How to connect your iPad 2 to your TV with HDMI

As far as media goes, the iPad and iPad 2 are wonderfully multifunctional. You can play, record, and stream both videos and music. Originally, we were limited to the first generation iPad's screen and speakers (or headphones connected to the tablet). With the release of the iPad 2, Apple introduced a new accessory to the iPhone 4, iPod touch (4th gen), iPad, and iPad 2 lineup: the digital A/V adapter.

The A/V adapter is a clever little piece of electronics. By connecting the adapter to a compatible device, you are essentially adding an HDMI port. The adapter also has the standard 30-pin Apple connector built in next to the HDMI port, so you can connect to an HDTV and charge at the same time using the standard cable provided with your iPhone, iPod or iPad.

The timing of the A/V adapter's introduction to the device marketplace is not coincidental. The iPad 2's display will mirror on your connected HDTV or HDMI-connected display in 1080p for everything except movie playback. Movie playback or anything streamed from your other iPhone, iPod touch, or original iPad to will only display in 720p.

What you'll need to make it happen
For this setup, you'll need the equipment identified by number in the picture above:

1. Your iPad 2 (or other compatible device)
2. Digital A/V adapter
3. A display or television with an HDMI port
4. An HDMI cable

And to keep your iPad 2 charged while connected, use [5] your dock-to-USB cable and [6] USB power adapter.

How to set it up
First, plug the adapter in to your iPad 2. Make sure the adapter is seated well — you don't want it to slip if the attached cables are tugging on it or are at an awkward angle.

Next, plug the HDMI cable into the smaller of the two slots. To insert the cable correctly, the narrower part of the HDMI plug should be facing down. If you are planning on keeping the iPad 2 charged up at the same time, connect the dock-to-USB cable to the other adapter slot with the dock end, then to the power adapter with the USB end.

Finally, insert the plug on the other end of the HDMI cable into an open HDMI port on your television. Switch the input on your HDTV to HDMI, power your iPad 2 on — and ta-da! The main screen of your iPad 2 should now be mirrored on your television.

This setup is fairly easy and does not take a lot of time to put together or configure. It's a fun way to bring Netflix streaming to your HDTV (if you don't currently have it set up) and provides a decent picture you might not expect from a smaller device.

Happy viewing!

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