Video

Video, pictures and movies on an Apple computer or device can be presented to an audience on an external display such as a television, projector or interactive white board.

An external display may be directly connected to an Apple computer using a suitable cable.

Apple computers and devices can also connect to displays wirelessly using the Airplay facility to send video and audio to an Apple TV unit.

Connecting directly using a cable
MacBook Pros and iMacs connect directly to external displays using the "Thunderbolt" socket. "Thunderbolt" is an evolution of the "mini-DisplayPort" connection found on earlier Apple computers, and is fully compatible with the older standard. Thunderbolt outputs both analogue and digital video signals for compatibility with a broad range of display devices.

Analogue Video

 * Analogue video is available on nearly all computer monitors and is referred to as "VGA". Many projectors and interactive white boards have VGA connections. A mini-DisplayPort to VGA adapter is required if connecting to an analogue input on a display.

Digital Video

 * Digital video is available on many computer monitors but for cost reasons is not as common as VGA analogue video. Computer monitors with a digital input usually have a "DVI" (Digital Video Interface) socket. Newer computer monitors often have an "HDMI" socket, and may additionally have a "DisplayPort" or mini-DisplayPort connector. HDMI is the standard for modern consumer displays such as HD televisions and projectors. DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort connectors all have different socket designs but are electrically compatible, and will work together when the correct adapter is used.
 * Additionally, both HDMI and DisplayPort connections also carry digital audio so only a single cable is required for a complete audio and video hookup.

Connecting wirelessly using Airplay and Apple TV
Macs and iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch) can connect indirectly to a second display using Apple's Airplay system via an Apple TV unit.