Locate the HDMI port on your TV. TVs are equipped with various video connectors, but almost all HDTVs have an HDMI connector. You will get the best results if you connect your computer and TV with an HDMI cable.

  • The HDMI connector is usually located on the back or side of the TV. Most modern HDTVs have at least two HDMI connectors.
  • If your TV does not have an HDMI connector, find out which video connector your TV and computer have, and then purchase the appropriate adapter.

Locate the computer's video connector. Mac computers older than 8 years transmit video and audio through one of the following ports:

  • Thunderbolt 3: The oval connector (also known as USB/C) located on the back of the latest iMacs and MacBooks. If your computer has this connector, purchase a USB/C to HDMI cable.
  • Thunderbolt 2: Square connector found on older Macs. If your computer has this connector, you will need a Thunderbolt2 to HDMI cable (or a Thunderbolt2 to HDMI adapter and an HDMI cable).
  • HDMI: This connector is found on older MacBook laptops. In this case, use a standard HDMI cable.
  • Buy the right cable. An HDMI cable is available at most electronics stores, but a USB/C-HDMI or Thunderbolt2-HDMI cable will have to be found.

    • Non-standard cables can be found at specialized computer stores or online.
    • If you need to buy an adapter because your TV doesn't have an HDMI connector, look for a [computer video connector] to [TV video connector] adapter (such as a USB/C-VGA or Thunderbolt2-VGA adapter); also don't forget to buy an audio cable (audio-RCA) to transfer the sound from the computer to the TV.
    • Most likely, you will not be able to find an RCA adapter.
    • HDMI, Thunderbolt 2, and Thunderbolt 3 cables (and their adapters) carry both video and audio.
  • Connect one end of the cable to your computer. If you are using a non-standard cable (not an HDMI cable), connect a Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 2 plug to your computer.

    • If you are using an HDMI cable, connect either of the cable's two plugs to your computer.
    • If you are using an adapter (non-HDMI), plug one end of the audio cable into the headphone jack (on your computer).
  • Connect the other end of the cable to the HDMI socket on your TV. The HDMI connector is located on the side or back of the TV. The plug is inserted into the socket with only one possible way so don't force it.

    • If you are using a non-standard cable (not HDMI), connect the other end of the cable to the TV's video jack, and then connect the other end of the audio cable to the RCA connectors (marked red and white).
  • Turn on the TV. Press the power button

    Users, especially those who love computer games, are interested in the question: can iMac be used as a monitor. The answer is simple, you can. Many will say that you can buy a separate external monitor for these purposes, instead of using a full-fledged computer. A full-fledged high-resolution Apple monitor will cost around 42 thousand rubles, while on an iMac you will spend from 80 thousand. At the same time, for 80 thousand you will get a full-fledged powerful computer with an excellent screen. You don't need to buy anything if you already have old version monoblock, which was left idle.

    iMac can be used as a peripheral monitor for Apple devices because it has a high screen resolution. You need to put the device into peripheral display mode. This mode allows you to use the candy bar to display an image from another device.

    Connect iMac to Mac

    In order to establish a connection you will need:

    • Mac computer or laptop. The device must have a Thunderbolt connector. If not, Mini DisplayPort will do. If the equipment is equipped with a Thunderbolt 3 port adapted for USB - C, use the special Thunderbolt 3 (USB - C) / Thunderbolt 2 adapter from Apple.
    • Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort cable.
    • iMac that the user plans to connect as an external monitor. The operating system must be OS X 10.6.1 or later.

    Not every monoblock model can be connected as a peripheral screen. Only models are connected: iMac with a diagonal of 27″, Late 2009 and Mid 2010. Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt connector is used for connection. You will need a Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable to establish a connection. Monoblocks with a release date from mid-2011 to mid-2014 are connected. For connection, a Thunderbolt port and a cable of the same name are used.

    Turn on the monoblock that will connect as a display. Log in to another device account macOS. Connect the cable to the connectors. After the connection is made, simultaneously press the "F2" + "Command" buttons on the input panel of the peripheral PC. The display will show the operation screen of the second device. To complete the docking process, hold down the buttons "F2" + "Command".

