Epson 550 manual

Epson ® PowerLite ® Cinema 550 Home Theater Projector User’ s Guide[...]

2 Copyright Notice All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduc ed, stored in a retrieval system, or tran smitted in any form or by any means, elec tronic, mechanical, phot ocopying, recording, or ot herwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation. The in form ation contained herein is designed only for [...]

Contents 3 Contents Introduction 7 Projector Parts 8 Projector Control Panel 9 Remote Control Button Map 10 Optional Accessories 11 Registration and Warranty 11 Using This Manual 12 Setting Up the Projector 13 Choosing a Location 13 Installing the Projector 16 Connecting the Cables 18 Making Other Connections 19 Installing Batteries in the Remote C[...]

4 Contents Making Detailed Adjustments 33 Using the Menu System 33 Changing How the Menus Display 34 Adjusting the Picture Quality 35 Input Brightne ss Settings 35 Sharpness and Picture Quality Settings 37 Color Settings 38 Adjustments Just fo r Computer Images 40 Saving and Resetting Menu Selections 41 Creating Memory Settings 41 Recalling Memory [...]

Contents 5 Problem Solving 55 What To Do When the Lights Come On or Flash 55 Solving Picture Problems 56 Solving Remote Control Problems 60 Where To Get Help 61 Specifications 63 General 63 Lamp 63 Remote Control 63 Dimensions 64 Electrical 64 Environmental 64 Safety 64 Compatible Video Formats 65 ESC/VP21 Command Codes 67 Notices 69 Important Safe[...]

6 Contents[...]

Introduction 7 Introduction The Epson ® PowerLite ® Cinema 550 projector lets you enjoy theater-quality images in the relaxing environment of your own home. Designed especially for home cinema use, it offers these outstanding features: ■ Native 720P (1280 × 720) resolution, 3000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and up to 1400 lumens for incredibly ri[...]

8 Introduction Projector Parts Control panel Ventilation slots Lens cover Vertical lens shift dial Adjustable fo ot Video port HDMI port Input A port (component) AC power inlet Infrared receiver Kensington ® lock port Infrared receiv er D4/SCART port (used mainly in Japan) Horizontal lens shift dial S-Video port Control (RS-232C) port Trigger out [...]

Introduction 9 Power button Power light Keystone correction buttons Correct the shape of a non-rectangular image Menu navigation buttons Source button Switches the video input source Esc button Exits the current menu item Menu button Displays the menus Warning light Lamp cover Air filter Mounting bracket connections Aspect button Changes the pictur[...]

10 Introduction Remote Control Button Map Source buttons Switch between equipment connected to the projector Color Mode button Optimizes viewing for different ligh ting environments On and Off buttons Memory button Recalls custom pictur e settings Menu navigation buttons Pattern button Displays t est patterns to adjust the im age Menu button Displa[...]

Introduction 11 Optional Accessories Epson provides the following optional accessories for the projector: You can purchase accessorie s from an Epson authorized reselle r. To find the nearest re seller, please call 800-GO-EPSON (800-463-7766). To purchase online, visit www.epsonstore.com (U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call (800) 463-776 6 for[...]

12 Introduction Using This Manual This book contains all the information you need to use the projector, in addition to basic setup and maintenance instructions, troublesh ooting tips, important safety instructions, specifications, and warranty information. Please follow these guidelines as you read through the manual: Warnings: Must be followed car[...]

Setting Up the Projector 13 Setting Up the Projector Follow the instructions in this section to ch oose a location for the projector, connect the cables, and display an image. Choosing a Location You can install the projector for various viewing setups, as shown below. Center Ceiling Side[...]

14 Setting Up the Projector Ideally, place the projector at a height wher e its lens is between the top and bottom of the screen. That way, you can keep the projector level and use the vertical lens shift dial to position the image. This produces the best-looking picture. If you place the projector above or below screen level, you’ll have to tilt[...]

