If you’re a business owner, meeting planner, or just someone who wants to watch movies and presentations on a bigger screen, you may want to know how to connect a projector to your computer. The process can be simple, but it can also be complicated if you’re new to it.
The Basics
To connect your laptop or desktop PC to a projector, you’ll need a few things including the right cables and ports. The most reliable way is through a wired connection since that’s the easiest and fastest.
Cables
Most modern laptops and computers use HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) ports for their output. It’s a standard that beat out other HD connections like DVI and DisplayPort because it allows a laptop to stream audio and video in one connection while still providing high-definition video at the same time.
The HDMI connection works well with the most common laptops and desktops, but you might need a converter if your computer is not compatible with HDMI. There are many different types of adapters available, so you should be able to find the one that will work for your needs.
Wireless Communications
Projectors can also connect to wireless Internet connections using a Wi-Fi chip inside the device or through a transceiver/receiver wireless converter package that enables online streaming. This is similar to how modern smartphones, tablets, media players, and other devices connect to the Internet.
Identifying Available Wired and Wireless Connections
The most dependable method to connect your PC to a projector is through a wired connection that uses LAN or USB-A ports that can be found on most modern laptops and desktops. The same is true for wireless connections, as projectors can connect to a wireless router or access point through a Wi-Fi chip in the device or through a transceiver/receiver package that allows the laptop to connect to the wireless Internet connection and stream content from it on the big screen.
Even older laptops and desktops that don’t have HDMI ports can still connect to the projector by using a VGA cable and adapter. These adapters carry the same video and audio signals as their corresponding HDMI ports and will work with virtually any old or new projector or TV that supports this technology.
Using the Projector as the Monitor: Before Plug & Play came to the market, you needed to turn off your notebook PC or desktop PC before connecting it to a projector to let it recognize the projector as its display device. Once the connection is complete, it’s usually as easy as turning on your laptop or PC and pressing a key combination to have the projector show what’s on the computer’s monitor.
Connecting the Video Cables and Ports: Once you’ve connected your projector’s external video port to the appropriate inputs on your notebook or desktop, it’s time to connect the cables and ports. Most projectors come with VGA, RCA, S-video, or component video cables that will need to be connected to the appropriate ports on your notebook or desktop before you can have the linkup work properly.
