How to Use a Projector=

Does the t= hought of using a projector make you nervous? Well, it shouldn’t. With a little practice, you can be= an expert in no time at all. Most people see all of the connections and wires and get scared off right away. Although there are differences between different models of projectors, the basic principles for setting them up are the same. In fact, most people who= use a projector with a computer only use two cables.

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The follow= ing guide will focus on explaining the main connections that one would use to s= etup an LCD projector with a computer. (NOTE: Make sure to power down all equipm= ent prior to making any connections!)

Do all o= f these possible connections make you nervous? Just keep in mind that to connect a projector to a computer, you do not need all of these connections. <= /o:p>

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Generall= y, you only use two cables.= You will need the projector’s power cable and the cable that works with your computer’s monitor connection slot. In order to connect this second cable, you will first need to disconnect the monitor cable from the PC.

The cabl= e that works with your computer’s monitor connection slot is the cable that transmits the projected image to your screen.

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Often th= ese special VGA projector cables have small “twist screws” on the left and right hand sides of the cable connection.

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When you= see this type of connector, it usually has to do with monitors/ VGA display connection.

= The smaller “twist screw” (VGA) type connection will connect to y= our PC where your monitor would normally connect.

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The other end that= connects to the projector may be larger and look like the pictures below.

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Some pro= jectors, like the Infocus models have specific cables = that are brand-specific and will only connect to that brand projector. One end= of these cables will have a smaller VGA type connection with the “twist screws”. This end connects to your PC where your monitor would norm= ally connect. The other end of the cable will be wider and may have “twi= st pins” or two tabs that you squeeze in to make the connection= to the projector. If you look at the projector, there will be only one possi= ble place to connect this. Look at the sample pictures below!

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When you connect a projector using these two cables, you will get a picture projected from the projector, but the monitor will not have the image. This is because you have connected a line from the projector into = the area on your computer where your monitor would normally be connected. In order to have an image that is projected both on your monitor and from yo= ur projector, you will need a special Y-cable that splits the image signal. Unfortunately, these special cables are often considered accessories and = may need to be purchased separately.

If you are using a NEC VT37, you will not be able to split the signa= l. This feature was not made available until the VT47 replacement model.