What happens when connecting TV/monitor?

[scottcampbell]

Hello, sorry for the question that will seem newbish to some.

[I have a 2012 non-retina Macbook Pro. I connect to 1080p Samsung TVs 30" - 46" using a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter and HDMI cable.]

When I connect a second display, like my TV, the resolution on my laptop changes. Text doesn't look sharp on the laptop screen or the TV.

Is there some kind of compromise between the two aspect ratios happening?

While shopping for a monitor to accompany my laptop, what should I look for in order to get the best picture on both screens? What's the key; size, pixel density, aspect ratio, manufacturer, etc?

Thanks!

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

Yes just use a computer monitor and not a TV. The MacBook will change display resolution to match the source, you can change this in system preferences/display while connected. Basically, the MBP uses a 16:10 aspect ratio, whereas TVs use a 16:9. So you'll get black bars on one of them.

If you want the best picture, be sure to use a monitor with the same resolution/aspect ratio as your Mac. Or just use a 1080p and either have the black bars on one or the other.