Macintosh Laptop Troubleshooting

Mac Laptop Video Troubleshooting:

Mirroring displays and adjusting display resolution

Second display (monitor or projector) not recognized by laptop? Push Command+F2 to Detect Displays

Second display (monitor or projector) showing background image only, not desktop icons? Push Command+F1 to toggle between Mirrored and Extended Desktop video modes

If these keyboard shortcuts do not work, you can access the settings by following the steps below.

OSX Apple Menu OSX Mirror Displays Option OSX Video Resolution Settings
  1. Click on the Apple icon at the top left of your screen, click on System Preferences, click on Displays. A small window will appear.
  2. If your computer is recognizing that there is an external display there will be three tabs at the top of the window, Display, Arrangement, and Color. If your computer does not recognize an external monitor there will only be two tabs, Display and Color.
  3. There will be a Detect Display button (press the option key if you don't see this). Click on this button, the third arrangement tab should appear.
  4. Still don't see the Arrangement Tab? Your computer is not detecting the connection with the AV system. Disconnect any cables or adapters and confirm they appear to be in good physical condition. Reconnect your computer.
  5. If you see the background image of your computer on the projector/screen but none of your desktop icons, it means your computer is set to extended display. Click the Arrangement tab and at the bottom on the left is a small box, click this box to Mirror Displays.
  6. If you still do not have projection or if the image is not displayed correctly, check your Resolution settings. Under the Display tab select the highest resolution available.
  7. Because the display resolution on your computer may differ than that of the projector, the Mirror Displays may alter the resolution on your laptop screen while it is connected to the projector. It will revert to its native resolution when you disconnect.
  8. If the problem persists, restart your computer while connected to the system.

Changing display color profiles

  1. After connecting your laptop to the AV system and selecting the correct source on the AV touch panel, click on the Apple icon at the top left of your screen, click on System Preferences, click on Displays.
  2. Two new Display Properties windows will pop up. Select the window for the external display (not the window titled Built-In Display). Select the Color tab at the top of this window.
  3. A list of available Color Profiles will be displayed. Click through each profile one by one, comparing their projected image quality. Select Calibrate if you would like to set up a custom Color Profile.
  4. Your laptop should remember these settings when reconnecting to the same system at a later time. It is possible it will need to be set again if connecting to another system or display.

Mac Laptop Audio Troubleshooting:

  1. Ensure VGA + Audio OR HDMI is securely connected on both ends of the cable. HDMI carries video and audio through a single cable, VGA requires you to plug in the 1/8" (Headphone) audio plug. Do not connect VGA and HDMI at the same time!
  2. Turn volume levels to 100% in this order: Application (Youtube, Kaltura, etc.) - Computer (OSX Laptop Volume) - Touch panel
  3. Ensure the correct source is selected on the touch panel. Make sure Audio Mute is not engaged on the touch panel.
  4. If all else fails, restart the AV system using the touch panel.

To use the HDMI cable for sending audio, it may be necessary to select "HDMI" Under the following menu: System Preferences > Sound > Output

 

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Article ID: 568
Created
Fri 7/19/19 5:26 PM
Modified
Fri 5/31/24 4:14 PM