Macbook with old tv?
May 17, 2013 4:26 PM Subscribe
I want to be able to watch Netflix from my laptop on my very old tv. Is this possible? What cables would I need?
I have a MacBook from about two years ago, and a Toshiba tv from 2005. Its model number is MD20Q41 if that helps. Would this be possible?
The Bluths are back [and I want to see them on my tv]!
I have a MacBook from about two years ago, and a Toshiba tv from 2005. Its model number is MD20Q41 if that helps. Would this be possible?
The Bluths are back [and I want to see them on my tv]!
Response by poster: The model is MD20Q41 and the MacBook is from August 2010 or so.
posted by the twistinside at 4:48 PM on May 17, 2013
posted by the twistinside at 4:48 PM on May 17, 2013
Easiest thing is to get a roku. The older models are inexpensive and work just fine with old TVs. I know because that's what I have. I looked into hooking up my computer into my old TVs and it seemed like a glitchy pain in the ass. Roku is dead simple.
posted by bleep at 5:03 PM on May 17, 2013
posted by bleep at 5:03 PM on May 17, 2013
You would need a mini displayport to composite video converter like this one.
Alternately you could keep an eye out for an older model Roku box that has both analog and digital output (the newer ones are HDMI-only, and meant for newer HDTVs), which might be less of a hassle and could still be used for Netflix streaming if you got a newer TV.
posted by bcwinters at 5:03 PM on May 17, 2013 [3 favorites]
Alternately you could keep an eye out for an older model Roku box that has both analog and digital output (the newer ones are HDMI-only, and meant for newer HDTVs), which might be less of a hassle and could still be used for Netflix streaming if you got a newer TV.
posted by bcwinters at 5:03 PM on May 17, 2013 [3 favorites]
Yeesh, the adapters needed for this are irritatingly expensive. A used roku isn't that cheap either, they seem to float around the same price if not a bit higher.
I'm going to suggest something rather clever here though. Get a cheap mini displayport to vga cable like this, then plug it in to a box like this.
If you don't already have an 1/8th in to RCA audio cable, grab the cheap one on that page too. that's a perfectly fine price for one of those. they barely get cheaper than that and it's brand name.
I've had no grief at all with the super cheap brandless mini displayport to vga/hdmi/etc adapters as opposed to the extremely overpriced apple branded ones. This setup will get you going for approx half of the dedicated mini displayport unit shown above, which is probably just that same converter plus that adapter smushed into one box.
I too, came in here to suggest a roku or something, but they just aren't that cheap. Plus this allows you to display anything you want from the macbook on the TV.
posted by emptythought at 6:25 PM on May 17, 2013 [2 favorites]
I'm going to suggest something rather clever here though. Get a cheap mini displayport to vga cable like this, then plug it in to a box like this.
If you don't already have an 1/8th in to RCA audio cable, grab the cheap one on that page too. that's a perfectly fine price for one of those. they barely get cheaper than that and it's brand name.
I've had no grief at all with the super cheap brandless mini displayport to vga/hdmi/etc adapters as opposed to the extremely overpriced apple branded ones. This setup will get you going for approx half of the dedicated mini displayport unit shown above, which is probably just that same converter plus that adapter smushed into one box.
I too, came in here to suggest a roku or something, but they just aren't that cheap. Plus this allows you to display anything you want from the macbook on the TV.
posted by emptythought at 6:25 PM on May 17, 2013 [2 favorites]
Just wanted to mention I've tried what emptythought described (even using exactly the same VGA to RCA converter box bought on Amazon in 2012) and it did not work for me. The signal sent to the TV was garbled. I can't explain why it would have worked for him and not me.
(I'm a computer geek, and persistent, so believe me, I tried to make it work.)
posted by StrawberryPie at 9:34 PM on May 17, 2013
(I'm a computer geek, and persistent, so believe me, I tried to make it work.)
posted by StrawberryPie at 9:34 PM on May 17, 2013
Sorry, I should add that I don't doubt it worked for emptythought; I mean only that there is some additional non-obvious variable somewhere that may be difficult to pin down.
posted by StrawberryPie at 9:42 PM on May 17, 2013
posted by StrawberryPie at 9:42 PM on May 17, 2013
Just wanted to mention I've tried what emptythought described (even using exactly the same VGA to RCA converter box bought on Amazon in 2012) and it did not work for me. The signal sent to the TV was garbled. I can't explain why it would have worked for him and not me.
It works but it's way more annoying than it would seem to be.
I recommend getting an Apple TV. Not only is there a Netflix app, you can use Airplay to mirror your screen onto your TV. I recommend this if you have a fast internet connection and a strong wifi signal.
And if your laptop is "more than two years old" (typical Apple garbage) you can use AirParrot. It works really well.
posted by phaedon at 6:45 AM on May 18, 2013
It works but it's way more annoying than it would seem to be.
I recommend getting an Apple TV. Not only is there a Netflix app, you can use Airplay to mirror your screen onto your TV. I recommend this if you have a fast internet connection and a strong wifi signal.
And if your laptop is "more than two years old" (typical Apple garbage) you can use AirParrot. It works really well.
posted by phaedon at 6:45 AM on May 18, 2013
An AppleTV will not work with the OP's television, which doesn't have HDMI ports. The older AppleTVs that did have analog video output don't have Airplay.
posted by bcwinters at 10:38 AM on May 18, 2013
posted by bcwinters at 10:38 AM on May 18, 2013
Also, older apple tvs are still $100+ used.
The solution here that directly answers their question is either that $40+ cable, which I bet is the exact same thing in one box, or the box+adaptor I mentioned.
For the price of an Apple TV, you could buy a decent small LCD tv on Craigslist. My 26in was $100 and came with the box and receipt...
posted by emptythought at 12:17 PM on May 18, 2013
The solution here that directly answers their question is either that $40+ cable, which I bet is the exact same thing in one box, or the box+adaptor I mentioned.
For the price of an Apple TV, you could buy a decent small LCD tv on Craigslist. My 26in was $100 and came with the box and receipt...
posted by emptythought at 12:17 PM on May 18, 2013
Roku still sells several players that have composite output - I have an LT which works fine with my 20th century Sony TV, and it only costs $49.95 new. I do have the audio hooked into my stereo instead of the TV.
posted by rfs at 9:19 PM on May 18, 2013
posted by rfs at 9:19 PM on May 18, 2013
Whew, I did this with a 2008 MacBook and a 2006 Toshiba that was HD and had HDMI for an adapter... but I don't know about converting to Component cables. Is anyone you know looking to get rid of a TV?
posted by midmarch snowman at 7:24 AM on May 20, 2013
posted by midmarch snowman at 7:24 AM on May 20, 2013
Response by poster: I ended up borrowing an older laptop to use with my tv. But thanks everyone!
posted by the twistinside at 3:58 PM on June 18, 2013
posted by the twistinside at 3:58 PM on June 18, 2013
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 4:35 PM on May 17, 2013