Connecting the TV Display using an HDMI cord

This feature is available for the following products:
​

Connecting the TV leaderboard to a TV via HDMI cord is a quick and simple method. The disadvantage of using an HDMI cord rather than other methods (e.g., Chromecast, Smart TV, EZ Cast) is the need to physically connect a computer to a TV using an HDMI cord. The cord will be exposed and the computer must be close to the TV.

In this article, we will discuss the process and best practices to using the HDMI cord method.
​

Make sure you have the correct HDMI cord for the equipment that is being used. If you have an HDMI port in your computer, then an HDMI to HDMI cord will work perfect as shown below.
​

If your computer does not have an HDMI port, there will likely be other ports that can be used (e.g., VGA, Firewire, DVI). For instance, if you have a VGA port in your computer, you will need a VGA to HDMI adapter.
​

When shopping for an HDMI cord, we suggest purchasing a cord with neutral colors to provide a better presentation. Also make sure you have a cord long enough to comfortably connect to the TV while your computer is in the intended area.
​

First, make sure the leaderboard will not be interrupted while it is being displayed on the TV. Disable "Sleep Mode" on your computer. Also make sure your screensaver is turned off.

Then, connect the HDMI cord or HDMI adapter to the proper port in your computer and an available HDMI port on the TV. Most TVs have multiple HDMI ports.
​

After the cord is connected to both the TV and computer, turn the TV on and change the TV Input to the proper HDMI channel (e.g., HDMI 1, HDMI 2).
​

The TV should automatically start mirroring the computer after connecting the HDMI cord. If not, go to System Preferences > Displays > Arrangement (as shown below).
​

Make sure the option to "Mirror Displays" is checked. Also go to the Display tab and make sure the display is optimized for your mac, not your TV.
​

Keep in mind that, when mirroring, you cannot enter scores and display the leaderboard on the same Mac. To do both on the same Mac, you will need to extend your display instead. Instructions for this method can be found later in this article.
​

The TV should automatically start mirroring the computer after connecting the HDMI cord. If not, go to Start > Settings > System > Display. Make sure to select the option to mirror.

Keep in mind that, when mirroring, you cannot enter scores and display the leaderboard on the same computer. To do both on the same computer , you will need to extend your display instead. Instructions for this method can be found later in this article.
​

Unlike mirroring, extending the display allows you to enter scores on your Mac while also displaying the leaderboard on the same Mac. Players viewing the TV leaderboard will not see you entering scores.

To do this, go to System Preferences > Display > Arrangement. Make sure the option to "Mirror Displays" is unchecked. Click and drag your Mac display to match up with the physical location of your Mac in the room in relation to the TV as show below.
​

In the sequence above, the TV is left of the Mac. Once extended, you can now move your cursor to both displays. In the setup above, if you move your cursor to the far left of your Mac and continue moving left, the cursor will move to your TV. You can then click and drag your browser page with the TV leaderboard over to the TV and re-size to fit the TV. Then, you can enter scores on your Mac without interrupting the display on the TV.
​

Note: If the text on the TV is very small, the resolution on your TV needs to be reduced. Go to the display settings for your TV and change it to 1080p or what is appropriate for that TV as shown below.
​

Unlike mirroring, extending the display allows you to enter scores on your computer while also displaying the leaderboard on the same computer. Players viewing the TV leaderboard will not see you entering scores.

To do this, go to Start > Settings > System > Display. In the "Multiple Displays" dropdown, select "Extend these displays", then click "Apply". Click and drag your computer display to match up with the physical location of your computer in the room in relation to the TV. Click "Apply" as show below.
​

You can now move your cursor to both displays. For instance, if your TV is to the left of your computer, move your cursor to the left of your computer screen and keep moving it left. The cursor will then be displayed on the TV. Simply drag the TV leaderboard browser window into the secondary display, maximize it, or go into full screen.