Do-it-yourself projector and screen installation, connection setup

If you have a desire to equip a home theater with a large screen, then the best option would be to purchase a video projector. Mounting the projector on a ceiling or shelf frees up space in the room and creates the feeling of a real movie theater. To properly install the equipment, you need to determine the area of ​​​​the room, as well as select the appropriate screen size. Based on these dimensions, calculate what should be projection distance, as well as vertical offset (these parameters are described in the manual for the unit). Only after analyzing all the above data, the installation of the projector on the ceiling or on the wall will be correct.

Screen mounting

The layout of the room fundamentally affects the location of the screen. It is advisable, if possible, to choose a wall that is not illuminated by direct light, as the clarity of the picture will suffer because of this. If this is not possible, then take care to close the windows well. For this, thick curtains or high-quality metal blinds are suitable (plastic blinds are translucent).

Screen placement height

The height at which the screen should be hung depends on floor spacereserved for the cinema. If the room has standard dimensions, a pair of armchairs and a sofa, then the reflective surface can be placed at a height from the floor in the range from 61 to 92 cm. place it higher so that the audience in the back rows can see the picture.

Before adjusting (determining) the height of the reflective surface, it is necessary to take into account its dimensions. Since a screen that is too large can either rest against the ceiling or climb onto it.

Screen sizes

If we talk about the dimensions of the reflective surface for the device to project an image onto it, then it should be understood that we are talking about the height and width of the screen. Its dimensions will be taken into account when calculating the distance at which it is necessary to place the device.

Modern projectors are capable of displaying images on screens with a diagonal of 100 inches (2 m 54 cm). If you find it difficult to choose the right size, then choose the 100-inch. Of course, the room must be of the appropriate size.

See also: how to choose a screen for a projector.

Mounting the projector

After you have decided where to place the reflective surface, and before you install the projector, you also need to choose a place to place the device. To do this, you have to practice a little math.

Projection Distance

The value that determines the distance between the optics of the device and the reflecting plane is the projection distance of the projector (PR). In order to find out, you first need to look at the manual for the unit. It contains a parameter such as projection ratio value (ON). It can be specified as a single number, or, for some device models, as a range of numbers. To calculate (PR), a special formula is used, and it looks like this: PR \u003d screen width (SHE) x (PO).

In this formula, it is allowed to substitute any units of measurement with which the distance is recorded. It can be centimeters, inches and others. If you have, for example, a 100-inch (254 cm) reflective surface while the throw ratio of the machine is between 1.4:1 and 2.8:1, then you can place the unit within interval from 355.6 cm to 711.2 cm from the screen (for example, PR \u003d 1.4 x 254 \u003d 355.6, etc.).

By changing the above formula a little, you can calculate the required screen width (SW) if you want the equipment to be placed at a certain point in the room.

The formula looks like this: SHE \u003d PR / PO. For example, the installation of the unit is required so that it is not closer than 5 meters from the reflective surface. In the case when, according to the documentation, the software ranges from 1.4:1 to 2.8:1, then the calculations are carried out as follows: SHE = 5 / 1.4 = 3.6, as well as SHE = 5 / 2.8 = 1.8. Based on the results of the calculations, you have the right to choose a reflective surface with a width ranging from 1.8 to 3.6 meters.

See also: which projector to choose for home theater.

Nuances of placement

Once the distance range is known, decide where to place the equipment. To do this, carefully consider the room to find the optimal mounting point. But you should remember some points.

1. Armchairs and sofas. It is not recommended to install the equipment above such upholstered furniture where the audience will be located, especially if it has a strong volume or a large mass.
2. Cables and sockets. When installing the device, check the length of all wires — it must be sufficient.
3. Picture quality. Please note that the image quality will change during projection, regardless of whether you correctly calculated the projection distance interval. The greater the distance to the reflective surface, the clearer and sharper the picture will be. And if the unit is closer, then the picture will be brighter. Therefore, it is recommended to test the device before the final installation, that is, try to adjust it at various distances.

