Using an HDTV screen as an extra display for laptop PC can truly useful on many levels. General uses are for graphic design, increasing documents, video editing and viewing, movies there are possibly many more.

The procedure is simple than you think if you are working with any MacBook or MacBook Pro. You just want three cables and these easy steps.

Instructions

1. Decide whether MacBook Pro has a Mini-DVI output or a Mini DisplayPort output. The models with black keyboards generally have mini DisplayPort outputs. These are smaller than Mini-DVI ports. I ignored this, not knowing mine necessary a DisplayPort cable, don’t make similar mistake. When in hesitation, you want to ask Apple. If you do find mistake, don’t worry it. Apple is reasonable about returns and exchanges.

2. Turn off MacBook Pro. This is safest way to hold configuring things like these. Attaching a monitor as PC is on will work, but it can cause few odd glitches in programs that may be running.

3. Snatch Mini-DVI to DVI Adapter. This can be found at Apple Store. Attach it to proper port. If you are not sure which one this is, ask PC manual, or compare it with photo to left.

4. Snatch HDMI to DVI cable. This is found at Apple Store. Attach this to broad end of Mini-DVI to DVI Adaptor. The two cables must screw together simply.

5. Attach HDMI end of cable to HDTV. If HDTV has two HDMI inputs, select one with detach RCA audio inputs. On mine, this is HDMI input 2. This will come in useful next, when we plug in sound. Usually, an HDMI cable can take sound, but here we must draw audio from headphone jack on MacBook Pro.

6. Get 1/8” to RCA cable from any Radio Shack. Attach 1/8” end to headphone jack on PC. Attach other two ends to equivalent tinted RCA inputs on HDTV.

7. Start PC and HDTV. MacBook Pro will mechanically organize this new screen to be a second monitor. To view items on this screen, just drag it with mouse past the right edge of monitor. If you want to modify configuration of this screen, do so in Display sector of System Preferences. Here you can do things like set screen to mirror what is occurring on PC, the aspect ratio, and more.