How to use 27 inch iMac as a display. (Target Display Mode)

[amrinder1994]

what about the 21.5 inch ??!! :O

[Drboom701]

does this work for a mini dvi to mini display port, cause my iMac is old and that was the display port of that gen?

[pollyboy12]

can the imac still be used independently as a separate computer or is it just a monitor when hooked up to the macbook pro?

[Johno530]

does the iMac have to be on for this to work? or can you shut down and still use the display.

[italiakid14]

or you could just use the iMac

[foolonthehill0]

the imac still on or not? i mean the network?

[Candymanzzzzzzzz]

Where did you get that stand for the macbook pro?

[CelticReject]

Please help. Does this work with a standard MacBook that is about 4 years old. I cannot see any imputs on the side of my MacBook that looks like they will accept the Mini Display Port cable. Many thanks. CR.

[dillonp23]

My hackintosh graphics card only has VGA and DVI but it came with a DVI to HDMI adaptor. Could any of those work or only a DisplayPort?

[dennisjonkristensen]

If this gonna work for me i gonna get the best Xbox 360 setup ever

[amorgan93]

does the macbook pro have target display mode? i know the displayport is input as well

[1993subtroob]

So i can hook up my new gaming pc with a gtx590? To my imac 27'' late 2009. And run at 2560x1440?

[Destroysall]

Is the Display Monitor not height adjustable?

[XxMrPwnag3xX]

dreamy set up <3

[thecanman1000]

will this work with mini display to dvi?

[lonstadamonsta]

lucky bastard

[tipoomaster]

Can the iMac be kept on while being used for target display? Like for computation or server work?

[KoolAidManOG]

@tipoomaster - Yes, it can do other things while acting as a display for another source

[Ry3Productions]

Are you able to change the volume when having the audio run through the iMac? I've just set this up and I get sound, but I'm unable to change the volume. Thanks for any help.

[cDefault]

u are ritch bitch

[MrZeJohn]

hey plz help. when u do this are you utilizing both computer processors or just the imac's? PZL HELP ASH;GLKD

[Mozo901]

could you connect all three???

[dinnerandashow]

two idiots at the Apple Store told me this was impossible. The iMac cannot be use as a external monitor.

[wendysremix]

@dinnerandashow i hate them they said i cant use the apple wireless keyboard on my ipod what a ideot

[dinnerandashow]

@wendysremix

The Apple Genius people know as much about technology as Steve Jobs... almost nothing.

[wendysremix]

@dinnerandashow aint that right

[AridersLife]

Nice setup, This is how my setup will look by the end of this year.

[funnyamericans93]

youve got an awesome set up there! ive got the iMac, with a samsung 26 inch display, but yours looks soooo much more proffessional!

[bingbang881]

LoL! You have a remote-controlled foam rocket launcher!

[ZetaSimsoy]

Can you connect a PC Tower up to this? A good gaming PC with your Mac as a screen could be extremely productive to.

[Domreis7337]

@ZetaSimsoy Yes. If the computer has a display port connection.

[lines4you]

@Domreis7337 well when thunderbolt ports come in pices so u can put it on a pc thats when i buy a pc

[KoolAidManOG]

@ZetaSimsoy - That's what I have, a gaming PC plugged into my iMac. One machine for work, the other for play, both with a great monitor. :)

[klotherz]

@KoolAidManOG Hey man, what graphics card are you using for that?

[KoolAidManOG]

@klotherz - I use two GTX 460 cards in SLI.

Note that you can't do this with the new 2011 iMacs with Thunderbolt connectors. The only computers that can use Target Display Mode with the Thunderbolt iMacs are other computers with Thunderbolt connectors. Maybe an adapter will come out, but right now the only 27" iMacs you can plug a PC into are 2009 and 2010 models.

[Nnnvcg]

@MegaJAYBEE93 yes, the iMacs keyboard/mouse will control the MBP.

Also, as a side note: hitting cmd+F2 on the iMacs keyboard will toggle between the MacBooks input and it's internal input.

