How do I show the JammText display to my audience?

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Categories: Frequently Asked

Most computers have a way to output video to an external screen. The most common connection is HDMI, but it can be any of the following connection types: HDMI, VGA, DVI, Display Port, Mini HDMI, Micro HDMI or Mini Display Port. Check your computer and display manuals or contact the manufacturer to find out whether the devices are compatible and what cables you will need to connect your devices.

If your computer's output does not match the screen's input, there are many different types of adaptors that can be purchased to connect the two devices. Current generation Mac computers are standardized with an output called a Mini Display Port, although some Mac computers have both a Mini Display Port and an HDMI output. Most current model PCs have an HMDI output, although Microsoft's Surface line comes with a Mini Display Port.

Most modern TVs and projectors have HDMI inputs. Either connect your computer with an HDMI cable or a Mini Display Port to HDMI cable, whichever is appropriate. Older TVs and projectors, however, may only include DVI or VGA inputs. The oldest ones may only have composite (RCA) inputs. In this case you will need to get an adaptor that converts the signal to the input type.

The big question often asked is why are there so many different choices. The short answer is technology improves over time. Devices get faster and better. Older TVs and devices displayed standard definition. (SD uses older VGA connections, or even older composite connections). Then came HD (high definition). HD devices transfer a larger amount of data from one device to the next in order to display the higher definition. This required a new type of connection that could handle the transfer of higher amounts of data at a faster speed. Most HD devices use an HDMI connection because it can handle a higher transfer rate. Then came Ultra definitions also known as 4K or Retina. This again required a new type of connection that can handle a higher transfer rate. The Display Port cable was designed to accommodate this, and HDMI 2.0 was invented to support higher resolutions. The only other difference you may find is in the size of the connection cable. As computers and devices get smaller, some manufactures elected to go with smaller connections types, such as Mini HDMI and Mini Display Port. These cables carry the same signal as the larger cable. The only difference is the physical size of the connection. For example, with the correct cable you can connect a Mini HDMI computer output to an HDMI input connection on your TV. The signal is still HDMI, and it will work correctly. Again, HDMI is overwhelmingly the most common connection type. In most cases a simple HDMI cable will do the trick. But as stated before, check the owners manual of your devices, or contact the manufacturer to make sure you have the tools to make the correct connection.

Other related help documentation and videos that may help:

After connecting your equipment, you must set up your second screen as an extension of your desktop. By default, both Mac OSX & Windows mirrors the second display. Mirroring means everything you see on your default computer screen is also shown on your second connected screen. JammText will not run correctly in this setting, since the output display must be on a separate screen than the main app. You must change it to extend your desktop.

On Mac, go to System Preferences → Displays → Arrangement (see the picture below). Uncheck "Mirror Displays". Here you can also change the arrangement of your second display. Drag the second display to the location that you desire. For example, you can move the second display down. This will change where you need to move the mouse in order to put the mouse on the second screen. By moving the display down, you can avoid accidentally moving the mouse or dragging items over the output screen if you move the mouse to the left or right.

On Windows 10, go to All Settings → System (Display, Notifications, Apps, Power) → Display (see the picture below). Scroll down to Multiple displays and select "Extend these displays" from the pull down menu. If you scroll back to the top in this same section you will see both your displays, marked #1 and #2. Drag the displays to arrange the location of the display. For example, you can move the second display down. This will change where you need to move the mouse in order to put the mouse on the second screen. By moving the display down, you can avoid accidentally moving the mouse or dragging items over the output screen if you move the mouse to the left or right.

Now you have set up your screens. Place the main JammText app on the primary screen. This screen always faces you so that you can filter your messages or adjust JammText settings. Your second screen should be the display that faces your audience. Drag the JammText display app to this second screen and double-click to make it full screen.