I use the latest model of iMac 27 inch and output to an Samsung 40 inch HDTV, and found that the Menu Bar is missing on the HDTV. This is usually known as the "overscan" issue, that the top 10 or 15 lines are missing (and so are the bottom, left, and right) — this is because in the old days, there are some signals for TV info piggy-backed in the TV signal (usually at the bottom) and the TV won't want to display it, so the top, left, right, bottom 10 or 15 lines are cut off.
This isn't a problem with a Dell Studio 15 Notebook: the notebook computer output HDMI directly, and 100%, every single pixel is visible on the HDTV.
Also, I tried both a generic Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable (from Monoprice), as well as an expensive, Belkin cable sold at the Apple Store — they are the same.
Also, this issue happens no matter I choose the "Mirror Mode" or the "Individual Display Mode" on the iMac — in either case, the 10 or 15 lines are missing at the top, bottom, left, and right.
Is there a way to solve this? To make it work like the Dell notebook? (either by hardware, software, or settings?)
Update: a better solution I found later on was to change the HDTV to not overscan at all, if that's possible. More details in: How to solve the "overscan" issue if the iMac is connected to an HDTV and using BootCamp and Windows 7? That solution is to set the TV not to overscan at all. For example, the setting of 16:9 or 4:3 may both overscan, but the setting of "Just Scan" will not overscan at all.
Best Answer
There should be an "Underscan" adjustment in display preferences. Open up the Displays in System Preferences. Have a look at your available resolutions. There should be a 720p, 1080i and 1080p, choose whichever is appropriate for your TV, and a slider labelled Underscan should appear. Adjust as necessary to get the picture right on your TV.