Projector vertical offset (VSP)

This parameter sets mounting height device. The quality of the projected image, namely, its geometry, depends on the correctness of the calculation of the VSP with respect to the dimensions of the screen.

For each model of the device, this value may differ, so these figures can be found in the instructions for the unit. For example, the manual might state that the positive vertical offset for this machine is +96.3% and the negative vertical offset is -96.3%. This means that if the indicator has a negative sign, the image is projected below the lens, and if the sign is positive, it is projected above the optics. But, since the units are installed upside down, it is worth paying special attention to the positive value of the VSP.

Many devices have the ability to adjust the lens vertically. This eliminates the need to move the device itself. If this function is available, adjust the desired installation height of the unit by moving the optical assembly.

If your device’s optics can’t move vertically, you’ll have to calculate the height mathematically.

Installation Height Calculation

To calculate mounting height (HM), there is the following formula: HM = RH x Screen Height. As an example calculation, you can take a device with an offset height value ranging from -96.3% to +96.3%.

1. A standard screen usually has an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. It follows from this that the height of the reflecting surface is 1.78 times less than its width. If we take a 100-inch reflective surface that has a diagonal of 254 cm and a width of 221.4 cm, then it will have a height of 124.4 cm (221.4 / 1.78 = 124.4).
2. Knowing the value of the reflector height, it is possible to calculate the mounting height (vm): vm = 96.3% x 124.4 = 119.8. The result obtained shows that the unit can be placed anywhere, 119.8 cm above, or the same amount below the center point of the reflective surface.

Principles of equipment installation

The projector mount can be wall or ceiling mount, with a design that allows you to adjust the position of the unit. Before choosing a mounting bracket, it is worth remembering the following points:

• the bracket for the projector must be selected taking into account the mass of the device, its type and dimensions;
• it is recommended to purchase mounts High Qualitysince cheap ones have a short service life, they often become loose and position the equipment incorrectly;
• before installing the projector with your own hands on a false ceiling, you will need to buy a special mounting kit.

Attachment installation

Using the supplied instructions, screw the mount to the machine. Make sure the mounting plate is the correct size for the unit model. Also, before hanging it on the ceiling, check how securely the mounting screws are tightened.

Next, using a tape measure, determine the distance from the optics of the unit, that is, its front plane, to the center point of the bracket. This value is added to the previously defined screen distance range. For example, the distance from the edge of the lens to the center attachment point is 20 cm, and the projection distance is 5 m. It follows that the projection distance needs to be increased by 20 cm (5 + 0.2 = 5.2 m).

Ceiling bracket mounting

For the top installation of equipment, the type of ceiling is taken into account, since it can be concrete, stretch, suspended or plasterboard.

1. If the room has concrete ceiling, then using a tool such as a puncher, you should make holes in it, after which, drive plastic dowels into them. Next, you need to align the holes on the bracket plate with the same ones on the ceiling, and tighten the screws. Of course, the cable connected to the equipment does not look very aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, if you know in advance before starting repairs in the apartment that the room will be used as a cinema, it is necessary to cut (stroke) a groove in the ceiling for laying wires. As a last resort, the wires are remarkably hidden in a plastic cable channel.
   
2. Plasterboard ceiling perfect for hanging the projector and making all the wires invisible. But, if you are dealing with a previously mounted and painted coating, then you can hang the unit using a butterfly dowel (if the weight of the device is not more than 5 kg). This fastener is different in that when the self-tapping screw is screwed in, half of the plastic dowel opens and is securely fixed on the plasterboard panel. Before inserting the dowel, it is necessary to drill a hole of the correct diameter so that it fits very tightly into it. Otherwise, when tightening the self-tapping screw, the dowel will scroll. In the case of a large mass of the device, the projector is mounted on a metal partition, which serves to fasten drywall sheets.
3. Collapsible false ceiling consists of cells that are easily removed, after which the bracket is fixed directly to the concrete in the manner described earlier. Further, in the tile, pulled out of the cell, a hole is cut for the bracket rod, after which it is installed in place.
   