    If "F2" + "Command" doesn't work

    If pressing the buttons did not start displaying the screen of another computer, do the following:

    • Check if it supports this model peripheral monitor mode.
    • Switching to this mode is possible if the second PC is authorized to the macOS account.
    • Check the functionality of the keyboard. Use only the "native" keyboard. Commands may fail to execute with a third-party input panel.
    • If in the “keyboard” section of the system settings there is a checkmark next to the “Use the F1, F2 ″ and ... keys” item, hold down the “Command” + “Fn” + “F2” buttons at the same time.
    • Check the accuracy of the device connection through the cable. Check the cable is good. If you find creases, twists, bare areas, replace the cord with a serviceable one.
    • For PC Windows mode peripheral screen does not work. iMac must work in macOS environment.

    How to turn off the mode?

    To exit, disconnect the cable, or simultaneously hold down the "F2" + "Command" buttons on the input device of the computer connected as a monitor. Disconnection will occur automatically when one of the computers is turned off. The same thing will happen when one of the devices goes into sleep mode.

    Setting

    To fully use your iMac as a peripheral display, you need additional setting screen settings. Use a second PC to adjust the brightness of the external screen. In the system settings, open the "monitors" section. You can also adjust the brightness level on the monoblock itself through the input panel (using the brightness control buttons).

    To play sound through the monoblock speakers, open the system settings on the “master” PC and go to the “sound” section. In the section, choose to play audio through iMac. You can adjust the volume using the volume keys from the main PC.

    You can connect 2 devices as an external screen. Computers must be connected via Thunderbolt ports and dedicated Thunderbolt cables . Connecting aimaks is not carried out sequentially in a chain, but only to the main device via Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt port . There is a quantity limit. All processes that are running on an iMac that you connect as a peripheral monitor are kept in the background activity during screen mode.

    How to connect PS4 to iMac?

    You can connect your PS4 to your iMac using the ExtremeCap U3 capture card. With its help, the user can even record games. For the correct operation of the device, you need to download firmware for ExtremeCap U3 from the official website. A monitor with a high resolution is perfect for gameplay. Resolution plays a big role for very fast-paced games like fighting games.

    If the user is experiencing a slight delay, lowering the graphics level to 720p will help. The user will find in the configuration of the device instructions on how to use and connect the gadget. You can also use a capture card to connect a set-top box to a TV. The cost of ExtremeCap U3 ranges from 10 thousand rubles.

    Connect iMac to TV

    You can use an Apple TV, but it's not required. Display the monoblock screen image on a TV monitor without an additional gadget. The resolution of the computer display is high, but watching movies on the big screen is more pleasant. To connect a PC to a TV, you need a Thunderbolt, Mini-DVI, or Mini DisplayPort connector. Thunderbolt / Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter required supporting sound. HDMI cable and TV with HDMI connector.

    Follow the connection sequence:

    • Connect the Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter to the PC, then connect the HDMI cable to it. Connect to TV.
    • Start PC.
    • Turn on the TV and use the remote control to select the HDMI display interface.

    Disables mirroring of the display (one image to two displays) in the system settings in the "monitors" section. To adjust the sound settings, go to the "sound" section. In the "output" subsection, set the audio output via HDMI. You can scale the display using hotkeys after learning them in the "accessibility" section.

    Any user may need to connect a Mac to a TV. Someone seeks to connect an external screen for a more interesting and vivid gaming experience, some people may strive for better video viewing. However, whatever the original goal is, it is unlikely that 50% of the population knows how to carry out such a procedure. The instruction includes several steps.

    First stage: preparation

    To begin with, we read the instructions or examine the poppy in search of an answer to the question, what kind of connector does your device have. The youngest models have Mini Display Ports that support an HDMI cable, while the older ones don't. If there are no instructions, and you cannot determine by eye, you should visit the Internet and find information about this model. The next step is almost exactly the same - you need to find out which connector is on the TV.

