Connecting ViewSonic Projector

No, definitely please do not download anything.

For the Mac, please review Use external monitors with your Mac. Your Mac doesn't know the difference between a projector or an external monitor so don't worry about the title. There are a couple links under Learn More so review them too.

Then, proceed with confirming the projector's configuration is correct. I suspect you may find it necessary to explicitly tell it to use HDMI and not some other input.

https://www.viewsonic.com/us/catalog/product_datasheet/view/key/pa503w.html

It has an HDMI input (number 6 in the diagram). You can use these adapters or their functional equivalents: https://www.apple.com/us/search/mini-displayport-to-hdmi

I use an inexpensive Mini-DP to HDMI adapter from Monoprice. They're $10 or so.

Considering it's an outdoor projector you will want an HDMI cable longer than any of those. They're not expensive either.

In any event don't look for or use VGA for anything. Its resolution is horrible.

jcretv Said:

"Connecting ViewSonic Projector: I have a Macbook Air (2017). Tried several differnet ways (HDMI, with VGA adaptor) to connect to my ViewSonic outdoor projector to no avail. Help! Projector turns on and says it doesn't recognize any sources."

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Reset the SMC and your NVRAM:

Sometimes when changes are made to the system(i.e. updates), system configurations (i.e. for ports) become manipulated, technically. So, reset the SMC and NVRAM.

TheLittles wrote:

jcretv Said:

"Connecting ViewSonic Projector: I have a Macbook Air (2017). Tried several differnet ways (HDMI, with VGA adaptor) to connect to my ViewSonic outdoor projector to no avail. Help! Projector turns on and says it doesn't recognize any sources."

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Reset the SMC and your NVRAM:

Sometimes when changes are made to the system(i.e. updates), system configurations (i.e. for ports) become manipulated, technically. So, reset the SMC and NVRAM.

No. This obviously will not help. Don't do this.

gol75 Said:

"No. This obviously will not help. Don't do this."

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It's a method to troubleshoot this.

Fix Corrupted Preferences:

What occurs is it fixes any corrupted preferences you have set for your ports. It does not reset the preferences to default. So, reset the SMC and your NVRAM: It's worth a go.

What is the projector's exact model designation?

VGA would be an unattractive option.