Fiddling with bulky projectors is a thing of the past. Whether it’s for leveled-up home theaters or a more convenient way to view students’ presentations, you need a setup that’s fast and simple.
For the best solutions to make projector wireless, read on to know more.
How to Make a Projector Wireless
Many would think that wireless projectors are a common need and that all projectors are manufactured with a wireless option.
However, the fact is that most projectors are still old-fashioned, and plug-in cable types require you to be near a media console and a power source.
Fortunately, there are several workarounds for your VGA, DGI, or HDMI projector so you don’t have to go out and buy a pricey wireless model.
Wireless Receiver Kit
By using a wireless receiver or HDMI kit, you can stream content from any device with an HDMI output. This will also free up room storage and unsightly wires around your projector’s location.
Simply plug the receiver into your high-rated home theater projector and it will convert the video signal of whatever you want to project into an HDMI output signal.
The signal is then transmitted into the projector like how a normal HDMI cable would work.
As for the transmitter, simply plug this into the source of your media content (ex. cable box). However, if you’re using a computer or laptop, you should check if it has an HDMI port.
There are two major caveats to using a wireless kit:
- The specs of your transmitter must match those on your projector (ex. video resolution and frequency band).
- The transmitter and receiver must be plugged into a power source
A wireless kit usually comes with a USB cord to get power from your projector so just double-check if yours has an open port on the side to use.
Wireless Dongles/Adapter
Some projector manufacturers like BenQ, InFocus, Sony, and ViewSonic offer wireless dongles as an add-on you can purchase for your projector.
Dongles and adapters come with client software you have to download and install first into your transmitter (ex. laptop, computer, etc.), which is why these devices come with a CD.
Once the software is installed, the adapter or dongle is inserted into the projector’s port. Then, you can display content using your projector.
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Most dongles and adapters come in USB form but in case your projector is one of the older models and doesn’t have a USB port, there are others that fit VGA and HDMI-port projectors as well.
Apple Airplay
Using Apple Airplay may be the simplest solution to make your projector wireless if you have a projector that supports Apple Airplay.
Apple Airplay is Apple’s technology of allowing wireless streaming between media devices without having to purchase any additional hardware.
The only thing you would have to check are your devices’ operating systems. It would be best to use systems that are at least iOS 7.0 or OS X Mountain Lion 10.8 for a smooth connection.
To set up Apple Airplay on your Apple device, open the Control Center and select Airplay [1]. Then, choose your projector from the list of devices on the network. After completing these steps, you can enjoy your mirrored content!
Other Applications and Software
Aside from Apple Airplay, there are some other apps and software that use the same mirroring technology. These apps need a wireless router connection to transmit your content on screen.
This would be a great time-saving solution especially if you’re an educator that needs to flash your presentation to your students but do not want to bother with an HDMI adapter, USB ports, or a streaming stick.
Mirroring360
Mirroring360 is a software that’s compatible with Windows, Apple, Android, and Chromebook devices.
Simply download the program on your device and link your device to the Mirroring360 Receiver, which can be installed by default on a lectern computer in centrally-controlled teaching rooms.
Up to 40 local or remote participants can view your screen on their devices via web browser too, in case you have groups of students joining in from another location outside your teaching room.
Epson iProjection
If your presentation venue has an Epson projector, you can use the iProjection app across a variety of devices such as Android, iOs, and Chromebooks.
Teachers can manage and display content to up to 50 connected devices and share a presentation from up to 4 devices of their own.
This would also save time in cases where you want to switch between others’ presentations quickly without having to go through the process of unplugging your computer for the next person.
Unfortunately, the iProjection app only supports the wireless projection of documents and photos so you’ll need a wireless adapter if you want to share video files from your computer.
AirServer
Use the AirServer technology to transform your big screen or projector into a universal screen mirroring receiver.
AirServers supports Mac, Windows, other Apple and Android devices, Nexus, Chromebook, and Xbox.
AirServer also supports Mircast, Google Cast, and AirPlay, which is quite a far-reaching app for mirroring devices between several different platforms.
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Tips and Reminders
Before you go out and buy projector upgrades or invest in a pricey wireless projector, save both time and money by keeping some of these considerations in mind:
Built-in Wireless Projectors Have Limited Power Supply
The convenience of wireless projectors are that they don’t come with any type of cable- including wires for power supply.
If your wireless projector doesn’t come with batteries that you can just carry along in your laptop case, you may have to frequently charge it just like a phone.
Don't Expect HD Image and Video Content From A Wireless Projector App
Using wireless projector apps and software are an easy way to make your projector wireless, but there are usually issues with compatibility and signal strength since these are dependent on a Wi-Fi network.
Make Sure Your Upgrade Device Is Compatible With Your Projector
One other simple and affordable way in our team’s make projector wireless solution is to purchase a wireless receiver kit, dongle, or adapter that you can just plug in and use.
Something to keep in mind is that you need to make sure the specs are compatible with your projector or else you won’t be able to use it at all.
If you want to connect your projectors to speakers, you can follow these steps about the best way to connect speakers to projectors.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you don’t need to go out and purchase a wireless projector if you already have a working projector. As listed by our team, There are several devices, apps, and software to project the content you want to see.
Searching for ways on how to make projector wireless can be as easy as taking a look at your projector and setup, figuring out the specs, and deciding which option works best for you.
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