A system that determines a projector's true state in an automatic projection sequence. The system includes a projector in a primary display system, having a lamp for displaying visual information; and a sensor to determine the state of the lamp in the primary display system. Additionally, an interface to a secondary display system is included for sending an operational signal to the secondary display system, wherein the secondary display system operates subject to a predetermined state of the primary display system as determined by the state of the lamp in the primary display system.