Install projectors in 5 steps

Our guide tells you everything you need to know about installing a projector quickly. Install your home cinema, presentation or school projector in just 5 steps. Quick and easy!

Assuming that the optics of a projector offer a projection ratio of 1.5 - 1.66:1, a distance of 1.5 - 1.66 m is needed for 1 m image width.

To achieve an image width of 2 m, we calculate 2 × 1.66 = 3.32. This value corresponds to the greatest distance to the wall in metres. Then we calculate 2 × 1.5 = 3. This value corresponds to the smallest distance between the projector and the screen. So we can vary the distance of the projector between 3 and 3.32 metres to get an image width of 2 metres.

For example, an offset value of 50 per cent means that a projector must be aligned with the bottom edge of the screen for a straight projection.

An offset value of 0 percent means that the projector is level with the centre of the screen, which is usually the case with projectors with good lens shift. For ceiling mounting, this offset must be mirrored vertically downwards accordingly, especially if the projector is to be hung there.

Vertical and horizontal lens shift can only be combined to a limited extent. When using horizontal and vertical lens shift at the same time, both limit each other and the maximum values cannot be reached. When trying to set the maximum values, the lens therefore follows the shape of a stop sign rather than a rectangle.

The lens shift value is always given from the centre of the lens. This means that with a vertical lens shift of e.g. +/-50%, the image can be shifted up or down by 50% of the image height from the centre of the image. The same applies to the horizontal lens shift.

There are several ways to adjust the keystone correction. The classic method is to press a button on the surface of the projector. A little more comfortable is the adjustment by remote control.

Classic colour settings for home cinema are e.g. "Cinema". For business projectors used in conference or meeting rooms, we recommend the colour setting "Presentation" or a comparable setting. This reduces colour fidelity but offers high brightness. Optimal for bright rooms.

On the other hand, avoid the picture setting "Bright". Here you achieve maximum brightness, but at the expense of picture quality. If you want to calibrate yourself, this will not reach the level of a professional calibration, but it can improve the picture. Use test images for this purpose. You can find a suitable provider via Google search.

In addition to the default settings, some projectors offer colour management settings. Depending on the model, calibration menus according to the ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) or ISF ccc standard are available. These allow you to save colour profiles after the projector has been calibrated by a certified body. Compared to the conventional mode, a calibrated projector gives you a significantly better picture quality.

The setting of the lamp influences the picture quality. In most cases, you can choose between normal and eco mode. In normal mode, the full brightness is achieved. For bright rooms, this mode is therefore a must. If it is possible to darken the room, Eco mode is a good alternative. The light output is reduced and the picture appears somewhat darker. This has a positive effect on the image contrast and extends the life of the projector lamp.