Apple Macbook Tutorial: How to Connect to a Vizio HDTV

With the iPod, iTunes, Front Row and many other products and features, Apple Inc. has changed the way consumers find, purchase and enjoy media. And now other services such as Hulu have added even more functionality to our computers. However if you have an Apple laptop such as a Macbook or Macbook Pro then you know that sometimes watching video content on that small screen is not always ideal. But if you have a high-definition television with HDMI connections then you can enjoy that same content (on your hard drive or online) right on your TV. Or maybe you just want to use your television as an extra large monitor. In either case all you need is the right cables, which are not hard to come by.

In this tutorial I want to help you get a handle on how to go about connecting your Mac laptop to an HDTV. Now the procedure may vary from television to television but for the purposes of this article I will be using a Vizio high-definition LCD television. Two cables and one adapter will be used for this project. I will however mention along the way other options for accomplishing this task.

What You Will Need to Get the Job Done

1. Apple's mini-DVI/DVI adapter
2. HDMI-DVI cable
3. 1/8"-to-RCA audio cable or adapter
4. HDTV with HDMI and RCA inputs (most will have this)

Step 1: Mini-Dive to DVI

The standard Macbook has an Apple proprietary port called a mini-DVI for the purpose of connecting monitors. Unfortunately not many monitors support this and an adapter is required. So to begin hooking your Macbook to your TV you will first need the mini-DVI to DVI adapter from Apple. At only $19 this handy piece of hardware will provide you with the more standard full-size DVI connection. Begin by shutting down your Macbook and turning the power of your television off. Once the Macbook is shut down, connect the adapter to the mini-DVI port on the side. This is the first step toward watching your computer content on your television.

Step 2: DVI or HDMI? Which Should You Choose?