Ways to connect the tablet to the projector

A projector is a multimedia device that transmits an image from a computer to a special large screen. Used in training lectures, business presentations. Increasingly, these devices are used as part of the home theater, getting a professional picture and sound.

But a computer and even a laptop are very bulky equipment, they are being replaced by smartphones and tablets in all areas. It is much more convenient to transmit data to a large screen from a small self-powered gadget. Consider how they can be connected, whether any tablet is capable of this, whether all projectors are suitable, whether you need to buy something extra and, finally, how to connect the tablet to the projector.

Wire mate

As standard, all models work through the VGA standard. Many people additionally support HDMI. Recently, more and more equipped with USB and Wi-Fi-modules.

VGA is an analog video transmission standard used since 1987 for color monitors and video adapters.

HDMI is a digital interface that allows you to stream high-definition video and multi-channel digital audio.

From the point of view of quality, HDMI wins significantly, therefore, if your model supports both standards, it is better to use an HDMI connection. But in the budget options usually put only the VGA-interface.

Using a standard mini-HDMI connector

Many gadgets are already equipped with a mini-HDMI connector, so if the projector also supports this standard, then the connection is easy:

  1. Connect one end of the cable to the mini-HDMI connector of the tablet, the other to the projector

  2. Turn on both devices and the connection is ready. Next, follow the instructions for your equipment.

But if the equipment supports only the VGA standard, is it possible in this case to connect the tablet to the projector? In the absence of other possibilities, there is an option to use various adapters from HDMI to VGA. Only need to consider the following:

  • You will lose in signal quality.
  • We need not just an adapter and a cable, but also an active signal converter, which is very expensive.

In general, this issue is better to be puzzled at the stage of the acquisition of equipment, otherwise then everything can turn into additional costs or limited functionality.

Usb cable

Almost all mobile devices have a micro USB socket. If the projector also supports this standard, then you can connect directly through it.

There is an important point whether the gadget supports MHL technology (Mobile High Definition Link). If we are simply talking about data transfer via USB, the projector recognizes the tablet as a regular USB flash drive and will play the media files on it.

MHL technology allows you to play digital streaming video and audio from the tablet to the screen, as well as any image from the display. To connect in this case, the usual micro-USB cable - HDMI is enough. If the projector does not support this technology, then you need an active cable with a converter and an additional power cord.

In some models of gadgets, adapters for external monitors are already included. from the standard charging connector to HDMI.

Wi-Fi

The most convenient and frequently used solution is wireless. The following options are possible:

  1. The model is equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi module and all that is needed is to find it on the network from the screen of the mobile device and enter the network password. The quality of signal transmission will be very high.
  2. If there is no built-in module, then there are external transmitters that connect via a VGA cable. They can already be supplied or sold separately from third-party manufacturers.

The advantage of this type is the possibility of its use even for "capricious" devices of the brand Apple. In some models of projectors everything is already ready for this, you just need to install a special application from the App Store.

The main disadvantage is definitely the price. There are so few models with such capabilities, and, as a rule, these are top releases of leading manufacturers. Separate transmitters for wireless pairing can also cost hundreds of dollars. In this case, it is easier to purchase a tablet with an HDMI connector.

Choosing how to tablet with the least trouble can be connected to a modern projector, it is better to stay on the HDMI standard. USB is also convenient, but you need to carefully read the hardware specification to know what and how you can produce through this interface. Wi-Fi is a very convenient, but very expensive solution. Ideally, at the stage before acquiring the equipment, decide how you will use it and select models with the necessary functionality.