Overview
This guide explains how to connect a laptop or other compatible device to the classroom audio-visual system using an HDMI connection.
Once a device is connected, the classroom system will typically detect the connection and power on automatically.
This guide covers:
- Connecting a device to the classroom display
- Selecting the correct display settings
- Sending audio through the classroom speakers
- Disconnecting your device
- Troubleshooting common connection problems
Table of Contents
The classroom audio-visual system will typically power on automatically when a device is connected to the HDMI cable.
Before connecting your device:
- Locate the HDMI cable.
- The cable is typically located at the instructor's desk or on a connection panel.
- Make sure your laptop or device has an HDMI port or that you have an appropriate HDMI adapter.
- Connect the HDMI cable to your laptop or other compatible device.
- Wait a few moments for the classroom system to detect the connection.
Your device's screen should appear on the classroom display.
If the screen does not appear, see Troubleshooting.
If your content does not appear on the classroom display, you may need to select the appropriate display mode on your device.
Windows
Press Windows Key + P and choose one of the following options:
- Duplicate – Displays the same content on your device and the classroom display.
- Extend – Treats the classroom display as a second screen, allowing you to move windows between displays.
Duplicate is generally the simplest option when presenting.
Mac
Open System Settings > Displays and select the appropriate display option.
You can choose to:
- Mirror your Mac's display on the classroom display; or
- Extend your display to use the classroom screen as a second display.
Other Devices
Display settings vary by device. Check the device's display or screen settings for options to mirror or extend the display.
If video is displaying correctly but audio is not playing through the classroom speakers, your device may be sending audio to the wrong output.
Windows
- Select the speaker icon in the taskbar.
- Open the available sound output options.
- Select the HDMI-connected display or classroom audio system.
Depending on the classroom and device, the output may appear as:
- The name of the connected display
- HDMI
- Digital Audio
- Another similar output option
You may also open Sound Settings to select the appropriate output device.
Mac
- Open System Settings > Sound.
- Under Output, select the HDMI-connected display or classroom audio system.
On older versions of macOS, open System Preferences > Sound.
Once your device is connected and the correct display and audio outputs are selected:
- Your device's content should appear on the classroom display.
- Audio should play through the classroom speakers (if available).
- The classroom system should automatically adjust to the connected video source.
When you are finished:
- Close any applications or content you no longer need.
- Unplug the HDMI cable from your device.
- Return the cable to its designated location, if applicable.
The classroom system will typically power off automatically after a period of inactivity.
The classroom display is blank or shows "No Signal"
- Confirm that the classroom display or projector is powered on.
- Check that the HDMI cable is securely connected at both ends.
- Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable.
- If you are using an adapter, confirm that it is firmly connected to your device.
- Check your device's display settings:
- Windows: Press Windows Key + P and select Duplicate or Extend.
- Mac: Open System Settings > Displays and select the connected display.
- If possible, try restarting your device.
If the display still does not work, try another HDMI cable or adapter if one is available.
The image appears on my laptop but not on the classroom display
Your device may not be sending a video signal to the classroom display.
Try the following:
- On Windows, press Windows Key + P and select Duplicate.
- On Mac, open System Settings > Displays and verify that the classroom display is detected.
- Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable.
- Restart the device if necessary.
The image is displayed, but there is no audio
- Confirm that the volume on your device is turned up.
- Check that the classroom system is not muted.
- Verify that the HDMI-connected display or classroom audio system is selected as the audio output:
- Windows: Select the speaker icon and choose the appropriate output device.
- Mac: Open System Settings > Sound and select the HDMI output.
- Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable.
If audio still does not work, restart your device and reconnect it.
The display works intermittently
Intermittent display problems may be caused by a loose or faulty cable, adapter, or connection.
Try the following:
- Reconnect the HDMI cable at both ends.
- Try a different HDMI adapter, if available.
- Check whether the cable or adapter is damaged.
- Restart the device and reconnect it.
My device does not have an HDMI port
You may need an adapter that is compatible with your device, such as a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter.
Make sure the adapter supports video output. Not all USB-C adapters support displaying video.
If you have followed the troubleshooting steps above and the problem continues, contact classroom support.
When requesting assistance, provide:
- The classroom number or location.
- The type of device being connected.
- Whether the problem affects video, audio, or both.
- The exact message displayed on the classroom screen, if applicable.
- The troubleshooting steps already attempted.
Note: Many issues can be solved remotely by our support staff. If this is not possible, we will make our best effort to send a representative as soon as one is available but can not guarantee immediate resolution. In such cases, if the technology is critical to your class or presentation, please contact the registrar's office to arrange for another room.