How to connect a video projector?

With the multitude of connections available to connect your Projectors to its source, it's easy to get lost. To bring order to the cable mess, we explain the meaning and function of all connections . This way you will know what to look for before purchasing a projector for fully enjoy the pleasure of projection .

Analog video connections

Analog and PC video interfaces are used for many years. Due to the lower data transfer speed, they currently offer poorer image quality than digital connections, but they are still widely used. For older projectors without separate connections for picture and sound cables, you will also need a sound carrier cable , depending on the available connection. The most common solution is to use a stereo cinch or 3.5 mm jack cable.

Digital video connections

The broadcast of films and presentations with sound on a projector is particularly simple and practical with an image and sound cable. Digital connections offer the best image transmission quality because they operate with many more transmission channels than analog connections. Especially for HD and 4K equipment, a digital connection is essential .

Control Connections

Control connections are used to transmit control signals . They are mainly used In facilities fixed where the unit itself must be controlled remotely or is no longer accessible with the normal remote control.

Audio connections

Audio connections provide the ability to direct audio signals to the projector to use the built-in speaker. In addition, the audio outputs offer the possibility of loop the signal through the projector . In most cases, audio connections are analog.

Data connections

The interface USB Type A classic is called data port, because the projector can play media directly from data carriers via this interface. However, it must be taken into account that the playable formats vary considerably depending on the projector .

Wireless transmission

Besides wired transmission of image signals, wireless data transmission is increasingly used for projections. In most cases, this is a WLAN (WiFi) connection. For this purpose, a receiver is mounted on or on the projector, to which a WLAN transmitter located on the laptop or PC, for example, is directed. However, it should be noted that in normal cases (professional projectors), the WLAN connection spotlights does not reach the known transmission speed of a classic Internet connection.

Apple AirPlay

The care Apple AirPlay for streaming content wireless has become a popular solution for connecting Apple devices to a projector . AirPlay functionality is firmly implemented in Apple's iOS and macOS operating systems . No separate application is therefore required. This connection eliminates the need for a wired connection between the device and the projector. This is possible with devices starting with iOS 8, fourth-generation iPads and fifth-generation iPhones, as well as a third-generation or newer Apple TV. Some projectors already support AirPlay from the start. You can also to use an Apple TV and connect it to the projector via the HDMI interface. AirPlay is not available for Windows or Android devices.

Wi-Fi

The images , texts and presentations can be transmitted via WLAN with the devices provided for this purpose. Due to the previously limited WLAN performance of the projectors, the transmission of moving images is only possible to a limited extent or not at all. The only exceptions are cinema devices in the home with the right equipment. With some projectors, it is also possible to play data via WLAN using apps on Apple devices (iPad/iPhone).

Miracast

In addition to conventional WLAN, Miracast , also known as screen sharing or screen mirroring, is gaining more and more importance. This technology offers the possibility of establishing a point-to-point connection from a smartphone or tablet with Miracast. The Miracast standard is present on systems such as Android (from version 4.2) or Windows (from version 8.1). Unlike WLAN, streaming is able to transmit a 1080p cinematic signal with good quality. This makes Miracast suitable for streaming movies from a tablet or smartphone . Miracast can be found in projectors or built into external receivers (e.g. HDMI donors).

Wireless HDMI Connections

In addition to the options mentioned, there are more and more wireless HDMI adapters on the market. These replace the HDMI cable with a wireless connection . Solutions like Barco ClickShare or the BenQ InstaShow offer many other advantages, such as smart control via app . Additionally, some of these devices can also connect to video conferencing systems , so it is possible to connect these systems wirelessly to any laptop and always use all meeting room equipment .