Using a projector as a mirrored display

Question

Using a projector as a mirrored display

HI,

I'm trying to use an LCD projector to mirror my display and have connected using the VGA connector. The iBook seems to detect it but nothing is displayed on the projector apart from 'No RGB input detected'. I've tried following the instructions given in Help but I'm missing the 'Arrange displays' tab that it talks about and any search tells me that 'this option is missing as the computer does not support an extended desktop', or something along those lines.

I know the projector is OK because I was using it with a Powerbook yesterday but I only have access to an iBook at home and desperately need this to work.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Rhiannon

iBook 800 Mhz, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Jan 9, 2007 5:49 PM

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Answer 1

Camelot

Level 9

58,461 points

Jan 10, 2007 1:07 AM in response to rhiannon Harrison

IIRC, the iBook only supports video mirroring (where the same image is sent to the internal LCD and to the external port). This contrasts with other models where you can extend the desktop as if you had two screens attached.

The issue you're running into is probably resolution. You need to make sure your screen is set to a resolution that the projector supports. Try changing your screen resolution to 640 x 480, then increase through 800x600 and 1024x768, etc. until you find the highest resolution option that your projector supports.

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Answer 2

Jan 10, 2007 2:24 AM in response to Camelot

Hi,

I've tried running through all of the display options as you suggest but it has no effect.

Rhiannon

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Answer 3

Jan 10, 2007 8:17 AM in response to rhiannon Harrison

Not all Apple portable and desktop computers output video in the same manner, so there is no single, universal VGA adapter. iBooks, for example, require a mini-VGA to VGA adapter, while the 12 inch PowerBooks—other than the original 867 MHz model—require a mini-DVI to VGA connector.

What specific models of the iBook and PowerBook are you attempting to connect to this projector?

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Answer 4

Jan 10, 2007 11:21 AM in response to Michael Lafferty

Hi,

I'm using the connector that was supplied with the iBook; it seems to work OK in that the iBook recognises that there is an LCD projector attached but there's nothing coming through to the projector from the iBook. The Powerbook had its own connector.

Rhiannon
14" 800MHz G3 Dual USB iBook, OS X 10.4.8

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Answer 5

Rod Hagen

Level 7

32,000 points

Jan 10, 2007 11:07 PM in response to rhiannon Harrison

Does the projector itself have any manual settings that may need to be "set" when using particular types of input? Does it provide a USB option as well as an alternative, too, perhaps?

Have you clicked on "Detect Displays" in the System Preferences /Displays/ Display tab , after connecting the projector ? Does the iBook have the "screen spanning" hack from http://www.rutemoeller.com/mp/ibook/ibook_e.html installed on it? (might be worth trying if all else fails or removing, by zapping the PRAM, if it is already installed but causing problems)

Tried a different VGA cable for the projector?

Cheers

Rod

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Answer 6

Jan 11, 2007 6:20 AM in response to Rod Hagen

Hi,

I've gone through all of the manual settings and have clicked on 'Detect Displays' without success; unfortunately there isn't a USB option on the projector.

I don't have the hack installed and unfortunately don't have access to another VGA cable, though the one I'm using has never been used, ie, it's brand new but been on a shelf for a few years (though I recognise it could still be faulty).

Thanks

Rhiannon

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