VAVS Home Help Connecting a laptop

Connecting a laptop

macbook dell
Macbook - click on image for more info Windows - click on image for more info

A Desktop PC is available in all common teaching rooms, meeting rooms (except rooms 1-203, 134-105, 142-202, 142-302 and 142-338) and Computer Rooms for the purpose of showing presentations. An HDMI cable with commonly used adaptors 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 link). Progressively, AV rooms are fitted with a wireless presenter through which a BYOD is connected to the AV system ( - wireless connection to Eduroam is a pre-requisite.

If a laptop presentation results in the room display showing a black screen instead of the presentation, please ensure:

  • The HDMI cable is connected to the laptop
  • The laptop is set to duplicate or mirror its display
  • The laptop resolution is not exceeding 1920x1080
  • The refresh rate is set to 60Hz or as close as possible to this frequency

If a laptop presentation results in the room display showing a green screen instead of the presentation, it is most likely a HDCP issue - contact VAVS for assistance.

CABLE & ADAPTORS available in all centrally bookable spaces

  • HDMI Cable - for the connection of digital laptops or other HDMI device s
  • HDMI to USB-C adaptor - available on most laptops, tablets and smart phones manufactured in 2019 and forwards . Provides fast data transfers and re-charging - envisaged to completely replace USB 2.0 and 3.0.
  • HDMI to Mini Display port adaptor - compatible with Macbook Pro laptops

Other cables and adaptors available here and there

  • Lightning - a small connector on Apple's mobile devices connects the devices to computers and USB charging stations.
  • 3.5mm audio (used to connect audio from a laptop / tablet/ smart phone to the AV system – not available in all rooms and computer rooms).
  • Display port - The interface is often used to connect a video source to a display device such as a computer monitor.

From 2018 the AV systems in all common teaching rooms are High Definition  (1080p = 1920×1080) compliant

Wired network

  • A network cable is available in most centrally bookable spaces to provide a wired connection the Local Area Network (LAN).

WiFi

  • Eduroam provides access to the Wireless network throughout the University including all centrally bookable spaces.
  • JCUGuest is available to all visitors

In the event of a laptop or other portable device when shown on the room AV display system, is flickering off and on, please ensure the device refresh rate is set to 60Hz or as close as possible to this frequency.

For more information click on