How do I use a projector? (display mirroring vs extending)

See "How do I set-up a projector?" for which cables to plug in and how to get started.

Projectors plug into your computer’s video port to replicate what is on your display (mirror) or act as an additional display (extend). Any Mac made after 2002 will allow you to mirror what is displayed on your built-in monitor on the projector. This means that you can project a copy of whatever is displayed on your computer. However, the projector may have a different resolution than your built-in display. Many current projectors have a resolution of 1024x768 pixels. You can see what your projection will look like by changing your display’s resolution to 1024x768 in your System Preferences. (Go to the Apple in the upper left corner of your screen, open System Preferences, select Displays, and choose 1024x768 from the list of resolutions.) You can buy a projector or rent a projector at Tekserve.

Apple computers with any type of DVI port (Mini DisplayPort, DVI, Mini-DVI, Micro-DVI) allow you to mirror or extend your desktop with the projector. Extending your desktop means that the projector acts as an additional display. This allows you to have your presentation notes on your portable’s built-in display, while showing your presentation slides on the projector. You can drag applications between your built-in display and the projector by moving the window. If you’d prefer to mirror what’s on your built-in display on the projector, select the Mirror Displays checkbox in System preferences. (Open your System Preferences, select Displays, select the Arrangement tab, and click the Mirror Displays checkbox.) You can also activate mirroring by pressing the F7 key on most Apple portables.

Published March 24, 2009 12:00 PM
Last modified on May 11, 2011 2:33 PM