Nearly every classroom on campus has some sort of projector. When problems arise, it is the job of Media Services to fix them, but they can’t be everywhere at once. Most podiums will automatically lock after 6 p.m., so make sure to reserve one from Media Services if you plan on using it after 6 p.m. This brief guide explains how to set up and give your presentation using the school’s projectors. Ke Alaka‘i journalist Zeph McKee did the Media Services employees’ training to write this story.
Step 1: Turn the projector on
Most projectors can be powered on by simply pushing the “ON” button on most display cabinets. Usually, you will have to wait a minute or two for the bulbs inside to heat up, so be sure to log in and get everything ready on the computer. Once the button stops flashing, you can continue.
Step 2: Choose your display method
Built-in desktop computer: Most cabinets and podiums will, by default, be set to desktop mode, which outputs from the computer at the desk. Pushing the “DESKTOP” button will change to this display.
VGA: However, if you don’t want to use the school’s computer, you can plug in your own using whichever cables are available. Almost every display will have a VGA cord, which you can switch to by pressing the “LAPTOP” button.
Note: When using the VGA cord, you will also have to plug the corresponding audio jack into your computer. If it prompts you, make sure the computer is set to “Speaker Out.”
Mac users: Most Apple computers only use Lightspeed cables to output. You will need an adapter to use either VGA or HDMI, which can be checked out from Media Services in the library.
HDMI: If your computer only uses HDMI, you can press the “HDMI” button and use that cable. Some podiums or cabinets don’t have free HDMI cables, and if this is the case, you can unplug the school computer’s HDMI cable and switch the display back to “DESKTOP.”
Step 3: Set your output
Display settings vary depending on which computer you use. For school computers and anything else using Windows, you can bring up the display options by tapping Win+P on your keyboard. Once this is done, set the display to “Duplicate.” For Mac users, you can bring the display up by opening System Preferences and going to Displays. Set it to “Mirror.”
Step 4: Test for sound
Once you have the display working, turn up the sound on your computer, and then you can adjust the speaker volume from the podium or cabinet.