[jdivina15]

can you use it imac to imac

[shymattt]

mac llover much haha i got a 27 inch 27 inches of sex

[jackooo1996]

can you do it the other way around, use the macbook pro as a monitor?

[MonkeyLounge]

wow! you have a lot of things in your dock!

[TheGeek1028]

How many Macs do you fucking have???

I see a MacBook Pro 15, an iMac 27 and an LED Cinema Display...

Mac Pro/Mini under the table?

[AK1231234]

i love your fuckin room! :D

[vaper1986]

I love macs they are modern functional art.

[killersquirrel122]

how to you plug in a xbox 360 to it

[Dustinlwegner]

Is there a way to use the macbook pro as a secondary monitor for the imac?

[rand0182]

Question. I'm about to build a new Gaming PC and I want to use my 27 inch iMac as a display will this work with the brand New 2010 ATI Radeon 6870 and 6850 graphics cards? They were just announced today. You can see them at Engadget.

[ohyesitsme21]

dude were did you get the laptop stand from ?

[HenTodolo]

@ohyesitsme21 apple store probably

[rufinator007]

can i hook up my xbox to my macbook pro (i7) with the mini dvi to hdmi cable

[nickojb7]

Hey is it possible to plug in twin 27 inch cinema displays into a 27inch IMac (3 Screens)?

[wiiwheel64]

can this work with a pc if you use a dvi - mini display port connector cable?

[huggi2]

will this work for widows if u use a mini display port to vga ?

[Domreis7337]

@huggi2 No coming from a Windows Box with VGA it will not work. VGA does not output digital video. If you get a new video card with Displayport you can plug the windows box in with a DisplayPort to MiniDisplay Port cable.

[huggi2]

@Domreis7337 ok im just wondering im building a hackintosh so if u use a video card with with mini display on it will it connect to my imac??

[Domreis7337]

@huggi2 Sorta, You wont be able to find a video card with MiniDisplayPort, but one with DisplayPort will work fine.

[roxasnobody9]

@Domreis7337

actually ,AMD radeon Gpu's have a miniDisplayPort ....

[huggi2]

@huggi2 Alright thanks a lot man

[mart182003]

@huggi2 where, can i find info on building a hackintosh?

[deertzTV]

why would you want to hook up a computer to a computer?

[Domreis7337]

@deertzTV The computer was used to demonstrate how it works. You can plug in an XBOX or PS3 or BlueRay player and use the iMac to display the video.

[deertzTV]

@Domreis7337 makes no sense dude, buy a tv.

[Domreis7337]

@deertzTV If you have this there is no need for a TV. The iMac has a higher resolution screen than any TV on the market...

[deertzTV]

@Domreis7337 nice try, it has the same resolution as many hdtv's on the market. Why would you want to burn up the lcd monitor for gaming when you could buy a 42" hd tv for the same price.

[Domreis7337]

@deertzTV Show me one TV that has a resolution of 2560 by 1440. If you need a computer and a TV for gaming this is the perfect solution. You don't get a computer with a TV...

[ozhey]

@Domreis7337 is it possible? I mean, are those cables you were talking about in the video available already?

[Domreis7337]

@ozhey yes they are made by kanex.

[WiiSpeakApple]

Does the iMac have to be on for this to work?

[theChickenizer]

where do you get the background on you mbp?

[pro3455255]

seriously can u do anything usefull on your 3 piece of fruit beside doing a video about how useless it is lol

[Williamdta]

@pro3455255 haha lokks like someone cant afford one

[pro3455255]

apple a waste of time, money and usefullness

[911msg]

Hes just showing u how he cant be that dumb!!

[ThiSiSJeBusx1]

if you want a display buy a big ass tele for cheaper than this.

[Milho1987]

Oh God! Full of Apple stuffs! I want your iMac dude! :D

[Pforpappi]

apple freak!

[conhuirmckee]

@Domreis7337 I have a 20" iMac with a busted logic board, the display seems to be still working (only loads to the apple and wheel screen, no further) is it possible to still use this as an external monitor for my 21.5" iMac?

