MacBook Pros Support Mini DisplayPort Audio; HDMI Adapter Tipped

[Paul Daniel Ash]

One of the improvements in the new MacBook Pro line is support for video and audio out through the Mini DisplayPort. This marks the first time that an Apple computer can use Apple's miniaturized DisplayPort interface for audio. Also, a note on the specs page for the updated MacBook Pro hints at a future Apple MiniDisplay Port to HDMI adapter; currently, support for HD video and audio is only possible through a third-party adapter.

Apple first developed the Mini DisplayPort in 2008 to replace its proprietary Mini-DVI interface. Capable of supporting up to 2560x1600, the interface is based on the DisplayPort standard, and Apple made it freely licensable in 2009. The Apple 24-inch Cinema Display as well as some Toshiba laptops also use the interface. Though the Mini DisplayPort has always potentially been able to support audio - as the underlying DisplayPort standard does - no computers have incorporated an audio signal on the 20-pin interface until now. The implementation supports the DisplayPort standard controls for digital rights management, which could potentially introduce problems if a Mini Display Port is used to connect a MacBook Pro to an external device (such as an HDTV) that isn't properly licensed.

Though the Mini Display Port can carry HD-quality video, support for audio up until now has required an adapter that combines Mini DisplayPort video with different ports, such as USB for audio or USB for plus the audio line-out connector for audio. However, the Tech Specs page for the MacBook Pro does mention an optional Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, raising the possibility that a simpler solution may be on the horizon.

[rhekt]

stealthy they be.

[iphone8130hak]

Sweet

[Antman217]

i already have a mini displayport to hdmi adapter that i bought from amazon but it doesnt support audio so will this macbook allow me to output audio or will i need the new macbook and the new adapter?

[joeyckl]

i hope it will support the current MBP before the i7... i just got mine not long ago and im already upset that i7 is coming out now for MPB and newer graphic card.. this sux that it only work with new MBP only..

[jordbrett]

I just want blu ray support! I hope this is one step closer to that.

[gbarielmoreno]

or you can buy the Sony vaio f series and get an hdmi with your laptop. it has everything the mac book pro does, except bigger screen, HDMI, blu ray, and geforce 330m with a full GB ram not the 512 like the pro and 800 bucks cheaper

[wesker17]

:,) sweet!

[eclipseballer08]

or you can buy the Sony vaio f series and get an hdmi with your laptop. it has everything the mac book pro does, except bigger screen, HDMI, blu ray, and geforce 330m with a full GB ram not the 512 like the pro and 800 bucks cheaper

oh, except that whole operating system thing that the MBPs run.

[gbarielmoreno]

oh, except that whole operating system thing that the MBPs run.

ok spend 800 on macs os. I'll have a better laptp and run windows 7

[ultimatexpka]

ok spend 800 on macs os. I'll have a better laptp and run windows 7

I totally agree with you

oh, except that whole operating system thing that the MBPs run.

Sorry but 800 more for crap is way to much, especially since macs arent even designed for gaming, they dont even have the good games

[awesomeSlayer]

Sorry but 800 more for crap is way to much, especially since macs arent even designed for gaming, they dont even have the good games

You sir are a moron. Have you even used a MBP? Heck, it runs Valve-developed games very smooth. If you want good games, then install Windows on a MBP, idiot.

The improvement on the Mini Display Port sounds very nice.

[lexball50]

bout freaking time

[ghostdog87]

do you know if compliant 1.1a mini display port to hdmi generic adapters support audio? ive seen many of these generic adapters on ebay.com, and id like to know if it will work with audio with the new macbook pros (2010 model)