DVDs won't display on connected projector

Question

Level 1

0 points

DVDs won't display on connected projector

My MacBook is connected via a mini-DVI-to-VGA adapter to a computer projector. The project clearly sees my desktop, which it displays. *It shows a PowerPoint presentation without a hitch.* However, when I try to _play DVD film clips using DVD Player_, they show up okay on my MacBook display very nicely, *but the projector continues to display only the desktop background*. Connecting the speakers system in the conference room to the headset port of the MacBook provides great sound from the movie, but there's no picture to go with it. I have a very big presentation to make in 5 days and the film clips are at the heart of it. I need help fast.

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Dec 11, 2009 4:48 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Dave Stowe

Level 5

5,180 points

Dec 11, 2009 5:13 PM in response to numbalum6468

I am not sure but the combination of Mini-DVI to VGA may be the problem since you would be sending a (digital) signal from the MacBook and then having it scramble in the VGA portion (analog)....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital-to-analog_converter

Reply

Answer 2

numbalum6468 Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 12, 2009 7:38 AM in response to Dave Stowe

Thanks for the observation, but it doesn't explain why the projector clearly "sees" my MacBook since it *projects the PowerPoint presentation perfectly*. It's only the DVD that the projector doesn't see. The mini-DVI to VGA adapter is also what the Apple Store and the projector instructions recommend! Very strange. Another post to a similar question suggests setting my computer display to mirror. I haven't tried that yet. I'm concerned that I might lose the ability to show the PowerPoint show. At the moment I have exactly half a presentation!

Reply

Answer 3

Dave Stowe

Level 5

5,180 points

Dec 12, 2009 9:11 AM in response to numbalum6468

The only other thing I found is this....

http://www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/16037.cfm

Your set up doesn't match but it sounds like something along those lines....wish I could help more

Reply

Answer 4

numbalum6468 Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 12, 2009 10:42 AM in response to Dave Stowe

Thanks. I really appreciate your input. In looking through this info, I don't think this is the problem since I'm not using an HD or Blu ray disk. It's a conundrum.

Reply