    Choosing an adapter is to search the Internet for information about the compatibility of the equipment. On Apple Info, at the very bottom of the page, there is a listing of all adapters. For example, the Mac has a Mini Display Port, and the TV has a VGA connector, which port do you need? MDP-VGA. The whole system is quite simple.

    Stage two: shopping

    Consider the connection on a specific example:

    1. Macbook with Thunderbolt connector;
    2. TV with HDMI port.

    To connect these two devices, you will need to purchase some accessories:

    • Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter (supporting audio);
    • HDMI cable (you need to determine the length yourself).

    Before buying directly, read reviews about them on the Internet. Buying in stores in your city may require much more money than buying online. If there is no need to rush, we recommend ordering online. Beware of defective goods and fakes.

    Third stage: connection

    The main thing when connecting to a TV is to keep the order of actions. So, the initially turned off poppy needs to be connected to the adapter. After the adapter - cable, and connect the cable to the TV. After these steps, turn on the computer, and then turn on the TV. The hardest part is over. The Mac, by default, finds a new device and broadcasts to the TV. If this does not happen, most likely you have installed the cable in the wrong socket on the TV. Try to fix it.

    Fourth stage: settings

    When playing or watching a movie, the need for a second computer screen disappears. In order to turn off the screen, you need to find the system settings and the "Monitors" section turn off screen mirroring. AT system settings you can turn on sound playback through the TV, this will require the sound section, where you need to click "Exit". And select HDMI playback. In accessibility, you can customize the zoom and its associated hotkeys.

    What is Apple TV? In its full meaning, this is a device aimed at broadcasting multimedia data from various Internet sources to a television screen. This little gadget endows different TVs with different features:

    • Availability of video resources from various Internet sources;
    • Access to sources of games, music and other content;
    • The device allows you to display various devices on the TV screen, including home PC networks.

    The set of the set-top box consists of the set-top box itself, the cable and the control panel. Compatible kit only with widescreen TVs (1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 480p). In order to connect it, you need an HDMI cable or its equivalent.

    Connect the set-top box and the TV with a cable, after which we turn on the Apple TV to the mains. The initial setup is completed. Read the instructions carefully. After the first switch-on, the setup follows, which will be generously provided with instructions and tips.

    Tip: placing any object on the device, you create interference that disrupts communication and may interfere with the operation of the device.

    Using the Remote

    This remote control cannot control the volume. You need a TV remote for this. This remote allows you to work with the menu, restart Apple TV and enter sleep mode. To change the power source, open the compartment on the front of the remote control (there is a small button that should be pressed). Immerse the battery so that the top pole is positive. Close the cap and dispose of the old battery according to your country's environmental laws.

    Synchronization of the laptop and TV will allow you to view content on the big screen. It is not difficult to connect a regular laptop running on Windows OS to a TV. However, this is a device Apple. Therefore, the synchronization process will be significantly different. Few users know how to connect a MacBook to a TV.

    Now let's analyze the specifics of connecting Apple laptops to TV. The suggested options are suitable for MacBook Air and devices of other models. Carefully follow the instructions to achieve the output of the image on big screen. Many users face certain problems - we will analyze them and also offer effective solutions.

    How to connect macbook to tv

    Conditionally everything existing methods can be divided into two groups - wireless and wired. The necessary cords and adapters are not included in the basic package of TV and laptops. Therefore, they will have to be purchased separately. How to connect Mac to TV? The user must make his own decision. Much depends on how exactly and in what mode the TV will be used.

    Note that the TV model is not of fundamental importance. Connecting a MacBook to a Samsung or Sony TV will be absolutely no different. All available options allow you to use your TV as a large monitor. This means that the laptop acts as a projector.

    Macbooks are designed to sync with other Apple technology. Therefore, if you do not plan to use devices from other manufacturers, then you will have to perform a few additional steps to avoid compatibility issues. Let's get down to business. First, let's look at how to connect a MacBook to a TV via an HDMI interface.

