Welcome to our F.A.Q
page on this page you will find listed below you will find some
of the most commonly asked audio-visual questions we hear from our
customers. But if you don't see the answer to your question, then please send us an e-mail
and we'll see how we can help.
I
keep hearing the words lighter and brighter from projector
manufacturers and dealers. Is that all I need to worry about when buying
a projector?
A lightweight
projector may not give you the input connections or brightness you'll
need for auditorium presentations, and its sound system could be
underpowered for large groups. Even if your sole need is to take
presentations on the road, you'll want good picture and audio quality,
plus a user-friendly remote control and menus. Your projector must be
able to travel well and take a few bumps without breaking or having the
lens mechanism jam up. Remember, the quality of the projection lens is
also very important!
How easy is
it to use my projector for multimedia presentations?
From a hardware standpoint, it's easy. Most LCD projectors can switch
between video and computer signals very quickly, so the answer really
depends more on the complexity of your presentation. You might not need
to do anything more than connect a few cables, turn on the projector's
power switch, start your computer and focus the image. It's important to
rehearse your presentation a few times, including setting up and
connecting your equipment. Most problems with multimedia presentations
are associated with a lack of preparation, not equipment shortcomings.
Can I show
high-resolution images on a low-resolution projector?
Many LCD projectors
can compress higher-resolution computer displays to their native
resolution. There are always compromises with this approach, and some of
the fine detail and text in your higher-resolution images will break up
with this technique. However, still photographs, animations and some
technical illustrations may hold up well when reduced. The key is the
degree of reduction. Images that are remapped from 1,024 x 768 sources
won't look as good at 640x480 as they will at 800 x 600.
Will my
projector support the different video standards?
Yes. The signal
processing electronics in most of today's LCD projectors are smart
enough to recognize the North American NTSC standard, the PAL standard
in Europe, Central/South America and Africa, and even the French SECAM
standard.
What kinds of
cables will I need to use with my LCD projector? What's the purpose of
the different video cables I found in the box?
For most
presentations, you'll need a computer display cable, video cable, audio
connection and AC power. Every LCD projector comes with at least one
computer-to-projector connecting cable, usually with 15-pin D-sub plugs
to fit PC standard computers. You should purchase a video-to projector
cable and a stereo audio cable to fit the equipment of your choice.
(These are frequently available as one cable bundle.) S-Video jacks are
also provided on LCD projectors for higher-quality video playback.
Your LCD projector may also come with a remote mouse cable that connects
from your projector to your computer. By connecting this cable, you can
use the projector's remote control as a mouse with your computer. Check
the projector's operating manual to see how this feature works.
Not sure
which cables to buy?
Your local
audio-visual dealer can provide the correct computer, mouse, video and
audio cables in the correct lengths. Whatever cables you use, dress them
neatly to the projector before your presentation. Coil up any excess
cable length and secure it with a rubber band or twist-tie so you don't
wind up with a tangled, messy pile of wire.I use a Macintosh computer
and my monitor connection is different than the cable that came with my
projector.
How can I get
it to work?
The manufacturer of
your LCD projector should have provided an adapter for Macintosh video
display cards, which use a l5-pin plug with two rows of pins (15-pin VGA
plugs have three rows of pins). If you didn't receive this adapter, you
can order one at minimal cost or get it from your local dealer.
Macintosh computer display cards are directly compatible with LCD
projector inputs, except for a few older laptop models.
Check the owner's manual to see whether specific Macintosh models are
excluded.Because of the way Macintosh video cards and monitors are
designed, you may need a special adapter for high-resolution displays,
such as those used with the PowerMac computers. Your local audio-visual
dealer will be able to match the correct adapter for your specific
Macintosh display. In addition, resolution standards will be different
from Windows computers. For example, Macintosh SVGA resolution actually
measures 832x624, as opposed to the VESA 800x600 standard. The LCD
projector you purchase for this type of display should use 832x624 LCD
glass.
Are
there any other practical accessories I might need for my LCD projector?
This depends on how
you plan to move your projector around. Many manufacturers provide hard
and soft carrying cases for LCD projectors, and some even have pull-out
handles and wheels. Several of these accessory bags have another
compartment to store your notebook computer and even a small VCR.
Depending on whether you buy a compact or portable projector, you may be
able to fit your computer and the projector into a soft bag that will
fit under an airline seat.
What is the
best screen surface for my application?
There are four types
of screen surfaces:Matte White or Da-Mat: Matte white, the most
versatile material for front projection, gives precise definition and
reproduction of color or black and white. Provides a wide viewing angle
without loss of resolution.Glass Beaded: Optical-quality spherical glass
beads, chemically coated and applied to the backing, form a continuous
optical-quality screen surface (approximately three times brighter than
matte-white).
Recommended for viewing within 30 degrees of the projection axis or a
seating cone of 60 degrees. Spectra: A high-gain surface ideal for
video, data projection and graphic display. The special pearlescent
coated surface combines high gain with optimal viewing angle.
AS-1000: Designed to meet the demanding needs of home theater
applications. With screen reflectance properties similar to Matte White,
it meets the exacting requirements of LucasFilm THX program for optimum
sound-to-picture-match.
Pearlescent:
Unsupported
vinyl surface for front projection provides smooth pearlescent coating
for great reflectivity and increased brilliance without loss of image or
sharpness or registration.
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Frequently
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