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How To

How do I connect the projector and the source?

Simply always the right connection to the projector!

With the multitude of connections available to you to connect your projector to your source, it is easy to lose track. To bring order to the cable clutter, we explain the meaning and function of all connections. This way, you will know what to look out for before you buy a projector in order to enjoy the full projection pleasure.

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Analogue video connections

Analogue video and PC interfaces have been in use for many years. Due to the lower data transfer rate, they now offer poorer picture quality than digital connections, but are still widely used. For older projectors without separate connections for picture and sound cables, you will also need a sound-carrying cable, depending on the connection available. A stereo cinch or 3.5 mm jack cable is most commonly used for this purpose.

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Cinch video

The cinch video connection is also called composite connection. It is usually sheathed in yellow to make it easier to recognise. Since the transmission is only via one channel, the picture quality is low.

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S-Video

The S-video connection is also called S-VHS or Hosiden connection. In contrast to the cinch video connection, it works with two channels (brightness/colour). This makes it somewhat better than the cinch video connection in terms of quality, but it also has limitations. These are due to the sensitivity of the signal, which manifests itself e.g. in picture distortions.

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VGA

The VGA connector is a 15-pin connector for image transmission on an analogue basis. It is also called DSub15 and is widely used on an older notebook and PC. Compared to other analogue connectors, it offers good picture quality. It can be screwed to the input or output device and is adaptable to YUV if configured accordingly.

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VGA-Out

The VGA out connector allows the VGA input signal to be looped through the projector. For example, a monitor can be connected to the projector to monitor the content displayed on the projector. Here, too, a screw connection of the connector is possible.

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YUV

The YUV connection, also called Y Cb/Pb Cr/Pr or component connection, is an analogue video connection with three channels (light intensity and two colour channels). It is the best analogue video connection in terms of quality.

Digital video connections

The transmission of films and presentations with sound to a projector is particularly easy and convenient with a picture and sound cable. Digital connections offer the best picture transmission quality because they work with significantly more transmission channels than analogue connections. Especially for HD and 4K material, a digital connection is a prerequisite.

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HDMI

Digital connection for transmitting picture and sound. Required for high-definition picture quality (HDTV). Since HDMI 1.4 (High Speed) suitable for the transmission of 3D content in Full HD. Suitable for high-resolution picture quality in UHD, 4K or HDR from HDMI 2.0a. From a refresh rate of 120 Hz in 4K, HDMI 2.1 or higher should be used.

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DVI

DVI is available in three versions: DVI-D (=digital), DVI-I (=integrated, analogue and digital) and DVI-A (=analogue). The connector can be screwed to the input and output device. The length is generally limited to 15 m. Adaptation to HDMI is possible with DVI-D.

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DisplayPort

The digital connection DisplayPort is comparable to the HDMI connection. It is used to transmit digital image and audio data. Unlike the HDMI connection, it is licence-free. From DisplayPort standard 1.3, the transmission of 5K material is already possible. Standard 1.4 is able to transmit HDR10 and Rec. 2020. Another advantage of the DisplayPort is that the connector is protected against unintentional removal by a latching lug.

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USB Type-C

The USB-C connection (also called Thunderbolt 3) has become the standard connection for many devices. It combines data, power and image transmission in one connection. It works with a data throughput of up to 10 gigabits/s. This is significantly faster than a conventional USB 3.0 port. This makes it significantly faster than a conventional USB 3.0 connection. It is expected that it will completely replace the HDMI connection in a few years.

Control connections

Control connections are used to transmit control signals. They are mainly used in fixed installations where the unit itself must be operated remotely or can no longer be reached with the normal remote control.

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RS-232

Control signals can be transmitted to the projector via the RS232 connection, e.g. to switch it on and off. At first glance, the connector looks like a D-Sub interface. However, it is also available in a round shape as an RS232C connector.

usb-b

USB type B

The USB connection type B is mainly used for the transmission of control data. For example, presentations can be controlled via the remote control of the projector. The signal is forwarded from the projector to the PC.

lan

LAN

The LAN connection is usually intended for the transmission of control data and is increasingly replacing the RS232 or RS232C connection as the control interface. With some units, it also offers the possibility of data transmission. Provided your equipment supports HDBaseT or you use appropriate transmitters, you can transmit sound, picture and control signals via a single LAN cable connection.