[mikolv2]

does it work with any 27 inch imac or only the quad core one??

[DetStons]

May have been asked but were did you get the wallpaper?

[gmanist1000]

i'd rather use the iMac and the Cinema Display.

[lovelydiva06]

that's over $6000 worth of apple hardware you got there, nice, i can't even afford one mac than alone 3, lol, anyways, why would you want to use that sweet a** 27" imac as just a monitor

[djjosemaster]

Wow now thats a BigMac

[FroeFilms]

You rich? Lol

[westphillyres]

Is the led display any better than the imac display or are they the same?

[seraphimh7]

something is going on at Apple... allegedly Apple is disguising i5 imac as i7. allegedly they're having trouble with i7. I recommend everyone to thoroughly check your i7 to make sure it isn't in reality a Intel i5 series.. call tech support and have them check your serial number better safe than sorry these computer are too expensive for any mistakes whatsoever.

[graymic]

I'm tempted to get either the 27" or a standard mbpro, however the only reason i'm getting the 27" is because I want to be able to use it as a primary monitor for my PC when i'm gaming and the imac when im doing design for my uni course. Is this possible or can't I plug my gpu hdmi to the imac?

[silenteyesspy]

@graymic: can't you just plug your PC into your flat screen tv?

[graymic]

@silenteyesspy well that is one option, but the idea is to use it on a 27" as it's quite nice.

[GlasKoenig201]

The iMac uses the macBook Pro as a monitor the macbook isn't the computer its only the display for the iMac

[JellyJasonFOREVA]

too many macs O_O

[daneedition]

haha I have the macbook pro and 24" inch led cinema display with the idea to connect the LED when i get my mac pro, but im starting to like the new 27" imac and it's very powerfull + half price then mac pro + with the monitor :P. nice set up mate :).

[gigo1818]

i just spent $2000+ on a computer, lets use it as a monitor and nothing else !

[EverythingISTech]

Does it matter which Imac (the first or second selction) or does this work with both 27inch imacs?

[rednes800]

thanks for this video! I need to know how to do this. i have a 27 inch and have my 17inchmacpro coming in the mail good looks

[ajparcell]

i want to get my normal non mac monitor used as another desktop for my imac 27 inch but i ordered the wrong one, the cable was to large for my port. were do i get a mini dmi do vgi??? :(

[rednes800]

ummm let me think really hard for you, ..........after 24 hours of thinking where i thought maybe just maybe the apple store might have one! lol

[1337sweden]

Can you use 2 displays for your Macbook Pro?

I Gonna buy twice 24", or if Apple will release the 27" display soon!!

[JammatheGreat]

What cables are needed to allow PS3 be played on the iMac?

Beast of a machine!

[migeru29]

no cables.. you need a converter.. to covert hdmi signal to mini display signal.. it cost around $300 :)

[swroll]

Can you close your MBP and still use the imac display.

Using, of course, a bluetooth mouse and keyboard?

[Domreis7337]

@swroll yes

[peacefulpony]

@swroll

It's possible, but you'll cook the shit out of your MBP. It wasn't designed to operate with the lid down.

[supafreek1234]

yay $1200 display!!!

[Domreis7337]

@supafreek1234 cheaper than the 30" Cinema Display and you get a free computer.

[Criver12]

2000 for a 30" or 1599 for a 27" + Computer. I Choose the 27"

[XxPoints2shopsxX]

@Domreis7337 Haha lies, epic lies, you can get a like 40" tv for like $500, cheaper my ass.

[VictorInATX]

@supafreek1234 If you're completely oblivious, you won't notice it's actually running an OS and those things called 'applications'. o.O

[youngobi2009]

what is the point? waste of money

[Domreis7337]

@youngobi2009 Not a waste of money... You can play PS3 or XBOX on your iMac...

[chargerfun34]

How? I am really wondering how to play the Xbox 360 using the VGA cord from Microsoft to the 27" iMac?

[freebiemadguy123]

@Domreis7337 not without a $180 converter...

