Is NVIDIA video controller (SZ speed mode) compatible with older LCD projectors?

I was in Seattle last week, about to do my first PowerPoint presentation using my SZ160P. I had the SZ set to speed mode, using the NVIDIA video controller. Fortunately, I had arrived one hour before my talk because I discovered that, to my utter horror, the LCD projector, an older model, was not picking up a signal from the VGA output of the SZ. I tried the Fn-F7 toggle multiple times without success.

I called technical support for the rented LCD projector and, luckily, the technician of the audiovisual company where the LCD had been rented just happened to be in the area of the restaurant where I was giving my talk.

The technician was also unsuccessful in getting the SZ to communicate with the LCD projector. He went to his truck and obtained a new model LCD projector, which worked immediately and perfectly with the SZ. We did not make any changes in the display configuration software of the NVIDIA.

The technician mentioned to me that he was aware that laptops with newer graphics adapters often had trouble connecting with older LCD projectors. Of course, it would have been interesting to see if the native Intel graphics media accelerator of the SZ (using stamina mode) had functioned with the older LCD projector. Unfortunately, I did not have time to try this experiment because my audience was already arriving and the technician had taken away the older model LCD projector.

Has anyone experienced similar problems in getting their SZ to function in speed mode with LCD projectors, particularly with older LCD projector models?

 

I've already used my SZ1M/B (hardware equivalent to the SZ110/120) for presentations in both modes and so far, it worked flawlessly. I've also checked both modes with several TFTs and CRTs just to be sure about the signal quality. It's acceptable, apparently.
But I've read in a German mag that the VGA signal quality isn't that good, so that might explain why some older projectors don't work.
Well, actually what they wrote was that the VGA signal quality was abysmal, but they were referring to a pilot lot model and they also wrote that they assumed that Sony would adress that problem. However, I assume (and the CRTs I've tested my notebook with support that theory) that the VGA quality still isn't among the best you can get.

 

Any other experience out there with the NVIDIA video controller (SZ speed mode) and the VGA output to older model LCD projectors?

For those of you utilizing your SZ for PowerPoint presentations, are you using the NVIDIA video controllers (speed mode) or the native Intel graphics media accelerator (stamina mode)?

 

My SZ works well with my DELL 3400MP projector--just pulg it in and it finds it. However, when I plug in the VGA cable to my Samsung LCD TV the the TV does not recognize the SZ computer (even with Fn F7 toggle). If I reboot the computer then the TV will see the computer when booting up. The weird thing is that if i just attach a VGA card (or even a VGA/DVI adapter) to the TV the TV knows that there is a PC hooked up and searches for it. Now if I remove the card and plug it to the laptop an FnF7 toggle it will see the computer. Does this seem odd to you?
Cheers!
ian

 

Ian,

Have you been using your SZ in speed mode or stamina mode (or both at different times) with your Dell 3400MP projector?

How old is your Dell projector?

 

Guillermédico
I have been using mine in speed mode mostly but it works in both modes. My DELL projector is very new. Just came out this year I think. I am going to test older projector later this week. I'll let you know how it goes.

If any one knows why my Samsung LCD TV can recognize a PC video card or adapter as a PC connection (note the card or adapter is not connected to a computer) but not the VAIO SZ VGA port please let me know.
Cheers!
ian.

 

While this isn't a direct answer to your question, I thought it might help: Apparently, the nVidia signal is worse than the Intel signal, which is why I use the Intel graphics for presentations usually (though one time I forgot to change my setup and then I ran out of time to reboot, it worked as well). The review I mentioned before supports that theory because it says the same. But you can also check it if you hook your notebook up to CRTs (unlike LCDs, they don't try to improve the signal they get, they just display it) and pay attention to checkered areas or a black desktop (the nVidia card's black level is worse).

I'll try to find out what projectors I've used so far, I can't tell right now, because they were projectors in my university.