HD projectors require a dark room and some empty wall space for proper installation. Besides those basic requirements, the installation process is very straightforward. The most important aspect of the installation is the placement of the screen followed by the placement of the projector. Some users prefer ceiling mounted installations to save floor space. In cases where ceiling obstructions such as lamps or vents make that impossible, projectors may be placed on a table or a shelf.
Instructions
1. Place the screen. This will affect where and how the projector is installed in later steps. The ideal location for the screen is a large, flat wall on the side of the room that receives the least foot traffic. Ceiling installations must account for vents, lamps or other ceiling features.
2. Find the center line for the screen to ensure proper optical alignment. Cut a nylon string long enough to reach the minimum distance recommended by the projector's manufacturer. Use an assistant to hold one end of the string in the top left corner of the screen and tie the other end to a pencil. Pull the string tight and draw a small arc on the ceiling at the maximum distance allowed by the string. Repeat this process from the top right corner of the screen and draw an arc that bisects the first one to establish the center line of the screen.
3. Attach the projector to a power source and place it below the mark on the ceiling. Connect the projector to a DVD player or other component and turn it on. Adjust the projector's zoom and focus. Adjust the distance as necessary. Unplug the projector.
4. Pass all required cables from the stereo receiver and other components through the wall and ceiling to the location chosen for the ceiling mount. A professional electrician is recommended to install a dedicated power outlet for the projector.
5. Calculate the height of the projector. This number is often specified in the projector's user manual. The manual may call for a flat or zero vertical offset, which means the projector must be even with the top of the screen when operating. Universal ceiling mounts accept extension arms in most cases.
6. Install the universal ceiling mount so that the projector lens is in line with the screen's optical center. It is important to note that not all lenses are in the middle of the projector. Use heavy anchor bolts or decking screws to achieve the best results.
7. Attach the projector to the ceiling mount securely, but do not completely tighten. Connect the cables to the projector and turn it on. Verify that the image is square with the screen. Tighten the mounting screws to firmly lock the projector into place.
Tags: ceiling mount, with screen, Attach projector, center line, center line screen, corner screen