[dicubillas]

@Domreis7337 apple is a waste of money ..... pcs not

[Swaggy04]

@Domreis7337 Yeah, it's a waste, when you could just play on the iMac which handles every good game of today perfectly well.

[jackrox222]

@Domreis7337 make a video on how to use it for video games.

[traceurpaul]

@Domreis7337 i can play on my 19" acer monitor (£50 second hand) and I fucking love it =]

[daoldGNRrox]

@Domreis7337 i was just about to go search youtube and google to see if u can play ps3 or xbox like that..but were do u hookup the ps3 or xbox wires into?? im really confused cuz there arent any HDMI ports or aux plug ins. plz help...thnx

[HenTodolo]

@Domreis7337 woot? how do u do that?

[twistedkatana1]

@Domreis7337 well, 2 grand will net me a 55 inch LED tv if i wanted to play xbox and ps3.

however, does this easily work with a windows machine via DVI to mini display port adapter so i can use a gaming pc in that display?

[VvEinarvV]

@Domreis7337 Or just buy an 27 inch monitor for half the price with HDMI...

[petersin71395]

@Domreis7337 does this really work for ps3 and xbox pls tell me if u tried

[mpm1900]

@youngobi2009 If you ever upgrade, your imac is still usable no matter what.

[icdp]

why would you buy an expensive computer such as the imac from  and use it as a secondary display of an MBP?

[Hauskaz]

@icdp It makes more sense when it come time to upgrade to a new machine. Once the iMac's outdated, you can continue to use it as a primary or auxiliary display with whatever new computer you get. Makes me wish I got a 27" model instead of the 21.5", although I like to use my systems as long as I can.

[VZBULLETPROOF]

Will this work with a 2007 20" iMac and a 2009 13" Macbook ?

[matt56037]

It will work with the McBook, not with the iMac.

[AppsEverywhere]

No, not with any 20'' or 24'' iMac...

[MetalSeph]

would it work with a 21,5'' imac 2009 too? if not, why?

[matt56037]

Yes.

[MacbookJack]

why would you seriously want to do that anyway? what's the point?

[quest8899]

whats better an imac or hp pavilion elite with intel core i7 processor with a built in blu ray player for 1,249.99 at best buy?

[JoeyoftheYear]

depends, want a glorious all in one 27 inch computer or a windows ordinary desktop PC? depends on what you wanna do... for gaming, go with the HP... for digital media, go for iMac... take note that the iMac are more expensive, since they are really high quality 1440p all-in-one computers

[DOOMER23JK]

ask yourself get what you desire

[onirix]

question I haven't seen here or anywhere yet...

when the imac enters into target display mode, does the imac hard drive eventually sleep and quiet right down (or even better, can the computer elements be completely off?). i am concerned about sound of bigger machine right there by my ears.

[JStreeteer]

thats a nice wallpaper on them :D

[maxohpne]

could you use the imac as the computer and the macbook pro as the secondary display? that would be better...

[LiquidNeonFilms]

Yes, the Mac you plug the cable in first will be the secondary Mac, so you'll have to plug in the MBP first 

[maxohpne]

@LiquidNeonFilms

nice, and do you know if there's a way to have TWO secondary displays with a mac?

[DavidAcampora]

@maxohpne Well the mac pro and mac mini both support 2 displays, I guess you mean three though, in which case you would need a Matrox splitter. Google Matrox you'll find one.

[LiquidNeonFilms]

@maxohpne

Yes, you'll need a Mac Pro with 2,3 or 4 NVidia Geforce gt120's for 2,3 or 4 mini DisplayPorts. Standard the Mac Pro has one MiniDisplayport and a DVI port. You also can buy adapters (miniDIsplayport to ...)



[studiorecorder]

now the only thing that needs to be released is a mini display port switch (like those ones that allow you to choose from multiple scarts) so that you can have it connected to an external display and other computers and then choose which it should be connected too without having to unplug any cables every time

[MPX4132]

agreed...

