So there it is... is it possible to turn the Apple 30" cinema display into a television? If so, what other bits of hardware would I need? Would it even be worth it?

-Sal

Well, yes it's possible, but not a great solution. You'd need a computer to drive it and sadly the mac mini can't do that (it can only drive the 23"). And a Mac Pro might be a little bit of overkill for a home entertainment system! Obviously you could use any PC that has a capable graphics card. Then you could add a digital tuner (elgato's are OK) for your freeview and programme guide, and hard disk recording. And of course your computer would also be able to function as your DVD player.

The real problem, though, is that the resolution of the 30" display is so high. That's great for computer work, but not so great for watching TV - because there's a huge gap between its native resolution and that of the content you'll be watching. Even 1080p content is likely to look a little blocky, and standard def content will likely look terrible.

Short answer: yes, but I wouldn't recommend it! 

Maybe a Beosystem3 could drive it...

Sal:

So there it is... is it possible to turn the Apple 30" cinema display into a television? If so, what other bits of hardware would I need? Would it even be worth it?

Yes, it is possible. I’m using a MacBook Pro as video and audio source, the speakers are two BeoLab 5. Just look at the display specs and you’ll know which Mac you need:

http://www.apple.com/displays/specs.html

So the physically smallest option currently is a MacBook Pro. For receiving TV programs you’ll need additional hardware/software like this:

http://www.elgato.com/index.php?file=products_whatiseyetv

I’d clearly say it’s worth it as your Mac will function as a fantastic multimedia server at the same time it can be used as a working place. If you do not need a larger than 30" display and do not plan to watch encrypted HD video material, this is a very efficient solution.

wtlc2zpx:

Maybe a Beosystem3 could drive it...

No, because even when using a HDMI to DVI adapter cable the resolution wouldn’t be sufficient. I also doubt that it works at all as a computer display usually needs a complete computer to be driven.

it'd be much easier to use a current full hd tv as a computer monitor

i have my mac pro connected a sony 40w2000 via hdmi to dvi and it's excellent

best of both worlds , plus the dithering in leopard is so good and the hdmi / dvi connection so smooth that i can use lower resolutions and still get a more than useable picture for browsing the net etc 

i'm pretty sure the bv7 40 mk3 would make an utterly awesome monitor 

Sal 

My answer is yes...

The HD (1080p) picture from the VirginMedia V+ feed looks great on a cinema display. I use an Elgato EyeTV 610 DVB-C (cable tuner) connected to a G5, cinema display and BL5s.

 Stax 

 

I saw a guy in the Mac store in London buying a huge Mac display and justifying the large cost to his wife/girlfriend because it could be used as a television as well so it was actually a great deal. I just rolled by eyes and thought "yeah, I'm sure that's going to get a lot of use as a televsion. I bet you're not going to just hook it up in the office and only ever use it as a computer monitor"

one can only imagine what a low bit rate dtv channel looks like on a 30" ACD !!!

 

i know channel 5 is rubbish , but that's rubbing it in - surely :)