connecting to a projector

[bittersweet]

I don't know how to set-up my mac so it shows on a projector. It (the projector) attaches through USB, but when I plug it in, I lose control over the mouse, and it doesn't get a signal (nor does it mount - if it should :dry: ).

On a PC, I remember pressing fn-F7 to engage the two, but it doesn't work on my Mac.

Can anyone help? I have a presentation on Friday and it's something big. Thanks! Btw, the projector's a Sony.

[extremyks]

What type of mac do you have? Powerbook G3/G4 or ibook perhaps? Does the Sony has those VGA type connector that has pins in it? I haven't seen a projector that uses USB to carry out video signal...

[directX]

The USB is to allow you to control the mouse using the LCD projector's remote. There should be a VGA connector to connect to the computer. The Mac portables, at least the new ones, do not come with a VGA port but there is a cable that is bundled that allows you to connect to the VGA port.

[bittersweet]

oh. i have an iBook G4 1st gen. Hm..I did see a VGA connector with the box. Attaching that would make it work then, huh?

Alright, assuming it would work, how do I toggle the display? I mean, if I want the projector's screen to show my display, what do I press?

[Edited on 8-16-2004 by steeltoe]

[extremyks]

Yap use the adaptor that came with your ibook. Under OS X... once the VGA cord from the projector is connected to the mac's display adaptor it will automatically switch to a lower resoulution which the projector will recognize.

Try it first, it should be detected right away. If not go to sytem preference > display and set the desired resolution.

[bittersweet]

I see. thanks guys! :beer:

[Arel]

If possible, steeltoe, do sneak in a practice w/ the actual equipment that you'll be using for your presentation way before the day itself.

Good luck!

[El CaMOTe]

And you also have to choose either to mirror the display or otherwise (I think the projected image will be an extended part of your whole desktop) not sure about this but best thing to do is what Arel suggested.

Rehearsal !!

Cheers,

[bittersweet]

Originally posted by Arel
If possible, steeltoe, do sneak in a practice w/ the actual equipment that you'll be using for your presentation way before the day itself.

Good luck!

That's what I wanted to do, too, unfortunately, the presentation venue is rather far from where I work (where the Mac is), so I guess the only thing I can do, beyond going there a full hour before presentation time is to just, um, pray.

[elbert]

it should work. I do a lot of presentations, over different projectors and brands (Sony, Canon, Epson, InFocus, etc.), I've never really had a problem on OS X.

If your iBook display is different from what shows up on the projector, then that most probably means you're not mirroring. Hit the F7 key to toggle between Mirror and Extended Desktop display.

You might have to tinker with the Display prefs if the image doesn't appear to be clear. Just do some trial and error, if ever.

Some projectors can be plugged to a computer via USB. I don't think Mac OS X supports that yet. I've tried it before, no dice. VGA is the safe bet.

Good luck with your presentation.