Connecting a laptop
How to connect a laptop to the AV system
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| Apple Macbook | Windows |
A Desktop PC is available in all common teaching rooms, meeting rooms and GATCF computer labs for the purpose of showing presentations, playing DVDs etc. Cables are also available for those who wish to connect a laptop to the AV system in these rooms. The available cables and adaptors as well as the switching mechanisms vary from room to room. For details consult the VAVS - JCU Room finder (click on the virtual room).
Cables
- 3.5mm stereo audio (used to connect stereo audio from a laptop to the AV system – available in all rooms and computer labs).
- Display port - The interface is primarily used to connect a video source to a display device such as a computer monitor, though it can also be used to carry audio, USB, and other forms of data. VESA designed it to replace VGA, DVI, and FPD-Link. DisplayPort is backward compatible with VGA and DVI through the use of adapters.
- Mini Display Port (used to connect a MacBook to the AV system - available in all meeting rooms)
- HDMI (used to connect a digital laptop – only available in AV Services rooms commissioned after 1/2/2013)
- VGA (used to connect an analogue laptop to the AV system - available in all rooms and computer labs).
Resolution
At the moment (2015) the lowest common resolution denominator in the common teaching rooms is XGA or 1024 x 768 pixels @ a refresh rate of 60Hz. Progressively, as audio visual systems are upgraded to wide screen/HD, the number of common teaching rooms with the XGA constraint will be shrinking.
You will find the resolution and refresh rate settings in the screen properties of the laptop and using them will in most cases guarantee the laptop will interconnect with the AV system. We expect you know how to ‘drive’ your laptop i.e. change the resolution and connect it to a flat panel display or projector (duplicate or extend the displays). Click on the images above for some hints regarding the latter.
Network (LAN)
A blue network cable is usually available in the Common Teaching Rooms to provide the connection to the JCU network and beyond. Wireless connection to the network is in most rooms provided through Eduroam.