    Via HDMI cable

    Absolutely all modern TV models are equipped with an HDMI interface. That's why this way synchronization technology can be called a priority. Creating a connection will not cause much difficulty. Since the whole process comes down to connecting the cable plugs to the appropriate connectors.

    If you have never connected any devices to a laptop before, then start by looking at the ports for transmitting a video signal. The location of the interfaces may vary according to the MacBook model. To set up your iMac via HDMI, plug the cable into the connector on the back of the device. The video output is on the left on the MacBook Pro and on the right on the MacBook Air. The Mini-Display port that the HDMI adapter plugs into looks a little different.

    When all the necessary cables and adapters are prepared, it's time to move on to connecting the MacBook to the TV. To do this, follow the simple step-by-step instructions:

    1. Plug the HDMI adapter into the video output connector on your Mac laptop.
    2. Connect the HDMI cable plug to the adapter.
    3. The other end of the cord must be inserted into the appropriate socket on the TV, which is located on the side or on the rear panel.
    4. If the laptop was turned off, then turn it on.
    5. Take the remote remote control TV and select "HDMI" as the input source.

    The laptop will automatically detect a new connection. The desktop will be set up for high-definition display. If the picture does not appear on the big screen, then the user has inserted the cable into the wrong connectors. It is possible that the signal source is incorrectly selected.

    Modern TV models are equipped with 5-6 HDMI interfaces. Analyze them. Select the port that will allow both audio and video to be transmitted. Synchronization will be considered complete when the laptop desktop appears on the big screen. Now you know how to connect your MacBook to your TV.

    If the default settings satisfy you, then you can proceed to play the content. However, keep in mind that at this stage the TV is being used as an external display. To view content through applications, you need to perform a few additional steps. As a result, the functionality of the device will increase significantly.

    Separately, it is worth talking about sound reproduction. By default, the audio signal is not sent to the TV. Therefore, the sound is played through the laptop's speakers. It is very uncomfortable. Therefore, it is better to carry out in-depth settings so that the sound is played through the more powerful speakers of the TV.

    As noted earlier, initially the MacBook uses the TV as an external display. The desktop of the laptop is displayed on a large screen. This is a good option for those users who need a large external monitor. However, if you want to watch TV shows, various videos and movies, run video games, then it makes sense to think about setting up mirroring.

    Instructions for setting mirroring:


    This setting is ideal if you are using a TV designed to play 720p content. To view videos in high definition (1080p.), you need to reduce the resolution or use the external screen as the main one. Otherwise, the symmetry of the picture will be broken.

    Instructions for changing the parameters of the main display:

    1. Connect your laptop to your TV using an HDMI interface.
    2. Open System Preferences on your laptop.
    3. Choose a section "Display".
    4. Switch to tab "Options".
    5. Move the white line from a small display (laptop) to a large external monitor (TV).

    This is how the TV turns into the main screen.

    The configuration system proposed above will significantly change the configuration of devices. The computer screen will be used as the desktop. The TV will become the main desktop, which displays the menu and all kinds of applications.

    We figured out the video settings. It's time to talk about sound. If the laptop is not connected to a powerful audio system or speakers with excellent sound, then it is better that the audio signal is played by the TV. The built-in speakers in your MacBook are not capable of delivering clear and natural sound.

    If the TV and laptop are synchronized via HDMI, then the sound must be adjusted manually. When the cable is inserted into the appropriate connectors, and the desktop of the laptop is displayed on the large screen, you need to do the following:

    The output tab predominantly always displays the TV model number and series. Not every user knows exactly what the technique he uses is called. Therefore, it is wiser to focus on the inscription "HDMI", and not on a little-known combination of Latin letters and numbers.

    Once the user toggles the audio output, they will no longer be able to change the volume settings through services operating system laptop. To increase or decrease the volume, you need to use the TV remote control.

    Via WiFi

    With a wireless connection of a TV and a laptop, everything is much more complicated. To display an image on a TV via Wi-Fi, in the “ Screen Mirroring”, you need to use a branded Apple TV set-top box. Instruction:


    Connecting your TV to your Apple TV will allow you to stream video from your Safari browser and Quick Time player. You can also use your TV as a monitor, just like with an HDMI connection. Please note that for wireless synchronization, the laptop must be updated to MacOS 10.8 or higher.

