Quick Tips for Using a Video Projector
Tips on How to Use a Video Projector
Firstly, you would want to read through the manual, especially the quick setup guide so that you don’t miss out on any important steps in the setup process that’s necessary to your projector model.
Cables
You would want to make sure that you’ve got the necessary cables. You would have no problem with connecting the power supply cable. You can insert the plug into a power point but don’t turn the projector on yet.
As for connecting video cables, you have many options. The video cables that could be used with your projector are composite video cables, S-Video cable, component cables, or VGA /DVI cables. If yours is a high-end projector there would even be a HDMI connectivity. If your DVD player or cable or satellite set-top box comes with a HDMI port, then you would want to get hold of a HDMI cable for superior picture quality.
Ideally, you would want to decide beforehand what kind of cable you would prefer using. You would want to go out and buy a good quality cable. There would be cables that would come along with your video projector package. However, you’re advised not to rely on them as their quality, more often than not, leaves much to be desired.
Projector Placement
Although you’re excited to get started, you must be patient until you find a suitable location for your projector. Projector placement is important because it will play an important part in the longevity of our projector especially the life of the projector lamp.
To this end, you should place your projector in a well-ventilated area. Proper ventilation is required for the smooth working of the electronics of the projector. Don’t place the projector in an enclosed area, where heat dissipation is poor. Have the projector at least three feet away from the wall to be on the safe side.
The other thing you should bear in mind is placing your video projector as close as possible to your video source. This is important because most video cables come in a standard length, which assumes you would be placing equipment to be connected close to each other. Video signal suffers when the transmission cable is very long, especially if a low quality cable is used. You would need a thick, high quality cable and that would invite expenditure you don’t want.
Connecting Cables
Once you’ve found a suitable location for your projector, you are ready to connect the necessary video cables.
You would have no problems connecting VGA, composite or component cables. But you must be careful when you’re connecting a S-Video cable. If the cable does not fit in naturally, then don’t force it in. You run the risk of bending the cable pins and end up with an unusable cable.
Getting Started
With the cables in place, you’re ready to power on the projector and your video source. The next step would be to remove the projector lens cap and wait for the projector to go into the sync mode with the video source.
Once video signal flows to the projector, you would want to adjust the projector lens to bring the picture into focus. Then you would want to go to the Settings menu with the help of the remote control and adjust brightness, sharpness and picture alignment.
Once your projector starts working, don’t move it. After use, wait for it to return to room temperature before moving it.
