Each study room monitor already has an HDMI cable attached to it. If your laptop has an HDMI port, simply plug the cable directly into the port. If it doesn't (hint: MacBooks do not have HDMI ports), use the chart below to identify the kind of adapter you will need to check out from the information desk.  

Adapter	Looks Like	Description
USB-C		The newest generation of adapters we currently offer. Standard on most newer laptops, tablets, and some phones. Also compatible with Apple Thunderbolt 3 ports (newest MacBooks).
Mini DisplayPort*		Found on many laptops and tablets. Also compatible with Apple Thunderbolt 1 & 2 ports (all older MacBooks).
DisplayPort*		Used mostly on older laptop models.
Micro HDMI*		Found on some phones and tablets.
Mini HDMI		Found mainly on DSLR cameras, digital video cameras, and some phones and tablets.

*The adapter rings include Mini DisplayPort, DisplayPort, and Micro HDMI. The rings do not include USB-C. USB-C adapters are checked out separately. 

Follow these instructions if you are in one of our study rooms with a wall-mounted keypad:​

1. Plug in your computer using the cable at the table - If your computer has an HDMI port, plug the cable in to your computer. If not, you can check out an adapter from the Information Desk on the 1st floor. 
2. Turn the monitor on - Press the ON button on the keypad next to the monitor. The power light should stay red. 
3. Adjust the volume as needed - Press the volume up or down using the keypad.

No video or audio?

Follow these instructions if you are in one of our study rooms without a keypad and the monitor only has an HDMI or VGA cable attached.

1. Plug in your computer using the cable at the table - If your computer has an HDMI port, plug the cable in to your computer. If not, you can check out an adapter from the Information Desk on the 1st floor. 
2. Turn the monitor on - Press the POWER button on the monitor itself (you may have to reach far behind the monitor).
3. Adjust the input if necessary - press the input button (next to the POWER button) until the screen appears. You may have to cycle through a number of channels. 

No video or audio?

No Video?

• Make sure the monitor is powered on. The ON button on the wall-mounted keypad should be red and the monitor should have a green power light on. If no keypad is in the room, the monitor's ON button is located underneath the monitor. 
• Make sure cable is firmly plugged in to your computer. If using an adapter, make sure it is also plugged firmly into the cable.
• If there is a wall-mounted keypad, press the HDMI button to make sure it’s selected (the red light should be on).
• If there is no keypad, you may need to press the INPUT button on the monitor to cycle through input channels. 
• Check your computer’s settings to ensure it’s sending a signal to the external monitor.
  • If you don't know how to change the display output settings on your computer, contact VCU IT Support
     

No Audio?

• Not all study room monitors have speakers. Click here to find a study room with speakers. 
• Confirm the content on your computer has accompanying audio.
• Check your computer’s volume setting.
• Check the volume setting of the specific video you're viewing (e.g. make sure the YouTube window isn't muted).
• Some laptops may need to have the audio output changed to HDMI.
• If there is a keypad, press (do not hold) the Volume UP button on the wall-mounted keypad (or turn the volume knob) until you hear sound.