Setting Up the Projector 15 The maximum size of the image is determined by the distance from t he projector’s le ns to the screen. Depending on your display settings and how you use the Zoom ring, the actual size may be smaller. Use this table as a rough guide for projector placement: To determine the exact image size when you know the proj ectio[...]

16 Setting Up the Projector Installing the Projector To install the projector, you first need to dete rm ine the location, based on the size of your screen (maximum diagonal image size). Use the tab le on page 15 as a guide to locating the projector. Note the following dimensions: ■ Distance from the center of the lens to the mounting bracket hol[...]

Setting Up the Projector 17 You will need the optional projector mount designed for the projector. See page 11 for ordering information. Follow the instructions included with the mount to inst all the projector, which weighs 11.5 pounds. The wall or ceiling where you install it must be capable of supporting a weight of 58 pounds. In addition to the[...]

18 Setting Up the Projector Connecting the Cables You can connect the projector to any type of video equipment, such as a VCR, DVD player, digital tuner, cable or satellite box, video game console, camcorder, or digital camera. You can also connect it to a desktop or laptop PC or Apple ® Macintosh ® system. You can connect up to five pieces of vi[...]

Setting Up the Projector 19 For best results, connect your video equipment to the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port , if possible. If your equipment doesn’t support HDMI, connect it to one of the following ports (highest quality listed first) : Input A (for component video), S-Video, or Video (for composite video). If you connect t[...]

20 Setting Up the Projector ■ The Trigger out port outputs a 12-volt DC signal when the projector is turned on. This let s a central control system monitor whether the projector is on or off, and can be used to raise or lower your projection screen automatically when the projector is in use. Connect a 3.5-mm mini jack to the port, as shown. Insta[...]

Setting Up the Projector 21 Turning On the Projector 1. Remove the lens cap. 2. Turn on any connected equipment you plan to use. 3. Turn on the power switch on the back of the projector. 4. Press the On button on the remote control, or press the Powe r button on the projector. Note: To keep children from turning on the projector, you can use the Ch[...]

22 Setting Up the Projector Turning Off the Projector 1. Turn off any equipment connected to the projec tor. 2. Press the Off button on the remote control, or press the Power button on the projector twice. 3. Let the projector cool down for about 30 seconds. 4. When the P power light stops flashing and stays on, turn off the projector’s power swi[...]

Setting Up the Projector 23 If you press the Source button on the projector, you see a menu of available sour ces. Press the u or d button to highlight a source and press the Select button. If you select the Input A source using either the remote control or the menu above, you may see the Input A menu: Press the u or d button to highlight YCbCr (fo[...]

24 Setting Up the Projector Positioning the Image If the image is not centered on the screen, use the horizontal and vertical lens shift dials to adjust its position. Note: You can display a test pattern to help adjust the image position. Press the Pattern button on the remote contro l, then select Display Position . When you hear a click, the lens[...]

Making Basic Adjustments 25 Making Basic Adjustments Follow the instructions in thi s chapter to make basic adjustments to the image shape, size, and color, and quality. For further refinements, see “Making Detailed Adjustments” on page 33. Correcting the Image Shape If the projected image looks like or , use the Keystone function to correct it[...]

26 Making Basic Adjustments Focusing and Zooming Sharpen or reduce the fo cus using the focus ring. Zoom into or out of the picture using the zoom ring. Choosing the Aspect Ratio In many cases, video signals are automatically resized to fit on your screen when Auto is selected as the Aspect setting. You may need to change the size of the image (or [...]

Making Basic Adjustments 27 If the Auto setting is unavailable, you may wa nt to choose one of these settings: ■ Normal for standard TV broadcasts, computer im ages, or images with a 4:3 aspect ratio. ■ Zoom for images recorded in 16:9 (wide-screen) format. ■ Wide if you want to expand a 4:3 image to 16:9 so it f ills the whole screen. This s[...]

28 Making Basic Adjustments Choosing the Color Mode You can change the Color Mode to automatically adjust bright ness, contrast, and color, letting you quickly optimize the projected imag e for various lighting environments. You can also select a different color mode for each inpu t source—which is useful if you view different types of images fro[...]