Audio connections

Audio connections provide the option of routing audio signals into the projector to use the built-in speaker. In addition, audio outputs provide the option of looping the signal through the projector. In most cases, the audio connections are analogue.

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3.5 mm jack IN

The 3.5 mm jack socket (input) offers the possibility of feeding an audio signal from an external source into the unit and outputting it via it on units with internal speakers. This connection is also called mini-jack.

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3.5 mm jack OUT

The 3.5 mm jack socket (output) provides the option of looping an audio signal that is fed to the unit via a 3.5 mm jack socket through the projector. This is used, for example, when external speakers are connected to the projector.

stereo

Stereo Cinch

The stereo cinch connection offers the possibility of sending an audio signal to the projector in the case of projectors with a built-in loudspeaker. Compared to the 3.5 mm jack plug, the stereo cinch cable offers the advantage of better transmission quality over longer distances.

Data connections

The classic USB type A interface is referred to as the data port, as the projector is able to play media directly from data carriers via this interface. It should be noted, however, that the playable formats vary greatly depending on the projector.

usb-a

USB type A

The USB port type A is usually used for external storage media such as USB sticks to play back content via the projector. In this case, however, most projectors are only able to play back image files in JPEG format. Occasionally, there are also devices that can additionally play back video files or Microsoft Office formats.

Wireless transmission

In addition to wired transmission of image signals, wireless data transmission is increasingly being used for projections. In most cases, this is a WLAN connection (WiFi). For this purpose, a receiver is mounted in or on the projector, which is then addressed by a WLAN transmitter located, for example, in the notebook or PC. It should be noted, however, that the WLAN connection for projectors in normal cases (business projectors) does not reach the transmission speed known from a usual Internet connection.

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Apple AirPlay

Apple AirPlay support for wireless content transmission has become a popular solution for connecting Apple devices to a projector. The AirPlay function is firmly implemented in the Apple operating systems iOS and macOS. So no separate application is needed. This connection eliminates the need for a cable connection between the device and the projector. This is possible with devices from iOS 8, fourth-generation iPads and fifth-generation iPhones, as well as a third-generation Apple TV or newer. Some projectors are already AirPlay-capable out of the box. Alternatively, you can also use an Apple TV and connect it to your projector via the HDMI interface. AirPlay is not available for Windows or Android devices.
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WLAN

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

In addition to conventional WLAN, Miracast, also called screenshare or screen mirroring, is becoming increasingly important. This technology offers the possibility of establishing a point-to-point connection from a Miracast-enabled smartphone or tablet. The Miracast standard can be found in systems such as Android (from version 4.2) or Windows (from version 8.1). In contrast to WLAN, the transmission is capable of transmitting a moving 1080p image signal in good quality. This makes Miracast suitable for transmitting films from a tablet or smartphone. Miracast itself can be found in projectors or integrated in external receivers (e.g. HDMI donors).
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Wireless HDMI connections

In addition to the above-mentioned options, there are also more and more wireless HDMI adapters on the market. These replace the HDMI cable with a wireless connection. Solutions such as the Barco ClickShare or the BenQ InstaShow offer many other advantages such as intelligent control via app. In addition, some of these devices can also be connected tovideo conferencing systems, so that you can connect these systems wirelessly to any laptop and always use thefull equipment of the meeting room.

Projector with many connections

BenQ-MH733
Free shipping
BenQ MH733 Projector, 1920 x 1080 Full HD, 4,000 ANSI Lumen
ANSI Lumen 4,000 ANSI Lumen Resolution 1920 x 1080 Full HD Aspect Ratio 16:9 Operating noise 33 dB
Price on request
3-5 working daysIn stock. Ready for immediate dispatch. Delivery Time 3-5 working days
Epson-EB-2250U
Free shipping
Epson EB-2250U - Bright WUXGA business projector with flexible optics and gesture control
ANSI Lumen 5,000 ANSI Lumen Resolution 1920 x 1200 WUXGA Aspect Ratio 16:10 Operating noise 38 dB
Price on request
3-5 working daysIn stock. Ready for immediate dispatch. Delivery Time 3-5 working days
Acer-P1357Wi
Free shipping
Acer P1357Wi Projector, 1280 x 800 WXGA, 4,800 ANSI Lumen
ANSI Lumen 4,800 ANSI Lumen Resolution 1280 x 800 WXGA Aspect Ratio 16:10 Operating noise 31 dB
Price on request
3-5 working daysIn stock. Ready for immediate dispatch. Delivery Time 3-5 working days
Epson-EB-1795F
Free shipping
Epson EB-1795F Projector, 1920 x 1080 Full HD, 3,200 ANSI Lumen
ANSI Lumen 3,200 ANSI Lumen Resolution 1920 x 1080 Full HD Aspect Ratio 16:9 Operating noise 39 dB
Price on request
3-5 working daysIn stock. Ready for immediate dispatch. Delivery Time 3-5 working days

