Benq MX815ST, MX815STPLUS, MX816ST User Manual

MX815ST/MX815ST+/MX816ST

Digital Projector

User Manual

Table of contents

Important safety
instructions ...........................	3
Introduction..........................	7
Projector features.....................................	7
Shipping contents ......................................	8
Projector exterior view...........................	9
Controls and functions ..........................	10

Positioning your projector13

Choosing a location................................	13
Obtaining a preferred projected image
size..............................................................	14
Connection .........................	15
Connecting video source devices........	16
Operation............................	17
Starting up the projector ......................	17
Adjusting the projected image .............	18
Using the menus......................................	20
Securing the projector...........................	21
Switching input signal .............................	24
Magnifying and searching for details ...	25
Selecting the aspect ratio ......................	25
Optimizing the image .............................	27
Setting the presentation timer.............	30
Remote paging operations ....................	31
Freezing the image ..................................	31
Hiding the image......................................	31
Locking control keys ..............................	31
Operating in a high altitude
environment .............................................	32
Adjusting the sound................................	32
Shutting down the projector................	33
Direct power off .....................................	33

Menu operation ......................................	34
Maintenance........................	44
Care of the projector............................	44
Lamp information ...................................	45
Troubleshooting ................	51
Specifications ......................	52
Projector specifications.........................	52
Dimensions ..............................................	53
Ceiling mount installation .....................	53
Wall mount installation.........................	54
Timing chart.............................................	56
Warranty and Copyright
information .........................	59

2 Table of contents

Important safety instructions

Your projector is designed and tested to meet the latest standards for safety of information technology equipment. However, to ensure safe use of this product, it is important that you follow the instructions mentioned in this manual and marked on the product.

Safety Instructions

1.Please read this manual before you operate your projector. Save it for future reference.

2.Do not look straight at the projector lens during operation.

The intense light beam may damage your eyes.

3.Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

4.Always open the lens shutter (if any) or remove the lens cap (if any) when the projector lamp is on.

5.In some countries, the line voltage is NOT stable. This projector is designed to operate safely within a mains voltage between 100 to 240 volts AC, but could fail if power cuts or surges of ±10 volts occur. In areas where the mains voltage may fluctuate or cut out, it is recommended that you connect your projector through a power stabilizer, surge protector or uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

6.Do not block the projection lens with any objects as this could cause the objects to become heated and deformed or even cause a fire. To temporarily turn off the lamp, press ECO BLANK on the projector or remote control.

Important safety instructions

3

Safety Instructions (Continued)

7.The lamp becomes extremely hot during operation. Allow the projector to cool for approximately 45 minutes prior to removing the lamp assembly for replacement.

8.Do not operate lamps beyond the rated lamp life. Excessive operation of lamps beyond the rated life could cause them to break on rare occasions.

9.Never replace the lamp assembly or any electronic components unless the projector is unplugged.

10.Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, sustaining serious damage.

11.Do not attempt to disassemble this projector. There are dangerous high voltages inside which may cause death if you should come into contact with live parts. The only user serviceable part is the lamp which has its own removable cover.

Under no circumstances should you ever undo or remove any other covers. Refer servicing only to suitably qualified professional service personnel.

12.When the projector is under operation, you may sense some heated air and odor from its ventilation grill. It is a normal phenomenon and not a product defect.

4 Important safety instructions

Safety Instructions (Continued)

13.Do not place this projector in any of the following environments.

-Space that is poorly ventilated or confined. Allow at least 50 cm clearance from walls and free flow of air around the projector.

-Locations where temperatures may become excessively high, such as the inside of a car with all windows rolled up.

-Locations where excessive humidity, dust, or cigarette smoke may contaminate optical components, shorten the projector's life span and darken the image.

-Locations near fire alarms

-Locations with an ambient temperature above 40°C / 104°F

-Locations where the altitudes are higher than 3000 m (10000 feet).

3000 m

(10000 feet)

0 m (0 feet)

14.Do not block the ventilation holes.

-Do not place this projector on a blanket, bedding or any other soft surface.

-Do not cover this projector with a cloth or any other item.

-Do not place inflammables near the projector.

If the ventilation holes are seriously obstructed, overheating inside the projector may result in a fire.

15.Always place the projector on a level, horizontal surface during operation.

-Do not use if tilted at an angle of more than 10 degrees left to right, nor at angle of more than 15 degrees front to back. Using the projector when it is not fully horizontal may cause a malfunction of, or damage to, the lamp.

