How to have computer automatically change primary and secondary display settings once projector is plugged in?

June 14, 2007 2:35 PM

I need help with using a projector as a secondary display. I would like the computer to be able to recognize when the projector has been plugged in and automatically set the projector as the primary display without having to fiddle with the settings. Is there software or some trick that will do this?

I have pvr software on a laptop and use it to watch tv through a projector when I come home. The only problem is that the laptop is used by my wife and I end up having to plug the projector back in and changing the display settings. Is there software that will automatically change the display settings to a certain "profile" once it recognizes that an external secondary display has been plugged into the computer?

posted by allthewhile to Technology (5 answers total)

Most laptops have a function key for this.
posted by kindall at 3:20 PM on June 14, 2007

Response by poster: but will the function key automatically change the resolution to 800X600? The projector needs the computer to run in 800X600 but the native resolution of the laptop monitor is 1280 x 768.
posted by allthewhile at 3:24 PM on June 14, 2007

If the laptop output is DVI, it can tell if the cable is plugged in and detect the resolution of the output device.

For VGA, not so much. But I think it all depends on the manufacturer of your notebook.
posted by mphuie at 3:39 PM on June 14, 2007

I assume you're talking about a PC laptop, yes? Because the Mac laptops -- at least my current MacIntel MacBook Pro, and my older 12" Powerbook -- do this automatically; it's amazing to see.
posted by delfuego at 4:05 PM on June 14, 2007

Response by poster: yes, its a pc. windows xp home edition.
posted by allthewhile at 7:42 PM on June 14, 2007