Connect your Projector to PC Computer
Connect to projector
How to Connect Laptop to Projector
How to display computer image on TV or projector
How to display a computer image on a TV or projector
All modern televisions and
projectors have one or more ports which allow them to receive and display an image generated by a computer. Both
desktop and
laptop computers are capable of connecting to a TV or projector, provided that they have the appropriate cables. The following sections contain instructions for using your TV or projector as a computer monitor. For best results, we recommend reading them in order.
Identifying available connections
Connecting computer and projector or TV
Display using Desktop
Display using Laptop
I don't see an image on my TV screen
Identifying available connections
The first step in connecting your computer to a TV or projector is finding an identical port on both machines. Once the matching port has been identified (one that is the same on both your
input device and
output device), you need the appropriate cable to connect them. This section contains a picture of the back of an
Epson projector and its available connection
ports; as well as descriptions of each.
HDMI
The
HDMI connection is very popular among display electronics. In fact, nearly all modern televisions and projectors feature HDMI ports. Most laptop computers support HDMI and it is becoming more prevalent on both desktop as well; even without a high-end
video card. HDMI is quickly becoming the standard for all electronic equipment for its high quality signal and ability to carry both audio and video signals. The image to the right is that of an HDMI cable.
VGA
The
VGA connection is the most common among both desktop and laptop computers, is found on most projectors, and some TVs. The VGA cable has a 15-pin connector on each end that plugs into a VGA port on each device. Due to the fact that most televisions do not support VGA, we recommend using HDMI for their wider range of compatibility.
Tip:VGA cabling is universal for devices that support it. For example, the if your desktop monitor that uses a VGA cable it, that same cable can be used by a laptop to connect it to a projector.
Note: If you are using an Apple desktop or laptop you need a VGA adapter to connect a VGA cable to the computer.
DVI
The
DVI connection is newer than VGA and it offers a sharper image. Although the DVI port is not shown on the Epson model above, it is still somewhat common for projectors, not so much for televisions. It is mostly found among desktop computers for monitors, but some laptops have DVI connections as well (Apple laptops are more commonly known to support DVI than any other brand of laptop). Since finding DVI on a TV or projector is more difficult, we again recommend using HDMI cables.
Tip: There are special cables that convert from DVI to VGA or DVI to HDMI and vice versa.
Composite Video
The
composite video connection is quite common on a TV or projector, but it is nearly nonexistent on modern computers. This connection is the yellow female cable on what is normally a three bundle of red, white, and yellow. The only time you should see this setup is on older video cards for desktop computers.
S-Video
The
S-Video connection is also commonly found on TVs and projectors, but solemnly on a desktop or laptop computer. This connection is a small step up from composite video, but is nearing obsolescence.
Connecting computer and projector or TV
After you've identified what connections are available on both your computer and TV or projector, you're ready to connect the cables. If the same connections are not available for both the computer and TV or projector, you'll need to purchase a
video converter cable that converts one signal into a compatible signal.
Desktop Computers
For a desktop, you simply need to plug the cable into the computer and output device. If you don't see an image, you may need to change the display using the following steps.
- Press the Windows Key.
- Type Adjust screen resolution and press Enter.
- Find Display and click the down arrow on the right-hand side of the box.
- Select the appropriate output device.
- Click Apply then OK.
Laptop Computers
If you're connecting a laptop computer to a TV or a projector you'll often need to "send" the video signal to the display device. The key sequence to do this varies depending on the laptop; but usually it's either:
Fn + F3,
F4,
F5,
F8, or
F9. For example, pressing and holding
Fn + F3 at the same time on my laptop sends the video signal to my connected TV instead of the laptop's screen. The corresponding key used with Fn may be labeled as CRT/LCD or have a picture of a monitor on or close to the key. Additional help and information with switching the laptop display can also be found on the link below.
Switching TV inputs
Finally, if you're connecting a computer to a TV make sure it has been switched to the correct input. For example, if you connected an HDMI cable to your computer and the "HDMI 2" port on your TV, you'll need to switch to the "HDMI 2" input. This action can be accomplished by pressing the
input button on your
TV remote until the correct image is displayed.
As you can see there are 2 video screens here.
LCD
VGA
not HDMI. so on all laptops you must tell it what you want NOW. called HOT keys. covered in the manual you lost or can not read?'
the below page fails to say it is and INPUT
NOT and OUTPUT like VGA is.
it tells it in a long convoluted way.
It turns the LAPTOP in to a monitor.
see?
the key word below is SOURCE (means INPUT)
only.
i will read page 17 to you. your manual.
"HDMI Port (on selected models) HDMI
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an uncompressed all-digital audio/
video interface between any audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player,
and A/V receiver and an audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television
(DTV). Supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multi-channel
digital audio on a single cable. It transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports
8-channel digital audio, with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements or requirements."
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