Making Basic Adjustments 29 Adjusting the Gamma, Color Temperature, and Skin Tones To further customize the color and image qualit y, you can adjust the Gamma, abstract Color Temperature, and Skin Tone settings using butt ons on the remote control. (Not available when you’re projecting sRGB images.) Note: You can fine-tune these and ot her color [...]

30 Making Basic Adjustments Adjusting the Gamma Setting You can select from 5 gamma settings (2.0 to 2. 4) or customize your own setting from your image or a displayed graph. Lower values will incr ease the contrast of dark areas, but tend to blur the bright areas. Higher va lues will dark en the light areas. 1. Press the Gamma button. You see the [...]

Making Basic Adjustments 31 Locking the Projector The projector includes two lock settings to pr event the image from being accidentally changed once it’s adj usted, and to keep children fr om turning on th e projector without adult supervision. To access the lock settings, follow these steps: 1. Press the Menu button on the remote control. 2. Us[...]

32 Making Basic Adjustments[...]

Making Detailed Adjustments 33 Making Detailed Adjustments You can use the projector’s on-scree n menus to make detail ed adjustmen ts to the image quality—such as the brightness, contrast, sharpness, and color. You can also change the menu display, sleep mode settings, and other projector features. Using the Menu System You can access the menu[...]

34 Making Detailed Adjustments To display the line menu, press the Select button . You see a display like this at the bottom of the image: Press the u or d button to highlight an option, then press the Select button to select it. Press the Menu button to exit the line menu. You can access the fo llowing settings through th e line menu while viewing[...]

Making Detailed Adjustments 35 ■ Navigation Bar Select whether to display the navigation bar, which tells you which buttons to press to choose settings. ■ Menu Color Select a color scheme for displaying the menus. Adjusting the Picture Quality Before fine-tuning the image using these adjustments, make sure you have already se lected the best Co[...]

36 Making Detailed Adjustments ■ Brightness/Contrast Note: If you cannot access the Brightness an d Contrast settings, highlight Input Adjustment and press the Select b utton, then choose Brightness/Contrast in the sub-menu. Adjust the brig htness so it’s suitable for yo ur viewing conditions. For example, if you’re projecting in a bright ly [...]

Making Detailed Adjustments 37 ■ DVI-Video Level Note: This setting can be used only when H DMI is selected as the image source (se e page 22). If your video equipment has a DVI port and you’ve connected it to the projec tor using an HDMI/DVI cable, set the level of the projec tor to match that of the video equipment. When this setting is tu rn[...]

38 Making Detailed Adjustments Color Settings If the image colors don’t look correct, you can adjust them using these settings. Use the first three settings described below to make the most visible changes. If you only need to make slight adjustments, you can fine-tune th e picture with the remaining settings . Most color settings are stored sepa[...]

Making Detailed Adjustments 39 ■ RGB Note: If you cannot access the RG B settings, highlight RGB/RGBCMY (the first item in the menu list) and p ress the Select button, then choose RGB in the sub-menu. Use the RGB settings to fine-tune the color of the image. You can adjust the offset and gain for each signal color (red, green, and blue). Use Offs[...]

40 Making Detailed Adjustments Adjustments Just for Computer Images In addition to the settings described above, you can adjust the Tracking and Sync settings for analog RGB computer images. Normally, these settings are adjusted automatically by the projector. I f you notice that the image is blurr y or contains dark vertical bands, you may need to[...]

Making Detailed Adjustments 41 Saving and Resetting Menu Selections Once you’ve adjusted the pictu re settings, yo u can save them as a group using the Memory feature. This lets you easily recall them, and switch from on e group of settings to another. If necessary, you can use the projector’s reset op tions to restore its factory-default setti[...]

42 Making Detailed Adjustments Deleting Saved Memory Settings You can clear all your me mory settings at once. 1. Press the Menu button on the remote control. 2. Open the Memory menu, then select Reset Memory . 3. Press the Select button to delete the memory settings. Resetting the Projector If the image quality isn’t what you expect, one or more[...]