[dukedvl11]

Thanks for the video . . .Apple just posted an article on their site that the Mini DisplayPort in the 27-inch iMac can receive DisplayPort compliant video and AUDIO signals . . . Can you confirm that it can receive audio as well or is that a typo? Thanks!!

[toujames]

dude, you rich.

[gabuchia]

But why would anyone wanna use the 27inch Imac as a display? It should be the main one ;)

[Domreis7337]

for using it as a TV with a DVR, for using it with a BluRay player or XBOX

[Smeniac]

CAN I USE IT WITH XBOX360? sexy :D

[Sparrrry]

Do you know anythign about hooking up a PS3 and or XBOX 360?

[tipoomaster]

Can it output to a secondary monitor?

[sktaka22381]

@tipoomaster lol oh god...

[TheBlitz1]

the brightness and contrast ratio on those monitors is

not good......

[jarchri]

I don't think you would say that if you actually sat in front of one. This video isn't made to show the contrast ratio.

[TheBlitz1]

what do you mean

im looking right at the displays

the camera is pointed right at them and they are all on

[jarchri]

This is compressed video and when video is compressed you lose contrast, brightness, color.... in short everything. No one would ever make a YouTube video to showcase a monitor's Contrast Ratio. You can check one out at an Apple Store or even at some Best Buy. They are phenomenal monitors. The color, contrast, Hues, are perfect right out of the box. No calibration needed. This is why these displays are the industry standard for video, photography, graphic design, etc...

[TheBlitz1]

yeah but if all the videos are compressed then all the monitors loose contrast, brightness, and color... and thus the ones that look better are still better, and the same conclusion can be reached.....

[iLoveeApple]

2 Questions

Fist I Can Hook Up My Laptop (No MacBook) On My iMac

And I Have A 24"

DOES THIS WORK

Please Replay

[SebastianK393]

no it works only on the 27" inch iMac

[travistalavera]

nice setup

[theapplefreakk]

Yeah cant wait to get one for myself.

Whats the desk you have there? need a bigger desk for this. haha

[Domreis7337]

I got it at IKEA. It is the Galant series.

[TheBlitz1]

ikea is known for being small and cheap

[RandomDoomsday15]

isn't the 27 inch model not big enough for you? I would just have hte imac 27 inch and the macbook pro. thats it.

[Domreis7337]

Hopefully within a matter of weeks the cable will be available.

[davidbloch1534]

i could understand doing it to the cinema display since it's only a monitor but i don't understand why he'd do it to an imac

[Domreis7337]

This is a feature apple has enabled so you can plug a XBOX or PS3 or BluRay player into the iMac and use the imac as an HD screen. Right now the only cable available is the Mini Displayport to MDP thus is why I demonstrated it using a MacBook Pro.

[davidbloch1534]

oh, i see. thank you for the clarification

[MrNiceHk]

So I should be able to connect my 360 to my future Imac 27 ? ... this is the only issue which is making me have 2nd thoughts about getting one

[abzt7]

is it possible to easily swap between a ps3 and then back to osx without taking out cables

[abzt7]

so hes using an imac to extend his screen ??. isnt that a waste ??

[stobball]

hes just showing that u can make it as another display its not like u would wast that good computer

[madmaddymanu]

is the mini displayport to hdmi cable converter available in apple store?

[Derikgolf78]

I m cruise your new 27" Imac has any problem in since, Just all most who use youtube with voice because i can't hear from u. reason Am i DEAF

[Domreis7337]

Hi there! No I have not had any issue with my new iMac. I love it, it is a great product.

[mayabhai001]

is new imac good for games?

[SpiderWoman14]

Why would you want to use your imac 'computer' as a display screen?

[mattmgmhs]

video games, high def television, blue ray discs. those are just a few.

[EverythingISTech]

blu ray has mini display? Dont you need a converter thing that can transfer it to HDMI cables?

most dont have an output in minidvi. so you would need to convert hdmi or HD component to something mini dvi or the input is on the imac. But it is possible to convert any signal to any output if you shop for the right adapters. Some are harder to make than others and you may need to bridge 3 or 4 adapters. I have made some crazy rigs