4. To mount the projector to stretch ceiling, without the help of specialists can not do. If you are going to install equipment before installing a stretch ceiling, then first a mortgage is attached to the base ceiling, to which the mounting plate will be fixed. But if the length of the rod is sufficient, then you can not use the mortgage. After carrying out these works, specialists in stretch ceilings will burn a hole in the canvas and strengthen it with a special ring. The bracket rod will pass through this hole. In the case when the stretch ceiling is already mounted, the only way out is to partially dismantle it, with its subsequent installation in its original place, after fixing the bracket.

See also: common mistakes when installing a projector.

Projector Setup Features

Any projector, regardless of model, needs to be configured after installation. This is done in a step-by-step sequence.

1. It is necessary to turn on the device and make it so that the room is dark.
2. If the projector has an adjustment capability, they are used to adjust the position of the image. If this possibility is not available, then this is done manually. It is enough just to change the position of the projector itself or the projection surface.
3. Adjust focus, contrast and brightness.

Many owners of this equipment offer to use automatic settings. You can choose the one that suits you and use it for viewing. When everything is ready, you should connect the signal source and start watching the video.

How to connect the projector to other devices

Connection to other devices is possible if the connectors match. Otherwise, you will need to select special adapters and cables.

How to connect the projector to a computer

Most often, the following types of connectors are used to connect the device to a computer:

The last option is the least used.

To connect, you need to take a suitable cable (if necessary, use an adapter) and connect the computer and the projector with it. Using an HDMI cable gives the user a number of benefits. First, the image quality will be the best. Secondly, it allows you to transmit sound to the projector. Accordingly, it will turn out to connect the speaker system. You can’t do this with a VGA cable.

After that, you need to decide which display mode will be used. To do this, you need to press the combination «Win + P» on the keyboard and select one of the options:

• the image is shown on the computer, but is not on the canvas;
• video is broadcast only on the projector;
• the image is visible on both screens;
• a special feature in which the projection surface becomes a continuation of the image on the monitor.

Duplication, when the picture is visible on both screens, is often used for presentations and lectures. Image extension comes in handy when you need to perform several tasks at once — for example, watch a video and write a report on it.

How to connect a projector to a TV

If the TV does not meet the quality requirements of the user, then the image from it can be transferred to the projector. It is important to remember that this can only be done if the TV has the following video outputs:

• RCA;
• SCARD;
• S-Video (OUT).

Modern TV models most often do not have such connectors. Another connection option is to connect the output cable Out on the TV and In on the projector. If there are any problems, then you need to use special adapters.

After that, just turn on both devices. In the projector settings, you need to select playback through the connector to which the TV is connected.

Read more about connecting a projector to a TV.

How to connect the projector with a set-top box

In addition, you can connect an ordinary satellite / cable / digital set-top box to the device. This is the easiest to do. It is enough to find the same connectors on both types of equipment and purchase the appropriate cable. The most appropriate is usually is HDMI. When everything is ready, it remains to turn on both devices and on the projector choose to display the picture from the connector connected to the set-top box. Thus, you can replace the large and bulky TV in the apartment with a flat screen that is easy to remove if you do not plan to use it.

How to connect a projector to a phone

Those projectors with HDMI connectors marked MHL can be easily connected to a mobile device. Thanks to this, you can display the image from your smartphone or tablet on the projection screen. The main thing to do before that is to buy an HDMI cable and an MHL adapter. This adapter connects your phone via micro USB to the HDMI connector on the projector. The most important advantage of this connection method is the ability to simultaneously charge the device and transmit an image from it to the projector. In addition, this method allows you to watch all the videos saved on your smartphone in good quality and in full screen size, and not on a small screen.

It is important to remember that the projector itself does not guarantee high quality images. To do this, you must connect and configure the device in accordance with the instructions. In addition, you should correctly calculate the distance between the projector and the screen. If everything is done correctly, then you can enjoy a high-quality image transmitted from almost any device in your home.