How it works: PC to TV/Projector (Part II)

Taking your draft to the next level...

Outputting to any of the above is very simple, it all is just a matter of personal preference when choosing which route to go.

In most cases you can just plug and play.
The following information is for troubleshooting, and general education.


Connect your PC to a Projector
Outputting to digital projector is the optimal choice.
To connect a PC laptop to a multimedia projector:

  1. Make sure your projector and laptop are turned off.
  2. Connect the projector cable to the laptop cable, then turn them both on
  3. The projector should automatically display what is on your computer screen

You can switch between Laptop only, Projector only or Projector and Laptop modes. To do this hold down the FN (function) key and press F4 (some laptops this is F10. Look for the proper icon).


Connect your PC to your TV
FanDraft Draft BoardTo view FanDraft on your TV, you will need to connect your computer to your TV monitor. First, you'll need to physically connect your PC to your TV.
Check for video and audio outputs. The quality of the resolution is based on the connection type you choose (below is a listing of each). If you have an LCD TV, they function very similar to computer monitors, and you can skip down.

To configure your PC for TV output, do the following:

  1. Right-click on a blank part of your desktop and select Properties.
  2. Select the Settings tab. If your TV is properly connected as a second monitor, Windows will recognize this and show two monitor icons, numbered 1 and 2.
  3. Change the Screen resolution by moving the slider all the way to the left.
  4. Click Apply.

 

You should see the same image on both screens. If you are having trouble getting the same image on both your computer and TV screen, here are a couple tips to try:


Enable external monitor:
Press the Function (FN) key and your computer's corresponding F-number key — the external monitor key. (This may be FN+F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 or F7; the combination will depend on your computer.)

Enable TV scheme: Depending on your computer set-up, you may need to enable the TV scheme within your computer's graphics card. Though graphics cards will vary, you generally get to this via the same basic steps:

  • Right-click on a blank part of your desktop.
  • Select Properties.
  • Select the Settings tab.
  • Click on Advanced. The Advanced tab should bring up a new window containing tabs for your computer's graphics card. Follow the instructions for your computer's particular graphics card to enable the TV scheme.


Troubleshooting PC to TV

If your screen seems to be getting cut-off (not fully displayed), try some of the suggestions below:

  1. Make sure to change the resolution from within FanDraft, and NOT through Windows Setup. FanDraft essentially has built within it multiple draft boards all of varying sizes. It will select the proper one depending on your display, and tends to find this best when you change your resolution from within FanDraft.
  2. Try changing your color option (in Windows) from 32 bit to 16 bit.
  3. Windows > Control Panel > Display > Settings > ADVANCED (button)
    Within the above (in Windows) you will find some advanced settings for your monitor, and modifying the settings on your second display (which would be the TV)
  4. Make sure you are using the latest version of FanDraft. You can find what version you are using in the ABOUT section of the software. You can find the current version available is here: http://www.fansoftmedia.com/community/


Connect your PC to a Computer Monitor (or LCD TV)

Connecting to a PC Monitor or LCD TV works almost exactly like setting up a digital projector.
Connect your cable(s) from the PC to the monitor. You can switch between Laptop only, Monitor only or Monitor and Laptop modes. To do this hold down the FN (function) key and press F4 (some laptops this is F10. Look for the proper icon).


Additional Information

Common Connector Types

Once you have identified the appropriate input/output option, you may need to go to your local electronics store to buy a cable to connect your computer to your TV. Use this handy shopping list to help you choose the right one.

Here are some of the most common connectors:

HDMI HDMI4-Star: Best picture/resolution option for FanDraft exporting
This option has now become more prevalent, and is by far the best option.
Commonly found on HD devices, but not as frequently as inputs to older model PCs.
100% Digital connection. HDTV compatible.
DVI DVI4-Star: Best picture/resolution option for FanDraft exporting
  • D-shaped connector with one flat pin and three rows of round pins (may vary depending on type of DVI connector)
  • Commonly found on flat-panel, digital TVs
  • DVI connectors transfer video signals in pure digital form, which is especially beneficial if you're using a plasma, LCD, or DLP TV
    Get Details (via other website)
SVGA SVGA / VGA 3-Star: Excellent picture/resolution option for FanDraft exporting
  • D-shaped, 15-pin, video connector
  • High quality video
    Get Details (via other website)
Component Component3-Star: Excellent picture/resolution option for FanDraft exporting
  • Three-pronged connector color-coded red, green and blue
  • High quality video
    Get Details (via other website)
S-Video S-Video2-Star: Good picture/resolution option for FanDraft exporting
  • Round connector with 4 or 7 pins
  • Most TV sets have S-video input connections
  • Fair quality video, and probably the last best option.
    Get Details (via other website)
Composite Composite1-Star: Basic picture/resolution option for FanDraft exporting
  • Usually coded yellow; will often have red and white audio cables attached
  • Known as a phono plug or “RCA jack”
  • Lower quality video
    Get Details (via other website)


Additional resource:

Movielink has a great resource page about hooking your laptop up to a TV.
Click here to learn more


 

Sample screen for changing your monitor resolutionChanging your monitor resolutions

FanDraft has a built in button option to change your screen resolution, however, in the rare cases you would find it helpful to manually control your screen resolution, follow below:

  • Open up your PC's "Control Panel"
    Start > Settings > Control Panel
  • Double click the "Display" icon.
  • Select the "Settings tab", and then you will see the area to control and "Apply" the new resolution.

Outside Resources/Components

As technology continues to quickly develop, there are now numerous ways you can easily output your display to various resources. Below are some useful 3rd party links that may be of use to you.