Macbook to HDMI TV

I'm so frustrated with this. I have the original Macbook, bought a Mini-DVI to HDMI adapter, a connector HDMI cord that I have plugged into the HDMI Input on my Mintek tv. I have an RCA audi jack connected as well. However, when I switch my TV's input to HDMI, it gets no signal and when I hit "detect displays" in my system prefs, nothing happens. Am I doing something wrong? I already tried restarting and putting to sleep and waking up and still nothing

 

detect displays is good... make sure you set to see displays in the top menu bar... then check over there. If the HDMI connected one is trying to run at a bad resolution or something, and not showing up, you cannot access the menu on it to change anything. If you have the Display menu on the top right menu bar, you'll be able to click it and quickly see monitors and change settings for any.

 

I'm not understanding... I have detect displays set up in the top menu bar but every time I click on it, nothing happens. If I turn the TV off though while it's hooked up, the screen on my computer goes to a blank blue screen for a second though. But still, nothing on the TV. I don't understand. There are no other monitors showing up under detect displays.

 

System Preferences -> Display's -> check Show displays in menu bar.

check on the display in the menu bar... it should show in the list 2 monitors with every resolution for each monitor. Make sure you select on the external something it can run... try different ones... 720p might be a safe bet to test.

If the display menu up top only shows the built in Monitor still, there there may be an issue with the way its hooked up.

 

Yep, it still only shows the built in, which is why I'm having issues. I know it is somehow recognizing it though because of my screen turning blue for a second if I turn the TV off while connected. Ugh, it makes no sense!

 

No one else has had this issue? I'm finding it hard to believe I'm the only one. I'm debating sending the cords back and trying to connect through VGA instead but would like someone's input before I do so. Any help appreciated!

 

see if you can find another TV to test it on first... but if the mac doesn't detect it, I'm not sure what else you can do.

 

Tried it on our living room TV. Still no detection. I don't understand. Guess I'm going to exchange the cords and give VGA a shot.

 

Try the lowest resolution setting output to the TV possible. I believe I had this problem but it turned out to be that the the mac mini I had made the TV an extended desktop. Try click the duplicate screen option along with the resolution. The duplicate screen is just for reference so you know where to start.