VAVS Home Help Connecting a laptop

Connecting a laptop

  
macbook dell 
MacbookWindows

A Desktop PC is available in all common teaching rooms, meeting rooms (except rooms 1-203 and 135-105) 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 adapters 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 – not 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 - not available in all rooms)
  • HDMI (for the connection of a digital laptop or other HDMI device – only available in AV Services rooms commissioned after 1/2/2013)
  • VGA (for the connection of an analogue laptop to the AV system - this type of connection is still available in rooms of older AV design).


Resolution

From 2018 all the VAVS videoconference systems are capable of transmitting the presentation (2nd video stream) in HD (1080p = 1920×1080). Please note some non-VAVS systems still use the lower resolution of XGA (1024x768) for the presentation.

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 anticipate 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. A JCU-guest wifi account is available for those who don't have JCU credentials. Check for Wi-Fi networks in the laptop, tablet or smart phone.