Computer setups that work for digital scenery
Short answer: A laptop works with one HDMI cable straight to the projector, using the laptop's screen for the controls. A desktop needs two video outputs: one for its monitor (the controls) and one for the projector (the scenery). In both cases set the displays to extend, not mirror.
Laptop (Mac or Windows)
- Connect an HDMI cable from the laptop to the projector's HDMI port. Use an adapter if your laptop only has USB-C or Thunderbolt.
- Set the displays to extended. See Extend your display to a projector.
- The laptop screen shows the controls; the projector shows the scenery.
Desktop (Mac or Windows)
A desktop already uses one video port for its monitor, so the projector needs a second port.
- Two HDMI ports: one for the monitor, one for the projector.
- One HDMI port: use it for the projector, and connect the monitor to a secondary port (DVI or VGA).
Then set the displays to extended.
Multiple projectors
- StagePlayer can prepare up to five outputs and assign cues to them. Its Virtual Output (one picture across several projectors) is still in development in 2.x. See Outputs, display mode and zoom.
- Stage Studio supports edge blending and warping across projectors. See Tour of the Stage Studio editor.
- With a Professional License, you can export your scenery to QLab and use its mapping tools. See Export your show to QLab.
Long distance from the booth
If the computer is more than 50 feet from the projector, use CAT6 cable with an HDMI adapter at each end. See Which cable to use.
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Still stuck?
Show Goods product help is self-service, with no live chat or phone support. Try these next:
- Go through Nothing shows on the projector step by step.
- Confirm your computer meets the StagePlayer system requirements.