Hi, I've been considering getting an iMac as my next computer/HTPC.

Does anyone have any experience with hooking one up for use with a projector? In particular, can anyone confirm that it is possible to use the external display and have the iMac screen off/dimmed? (I read a post somewhere that suggested the iMac display was always "on" - this would be a deal-breaker for me if true).

Thanks.

Hi, I've been considering getting an iMac as my next computer/HTPC.

Does anyone have any experience with hooking one up for use with a projector? In particular, can anyone confirm that it is possible to use the external display and have the iMac screen off/dimmed? (I read a post somewhere that suggested the iMac display was always "on" - this would be a deal-breaker for me if true).

Thanks.
I don't know if the iMac works the same way, but with Mac laptops, you can dim the built-in LCD screen independently of the external monitor. I'm not sure if you can completely turn off the screen, though.

ft

I have an iMac G5 purchased in 2005 and the screen can NOT be turned off. I've researched it and there is no way to turn it off. It can be dimmed but is still very noticeable. Have to cover screen with some cardboard.

It's called "mirroring" and as long as you're using the external display, the iMac screen will be on. Having said all that, the picture is very nice on my external display, a Vizio VU42LF.

An Intel iMac is not limited to just mirroring the display. So, an Intel iMac may be able to disable the backlight like a laptop. I have a couple at work, I can confirm on Monday.

And i just verified a few days ago that the G5 iMac only mirrors for one of my vid producers (he wasn't pleased). So I'm not sure what iMac the OP has in mind, but the G5's are still available occasionally through refurb channels and the Apple Store. I'll try and remember to check with an Intel iMac back at work next week.

We ran into this problem and used the sleep display application pretty successfully. It's available here (http://linestreet.googlepages.com/sleepdisplayapplication). It's available as a widget, too.

HTH,
Tracey

Edit - oops, I misread :o - sorry, I don't think this will help in your situation, I think it may turn off all displays.

I've read of screensavers that only display a black screen or can even turn it off. I don't know if that will work in this situation. However, another idea is to make a large black image and use a graphic program to have the black image fill the screen. This should work.

Thanks for all the replies so far - I'm looking at getting the latest 24" Intel iMac this summer (trying to hold out for that rumored upgrade if possible).

If anyone could confirm that the external display can be made "primary" and the iMac display made "dark", that would be great. I guess the suggestion for applying a dark screensaver/image would work, but seems a bit fiddly.....