Making Detailed Adjustments 43 Customizing Projector Features Use the settings in this section to adjust the image size and position, suppress on-screen text, and select basic setup options. Image Sizing Before adjusting any of these settings, make su re you have already selected an appropriate aspect ratio for the type of pict ur e you’re v iewi[...]

44 Making Detailed Adjustments Screen Options ■ Message Turn this setting off if you want to preven t on-screen messages from appearing (such as the no-signal message, or the identifying te xt that appears when you switch between image sources or color modes). ■ User’s Logo Lets you display an image of your choice when the projector is warmin[...]

Making Detailed Adjustments 45 Other Setup Options ■ Keystone Adjusts the shape of the image, if the left and right sides are not parallel after tilting the projector up or down at the screen (see page 25). ■ Projection Mirrors and/or inverts the image for fr ont, rear, and overhead projection. ■ Direct Power On Sets projection to start when [...]

46 Making Detailed Adjustments ■ Sleep Mode Turn off this setting if you don’t want the projector to enter sleep mode. (Sleep mode shuts the projector off automatically when there is no video signal.) Select 30 min. , 10 min. , or 5m i n . as the length of time before shutoff; decreasing the time conserves power and exte nds the life of the lam[...]

Maintenance 47 Maintenance Your projector needs little maintenance. All you ne ed to do on a r egular basis is keep the lens clean. You also need to clean the air filt er periodically to prevent overheating. Warning: Before you clean any part of the projector, turn it off and unplug the power cord. Never open any cove r on the projector, e xcept th[...]

48 Maintenance Cleaning the Projector Case Before you clean the case, turn off th e projector and unplug the power cord. ■ To remove dirt or dust, wipe the case with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. ■ To remove stubborn dirt or stains, moisten a soft cloth with water and a neutral detergent. Then wipe the case and dry it with a dry cloth. Caution:[...]

Maintenance 49 6. If you need to replace the filter, release th e tab and lift up the cover 7. Remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. 8. To replace the cover, insert the tabs and press down until the cover clicks into place.[...]

50 Maintenance Replacing the Lamp The projection lamp lasts for up to 3000 hours. You can use the Info menu to check how long it’s been in use (see page 53). It’s time to re place the lamp when: ■ The projected image gets darker or starts to deteriorate. ■ The projector’s warning light flashes red at half-second intervals. ■ The message[...]

Maintenance 51 5. Press in the latches securing the lamp cover and lift off the cover. 6. Loosen the two screws securing the lamp (they don’t come all the way out). 7. Grasp the lamp as shown and pull it straight out. Warning: The lamp(s) in this produ ct contain me rcury. Please consult your state and local regulations regarding disposal or recy[...]

52 Maintenance 8. Gently insert the new lamp and tighten its screws. Caution: Don’t touch the glass port ion of the lamp assembly. Touching the glass could result in premature lamp failure. 9. Replace the lamp cover. (The projector won’t work if the lamp cover is open or loose.) 10. Reset the lamp usage timer, as describe d below. Resetting the[...]

Maintenance 53 Checking the Projector Status You can use the Info menu to view information about the current display settings and how long the projection lamp has been in use. To access the Info menu: 1. Press the Menu button on the projector or remote control. 2. Use the menu navigation buttons to open the Info menu. The following information appe[...]

54 Maintenance Transporting the Projector Note: Epso n shall not be liable for any damages incurred during transportati on. The projector contains many glass and precis ion parts. When shipping the projector for repairs, use the original packaging material if possible. If you do not have the original packaging, use equivalent materials. Be sure th [...]

Problem Solving 55 Problem Solving This section explains how to interpret the projector’s status lights, solve problems with the picture and remote control, and contact technical support. What To Do When the Lights Come On or Flash The lights on top of the projector indicate th e projector’s status and let you know when a problem occurs. If the[...]

