How to Use a Projector
Does the thought of using a projector make you nervous? Well, it shouldn‟t. With a little practice, you can be an expert in no time at all. Most people see all of the connections and wires and get scared off right away. Although there are differences between different models of projectors, the basic principles for setting them up are the same. In fact, most people who use a projector with a computer only use two cables. The following guide will focus on explaining the main connections that one would use to setup an LCD projector with a computer. (NOTE: Make sure to power down all equipment prior to making any connections!)
Do all of these possible connections make you nervous? Just keep in mind that to connect a projector to a computer, you do not need all of these connections. Generally, you only use two cables. You will need the projector‟s power cable and the cable that works with your computer‟s monitor connection slot. In order to connect this second cable, you will first need to disconnect the monitor cable from the PC.
The cable that works with your computer‟s monitor connection slot is the cable that transmits the projected image to your screen.
Often these special VGA projector cables have small “twist screws” on the left and right hand sides of the cable connection. When you see this type of connector, it usually has to do with monitors/ VGA display connection.
The smaller “twist screw” (VGA) type connection will connect to your PC where your monitor would normally connect. The other end that connects to the projector may be larger and look like the pictures below.
Some projectors, like the Infocus models have specific cables that are brandspecific and will only connect to that brand projector. One end of these cables will have a smaller VGA type connection with the “twist screws”. This end connects to your PC where your monitor would normally connect. The other end of the cable will be wider and may have “twist pins” or two tabs that you squeeze in to make the connection to the projector. If you look at the projector, there will be only one possible place to connect this. Look at the sample pictures below!
With a few projector models, a third cable is physically attached to the cable that works with the computer‟s monitor connection slot. This is a USB connection and you may have seen this type of connection with a printer, scanner, digital camera, or even a „jump‟ portable storage drive. The picture on the right is of a USB connection. If your projection device has a cable like this, you can simply plug it in to a USB connection located on the back of your computer. It is a small rectangular slot and often has this symbol next to it. When you connect a projector using these two cables, you will get a picture projected from the projector, but the monitor will not have the image. This is because you have connected a line from the projector into the area on your computer where your monitor would normally be connected. In order to have an image that is projected both on your monitor and from your projector, you will need a special Y-cable that splits the image signal. Unfortunately, these special cables are often considered accessories and may need to be purchased separately. If you are using a NEC VT37, you will not be able to split the signal. This feature was not made available until the VT47 replacement model.
The picture on the left shows the type of cable that allows you to split the image between your monitor and your projector. One end connects to the projector, the other end connects to where you would normally connect the monitor on your PC. Your disconnected monitor cable is then connected to the “round” unit in the middle of the cable.
How to Use a Projector with a Laptop
Connecting a laptop to a projector is not very difficult. Once again, you will use two cables. A power cable and the special display/monitor cable that came with the projector. Unlike a PC, you do not have to disconnect the monitor cable because there is none. Instead, there will be a VGA (female-15pin) connection located on the laptop. One end of the cable gets connected to the laptop and the other end connects to the projector. Connect your power cord, turn on your power, and you should be good to go! Troubleshooting: Check your power supply. Check to make sure that the connections are not loose. You may need to activate the laptop‟s external monitor port (video out). This is done by entering a code using the keyboard. The codes are different depending on the projector and the laptop manufacturer. One way to find this code is to look for an F key labeled “CRT/LCD”. This information is also usually listed in the projector manual. For instance, with a Dell laptop, you will need to hold the Function key down on the keyboard (“Fn” in blue) while simultaneously tapping the F9 key. DO NOT HOLD THE F9 KEY DOWN! Only tap it, release the Function key, and wait. If nothing happens try this again. By default there are usually three settings and you may have to tap F9 and wait three times to get the settings that you want.
It is may also be helpful to set the laptop or computer display settings to 800 x 600 pixels when using older model projectors. You can do this by right mouse clicking on the desktop, choosing properties, and then settings, and adjusting the screen resolution. If you are using a newer projector this may not be necessary, since many new projectors automatically adjust this for you.
TIPS Generally, you want to turn a projector on before your computer. This helps the projection device communicate to the computer. On some newer models this might not matter. *Always test out a projector with a laptop prior to using them. There is nothing worse than running into technical difficulties right before a presentation. For really important presentations…always have a backup plan! Bulbs are extremely expensive. Do not leave a projector running for too long when not in use. Consider changing the projectors system standby options. Through the menu using your projectors keypad, under image, you may have the option of changing the system standby time. Why would you want to do this if bulbs are expensive you ask? Try setting up for a big presentation and getting delayed for one reason or another, then your whole system goes to sleep on you and when its showtime, you have to restart everything all over again! Prepared by C.Tougas 4/06