Ask Proxima C60 User Manual

ASK C20 and C60 Projectors Frequently Asked Questions: Installation

Can I mount the product on the ceiling?

Yes. You use a ceiling mount kit, available from your ASK Proxima reseller. You'll probably also want to run video, audio and RS-232 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.

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.

What is the projection ratio (throw ratio) for the product?

Both models have a horizontal throw ratio of 1.48 to 1.92. 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 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 LP290 to achieve a 60" wide image. For the widest zoom setting, the formula would be,

1.48 = TD / 60", or TD = 60" x 1.48 = 88.8 inches (about 7.4 feet).

For the widest zoom setting, the formula is 1.92 = TD / 60", or TD = 1.92 x 60 = 115.2 inches (about 9.6 feet). In other words, you need to place the projector 7.4 to 9.6 feet from the screen to get a 60" 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 located 12 feet from the screen. For the widest zoom setting, the formula is W = 144" / 1.48 = 97.3 inches. For the smallest zoom setting, the formula is W = 144" / 1.92 = 75 inches. Thus, if the LP290 is 12 feet (144") from the screen, the resulting image size will be 75" to 97.3" wide.

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 on the ASK Proxima Website.

Can the product be mounted on the wall?

Yes, as long as it mounted either upside down or right side up. The projector cannot be mounted sideways. ASK Proxima does not sell a wall mount for this projector.

Can the image be flipped upside down or reversed?

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 Setup > System, and select the Ceiling option. Press the Source/Select button to enable the Ceiling option.

You can also reverse the image for installation in a rear projection system by activating the Rear Project 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. To reverse the image, press the Menu button on the keypad. Navigate to Setup > System, and select the Rear option. Press the Source/Select button to enable the Rear option.

How far from the ceiling is the image cast by the product when it is ceiling mounted? What is the image offset for the product?

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 iimage offset of 100% means that all of the 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.

Why have image offset? The reason that ASK Proxima adds image offset to a projector is so the image can be projected at a good viewing level, and still maintain its rectangular shape. In other words, with image offset, you avoid keystoning, where the image is larger on top than on the bottom.

The image offset for the product is 100%. When you place the projector on a tabletop, the bottom of the image will be even with the projection lens. Likewise, when you mount the projector on the ceiling, the top of the image will be even with the lens plane. Thus, the distance between the ceiling and the top of the image will equal the height of the projector mount. You can use a ceiling mount extension to hang the projector lower. This allows you to mount the screen in a comfortable viewing level.

Are there optional lenses available for the product?

Currently, there are no optional lenses available. However, the zoom lens on the product allows for a great deal of flexibility when installing the projector.

What kind of screen should I use with the product? 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, Vutec or Stewart Filmscreen Corporation.