Ask Proxima C300HB User Manual

ASK Proxima C300 and C300HB (DP8000 and DP8000HB) Projectors Frequently Asked Questions: Installation

Do I have to buy an ASK Proxima ceiling mount? I see that other companies offer mounts for less money. Can't I just build my own mount?

We strongly suggest that you use an ASK Proxima-approved ceiling mount with your projector. There are two basic reasons for this.

First, our mounts are designed for a specific projector. They are built so they do not interfere with air circulation in and out of the projector. This is an important because when you install a projector on the ceiling, you are installing it in the warmest part of the room. Our mounts are made to bear the weight of the projector. We don't have any 'one-size-fits-all' mounts. We use heavy-gauge steel and sturdy fasteners.

Second, should anything happen to your projector due to a non-approved ceiling mount, your warranty will not pay for repairs.

Can I mount this projector on the ceiling?

Yes. You use a ceiling mount kit (SP-CEIL-001), available from your ASK Proxima reseller. You'll probably also want to run installation and video cables to the projector, as well as a power cable. Many of these items are also available from your ASK Proxima reseller. Most people arrange to have a professional installer mount the projector on the ceiling and run the cables.

What is the projection ratio (throw ratio) for this projector?

The horizontal throw ratio for this projector is 1.75 - 2.24:1 in 4:3 mode. The two numbers represent the largest and smallest zoom settings. The horizontal throw ratio is based on the horizontal measurement of the projected image.

How do I use the throw ratio to determine throw distance or image size?

The horizontal throw ratio for this projector is 1.75 - 2.24:1 in 4:3 mode. The horizontal throw ratio equals the throw distance divided by the image width. TR = TD / W. Let's say that you want to figure out how far back to place the projector to achieve a 100" wide image in the default 4:3 aspect ratio. For the smallest zoom setting, the formula would be, 1.75 = TD / 100", or TD = 100" x 1.75 = 175 inches (about 14.6 feet).

For the widest zoom setting, the formula is 2.24 = TD / 100", or TD = 2.24 x 100 = 224 inches (about 18.7 feet). In other words, you need to place the projector 14.6 to 18.7 feet from the screen to get a 100" wide image.

You can use the same formula to determine what size an image you get when you know what the throw distance is. In this case, W (image width) = TD (throw distance) / TR (throw ratio). Let's say that you know the projector will be mounted 12 feet from the screen. For the widest zoom setting, the formula is W = 144" / 1.75 = 82.3 inches. For the smallest zoom setting, the formula is W = 144" / 2.24 = 64.3 inches. Thus, if the LP790/LP790HB is 12 feet (144") from the screen, the resulting image size will be 64.3" to 82.3" wide in 4:3 aspect ratio.

ASK Proxima has created a calculator that automatically provides you with throw distances and image sizes (including horizontal, diagonal and vertical sizes). It is available from the ASK Proxima website.

Can this projector be mounted on the wall?

Yes, as long as it mounted either upside down or right side up. The projector cannot be mounted sideways.

Can the image be reversed and flipped?

Yes. When you mount the projector on the ceiling, you must flip the image so it appears right side up on the screen. To flip the image, press the Menu button on the keypad. Navigate to Basic > Setup > System, and check the Ceiling option.

You can also reverse the image for installation in a rear projection system by activating the Rear option. In a rear projection system, the projector is mounted behind a piece of opaque or frosted glass. The image projects on the back of the glass.

How far from the table top or the ceiling is the image cast by this projector? What is the image offset for this projector?

The image offset for this projector is 90%.

What is image offset? — The 'image offset' percentage for a projector tells you where the image will appear in relation to the plane of the lens. An image offset of 0 means that half of the image is above the lens plane and half is below. An image offset of 100% means that the entire image is above the lens plane, with the bottom right at the lens plane. An offset value of more than 100% means that the image appears a distance above the lens plane.

4:3 aspect ratio—In 4:3 aspect ratio, the offset value is 90%. This means that the top of the image is above the lens plane when the projector is mounted on the ceiling (or below the lens plane when placed on a tabletop, as shown above).

16:9 aspect ratio—At a 16:9 aspect ratio, the bottom of the image is higher than when projected in 4:3 ratio—.125 of the 4:3 image height. This is because a 16:9 image that is the same width as a 4:3 image is also one-eighth smaller on the top and one-eighth smaller on the bottom.

Calculating image offset— The image-offset amount varies, depending on how far away the projector is from the wall and by how big the image is. To calculate the image offset for 4:3 aspect ratio, multiply the image height x .90. For a 50" tall image, the top of the image will be the distance between the ceiling and the lens plane less 4.5".

NOTE You can find the image height by using the ASK Proxima Projection Calculator.

What kind of screen should I use with this projector? Can I use a light colored wall?

First, for best results, we do not recommend casting images (especially video) on a light colored wall. While you will certainly get a viewable image, the color reproduction will not be accurate. Wall textures may also create image artifacts.

What screen you use depends on the viewing audience and the amount of light in the room (ambient light). Say the seating arrangement requires that you have a wide viewing angle and that the room has some ambient light. Choose a screen with a lower gain (for example, a DaLite HC-Da-Mat, a gray screen with 0.8 gain). If your viewing angle is narrower, you can choose a higher gain screen (for example the Stewart Grayhawk). Higher gain screens are also better for images larger than 100" wide. One issue to be aware of is that the higher the gain on a screen, the more likely you will notice "hot-spotting" and sparkles in the image. You should work with your screen supplier to make sure you get the appropriate screen for your circumstances. Find more information at DaLite Screen Company or Stewart Filmscreen Corporation.

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