MBPro17 and Mac mini desktop display resolutions via home-theater projector (Optoma HD73)

[Shawn Erickson]

On 2/5/07, Kevin Callahan <kcall at mac.com> wrote:
> I'm looking at building a home-theatre using the Optoma HD73
> projector system (haven't bought the PJ yet, but I may buy one today).
>
> I plan to buy a Mac mini if/when Apple releases an update and make it
> my media center.
>
> The system won't be used for "media" only -  I will use it to hold
> master classes and music workshops where I'll be displaying a desktop
> along with apps such as GB, Sibelius, Logic Pro, my music theory app
> etc.
>
> I'm confused as to the best resolution I'll be able to get from my
> MBPro17 (Core 2 Duo) or from a Mac mini (not knowing what the next
> rev will have for a video card). It looks the HD73 supports WXGA 1280
> x 768, but the MBPro supports 1280 x 800, 1280 x 1024, 1280 x 1024
> stretched.  If I can't find a match, how does scaling work?  will
> parts of the desktop be missing? or will the image be crap? or?

Don't confuse which resolutions the laptop's LCD supports with what
the DVI output can support. It really comes down to what the device
you connect to the DVI advertises as supporting and limited then that
is limited by what the video hardware is capable of supporting.

In the case of the MBP you can drive an external monitor at a
resolution up to 2560 x 1600 x 24b (with or without mirroring) and at
high refresh rates. In the case of the current Intel Mac mini you can
drive an external monitor at a resolution up to 1920 x 1200 x 24b and
at high refresh rates. (when dealing with digital video)

-Shawn