any problem with VGA. Good luck!
 
Yeh, works fine. :-)
 
This is what really pisses me off about video out from macbooks these days, all digital output, there is no easy, simple way to get s-video or other analog output from the laptop to the venue's TVs/projectors/videowalls. Most places I play don't have an expensive digital video distribution set-up, they use cheap analog cables and push button a/b switchers. What am I supposed to do Apple? Climb into the roof and re-wire all the projectors for my show? Carry extra converters, power warts, usb hubs, cables, adapters, etc just to get this working right??! I like to walk in with everything I need in 2 hands. </rant>
 


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