newbieappleuser13
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Trouble with connecting to a projector

Hi all,

 

I am a first time user with a mac and I have the 2013 macbook air, the most current model i believe. I just bought a mini thunderbolt to vga adapter and after plugging everything in the screen just says no signal. I don't know how to see if the mac is detected the project or what else I could do. I'm hoping its not the adapter since this is the 2nd one i've bought and just something that I'm not doing right. When i plug in the adapter to the computer the screen goes dark then comes right back on like it is detecting something but it also does that when i just plugin the adapter not attached to anything. Any help would be awesome!! I just want to play movies in my dorm room haha

Thanks

MacBook Air, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on Sep 22, 2014 9:33 PM

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newbieappleuser13

Q: Trouble with connecting to a projector

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  • Helpful answers

  • by mario49,

    mario49 mario49 Sep 25, 2014 6:34 AM in response to newbieappleuser13
    Community Specialists
    Sep 25, 2014 6:34 AM in response to newbieappleuser13

    Hey newbieappleuser13,

     

    Thanks for the question. After reviewing your post, it sounds like you are having trouble with an external display. I would recommend that you read this article, it may be able to help you resolve or isolate the issue.

     

    Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays

    No video or no signal, image distortion, "snow," or flickering

    Check connections

    When using an external display be sure to check the following:

    1. If you're using an Apple notebook, confirm the AC power cable or adapter is securely connected to the computer and the cable providing power to the display is also secure. It is always good to have your notebook connected to AC power when an external display is in use.
    2. Confirm display adapters are fully seated in their respective connections and that they are supported models and for the computer and display. Refer to these articles to assist you with adapter compatibility and further configuration information:
    3. Remove all display cable extenders, KVM switches, or other like devices and retest to determine if the issue is resolved.
    4. Try unplugging the video adapter or cable and then plug it back in.
    5. If more than one video adapter is in use (or "daisy-chained"), troubleshoot by using only one adapter.
      • Example: A mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter connected to a DVI to HDMI adapter is an unsupported configuration because there is a series of adapters in use.
    6. If available, try using a different display and or adapter (or use a different connector by using DVI instead of VGA, for instance).

    Reset the system

    You can reset the Mac's parameter RAM and SMC.

    Reset the resolution

    Start by resetting the Mac's parameter RAM. If the display does not come up, was previously set to an unsupported resolution, and still results in no video:

    1. Start up in Safe Mode.
    2. From the Apple () menu, choose System Preferences.
    3. Choose Displays from the View menu to open the preferences pane.
    4. Select any resolution and refresh rate that your display supports.
    5. Restart your computer.

     

    Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.

    Have a nice day,

    Mario

  • by newbieappleuser13,

    newbieappleuser13 newbieappleuser13 Sep 25, 2014 3:24 PM in response to mario49
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 25, 2014 3:24 PM in response to mario49

    I've already tried all this and still no signal.

  • by mario49,

    mario49 mario49 Sep 28, 2014 6:51 AM in response to newbieappleuser13
    Community Specialists
    Sep 28, 2014 6:51 AM in response to newbieappleuser13

    Thank you for using the Apple Support Community. Due to the nature of your issue or question you may find more information by using another one of Apple's support resources - https://expresslane.apple.com/GetproductgroupList.action.

  • by Maithri,

    Maithri Maithri Oct 7, 2014 4:31 AM in response to newbieappleuser13
    Level 1 (40 points)
    Oct 7, 2014 4:31 AM in response to newbieappleuser13

    I had the same problem, trying to hook up a NEC projector to my Macbook Pro using a Thunderbolt to VGA adapter.

     

    Solution: System Preferences -> Displays -> "Arrangements" tab and click "Mirror Displays" as active.

     

    Then the entire image seen on the Macbook is shown via the projector.

     

    Hope this help.