This article was first published in the January, 2010, issue of
Larry's Final Cut Pro Newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

David Tindale, from Australia, sent me the following technique:

Here is my work-around to get an analogue video signal from a Macbook Pro to an SD TV.

First you need to purchase a Mini DVI to VGA adaptor ($45 approx. in Australia), then you need an AV to VGA Digital Scan Converter Box (anywhere from $30 to $70 Aus.). The Converter box comes with an RCA cable, a VGA cable, a USB power cable and the converter box itself.

It's fairly straight-forward to connect:

• Plug Mini DVI into Computer, connect VGA cable to Mini DVI adaptor.
• Connect other end of VGA cable to Converter Box, plug RCA cable from Converter box to TV.
• Connect USB power cable to Converter box and computer and Bob’s your Aunty’s live in lover.

The real problem solving came with getting the Macbook and TV to see each other. The solution that worked for me is as follows:

Select System Preferences > Displays

Set resolution to the same as the TV (for me this turned out to be 720 X 480 stretched). (In the US, it would probably be 720 x 480. LJ)

Go to ARRANGEMENT and make sure Mirror Displays checkbox is selected

In FCP go to VIEW drop down menu and set EXTERNAL VIDEO to ALL FRAMES. I was then able to playback full screen and check color correction.

There are a couple of problems with this workaround, one is that you’re working in a very low resolution with FCP so I don’t recommend editing, this is just for viewing and checking.

Another is, when resetting the resolution to go back to editing, make sure you have UNCHECKED the Mirror Displays checkbox BEFORE resetting resolution.

I made the mistake of resetting resolution first and my computer freaked out, it flashed through a number of resolutions before settling on a black screen that I couldn’t get out of. I ended up having to reboot my computer (this is a trap for young players)

I hope this will help anyone else who has had the same problem as me of having to work with SD as well as HD footage. All-in-all the fix cost me about $70 including postage.

Larry adds: Thanks, Dave, for writing this up.

Larry Jordan is a post-production consultant and an Apple-Certified Trainer in Digital Media with over 25 years experience as producer, director and editor with network, local and corporate credits. Based in Los Angeles, he's a member of both the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America.

The information in this article is believed to be accurate at the time of publication. However, the author assumes no liability in case things go wrong. Please use your best judgment in applying these suggestions.

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. This newsletter has not been reviewed or sanctioned by Apple or any other third party. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are mentioned here for editorial purposes only.

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