Can I do this with an iMac setup?

[FerraraZ]

I want to buy a new iMac but I want to be able to put an Xbox 360 that uses HDMI to it. At the same time I want to have it connected to a projector that will project my Mac OSX desktop. Can I freely switch between xbox 360 and Mac OSX using an iMac?

Also what sort of hardware or adapter would I need to be able to do this?

 

[ViRGE]

How would the projector be hooked up to the iMac?

 

[umrigar]

you might be able do both, but probably not at the same time.

http://www.apple.com/imac/specs.html

- Mini DisplayPort output port with support for DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI (adapters sold separately). 27-inch models also support input from external DisplayPort sources (adapters sold separately).
- Support for extended desktop and video mirroring modes
- Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to a 30-inch display (2560 by 1600 pixels) on an external display

 

[TheStu]

Gizmodo just mentioned a new device that would let you connect a PS3/360/HDMI whatever to the 27" iMac. Since the iMac only has 1 displayport port I am not sure how you would go about this. You almost certainly would not be able to have the 360 and projector running at the same time. You might be able to use a miniDP switch (if such a thing exists) and switch between the 360 and projector, but I cannot think of a way to have them both running at once.

 

[FerraraZ]

They dont have to run at the same time but I do need to be able to switch between the two. The 360 using the imac display and the imac showing on the project when I choose.

 

[TheStu]

I don't know if there are any MiniDP or DP switches, and I don't know if using an HDMI switch (for example) with converters would work. And since the HDMI->MiniDP adapter to allow you to hook your 360 to the iMac is $150, it is an expensive experiment.

 

[ViRGE]

They dont have to run at the same time but I do need to be able to switch between the two. The 360 using the imac display and the imac showing on the project when I choose.

In that case just get a projector with 2 DVI/HDMI inputs, and the mini-DP-to-DVI(or HDMI as suitable) adapter for the iMac. Then you can just switch sources on the projector.