56 Problem Sol ving Solving Picture Problems You cannot turn on the projector. ■ Make sure the power cord is connected and the power switch is turned on. Then wait a moment for the power light to tu rn orange bef ore pre ssing the P Power button. ■ If you’ve set the Operatio n Lock , the control panel buttons are disabled; you must use the re[...]

Problem Solving 57 No picture appears on the screen or you see the No Signal messag e displayed. ■ Press the Source button on the projector or one of the Source buttons on the remote control to select the correct input source. Allo w a few seconds for the projector to sync up after pressing the button. ■ Press the Blank button on the remote con[...]

58 Problem Sol ving If you’re using a Macintosh with OS 9.x or earlier: 1. From the Apple menu, select Control Pa nels , then cl ick Monitors and Sound . 2. Click the Arrange icon, and then drag one monitor icon on top of the other. If the Arrange option isn’t available, you may need to select one of the Simulscan resolutions. Click the Monitor[...]

Problem Solving 59 The picture isn’t rectangular. ■ If the image looks like or , the projector has been placed off to one side of the screen and angled toward it. Face the projector straight ahead (instead of at the center of the screen), then use the horizontal lens shift dial to center the image (see page 24). ■ If the image looks like or ,[...]

60 Problem Sol ving The colors on the screen don’t look right. ■ Make sure the Input Signal is set correctly for your connected video equipment (see page 45). ■ Press the Color Mode button on the remote control to se lect a different color mode (see page 28). ■ Check the brightness and contrast settings (see page 35). ■ Fine-tune the colo[...]

Problem Solving 61 Where To Get Help Epson provides technical assistance 24 hours a day at http://support.epson.com . Here you can access troubleshooting info rmat ion, download product documentation, and receive technical advice throu gh e-mail. To use the Epson PrivateLine Support service, call (800) 637-7661 and enter the PIN on the Epson Privat[...]

62 Problem Sol ving[...]

Specifications 63 Specifications General Type of display Poly-silicon TFT active matrix Size of LCD panels 0.7 inch (18 mm) wide Lens F=2.1 to 2.8, f=21.4 to 31.7 mm Resolution (native format) 1280 × 720 pixels, 720p Brightness 1400 ANSI lumens maximum Dynamic contrast ratio 3000:1 Image size 30 to 300 inches Projection distance 2.9 to 44.8 feet ([...]

64 Specificati ons Dimensions Height 4.9 inches (124 mm); not including adjustable feet Width 16 inches (406 mm) Depth 12.2 inches (309 mm) Weight 11.5 lb. (5.2 kg) Electrical Rated frequency 50/60 Hz AC Power supply 100 to 120 VAC, 2.7 A 200 to 240 VAC, 1.2 A Power consumption Operating: 245 W (100 to 120V), 240 W (200 to 240 V) Standby: 4 W (100 [...]

Specifications 65 Compatible Video Formats The projector supports analog video in NTSC, PAL, and SECAM formats, and it automatically adjusts to the incoming signal. It can receive these formats as composite video, S-video, or component video—which it accept s through the Video, S-Video, and Input A ports, respectively. The projector also supports[...]

66 Specificati ons Analog RGB * HDMI input signals Signal (4:3) Aspect setting Normal Zoom Wide Squeeze Through Squeeze Through VGA* 960 × 720 1280 × 720 1280 × 720 1280 × 720 640 × 480 8 53 × 480 VESA 960 × 720 1280 × 720 1280 × 720 1280 × 720 640 × 480 853 × 480 SVGA 960 × 720 1280 × 720 1280 × 720 1280 × 720 800 × 600 1 066 × 6[...]

Specifications 67 ESC/VP21 Command Codes You can use an AV controller with a 9-pin null modem serial cable to control the projector. You can download the complete ESC/VP 21 Communication Manual for home theater projectors from the Epson website at http://s upport.epson.com. Following are some of the available codes: Item Command Power ON/OFF ON PWR[...]

