Newer Mac laptops should work nicely with the USB-C cable. If your Mac does not have a USB-C port and you want to use a wired connection, you must provide your own adapter. We Do Not Supply or Loan Adapters!
Please make sure you have an Apple brand adapter! There are many manufactures of adapters, and Apple is the only brand that we’ve found that is consistently reliable. Other brand adapters are often poorly made and may not work. In the past, Apple has released OS updates that make non-Apple adapters not work. If you have a non-Apple brand adapter and you call with laptop display problems, we will likely tell you to replace your adapter.
You can purchase them on campus from The University Book Store, many other area stores or online. Some UW schools and libraries have them available to lend. As there are several different varieties of Mac display ports, it’s best to bring your laptop to the store if you’re unsure what type you have.
Check your connections!
Check the cables and connections – make sure the cable you use is connected properly and solidly to your laptop or adapter.
All our classrooms have HDMI and USB-C video connection.
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| This is a USB-C connection | This is a HDMI connection |
On the Podium Touch Panel, make sure you have selected the correct input button for your connection type.
Troubleshooting Mac Laptops
Make sure you have installed all current OS and firmware updates – Check www.apple.com/support .
Specific problems and solutions are posted below…
PROBLEM
The projector is displaying a blank screen, “Input A – No Signal” or similar message may be displayed.
SOLUTION
- Unplug the display adapter, wait 5 seconds, re-plug.
- Or, with the AV system On and cables connected, put your Mac into “Sleep” mode by closing the cover. Then wake it back up.
- Or, if your Mac still does not recognize the AV system, reboot your computer while it remains connected to the AV system.
PROBLEM
The projector displays the computer background image, but not the presentation content. This is the default setting for a Mac.
SOLUTION
Click on the apple in the upper left corner. Go to System Preferences and select “Displays”. On the “Arrangement” Tab, check the “Mirror Displays” box.
PROBLEM
The video displays OK, but there is no sound.
SOLUTION
- When using the HDMI or USB-C connection audio is carried on the cable, do not plug in any additional audio cables.
- Close the program playing the audio, then re-open it.
- Try unplugging the HDMI cable, then plug it back in.
- Dig into your audio settings by going to System Settings, Sound, the Output tab.
- Select “DVX 2250”, “NV32”, “SVSI” or similar.
- For ALL connection types increase the volume in 3 places: On the content window (such as a YouTube video), the Mac’s master volume, and the Program Volume on the Touch Panel.
PROBLEM
After trying everything above, still no video.
Press the Protected Content button in the upper left corner of the popup window on the touch panel..
Some computers require Protected Content to be enabled, others require it to be disabled. Try enabling/disabling protected content. This has to do with HDCP copyright protection, and even if the media you’re using is not copyright protected, your laptop may require/reject it. Changing this setting won’t hurt anything or get anyone in trouble.
These troubleshooting techniques are also available on the touch panel in the classroom. There will be a button labeled “Laptop Computer Help” in the upper right corner of the laptop pages.
An expanded version of this page, including many more detailed troubleshooting techniques and tips, can be found on this web page. (Opens in a new tab)
