craigspofford

Q: Projector will not detect iMac that is already on

For years I have used all of my older iMacs to run projection in my facility ranging from a G5 to as recently as 2011 Intel iMacs.  I left those computers on most of the time as they were used throughout the week.  When the associated projectors (connected via display port and then mini display port to VGA) were turned on, then they detected the iMac that was connected and running (FYI - this worked through Yosemite on all recent machines).

I recently purchased two newer iMacs.  One in 2014 and another in 2015.  It has been an issue since that when the projector is started that it does not detect the computer that is running and connected.  The mini display port cable has to be unplugged or the computer has to be rebooted for the projector to detect it.  Since this has never been a problem in the past, I am wondering if there is a setting or something I can change?  I have tried a variety of things but at this point just want to ask if anyone else has come across a solution.

 

Thanks -

Craig

iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on Aug 25, 2015 12:13 PM

Close

Q: Projector will not detect iMac that is already on

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Aug 25, 2015 12:18 PM in response to craigspofford
    Level 9 (58,598 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Aug 25, 2015 12:18 PM in response to craigspofford


    System Preference - Display would be the settings area.  If you haven't reviewed OS X: How to use multiple displays with your Mac in Mountain Lion and earlier - Apple Support lately I would recommend looking it over.

  • by craigspofford,

    craigspofford craigspofford Aug 25, 2015 12:50 PM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 25, 2015 12:50 PM in response to rkaufmann87

    Thanks -

    I have already checked those settings and am not using anything earlier than Mountain Lion.  Right now we are using nothing older than Yosemite.  (I am no longer using that old G5 : )  )

    I have checked all of my settings and simply want to know if I can have the projector detect an iMac that is already connected (always remains connected) since that is what I have always been able to do before I purchased these newer machines.  All settings are the same as they have always been - it's just with the new computers the projectors don't notice that they are there when they (the computers) are already on. 

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Aug 25, 2015 12:57 PM in response to craigspofford
    Level 9 (58,598 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Aug 25, 2015 12:57 PM in response to craigspofford

    I am not aware of any setting you can use. I would recommend contacting AppleCare and see if they have any suggestions. You mentioned the machines are recently purchased so they are likely covered.

  • by craigspofford,

    craigspofford craigspofford Aug 25, 2015 1:41 PM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 25, 2015 1:41 PM in response to rkaufmann87

    So in your experience the projectors should detect a computer that is already on without having to restart the computer?

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Aug 25, 2015 1:48 PM in response to craigspofford
    Level 9 (58,598 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Aug 25, 2015 1:48 PM in response to craigspofford

    craigspofford wrote:

     

    So in your experience the projectors should detect a computer that is already on without having to restart the computer?

    No that is not what I said at all, what I recommend you do though is to contact AppleCare and speak to Apple directly. If you cannot get your question answered by a first tier support person, ask for your question to be escalated.