Want to watch MP4's on a TV next to my MBP_M2 while im working

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Level 1

24 points

Want to watch MP4's on a TV next to my MBP_M2 while im working

Hello - So right now retouch in Photoshop with my MBP M2 Max in Clam Shell mode into a pro BenQ colour monitor. At the same time I use VLC to float a mini movie window ontop of Phptoshop but its anoying and slows my work down. I want to play those programs onto my TV which is next to me, it already works as a mirror but thats no use.

Question: Is it possible to get my Macbook to play movies on to the TV while im working is Photoshop or shall I buy a smart TV and play movies off a USB memory stick?

I was thinking my Macbook M2 Pro Max could run two separate monitors but if its not a stable and an easy solution ill invest the £300 in a used smart TV, I guess it will be less effort for the GPU or whatever.

Does anyone have a good solution for playing films from their Macbook Pro to a TV? If so please tell me what tech I need?, cables or adapters. My MBP is already full with an external drive, monitor and Hub.

Below is a pic of how ive turned my MBP into an iMac, basically I just built a holder for the laptop that sits on the back of the monitor. IMO switching from on computer setup to a laptop is slower than working off one computer

[Edited by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 26.0

Posted on Sep 19, 2025 03:27 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

MartinR

Level 7

23,565 points

Sep 19, 2025 04:10 PM in response to anthonyhague

Your MBP M2 Max supports up to 3 external displays via Thunderbolt and 1 external display via HDMI in both mirror & extended desktop mode.

Assuming you already use the HDMI connection for your existing monitor, you would need an Apple USB-C (Thunderbolt) to HDMI adapter to connect a second monitor or TV.

Once you have it set up, in extended desktop mode, just move the window(s) you want to show on the 2nd display to that display.

I have no experience with clamshell mode but that shouldn't interfere with using multiple displays.

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Answer 2

steve626

Level 6

13,197 points

Sep 19, 2025 04:07 PM in response to anthonyhague

You can use "extended desktop" instead of mirroring. Then you can place the video on the TV or some separate monitor. But I don't understand your "MacBook Pro as an iMac" arrangement and how that might affect the extended desktop.

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Answer 3

anthonyhague Author

Level 1

24 points

Sep 19, 2025 04:45 PM in response to anthonyhague

Thank you so much for explaining that. £69 is a fair price for an adapter but it saves me physically dragging files onto a usb drive. I have also seen the Extended Display option too so it looks like I will be up and running pretty quickly.

Clamshell mode just means your laptop can remain closed and it will operate like a Studio or Mini, you can wake it from the keyboard and the monitor sleeps too.

I bought the M2 rather than a studio just incase I land photography jobs and I can use the M2 tethered to my Canon 5D from Lightroom or Capture One, seeing the image on the 16" monitor is a huge improvement than the camera back. Many people have the Macbook open next to their monitor, keyboard and wacom tablet setup, but ive tried all options and I find 2 computers slower to use than 1, unless its 3D rendering which im fed up with failing to get photo realistic renders. The M1 Macbook is more powerful than photoshop needs, it basically never slows down. I really do miss my iMac though which is why I was so intent on trying to build the same layout.

Thanks again bro

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