Macbook Pro wireless connection to a projector

[AlVista]

I have a new Macbook Pro (2015) which I use mainly for lecturing. I go from place to place, usually using their projector. Sometimes there is WiFi in the hall and sometimes not. The Macbook is Airplay capable.
I would like a bit of hardware to plug into any projector, that I can mirror (extend) the Macbook screen to, thus being able to use the presenter capabilities of Keynote or Powerpoint wirelessly instead of having a long trailing cable.
My understanding so far is that an Apple TV box would do this when there is WiFi present, but that it would fail where there isn't. I also understand that the Macbook itself is capable of being a WiFi hotspot, though when doing so could not connect to the internet (but I wouldn't need to do that).
So:

1. Can I use the Macbook's self-generated hotspot to connect and mirror with an Apple TV?
2. Or is there some other unit I could buy, small and portable, that I could use to achieve my goal?

 

[chscag]

Welcome to our forums.

We just had a rather informative thread on the same subject pass thru in the last two days. Perhaps you can learn something from it? Here is the LINK to the thread. Let us know if you need more info.

 

[AlVista]

Welcome to our forums.

We just had a rather informative thread on the same subject pass thru in the last two days. Perhaps you can learn something from it? Here is the LINK to the thread. Let us know if you need more info.

Your link seems to be a related but different question, about the use of iPad with Apple TV in an environment where WiFi is present. My question is specifically about places where WiFi is absent, and how a Macbook might then link to Apple TV or some other piece of hardware. So I'm still hoping for some help!

 

[KevinJS]

The other thread involved an iPad. You do not need any extra hardware. You can simply plug your MBP into the projector using an HDMI cable.

Once that's done you can choose whether to mirror or extend your screen to the projector.

As far as I know, and I've trawled the menu of AppleTV (3rd gen) there is no way of setting up an ad hoc network between MBP and ATV.

 

[AlVista]

Yes, HDMI cable connecting is what I'm doing now. What I was hoping for was a way of wireless connecting, in some places the layout of meeting rooms is such that cable connecting is quite difficult! Thanks for the info on the ATV; does anyone know if there are non-Apple products that might do this?

 

[KevinJS]

AppleTV is the only method of using AirPlay video. I haven't used ATV 4th gen, and don't know whether it's possible to set up an ad hoc network with the Mac. I doubt it, because it's intended to be used as a fixed appliance.

It could be worth trying to create a network on the Mac and checking to see if ATV will connect to it. I'm away from home right now. If you haven't got an answer by the time I get home, I'll give it a try with my 3rd gen and see what happens. No harm in trying.

 

[AlVista]

If you are able to try it that would be great - I don't have an ATV yet, though if it were thought to work I'd get one.