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New MacBooks support audio and video out of Mini DisplayPort

by Mike Schramm May 19th 2010 at 9:00AM

I recently faced an audio/video problem with my MacBook. I subscribed to the great MLB.TV service so that I could watch my Cubs games out here in Los Angeles. However, instead of just watching them on my MacBook, I wanted to actually watch them on my HDTV. My first solution was to go get a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, but there was an issue; I would have had to figure out some way to hook up the audio since MacBooks, before yesterday's update, only output video over the DisplayPort. Audio would have needed to come through the headphones or the USB port separately.

Fortunately, that problem is now fixed for new buyers; the most recent MacBooks, according to this support document from Apple, will send both audio and video out through HDMI as long as you've got a VESA compliant adapter (which most DisplayPort adapters are). Of course, I'd need to buy a new MacBook (which is much more expensive than just figuring out an audio solution), but at least the issue is fixed on the latest hardware.

My eventual solution? I was saved by Sony, of all companies. MLB released a free app on the PlayStation 3 (which I have hooked up to my TV via HDMI as well) that lets me watch my subscription without the computer. That leaves my MacBook open for other tasks, like blogging, while I watch the game. Let's go Cubs!

[via MacRumors]

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I recently faced an audio/video problem with my MacBook. I subscribed to the great MLB.TV service so that I could watch my Cubs games out...
 

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22 Comments

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cynthia.nelson456

This is a wonderful opinion. The things mentioned are unanimous and needs to be appreciated by everyone.
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Support for Technology

June 15 2010 at 3:42 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bernard

can someone confirm whether mid 2009 MBP can output audio thru minidisplayport to hdmi adapter? is this adapter specific or is it just not possible for "older" MBPs.

May 20 2010 at 12:22 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
crankcaller

I've got last years mbp13. It's my 1st apple and I love it, but... This doesn't work. *sigh*
At the time, wasn't there stuff on the interwebs saying Apple wouldn't allow this?

The specs for mdp allow it, but they didn't implement it. Now they have.
Someone wan't to explain why?

I've got a cheap mdp to hdmi and a 3.5mm to 3.5mm plugged into my tv.
The combined cables are a freeking fortune.

/whinge



May 20 2010 at 5:38 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jonas

Seems like the new MBP's also have audio+video over HDMI.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4124

May 20 2010 at 2:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ben Goetting

You could have made this not an issue by becoming a Dodger fan.

May 19 2010 at 2:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
John.B

"Let's go Cubs!"

Maybe next year...

LOL!

May 19 2010 at 2:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2Shea

Go cubs go!

Yeah I wish my MBP had this, sadly they waited this long to add this update.

May 19 2010 at 1:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
fuji.type.r

Looks like this Griffin adapter works with audio.

http://store.apple.com/ca/product/TY600VC/A?fnode=MTY1NDA5OQ&mco=MTY4NzA3MjU

May 19 2010 at 12:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mikeal

I thought you needed a newer version of the mini displayport to hdmi cable to support audio. Monoprice has a disclaimer on their converter saying it does not support audio.

May 19 2010 at 12:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
3gfisch

could ther be an software update for macbok pro 2009? witch has min display port an I think i remeber that the audio is attached internally.?

May 19 2010 at 12:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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