Connect projector and Mac via Mini Displayport

A special feature that users of older Apple devices usually already know from the monitor area is the connection of the projector to the Mac. An adapter is often needed here.

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1. Mini DisplayPort

The Mini DisplayPort is mainly used with older Apple devices. This connection works on a digital basis, but is also able to process analogue signals
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2. Mini DislayPort to HDMI Adapter

To be able to use the Mini Displayport, you need a suitable adapter. At best, this should offer the possibility of connecting an HDMI cable
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3. HDMI cable

You can connect the adapter to the HDMI port of the projector using an HDMI cable.
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4. HDMI connection

After connecting the HDMI cable to the projector, you have the possibility to transfer your content in high quality to the projector and enjoy it!

Connect projector and MAC (USB-C)

The newer models of the MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro have almost exclusively USB-C ports. The MacBook Pro models from 2021 onwards are again equipped with multiple ports, including HDMI. To connect a MacBook with USB-C to a projector, you need an adapter or a corresponding cable. The same applies to Windows notebooks with USB-C ports.

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1. USB Type-C connector

Plug the USB-C adapter into the USB-C port of your MacBook or laptop. Make sure the adapter is plugged in correctly so that your device recognises it.
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2. USB-C to HDMI Adapter / USB-C to VGA Adapter

An HDMI cable or a VGA cable is adapted to this. Some MacBook support the use of two output devices (e.g. a projector and a display or two displays or two projectors) at the same time. You will need two USB-C adapters for this.
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3. HDMI cable

To connect the adapter or your MacBook or laptop to the projector, you need an HDMI cable that you plug into the adapter and into the HDMI port of your projector.
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4. HDMI connection

Once you have connected the HDMI cable to your projector, you can transfer your content to the projector in high quality and enjoy!

How do I connect the projector to my laptop?

Connecting a projector to a laptop is usually quite simple: Often both devices have an HDMI connection, so you can connect them using an HDMI cable. If your output device does not have this connection, you will need an adapter.

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1. Make sure that both units are switched off.

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2. Connect the HDMI cable to the screen connector of the laptop. The connection can also be made via an adapter.

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3. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the corresponding input of the projector.

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4. Switch on the projector and boot up the laptop.

Connection of external loudspeakers

To connect an external speaker, you should check the connection options of your projector and your playback devices. Since most laptops nowadays have an HDMI connection, you do not need an additional cable to transfer the sound from the laptop to the projector and play it back through the projector's speakers. If you want to connect external speakers, it is best to tap the audio signal directly at the source (laptop, BluRay player, etc.) and route it to the speakers. High-quality BluRay players in particular often have a powerful audio connection. Alternatively, external speakers can be connected directly to the projector. However, usually only a 3.5 mm jack socket is available for this purpose.

For particularly high-quality home cinema equipment, a home cinema system in combination with an AV receiver is recommended . If you have any further questions about the right equipment , please do not hesitate to contact ourexperts.

Which resolution is supported by which connection?

With the help of this table, you can easily determine which connections should be available on your projector in order to make the best use of the resolution.

Connection
maximum resolution
Cinch video576i (PAL) / 480i (NTSC)
S-Video576i (PAL) / 480i (NTSC)
VGA1920 × 1080 (Full HD)
YUV1920 × 1080 (Full HD)
DVI-D2560×1600 (WQXGA) (DVI-D Dual Link)
HDMI7680×4320 (8K)
DisplayPort7680×4320 (8K)
USB-C7680x4320 (8K)

Please note that this table indicates the maximum resolution that can be achieved with the latest version and under ideal conditions. In practice, the actual resolution may be lower due to a number of factors, including the quality of the cable and the supported resolutions of the connected devices.

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Acer

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Tobias Berg and Oliver Stenzel - contact persons in Purchasing and Sales - write on glass pane

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