4K TV as external Display for MacBook Pro

[VFRulez]

Hi,

I intent to get a MacBook Pro 2017 and replace my Desktop Mac with a combo out of the MacBook and an external Display. One of my ideas is to get a 4K TV for this, which would be ideal for having a huge working space and at the same time a TV/Video screen on my desk.

It is my current understanding that a TV for gaming definitely would be to slow, but for normal desktop working, it should be fine. So it would be only important to find a TV with a proper port capable to receive a 4K 60Hz signal.

What do you all think about this? Do you think this could be a feasible option?
Can you recommend any specific TVs for this?

Thank you!

 

[Fishrrman]

I haven't tried it, but others have.

I think you'd need at least:
- a 40-43" screen
- an HDMI 2.0 port (on the tv)
- the proper cable/adapter (USB-c to HDMI 2.0)
- a "high-speed" HDMI cable.

Then, you'd want to run it in "non-HiDPI" mode.

 

[burritolove]

i bought a 49" TCL 4k hdr set from costco for less than $350 (there is a 43" as well) and used it with my 2017 MBP, it works flawless with a hdmi 2 cable at 60hz. i used an adapter that states proper 4k 60hz output, alot of them do not hit 60hz. the 60hz makes a huge difference, i see no lag with my setup, according to rtings.com the tcl is quite good as a pc monitor. 4;4;4 4k hdr works perfect, i've even gamed on it using CSGO and its very usable. i have since though bought a 38" ultrawide instead, the 49" was great but a bit too big, using it for xbox instead.

 

[nola111]

I haven't tried it, but others have.

I think you'd need at least:
- a 40-43" screen
- an HDMI 2.0 port (on the tv)
- the proper cable/adapter (USB-c to HDMI 2.0)
- a "high-speed" HDMI cable.

Then, you'd want to run it in "non-HiDPI" mode.

Hi Fishrrman, I'm now is the same boat as the OP:

Can you clarify what you mean by "you'd want to run it in "non-HiDPI" mode"?

 

[Fishrrman]

"Can you clarify what you mean by "you'd want to run it in "non-HiDPI" mode"?"

In HiDPI mode, every pixel that you "see" is actually composed of FOUR pixels on the display.

In non-HiDPI mode, you are just looking at "all the pixels", no "grouping of them" as you would get in HiDPI.

 

[nola111]

"Can you clarify what you mean by "you'd want to run it in "non-HiDPI" mode"?"

In HiDPI mode, every pixel that you "see" is actually composed of FOUR pixels on the display.

In non-HiDPI mode, you are just looking at "all the pixels", no "grouping of them" as you would get in HiDPI.

Thanks - is this something you set in the TV, or in the Macbook Pro? Does it go by any other name? I can't find any setting called HiDPI in either the computer or TV.

Thanks.

 

[Fishrrman]

"is this something you set in the TV, or in the Macbook Pro?"

Look in the "displays" preference pane.
Try the "scaled" option.

 

[nola111]

"is this something you set in the TV, or in the Macbook Pro?"

Look in the "displays" preference pane.
Try the "scaled" option.

I'm assuming you mean in the Mac. Under Scaled I only see options for resolutions. Can you provide any more specific info?