68 Specificati ons Color Mode sRGB CMODE 01 Theatre CMODE 05 Living Room CMODE 06 Natural CMODE 07 Dynamic CMODE 08 Theatre Black 1 CMODE 09 Theatre Black 2 CMODE 0A Aspect ratio Auto ASPECT 00 Normal ASPECT 2 0 Squeeze ASPECT 21 Zoom ASPECT 22 Through ASPECT 23 Squeeze Through ASPECT 24 Wide ASPECT 25 Item Command[...]

Notices 69 Notices Important Safety Information Follow these safety instructions when setting up and using the projector: ■ Never look into the projector lens when the lamp is turned on; the bright light can damage your eyes. Never let children look into the lens when it is on. ■ Never open any cover on the projector, exce pt the lamp and filte[...]

70 Notices ■ Don’t place the projector where the cord can be walked on. This may result in frayin g or damage to the plug. ■ Unplug the projector from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. ■ The lamp(s) in this product contain mercury. Please consult your state and local regul[...]

Notices 71 If you experience problems, try the following: ■ The remote control’s batteries may be low on power; replace them. ■ Dim the ambient lighting and/or turn off any fluorescent lights. ■ Close any window coverings and/or move the projector out of direct sunlight. ■ Turn off other equipment that emits infrared energy. FCC Complianc[...]

72 Notices Declaration of Conformity According to 47CFR, Part 2 and 15 for Class B Personal Computers and Peripherals; and/or CPU Boards and Power Supplies used with Class B Personal Com puters: We: Epson America, Inc. Located at: 3840 Kilroy Airport Way MS 3-13 Long Beach, CA 90806 -2469 Telephone: (562) 290-5254 Declare under sole responsibility [...]

Notices 73 Epson America, Inc., Limited Warranty What Is Covered : Epson America, Inc. (“Epson”) warrants to the original end user customer that the Epson product enclosed with this limited warranty statement, if purch ased and used i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s o r C a n a d a , c o n f o r m s t o t h e manufacturer’s specifications and[...]

74 Notices THE WARRANTY AND REMEDY PROVIDED ABOV E ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANT IES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCH ANTABILITY OR FITNESS FO R A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SO ME LAWS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION O F IMPLIED WARRANTIES . IF THESE LAWS APPLY, THEN ALL EXPRES S AND IMPLIED WAR[...]

Index 75 Index A Abs. Color Temp. setting, 29, 38 Accessories, 11, 61 Adjustment pattern, 34 Air filter cleaning and replacing, 48 to 49 ordering, 11 Anti-theft device, 8, 11 Aspect button, 10, 26, 58 Aspect ratio, selecting, 26, 43 Auto Iris setting, 36 Auto Setup, 40 B Batteries, remote control, 20 Black level, 36 Blank bu tton, 10, 23 Blurry pic[...]

76 Index G Gain, color, 39 Gamma, 29 to 30, 39 Gamma button, 10 H HDMI, 7, 18, 19 Help, 61 High Altitude Mode, 46 Home Service, 11 I Illumination of buttons, 20 Image adjusting, 25 to 30, 35 to 40 changing asp ect ratio, 26 positioning, 24, 43 resizing, 26, 43 selecting source, 22 Image problems, 56 to 60 Info menu, 53 Input A setting, 45 Installin[...]

Index 77 O Offset, color, 39 Operation Lock, 31, 46 Output scaling, 43 P Pattern button, 10 Pattern, adjustment, 34 Picture problems, 56 to 60 Pixelworks, 64 Positioning image, 24, 43 Positioning projector, 13 to 15 PrivateLine Support, 61 Problems picture, 56 to 60 remote control, 60, 70 to 71 Progressive mode setting, 37 Projection distance, 15, [...]

78 Index Squeeze mode, 27 Startup screen, selecting, 44 Static, 59 Storing projector, 53 Support, 12, 61 Sync (Synchronization) settin g, 40 T Technical support, 12, 61 Through setting, 27 Tint, 38 Tracking, 40 Transporting projector, 54 Trigger Out setting, 45 Trigger port, 20 Turning on and off projector, 21 to 22, 56 U User’s Logo setting, 44 [...]