16.Do not stand the projector on end vertically. Doing so may cause the projector to fall over, causing injury or resulting in damage to the projector.

Important safety instructions

5

Safety Instructions (Continued)

17.Do not step on the projector or place any objects upon it. Besides probable physical damage to the projector, doing so may result in accidents and possible injury.

18.Do not place liquids near or on the projector. Liquids spilled into the projector may cause it to fail. If the projector does become wet, disconnect it from the power supply's power outlet and call BenQ to have the projector serviced.

19.This product is capable of displaying inverted images for ceiling mount installation.

Use only BenQ's Ceiling Mount Kit for mounting the projector and ensure it is securely installed.

Ceiling mounting the projector

We want you to have a pleasant experience using your BenQ projector, so we need to bring this safety matter to your attention to prevent possible damage to person and property.

If you intend to mount your projector on the ceiling, we strongly recommend that you use a proper fitting BenQ projector ceiling mount kit and that you ensure it is securely and safely installed.

If you use a non-BenQ brand projector ceiling mount kit, there is a safety risk that the projector may fall from the ceiling due to an improper attachment through the use of the wrong gauge or length screws.

You can purchase a BenQ projector ceiling mount kit from the place you purchased your BenQ projector. BenQ recommends that you also purchase a separate Kensington lock compatible security cable and attach it securely to both the Kensington lock slot on the projector and the base of the ceiling mount bracket. This will perform the secondary role of restraining the projector should its attachment to the mounting bracket become loose.

Hg - Lamp contains mercury. Manage in accordance with local disposal laws. See www.lamprecycle.org.

20.This apparatus must be earthed.

6 Important safety instructions

Introduction

Projector features

The projector integrates high-performance optical engine projection and a user-friendly design to deliver high reliability and ease of use.

The projector offers the following features.

•Network Settings allowing management of projector status from a computer using a web browser

•ECO BLANK - With Philips ImageCare® technology, the Eco Blank function will save up to 70% of your lamp power at the same time your image is hiding

•3D function to enjoy the 3D movies, videos, and sporting events in a more realistic way by presenting the depth of the images

•Brilliant color / VIDI to provide truer, more vibrant colors in picture

•Closed captioning to display the dialogue, narration, and sound effects of TV programs and videos

•Variable audio output

•Wall color correction allowing projection on surfaces of several predefined colors

•Quick auto search speeding up the signal detecting process

•Selectable password protected function

•3D color management allowing color adjustments to your liking

•Selectable quick cooling function making the projector cool in a shorter time

•Presentation timer for better control of time during presentations

•One-key auto-adjustment to display the best picture quality

•Digital keystone correction to correct distorted images

•Adjustable color balance control for data/video display

•Ability to display 1.07 billion colors

•Multi-language On-Screen Display (OSD) menus

•Switchable normal and economic modes to reduce the power consumption

•Built-in speaker providing mixed mono audio when an audio input is connected

•Component HDTV compatibility (YPbPr)

• The apparent brightness of the projected image will vary depending on the ambient lighting conditions, selected input signal contrast/brightness settings, and is directly proportional to projection distance.

•The lamp brightness will decline over time and may vary within the lamp manufacturers specifications. This is normal and expected behavior.

Introduction 7

Shipping contents

Carefully unpack and verify that you have all of the items shown below. If any of these items are missing, please contact your place of purchase.

Standard accessories

The supplied accessories will be suitable for your region, and may differ from those illustrated.

*The warranty card is only supplied in some specific regions. Please consult your dealer for detailed information.

Projector

Power cord

VGA cable

Quick start guide

User manual CD

Warranty card*

Remote control with battery

Pull the tab before using the remote control.

Optional accessories

1.	Spare lamp kit	3.	RS232 cable
2.	Wall mount kit	4.	Soft carry case

8 Introduction

Projector exterior view

Front/upper side

2

1

3

4

Rear/lower side

15 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24

11

13 14 12

1.Lamp cover

2.External control panel

(See "Controls and functions" on page 10 for details.)

