Connecting a laptop to the TV

Decide whether you want to use HDMI or VGA to connect. Not sure? See the bottom of this page.
Grab the provided cable from the wall hook and connect it to your device. If using VGA, be sure to connect the audio cable as well if you need sound. (This is not necessary for HDMI since picture and sound are transmitted on the same cable.)
Make sure your device is on and sending video.
Locate the TV remote and turn it on.
The TV has an auto-input function and will automatically switch to connected devices as long as they're turned on and connected. If it switches away from your computer, turn off your device's power save and monitor sleep functions (look in your device's settings or control panel).

What are HDMI and VGA?

These are the names for the two types of connections we support. Here's what they look like:

Is the cable plugged into your device all the way?
Is the cable plugged into the port in the wall plate all the way? Sometimes people unplug it and don't plug it back in!
Is your device video output actually enabled? (On Windows computers, try pressing the Windows key on the keyboard and the letter "P" at the same time, and choose "Duplicate")

Turn off your device's power save and monitor sleep functions (look in your device's settings or control panel)

Your device is going to sleep or losing connection with the TV. Disable any power save and monitor sleep modes and make sure cables are plugged in completely. (Turning off the DVD player will keep the TV from switching to it, but it will still go black if your device stops sending signal to save power.)

Make sure your device is not trying to use its internal speakers.
- Windows instructions here
- Mac instructions here
Once you're positive that your device is sending audio, grab the TV remote and press the "Audio Input" button on the lower right. A status blurb will appear on the upper right of the TV when you press it. Try pressing the button multiple times to cycle through the various options until you hear your device's sound:

Point the remote towards the right side of the screen. The sensor is by the power light.
Find a staff member and we will help you get new batteries. (Batteries are replaced regularly, so this isn't typically necessary.)