The scenario describes a situation where a projector is receiving a signal and the source resolution is correct, but the resulting image is distorted. This distortion, such as the image appearing stretched or squashed, is a classic symptom of a mismatched aspect ratio. The aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between the width and height of the image. If the laptop is outputting a 16:9 (widescreen) signal but the projector is configured for a 4:3 (standard) aspect ratio, it will distort the image to fit the incorrect shape.

B. The laptop's video card has failed: A failed video card would typically result in no signal, severe visual artifacts (like lines or incorrect colors), or system crashes, not a consistently distorted image.

C. The projector's bulb is burned out: A burned-out bulb would result in no light output, meaning there would be no image at all, rather than a distorted one.

D. The display brightness needs to be adjusted: Incorrect brightness settings would make the image too dim or too bright but would not alter its shape or cause geometric distortion.

1. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Division of Information Technology (DoIT) KnowledgeBase. In the troubleshooting guide for classroom projectors

it states: "If the image on the screen appears stretched or distorted

the aspect ratio may be incorrect. Use the projector remote to change the aspect ratio. The 'Aspect' button may be on the remote itself

or it may be in the projector menu." (Document ID: 8511

Section: "Troubleshooting Projector Image Issues").

2. Epson PowerLite Projector User's Guide. In the "Solving Image Problems" troubleshooting section

a common issue listed is "The image is stretched..." The recommended solution is to "Press the [Aspect] button on the remote control to select the correct aspect ratio" or adjust the "Aspect" setting in the projector's menu system. (Reference: Epson PowerLite 1780W/1781W/1785W/1795F User's Guide

Page 88

"Image Problems").

3. Andrews

J. (2022). A+ Guide to IT Technical Support (11th ed.). Cengage Learning. In the context of display troubleshooting

the text explains that the aspect ratio (e.g.

4:3

16:9

16:10) is a critical display setting. A mismatch between the native resolution/aspect ratio of the display and the signal being sent can cause the image to be distorted

stretched

or have black bars. (Chapter 8: Supporting Windows

Section: "Display Settings").