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How-To

Install projectors in 5 steps

How to mount your projector as quickly and easily as never before!

Our guide tells you everything you need to know about installing a projector quickly. Install your home cinema, presentation or school projector in just 5 steps. Quick and easy!

Content

Calculate projection distance correctly

The lens of a projector is crucial for positioning and adjusting the image size because it affects the projection distance. Most projectors have a fixed lens that requires a certain distance from the screen. However, most projectors with a fixed lens offer a flexible projection ratio that allows the distance between the projector and the screen to be changed.

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However, projectors with interchangeable lenses are the most variable. This means that you can exchange the lenses and thus adapt the projector to the individual circumstances. You can use a short-distance lens or a telephoto lens , depending on your needs. These projectors are particularly suitable for professional use in meeting and conference rooms as well as for universities and halls with large projection distances. In home cinema, however, you will also get your money's worth with projector models with fixed optics. For this, we recommend ceiling mounting on a projector mount.

Our projection surface calculator does all the maths for you: Simply select the projector and use the projection surface calculator to determine the correct projection surface

To calculate the projection distance yourself

The projection ratio can be used to determine distances and image widths. The ratio indicates the distance at which the projector must be set up to obtain a 1 m wide projection.

Assuming that the optics of a projector offer a projection ratio of 1.5 - 1.66:1, a distance of 1.5 - 1.66 m is needed for 1 m image width.

To achieve an image width of 2 m, we calculate 2 × 1.66 = 3.32. This value corresponds to the greatest distance to the wall in metres. Then we calculate 2 × 1.5 = 3. This value corresponds to the smallest distance between the projector and the screen. So we can vary the distance of the projector between 3 and 3.32 metres to get an image width of 2 metres.

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  • Projectors are available with both fixed and interchangeable lenses
  • A projector with an interchangeable lens is more expensive, but much more flexible
  • You can calculate the ideal distance to the screen using our projection surface calculator or simply calculate it yourself.

Install projection screen

Since a projector screen takes up the most space, we recommend installing it first. It is best to get help to install it in the desired location without any problems. The installation of a projector, on the other hand, can be done on your own.

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Depending on the type of screen, you can mount it on the ceiling or the wall. Manual screens and motorised screens are usually mounted at the outer ends on the left and right of the screen. This is where the brackets are attached to which the screen is later screwed. You can use the holes on the bracket as a drilling template and make a mark on the wall or ceiling.

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To fix the canvas , use the dowels supplied or make sure that the dowels you use have sufficient load-bearing capacity for the canvas! A fixed frame screen is attached to the wall like a picture frame. Depending on the model, the fixings can be placed across the entire width of the frame or at selected points.

Install projector

The alignment of the projector depends strongly on the optics and the projection technology used. A projector must therefore always be aligned individually, especially if it is to be suspended from the ceiling. The so-called offset value plays a central role here. This indicates the percentage vertical offset of the projected light cone from the centre of the image.

For example, an offset value of 50 per cent means that a projector must be aligned with the bottom edge of the screen for a straight projection.

An offset value of 0 percent means that the projector is level with the centre of the screen, which is usually the case with projectors with good lens shift. For ceiling mounting, this offset must be mirrored vertically downwards accordingly, especially if the projector is to be hung there.

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To determine the offset yourself

Place the projector on the floor at a distance from the wall that is necessary for the desired picture size. Now measure the distance from the floor to the bottom edge of the picture with a folding rule. You have already determined the vertical offset. If you are using a projector with good lens shift properties, the offset is irrelevant. The lens shift compensates for a large part of the image height.

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  • For optimal image alignment, the projector should reach room temperature before installation
  • Check the offset of the projector before mounting it in the room
  • For projectors with a good vertical lens shift, the offset is not important

Mounting the Projector Ceiling Mount

For high ceilings, we recommend height-adjustable ceiling mounts for projectors. With these ceiling mounts, you can flexibly adjust the vertical distance to the ceiling.

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With a usual ceiling height of approx. 2.4 metres and an image start (upper edge) at a height of approx. 2.2 metres, a rigid ceiling mount with a distance of 15 cm can also be used for an LCD projector. A DLP projector can be hung a little higher or the screen a little lower.

Keep one or two spirit levels handy for adjusting the projector. This way you can determine and optimally adjust the tilt to the front and to the side at the same time.

