iPad Display Projection. VGA, HDMI & Connecting Wirelessly to a Projector


iPad VGA adapter

I recently wrote about the best new feature of the iPad 2 – full video mirroring. That is, the external display will show the same content as your iPad 2 screen. One week ago, I led a hands-on workshop on using the iPad as a display device. During the past two weeks, I’ve connected my new iPad to a variety of projectors, monitors and displays, including a big screen HDTV. I can now report the iPad 2 can reliably connect to a VGA projector or HDTV to show whatever is on the iPad screen. The ability to show and share iPad content is no longer dependent on the app being used, but is built into the new iPad. However, some apps do not mirror, but instead only display video out on the external display. For example, the Videos app.

Why (was) is full video mirroring not available on the first generation iPad? Two reasons. The iPad 2 has twice the processor speed and much improved graphics capability, including HDMI output.

However, the new Apple HDMI adapter (Digital AV Adapter) does work on the first generation iPad if the app supports video out.

Thanks to our regional Panasonic rep, Henry Kazmierski, I also had the opportunity to test a new Panasonic projector that offered wireless connection to the iPad. That’s right, no cables or video adapters needed. The Panasonic (in this case, model PT-LB90NTU) generates a wireless network signal that’s recognized by a free iPad app from Panasonic called  Wireless PJ. The catch? You can only project PDF or JPEG files. Still, setup seemed easy and the app was simple to use. The app worked on both the first and second generation iPads.

For more on connecting your iPad to a TV or projector, see this article. You can find more information about the display capabilities of the original iPad or the new iPad 2 at the Apple support site.


About Andy Brovey

Dr. Andy Brovey, The Portable Prof, teaches about digital tools through his work, websites and social media. In 2007, Apple Inc. recognized his work and named him an Apple Distinguished Educator. He started this iPad Academy website shortly after the first iPad went on sale. On his Freelance Teaching site you'll find the resources you need to teach like a smart entrepreneur.