Cannot view videos on computer and projector simultaneously.?

Question

Friend is trying to play movies on a projector using a powerpoint presentation he has. His computer displays fine on the projector, but when he tries to play the video, it shows up on his computer but not the projector. When the movie is stopped, the projector will show his paused movie again. This worked a couple of days ago, but system restore didn't help. He tried using a different projector, but the same thing happened. We now think it is something wrong with the computer. Using different fn-f8 combinations...no help.

We just tried playing the movie in windows media player, same problem.

Dell model number: Latitude d620

Toshiba projector model number: TDP-T45

He is not using usb, but is using the cable with lots of pins.

He is also using Office 2007 professional.

Answer 1

I've seen this effect on a two screen setup. A movie on the main screen would not show up on the second screen if you dragged the window onto that screen. It was driver/video overlay issue and I never worried about it too much since it was easy to just use the main screen.

That said, it sounds like your friend may be experiencing the same thing. I'm pretty sure it's a "settings" issue.

You don't specify enough info about your specific situation to be sure (sorry, but "cable with lots of pins" doesn't quite do it ... although I'm guessing you mean S-video), but have a look at the two links below ... they will probably give you some ideas.

Answer 2

Well, I think that your settings are the problem.  I don't think that the computer needs to be on clone.  I usually just hook it up and check that the refresh and resolution are correct for the projector.   Hook up a VGA cable (the one with alot of pins) and use the F8 if the computer doesn't show up.