How to Use an LCD Projector

LCD projectors have revolutionized the audiovisual industry. With a few clicks of the mouse and strokes of the keyboard, whatever you type on your computer appears instantly on a projection screen in real time. If you have never experimented with an LCD projector, however, do not worry. You can learn how to use an LCD projector.

Instructions

1. Plug the LCD projector in to a power outlet. Completely plug the power cord in to the back of the LCD projector.

2. Use a VGA cable (usually a 15-pin male to male) to connect your computer to the LCD projector. Insert one end of the cable into the VGA connector (sometimes this connector is blue) in the back of your computer and do the same in the back of your LCD projector. If the LCD projector has more than one VGA connector, choose the one that says something like "line in" or "in from computer."

3. Power on your laptop. Turn on the LCD projector. It may take a couple of minutes to warm up. Open the computer file or document you wish to display. When you are ready to project your image, press "Function" (Fn) plus "F8." This combination of keys sends your computer's display to the LCD projector.

4. Use sound to enhance your presentation. Often LCD projectors have built-in speakers. If this is the case, you may need to run an RGB cable from the LCD projector to the back of your computer. If you wish to use external speakers instead of those that are part of the LCD projector (the built-in speakers are generally of poor quality), plug the speakers directly into the headphone jack of your laptop.

5. Turn off your LCD projector properly. Usually you must press the "off" button once, and a dialog box pops up asking if you are sure you want to turn it off. Press the "off" button again, and the machine powers down. Leave the machine plugged in until the cooling fan stops. Be careful when disconnecting VGA cables from the back of the LCD projector and laptop, as the pins at the end of the cable are delicate.

6. Know some other features of your LCD projector. Most have a focus knob to make the picture clearer. If your image appears distorted (wider on one side than the other or small at the top, big at the bottom) you must adjust the keystone setting, which helps to project a rectangular image. You can fix keystone distortion manually by moving the LCD projector to position it near the center of the screen at which it is aiming.