I'm connecting my laptop to my TDP-MT8-D projector via a DVI-to-HDMI cable. The video card recognizes that the projector can handle a resolution of 1920x1080p, however, I'm not able to choose that as a resolution. Maximum available resolution is 1280x720. How do I get the computer to output a 1080p resolution display on the projector?
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Remember, that a DVI and a DVI-D are different cords. DVI-D carries sound just like the HDMI. One possible solution is to try a HDMI-RCA adapter. You will see a reduction in resolution though.
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.
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.
The PG-F320W has a DVI-I port between the VGA/Component input and the VGA output. You will need an HDMI to DVI cable or a HDMI to DVI adapter and either an HDMI or a DVI cable. If you use the audio input of the projector, you will also need the audio cable between the computer and the projector. (Make sure to disable the HDMI as the audio playback device. In Windows, go to the Hardware and Sound Control Panel. Then go down to Sound and Manage Audio Devices. Click on the Playback tab and check your output device. Click on Start for Windows 7 and earlier, Windows Key + X for Windows 8. Then select Control Panel.)
HP available M1 to VGA (included )
Optional M1 to DVI (available on HP accesories)
To connect laptop via HDMI to Projector you need a HDMI to DVI adapter + Cable M1 to DVI (you get ONLY Video on DVI Output)
To connect Wii to projector you need a M1 to Composite
Set it on top of the TV, use glue if needed ;-). Just kidding...
Well, if both your laptop and TV have an analog video port, you can use that. Or, if they both have an HDMI and/or DVI video port. Otherwise, your probably SOL.
For the analog video port (DB9 connector, looks similar to a serial port), you will need a video cable first (see Radio Shack or similar store). Both the TV and the laptop need to be COMPLETELY OFF prior to physically connecting them together with the video cable (not necessary for HDMI or DVI) or you could FRY one or both of them! Prior to turning on the TV, the laptop's video resolution should be adjusted to the TV's native resolution. You'll also have to run sound patch cords from the laptop to the TV's audio in if you want sound (Not needed for HDMI).
You "may" need to setup the video card (either somewhere in the OS, or in the BIOS setup screen) to display to the external video port.
An HDMI or DVI port setup should be much easier to do.
Obviously, you'll need to tell the TV which port(s) to look for the incoming video/audio via your remote control (or look in TV's menu system for that).
Instructions Things You'll Need: Laptop computer equipped with a VGA, S-Video or HDMI output. Overhead projector with the applicable input. VGA, S-Video or HDMI cable. Software to ready your content for presentation at the correct screen resolution. DVI-VGA adapter, if you are using a Mac. Step 1 Learn the different types of video outputs your laptop may or may not support. The three most common types of video outputs used with overhead projectors are Video Graphics Array (VGA), Separated Video (S-Video) and High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). You need to make sure your laptop has the correct output corresponding to an input on the projector you will use.
Step 2 Weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each types of video input and output. VGA projectors are the most common type, indeed it is likely that any projector in current use will have a VGA input. However, VGA video offers the lowest resolution of the these three types. S-Video offers a higher resolution than VGA, but is prone to screen flicker, especially when you are connecting your laptop to a power supply while presenting, rather than running off the battery. HDMI offers the highest picture quality of the three, and supports audio data transfer as well. However, know that HDMI-equipped laptops and projectors are more expensive than those that utilize the other video transfer formats.
Step 3 Choose a video data transfer standard best suited to your price range and needs. VGA is always the safest bet, but if you are purchasing a new laptop computer, try to find one within your budget with an HDMI output as well, as it will provide the best quality and allow you to transmit audio without the use of extraneous equipment. S-Video inputs are found on nearly every LCD and Plasma television, meaning that if you are giving your presentation connected to a television rather than a projector, this is a viable option as well.
Step 4 Make sure you know how to tell your computer to recognize that you wish to use a projector as a secondary video output device. On Windows-based laptop computers, this usually involves pressing the "Function" (or "Fn") key, followed by one of the numbered "F" buttons along the top of your keyboard. In most cases there will be a graphic of what looks like a television screen on the correct "F" key (e.g. "F4"), but if you aren't sure consult the manual that came with your specific model.
Step 5 Connect your video cable of choice to your projector and your Windows laptop, turn the projector on, and press the correct function key. If you have a solid video card, pressing the same key combination a second time will allow you to view your laptop's screen both on the computer itself and as a projected image simultaneously.
Step 6 Connecting a laptop computer to an overhead projector can be a little trickier. You will need a special adapter to connect to a projector using VGA, as well as the standard VGA cable. This is called a DVI-VGA adapter, and is available both from Apple and other electronics vendors. Plug the adapter to the DVI port on your Macintosh laptop, then plug the VGA cable into the projector and the adapter. Turn on the projector, then press and hold the "F7" key on your Mac. You will be up and running in no time.
Step 7 Try a dry run of your presentation using your own laptop and the same projector you will be using, if possible. It pays to be prepared, and your audience will be able to tell if you are fumbling around for the right function keys on the day you present. Your confidence will help you start your presentation off with a bang, and it will show.
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