Today, there are more ways to communicate than every before. That’s why you need an AV partner who understands the changing technology and how to make the most of it.

Every month, AVW-TELAV keeps you up-to-date on the latest and greatest technology trends. Whether your brand is traditional or trendsetting, having a finger on the pulse of technology will help you determine the best medium to get your unique message across.   

Connecting your Laptop to a Big Screen: The New and Sometimes Harsh Reality

The worry-free days of showing up with your laptop and simply connecting to a big screen are over. Not too long ago, the only cable you had to really concern yourself with was the power cord. The video connector for the past 10 years has been the industry standard VGA port. Virtually all laptops with an external output used VGA, and for their part, all AV rental companies had the cables and gear to fully support VGA. The latest generation of notebooks no longer have a standard VGA port.

The advancement of digital video and the demand for fewer, smaller cables has flooded the industry with new multiple "standards" which have created a bit of a connectivity nightmare. Listed below are the more common plugs you may find on your laptop in place of a VGA port which could make connecting your laptop to the screen difficult.

DVI-I: Carries both a digital and analog video signal. VGA adapter exist.
DVI-D: Carries just a digital video signal. Not capable of VGA output.
HDMI: Carries digital video and audio. Not capable of VGA output.
Display>Port: Carries digital video and audio. Version 2 will also carry a USB 2.0 signal. Not capable of VGA output.

Mini-VGA, Mini-DVI-D & Mini HDMI: Same features as the standard size, just a smaller plug. Adapter exists for Mini-VGA.

Mini Display Port: Digital video and audio, as well analog video on Mac. VGA adapter exist for Mac.

So what can you do to prevent a connectivity nightmare? Ensure you have VGA output, either natively on your laptop or through an adapter, that you can bring with you. If VGA output isn't possible, see if you can obtain a DVI-D output adapter for your laptop, and then contact your Account Executive to see if that's a connection they can work with. Lastly and most importantly, if you're not sure what connection you have or where to get the required adapter, don't hesitate to contact your Account Executive.

AVW-TELAV Account Executives are happy to help you determine what connection you have and the best solution so your laptop can be utilized. Testing the connectivity well before your session starts is also a great idea if at all possible; this is also something else your Account Executive can help arrange.