How To Set Up A Projector and Laptop For Presentation

Gone are those days when whiteboards and paper handouts were utilized for presentation purposes as new-age projectors have taken over the meeting room. However, it isn’t entirely easy to set up a projector and laptop for presentation. But if you follow our curated process, then it will be easy for you to get the job done.

Before starting out with the setup, let’s first arrange some essential items that you will require during the process. Here is the list;

Place the Projector for Presentations on a Table

To start with the process, first, you need to place the projector for presentations on a table, and the distance from the screen entirely depends upon the throw distance. However, you can even mount the projector in the ceiling with projector mounts for a permanent installation. Just make sure that the projector mount is good in quality.

Prepare to Set up the Laptop

Put the laptop in close the vicinity of the projector if you went for the tabletop installation. Otherwise, if you have gone for the ceiling installation, then put one table below the projector where you can place the laptop comfortably.

Connect the Cable

Either use a VGA, DVI, or HDMI cable to hook one end of the cable to monitor the port of the laptop and another end to the HDMI or VGA port of the projector. You won’t have to worry about the ends of the cable as both ends is the same. In addition to a Windows laptop, you can use HDMI or Thunderbolt to connect MAC to a projector. While joining, make sure both end are hooked correctly by tightening the screws of the VGA and DVI head. However, for HDMI, you should push adequately until and unless the head reaches the end.

Now connect the power cables of your projector and laptop to the primary power source. You can use a power strip for powering the projector and laptop if the main power outlet is far from them. Power strip would be a smart addition as it will allow you to connect more devices from one place.

In addition to video cable and power cable, also connect the audio cable to the projector for proper sound output. You won’t need any audio cable if you are opting for an HDMI cable for visual connection. However, you might not find the HDMI port in some cheaper laptops. Go for an external audio setup with large sound boxes if you are planning for a presentation in front of a large crowd.

Stretch the Projector Screen

It is time to stretch the white screen on the wall, and you can either do this by pulling down the screen or pressing the automatic button. You can even use a tripod projector screen for display purposes, and it entirely depends upon the room space availability. You will find a different type of screen in the market but make sure you get a good projector screen that meets your requirement. Otherwise, you may use a white wall for projection, but you will have to sacrifice on the clarity and quality as they don’t offer screen-gain.

Now switch on both the laptop and projector and wait until the projector detects the external video source. If it doesn’t detect the laptop automatically, then you might have to find it manually by going entering into the device option located in the menu.

So when all the connection is done correctly, you need to proceed to this step where you will have to change the settings to duplicate the laptop’s screen.

Set up the Laptop to Duplicate the Screen

For Windows: First, you have to press the display key or hold the function key and display key together to open the display settings. Then you will be prompted with the option of Disconnect Projector, Duplicate, Extend, and Projector only option. You can either choose a duplicate or projector-only option for presentation purposes.

Now change the resolution to HD or Full HD depending upon the projector’s capability. To do this, you have to go to the laptop’s graphics properties and change the current resolution to 720p or 1080p.

For MacBook: For MacBook, the process is slightly different. First head to the system preference under the Apple Menu and then select the Display preference. Under the Display tab, you will find the Arrangement tab where you have to click Detect Display button. In that dialogue box, you will have to tick the Mirror Display option so that you can mirror the visual on the projector’s screen. However, this isn’t the end as you will have to change the resolution to HD or Full to get a proper display.

Lastly, just play a visual and open any presentation in PowerPoint, you will find your content on the large screen.