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

[Kevin Callahan]

On Feb 5, 2007, at 12:11 PM, Shawn Erickson wrote:

> 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

thanks Shawn -- that's what got me confused.  When I connect my PB17  
1.67 to my Cinema 23, I get a bunch of different resolutions - so it  
makes perfect sense what you say.

Thanks!
K