How to Connect a Projector to a Desktop Computer

A high quality projector can make an excellent, and cheaper, substitute for a large television screen if you want to show a presentation or movie to a large audience. Projectors have the added bonus of quick connectivity to desktop computers so you can stream a PowerPoint slide show to a group of clients or employees.

Things You'll Need

• S-Video or USB cable

Instructions

1. 

   Check the connector cables that came with the projector to see which kind of output it uses, such as DVI, VGA, S-Video, or USB. Check the ports on the back and front of your computer to make sure you have a corresponding port to the output cable.

2. 

   Buy a conversion cable, such as S-Video to USB, if you do not have the correct type of port on your computer. Connect the conversion cable to the original cable.

3. Plug the AC power cord from the projector into a wall outlet. Power down your computer and make sure the projector is turned off. Plug the output cable from the projector to the appropriate port on your computer.

4. Turn the power on to the projector and point it towards an empty wall or projector screen.

5. Wait for a prompt to appear on the screen asking for the type of device you are using. Use the remote that came with the projector to choose the option that either says "PC" or the name of the output jack such as "VGA."

Tips & Warnings

• Some projector units allow you to choose screen options or power down the projector with your computer's mouse instead of with the remote. You will need to get a serial cable and connect it from your computer to the port on the projector marked as "Input" to take advantage of the feature. Restart the computer and the projector if the projector does not immediately start sending out an image in case one of the devices has not yet detected the other.

Resources

• Tips For Connecting a Projector
• Get Projectors at Projector Central
• Compare Projectors