    What to do, if Apple set-top boxes No? Exist alternative ways synchronization using a special software. The bottom line is to create a DLNA server for the subsequent wireless transfer of content from a laptop to a large TV screen.

    There are many various programs. Users who do not want to get confused in a large number of parameters, but simply broadcast photos and videos on a TV screen, should download the PS3 utility media server. Instructions for creating a DLNA server:

    1. Click the Navigation/Sharing tab.
    2. In the field at the very bottom, specify the path to the directory containing movies, music, series. You can specify multiple folders.
    3. Save the settings, and just run the desired file.

    The DLNA server will stop working as soon as the laptop enters sleep mode. Open command line, and then type "pmset noidle". This command will prevent the laptop from going to sleep.

    There is nothing complicated in this setup. You just need to follow the instructions.

    Possible problems

    What should I do if the displayed image is too small or black bars appear? The best option is screen scaling. Not all content is stretched to full screen automatically. Therefore, after setting up the connection, the user will be faced with the fact that a black frame appears on the sides.

    Similar problems appear in the process of streaming playback of various films and series. The image quality will also be poor. This is due to the low resolution. If you use VLC or Quick Time players, then everything can be solved by playing content at 1.5x or 2x resolution. Therefore, you can do without scaling the screen, if such functions are available to you.

    First you need to activate the screen scaling option, if you have not done this before:

    1. Open the laptop operating system settings.
    2. Go to the Accessibility section.
    3. Switch to the "Zoom" tab.
    4. Activate zoom functions.
    5. Save your changes.

    Be sure to check the box next to "Smoothed Image". This allows you to reduce the pixelation parameters during the upscaling process. However, because of this, the picture may become excessively blurry. Therefore, significant scaling is also best avoided. Otherwise, the image will lose its naturalness.

    To start playing content, launch the player. Move the mouse cursor to the center of the video. You can now use the scaling feature to minimize the black bars on the sides, as well as the top and bottom. Also, this work can be done with gestures. Swipe on the "Control" key, and then change the picture by raising two fingers up or down - increase and decrease, respectively.

    Many of us in the apartment have at least one TV with "the makings of the mind." In the line of every serious electronics manufacturer, such models already prevail over simple panels.

    There are not as many benefits from a smart TV as advertising promises: the browser is antediluvian, there are few applications, the interface is buggy and often slows down.

    Even the most latest models I do not want to be used to view sites, YouTube and even the weather. Do it all much faster on your smartphone or tablet.

    Set-top boxes provide a completely different level of convenience. Apple TV, Chromecast, Xiaomi Mi Box and other similar gadgets allow you to display an image from mobile gadgets on the TV screen, use third party applications and view subscription content.

    Not everyone knows that there is an intermediate solution that can cover most of our needs.

    On the Mac App Store you can find a whole set of applications from the developer AirBeamTV BV. Already, this team has five programs in its arsenal for displaying images from a Mac to smart TV screens.

    Each application is designed for all smart models of a certain manufacturer (Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips and Panasonic).

    The installed application will appear in the Mac menu bar. At the first start, you will need to install an audio driver for sound transmission. To do this, select Learn to enable audio in the application menu and download another application.

    After that, any smart TV of the right model that is connected to the same network as the Mac will be displayed in the program menu. One click and the picture from the monitor will be mirrored on the TV screen.

    No additional options and features are provided yet, however, and this is enough to stream movies, TV shows, music or photos.

    It is enough to take a wireless mouse and use it as a control panel.

    Unfortunately, the application is still under active development. Not all TV models are correctly supported. Sometimes there are delays in displaying the image or freezing the picture.

    In order not to throw away money for nothing, before buying, download the demo version of the program from the developer's website.

    Such a solution has the right to exist and for many it can replace an expensive set-top box.

    Thanks to re:Store for the useful and interesting information.