If you've been waiting for a way to connect your Mini DisplayPort-equipped Mac to an HDTV via HDMI, Monoprice has got you covered. The company has begun taking orders for its $14 Mini Display Port to HDMI Adapter, which are expected to begin shipping this Friday.

The adapter is most significant in that it finally allows protected HD content, like that available from the iTunes Store, to be displayed on an HDTV. DisplayPort, mini or otherwise, supports the HDCP encryption scheme designed to "prevent pirating" of HD content. Unfortunately for users of new Macs, most monitors don't support the standard—but luckily HDTVs do. Gizmodo got a unit to test and they say it works as advertised.

The adapter will transmit audio data along with video if a device's Mini-DP supports it, however Apple's implementation on all current Macs does not. It should especially be useful to folks using a Mac mini as an HTPC, but also for folks hooking up a MacBook or MacBook Pro to watch occasional content as well (hello, Hulu). Monoprice is also known for its other display adapters that are usually far cheaper than Apple's own options.