New Macbook Air won't connect to projectors

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Level 1

15 points

New Macbook Air won't connect to projectors

I have a new Macbook Air (2019) and I can only get projectors in classrooms to recognize the HDMI connection if it is plugged directly into a projector. However, all our classrooms have the projectors installed in the ceiling with an extension set up in the wall to connect the HDMI extension to our computers. When I connect the projector via the HDMI extension, the computer recognizes the correct projectors (EPSON PJ), but continues to give the message "No Signal" on the screen. This is happening on all classroom projectors set up this way and I've tested several Apple HDMI adaptors. Any suggestions?

MacBook Air 13", macOS 10.15

Posted on Mar 2, 2020 4:13 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

John Galt

Level 10

146,480 points

Mar 3, 2020 9:58 AM in response to bufflyn71

HDMI is just about impossible to diagnose. It either works or it doesn't.

Given your description that direct connections between your MBA and the projectors works, it seems something in that link is broken. Simplify the installation by obtaining HDMI cables of sufficient length, thereby eliminating the HDMI extension(s). The extension may be defective, but generally speaking the weak links are the connectors themselves.

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Answer 2

RoboFlex

Level 1

8 points

Mar 31, 2020 2:17 PM in response to bufflyn71

My first question would be are there any other users experiencing the same issue? First we need to find out where the issue is occurring. Let's test another MacBook or a Windows based notebook to see if they are able to connect to the projector. If they are then the issue may be either your Thunderbolt 3/USB-C adapter or your MacBook itself.

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Answer 3

Apple_Jim

Level 1

123 points

Apr 2, 2020 10:33 AM in response to bufflyn71

Hi bufflyn71,

Welcome to Support Communities! There are many variables that may interfere with the signal getting to the projector, regardless of the cable. I like the other suggestion by @RoboFlex of testing out other devices to see if they also struggle. You might also lower the resolution of your device to see if that affects the image signal. HDMI cables vary, of course, and they essentially are carrying data to the projector. The lower resolution may send less data, allowing the projector to receive the image. The other option would be to add an amplifier fo some kind to the cable to allow the signal to get to the projector. Best of luck!

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Answer 4

bufflyn71 Author

Level 1

15 points

Apr 6, 2020 2:02 AM in response to RoboFlex

Thanks for getting back to me. The HDMI connection works fine with Windows and my 2015 Macbook Air. This is why I submitted this question, because both myself and my colleague who have a 2019 Macbook Air could not get it to project and the our computers were never detected. This is why I was wondering if there is a setting issue to take into consideration.

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Answer 5

bufflyn71 Author

Level 1

15 points

Apr 6, 2020 2:04 AM in response to Apple_Jim

Thanks for the welcome!! I will most definitely give this a try when we return to work from lockdown ;). I'll let post if this was a solution once I test it.

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Answer 6

celliott147

Level 6

12,254 points

Apr 6, 2020 9:22 AM in response to bufflyn71

Have you tried other adapters or docks? Or are you using a USB-C to HDMI cable (USB-C male to HDMI male) instead of a USB-C to HDMI adapter (USB-C male to HDMI female)?

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New Macbook Air won't connect to projectors

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