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  • When choosing the ceiling mount, make sure that the projector is installed parallel to the upper edge of the visible screen surface
  • Choose a rigid or height-adjustable ceiling mount, depending on the height of the room
  • When choosing the bracket, make sure that it has sufficient load-bearing capacity
  • Use a spirit level for precise adjustment of the projector

Align and adjust image

As soon as the projector is mounted on the ceiling, it can be connected. In addition to the power cable supplied, you will need cables for image and sound transmission from a playback device such as a Blu-ray player or a notebook. Usually, an HDMI cable is used for this purpose. If you are not sure which connections you want to use, our buying guide on connecting a projector will help you.

Align lens shift

Depending on the version, the lens shift function offers the possibility of moving the entire optics within the projector. While a projector without lens shift must always be aligned exactly with the screen, a unit with lens shift can be positioned much more flexibly. The lens shift is adjusted manually by hand or motorised by remote control. The strength of the lens shift varies from projector to projector. However, a general statement can be made: LCD projectors have a stronger lens shift on average than DLP projectors.

Vertical and horizontal lens shift can only be combined to a limited extent. When using horizontal and vertical lens shift at the same time, both limit each other and the maximum values cannot be reached. When trying to set the maximum values, the lens therefore follows the shape of a stop sign rather than a rectangle.

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The lens shift value is always given from the centre of the lens. This means that with a vertical lens shift of e.g. +/-50%, the image can be shifted up or down by 50% of the image height from the centre of the image. The same applies to the horizontal lens shift.

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  • Lens shift significantly simplifies ceiling mounting and alignment of the projector in the room
  • There is a vertical and a horizontal lens shift for flexible shifting of the optics
  • Operation is electronic or manual, depending on the model
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Perform Keystone Correction

Keystone correction (also called keystone correction) digitally straightens the image at the edges. This is very practical when a projector can only be placed on an uneven surface. The keystone correction values vary from unit to unit. The standard value of the keystone correction is +/- 30°.

There are several ways to adjust the keystone correction. The classic method is to press a button on the surface of the projector. A little more comfortable is the adjustment by remote control.

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Keystone correction should be avoided if possible. Since it is a digital correction, it always has a negative effect on the image quality. The visible image loses pixels. For example, the Full HD image resolution (1920 × 1080) quickly shrinks to only about 1728 × 972 pixels. Therefore, use keystone correction with caution.

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  • Keystone correction varies from unit to unit and is done manually or via remote control
  • There is a vertical and a horizontal keystone correction
  • If possible, keystone correction should not be used

Colour and image calibration

projectors usually have a setup menu for various colour and picture settings. Although the menus differ visually from manufacturer to manufacturer, they basically offer similar or comparable settings.

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Classic colour settings for home cinema are e.g. "Cinema". For business projectors used in conference or meeting rooms, we recommend the colour setting "Presentation" or a comparable setting. This reduces colour fidelity but offers high brightness. Optimal for bright rooms.

On the other hand, avoid the picture setting "Bright". Here you achieve maximum brightness, but at the expense of picture quality. If you want to calibrate yourself, this will not reach the level of a professional calibration, but it can improve the picture. Use test images for this purpose. You can find a suitable provider via Google search.

High End Colour Calibration

In addition to the default settings, some projectors offer colour management settings. Depending on the model, calibration menus according to the ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) or ISF ccc standard are available. These allow you to save colour profiles after the projector has been calibrated by a certified body. Compared to the conventional mode, a calibrated projector gives you a significantly better picture quality.

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  • Preset colour profiles in the projector menu are sufficient for good colour and image matching
  • ISF ccc menus allow calibration according to the ISF standard
  • Test images help to fine tune the calibration

Which is better: standard or eco mode?

The setting of the lamp influences the picture quality. In most cases, you can choose between normal and eco mode. In normal mode, the full brightness is achieved. For bright rooms, this mode is therefore a must. If it is possible to darken the room, Eco mode is a good alternative. The light output is reduced and the picture appears somewhat darker. This has a positive effect on the image contrast and extends the life of the projector lamp.

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  • In normal mode for bright rooms, the full luminosity of the projector is achieved
  • Eco mode extends the lamp life
  • A projector is significantly quieter in Eco mode

Controlling the projector: via remote control, AirPlay, Miracast, app or Alexa

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  • Universal remotes can be programmed for projectors
  • Apple AirPlay is a particularly popular solution for connecting iOS devices to a projector.
  • Projectors with WLAN can often be controlled via app
Tobias Berg and Oliver Stenzel - contact persons in Purchasing and Sales - write on glass pane

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