Frequently Asked Questions
Input/Signal Problems
Q:
During my business presentation, my projector lost the computer signal after 15 minutes.
A:
Believe it or not, one of the most common causes of this is the laptop computer running off batteries. Your laptop will know that it only has limited resources while running on batteries, thus, will disable all "unnecessary" connected hardware (i.e. your projector). Simply plug the power cord into the laptop and restart.
Q:
I have my projector connected to my new laptop but have been unable to achieve 'dual display.' I have tried toggling my FN plus the F8 keys (FN + combination varies by laptop manufacturer, refer to your specific users guide) and am still only seeing a "No Input" display on my projector. What could be wrong?
A:
Some newer laptops have been shipping with advanced video card capabilities which could override the FN + F8 toggling combination. Enter the Advanced Display properties in your laptop and look for a tab, which would resemble the image below. You may need to activate your external VGA port via this method.
I have my projector connected to my new laptop but have been unable to achieve 'dual display.' I have tried toggling my FN plus the F8 keys (FN + combination varies by laptop manufacturer, refer to your specific users guide) and am still only seeing a "No Input" display on my projector. What could be wrong?
A:
Some newer laptops have been shipping with advanced video card capabilities which could override the FN + F8 toggling combination. Enter the Advanced Display properties in your laptop and look for a tab, which would resemble the image below. You may need to activate your external VGA port via this method.
Q:
I just purchased a brand new DVD player with a DVI output. It seems to work fine when I connect it via component cables, but not via DVI. What could be wrong?
A:
The first thing you should do is verify whether your DVD player and projectors DVI port are HDCP compatible. If your user manuals do not address HDCP, a simple call to Projector People and the manufacturer of your DVD player should answer the compatibility question. The next step would be to verify that the DVD player is set to output a digital signal via the DVI port. Most current DVD players with DVI output need specific settings adjusted to output via the DVI port.
Q:
My presentation has embedded MPEG video/DVD video, which I would like to display. However, when the movie/video begins to play, I am only seeing a black box on the projected image where the movie should be playing. What could be wrong?
A:
In most cases, Windows will lock out the ability to display motion video in two locations simultaneously because of the excessive resources needed. To bypass this, here are three options:
You can toggle off your laptop screen entirely so the projector is the primary display device.
The other option would be to open a generic Windows media player prior to opening/starting your presentation. Windows will lock focus its lock on that one player, thus freeing up all remaining resources to display your true video/presentation.
Most video card manufacturers offer frequent driver updates. Search the manufacturers web site for updated drivers to your video card. Often there are new options included that can override the Windows lock.
Q:
I have recently upgraded my home theater cable receiver to supply my projector with HDTV signal, so why I am receiving "No Input Detected?"
A:
If you're using an HDMI cable, try connecting the cable to another device to make sure that you do not have a faulty cable. If this does not resolve the issue, simply give our Technical Support department a call (800/639-3010 ext. 2666) and we can quickly help you troubleshoot the problem.
Q:
My projector is not getting a signal or displaying a picture. Why?
A:
When setting up your equipment, it is very important that you turn on the projector first. You will see a blank projection image, now turn on the computer.
When using a laptop computer you may need to disable your computer's display screen. To do this, locate the "function" key at the top of your keypad that reads "LCD," "CRT," or it may have an icon that resembles a computer monitor. By pressing the "FN" key and the corresponding "function" key you will be able to display the image from the projector only. This is known as "toggling" the image.
Q:
With the Mac PowerBook, how can I display both internal and external video at the same time?
A:
The method of controlling whether the internal screen works in addition to the projector is called "video mirroring."
To control video mirroring, in Control Panel, PowerBook Display, set Video Mirroring to ON for both internal and external, or OFF for image on only the external panel or only the internal, depending on monitor selection in Monitors.
If running Mac OS 8.0 or higher, set your Powerbook display to 800x600 or 1024x768 at 60 hz.
Q:
How do I set up the remote mouse?
A:
Most projectors can emulate a mouse when connected to a computer using one of the remote mouse cables (serial, PS/2 or Mac ADB). Refer to the projector user guide too see if remote mouse is available.
Connect the mouse cable between the projector and the computer/laptop. Note: If using a PC laptop, the best choice is the PS/2 style connection. On a Mac, use the ADB cable.
Check the mouse driver in Windows:
Windows XP and greater: In Control Panel, click on Mouse and check the driver. The driver should be set on either Standard PS/2 or Standard Serial depending on which cable is used.
Turn on equipment. With the Mouse Cable and Mouse Driver setup, turn on the projector and restart the computer.
If the steps above do not activate the remote mouse, follow the troubleshooting steps below:
Verify that an external mouse works in the same port that is used for the projector's mouse. (Example, if using the serial port on your PC, test the port with a 9-pin serial mouse, etc.)
Verify that the non-computer control functions on the remote work. (eg: Can it bring up the projector menus?) If not, try replacing the batteries.
If unable to operate the remote mouse, power down the projector and wait one minute (leave computer powered on). Turn the projector back on. The remote mouse should now work.
Apple: Try loading the Mac without any extensions loading.
Q:
I get an image from my projector, but my computer screen has gone black. I need to see images on both displays, what do I do?
A:
For Laptop PCs: If you are seeing what you want on your laptop, but not your projector, you will need to activate the external monitor port on your laptop. Typically you will find this on one of the function keys labeled LCD/CRT or an icon that looks like two monitors.
If you see the image on your projector but not on your laptop you more than likely need to toggle the laptop in the same way mentioned above. If the laptop will only display the projector or the LCD panel on the laptop individually, that indicates that the video card in the laptop will not support dual display. Most, but not all, laptops support dual display.
Dead or Stuck Pixels
Q:
I think I may have a dead/stuck pixel on my LCD projector, what will it look like?
A:
The stuck pixel will appear to be a very small dot which will remain the same color. The color of the dot depends on which panel (red, green, or blue) has the stuck pixel.
Q:
I think I have a dead/stuck mirror on my DLP projector, what would it look like?
A:
Here is an example of what a stuck DLP mirror will look like when projecting. Like a stuck LCD pixel, the stuck DLP pixel will appear as a very small dot on the image.
Effects on image quality due to keystone correction
One thing to consider when installing your new projector is the effects keystone correction will have on the projected image quality. The first thing to understand is that when you adjust your projector's keystone settings, there are no parts in the projector that physically move. The projector is actually altering the image digitally. As with any digital intervention, you would be opening the door to possible distortions in the image.
This is most specifically noted when attempting to display in native resolutions of video signals.
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