Mac Pros, MacBook Pros, and Mac Minis have standard DVI connectors. Some 2010 now have HDMI ports. Mac Minis and MacBook Pros have a single DVI port; Mac Pros have at least two DVI ports.

If your HDTV has a free DVI port, then all you need is a standard DVD cable; no adapter is necessary. But in all likelihood, you'll need to connect your Mac to your HDTV using either an HDMI or VGA connection; both options require an adapter. If you choose VGA, you can use the adapter that came with your Mac.

If you choose HDMI, you'll need a simple adapter, which is available from multiple sources. The adapter may be a cable with a DVI connector on one end and an HDMI connector on the other, or it may be a small adapter that has both types of connectors, but no cable. Either type will work fine.

iMacs and MacBooks have a mini DVI connector for hooking up external monitors or TVs. You'll need at least one adapter, maybe even two. At a minimum, you'll need a mini DVI-to-DVI adapter. You may also need a DVI-to-HDMI or DVI-to-VGA adapter, depending on which port on the HDTV you choose for the connection.

Connect the cable between the Mac and the HDTV.

Turn the HDTV back on first. It doesn't need to be set to the connection the Mac is on, but it must be powered up first, so that when it boots, your Mac can recognize the TV and the resolution it needs. Once the HDTV is powered up, turn on the Mac.

Your Mac should recognize the format and resolution of the TV, and automatically select the native resolution of the TV for running the video. In a few seconds, you should see the Mac desktop on the HDTV.