[dmckleinfeld]

Hello, all! Had a question for y'all about sending video from my computer to my TV---I've done some research, but hoped someone here could tell me if I'm... sane.

First, the setup: I'm using a desktop Mac Pro, a 2 x 3 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon, with 4 GB of DDR2 FB-DIMM RAM, and a Radeonx1900 video card, with two DVI outputs. Plugged into it currently are two monitors, a CRT hooked up via a VGA-to-DVI adapter acting as the primary display, and a DVI-connected LCD monitor acting as the secondary display. Next to it is an old Sony Trinitron TV, with a composite (single yellow plug) video input.

So here's my plan... Driven by recession, I'm getting rid of my cable, figuring I can just watch shows on Hulu. But I'd like to keep watching the shows on my TV, as it's better-positioned for viewing with my wife.

So I thought what I could do is:

1. Get a DVI splitter cable, like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ted-_-12339004

2. Plug one of the split DVIs into my secondary monitor. Plug a DVI to composite video adapter into the other: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB...S-SHOP-Froogle

3. Run a composite cable from the above adapter to my TV, and continue feeding audio out of my regular computer speakers.

4. And voila, my TV mirrors my second monitor. Then I can bring up Hulu, put the browser screen on my second monitor, click the Fullscreen button on Hulu, and have a lovely fullscreen image displayed on my TV. Should work for YouTube stuff too, should I get the urge.

Does this plan make sense? Or am I ignoring some fatal flaw which will bring my gossamer dreams crashing to earth?

Thanks in advance!
D

[ibook_steve]

Welcome to our forums!

For one thing, the Newegg reviews say that the splitter doesn't work, so don't get that. I'd trust Monoprice more for something like this:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...1&format=2

You should read the reviews there as well. You may not be able to get the best resolution.

For another, you're looking at the wrong adapter from Apple. You want standard DVI to composite:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/M9...mco=MjE0ODQ2MQ

The problem with putting this on the end of a splitter is that the computer will detect it as an analog TV output, so the split DVI connection to your other monitor will not work.

No offense, but to really do what you want, you need a newer TV with some type of digital input (DVI or HDMI). Or just forget about splitting the DVI output and just use the Apple adapter to output to your TV and not the second monitor. You can use mirroring or dual screen.

Steve

[dmckleinfeld]

Hrm---so the splitter can't send both a signal to both a monitor and a TV, eh? I had hoped to mirror them. But I hadn't realized the computer did any detecting of the analog TV---had hoped it would just pass the signal along uncomplainingly.

And life would be so sad without a proper second monitor...

I wonder if the solution is to just get another video card, and treat the TV as a third monitor?

[reader50]

Yes, use a separate output from a 2nd video card. You'll want to set a much lower resolution for the TV anyway (640x480 probably), too low to be comfortable if shared with a monitor.

Fringe bonus: the 2nd video card will have two outputs, giving you a spare for when you add that 3rd monitor.

[dmckleinfeld]

Sounds like a plan---a second video card, and run the DVI-to-composite connector into that.

And I guess any Mac Pro card will have plenty of power, since I only need it to run at 640 x 480.

Any recommendations for the cheapest possible Mac Pro card?

[Simon]

Originally Posted by dmckleinfeld 

Any recommendations for the cheapest possible Mac Pro card?

Apple has the ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT (256 MB) with dual DVI for $129.

They also have the NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 (512MB) with MDP and DVI for $149. Apple says it requires a 2009 MP, but the card works just fine in the 2008 MP too.