3.Vent (heated air exhaust)

54. Quick-release button

5.Focus ring

66. Vent (cool air intake)

77. Speaker grill

88. Front IR remote sensor

9.Projection lens

910. Lens cap

1011. AC power jack

12.Rear adjuster foot

13.Ceiling mount holes

14.Front adjuster foot

15.RS232 control port

16.RJ45 LAN input jack

17.USB port

18.Rear IR remote sensor

19.HDMI-input port

20.RGB signal output jack

21.RGB (PC)/Component Video (YPbPr/ YCbCr) signal input jack

22.S-Video input jack

25Video input jack

23.Audio (L/R) input jacks

24.Audio input jacks Audio output jack

25.Kensington anti-theft lock slot

Introduction 9

Controls and functions

Projector			6.	TEMPerature warning light
				Lights up red if the projector's
				temperature becomes too high.
1			7.	POWER indicator light
		6		Lights up or flashes when the projector is
		7		under operation.
	2	8	8.	Keystone/Arrow keys ( / Up,	/
				Down)
	3	9
	4	10		Manually corrects distorted images
		11		resulting from an angled projection.
		12
	5		9.	Auto
		13
				Automatically determines the best picture
		8
1.	Focus ring			timings for the displayed image.
	Adjusts the focus of the projected image. 10.			Right/
2.	LAMP indicator light			Increases the projector volume.
	Indicates the status of the lamp. Lights up
				When the On-Screen Display (OSD)
	or flashes when the lamp has developed a
				menu is activated, the #4, #8, and #10
	problem.
				keys are used as directional arrows to
3.	MENU/EXIT
				select the desired menu items and to
	Turns on the On-Screen Display (OSD)
				make adjustments.
	menu. Goes back to previous OSD menu, 11.			POWER
	exits and saves menu settings.			Toggles the projector between standby
4.	Left/
				mode and on.
	Decreases the projector volume.		12.	MODE/ENTER
5.	ECO BLANK			Selects an available picture setup mode.
	Used to hide the screen picture.			Activates the selected On-Screen Display
				(OSD) menu item.
			13.	SOURCE

Displays the source selection bar.

10 Introduction

Remote control

1 2

3 4 5 6

7

9.Keystone/Arrow keys ( /Up,

8 / Down)

9Manually corrects distorted images

resulting from an angled projection.

1010. Auto

11Automatically determines the best picture timings for the displayed image.

12Right11.

13	When the On-Screen Display (OSD)
9	menu is activated, the #3, #9, and #11

14keys are used as directional arrows to

15select the desired menu items and to make adjustments.

1612. SOURCE

1. POWER

Toggles the projector between standby mode and on.

2. Freeze

Freezes the projected image.

3. Left

4.SMART ECO

Displays the lamp mode selection bar.

5.ECO BLANK

Used to hide the screen picture.

6.Digital Zoom (+, -)

Magnifies or reduces the projected picture size.

7.Volume +/-

Adjusts the sound level.

8.MENU/EXIT

Turns on the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu. Goes back to previous OSD menu, exits and saves menu settings.

Displays the source selection bar.

13.MODE/ENTER

Selects an available picture setup mode.

Activates the selected On-Screen Display (OSD) menu item.

14.Timer On

Activates or displays an on-screen timer based on your own timer setting.

15.Timer Set up

Enters presentation timer setting directly.

16.PAGE UP/PAGE DOWN

Operate your display software program (on a connected PC) which responds to page up/down commands (like Microsoft PowerPoint).

Introduction 11

Remote control effective range

Infra-Red (IR) remote control sensors are located on the front and back of the projector. The remote control must be held at an angle within 30 degrees perpendicular to the projector's IR remote control sensors to function correctly. The distance between the remote control and the sensors should not exceed 8 meters (~ 26 feet).

Make sure that there are no obstacles between the remote control and the IR sensors on the projector that might obstruct the infra-red beam.

• Operating the projector from the front • Operating the projector from the rear

Approx.+15º Approx.+15º

Replacing the remote control battery

1.Pull out the battery holder.

Please follow the illustrated instructions. Push and hold the locking arm while pulling out the battery holder.

2.Insert the new battery in the holder. Note the positive polarity should face outward.

3.Push the holder into the remote control.

• Avoid excessive heat and humidity.

• There may be battery damage if the battery is incorrectly replaced.

• Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the battery manufacturer.

• Dispose of the used battery according to the battery manufacturer's instructions.

• Never throw a battery into a fire. There may be danger of an explosion.

• If the battery is dead or if you will not be using the remote control for a long time, remove the battery to prevent damage to the remote control from possible battery leakage.

12 Introduction

Positioning your projector

Choosing a location

Your projector is designed to be installed in one of four possible installation locations:

1.Front Table

Select this location with the projector placed on the table in front of the screen. This is the most common way to position the projector for quick setup and portability.

2.Front Ceiling

Select this location with the projector suspended upside-down from the ceiling in front of the screen.

Purchase the BenQ Projector Ceiling Mount Kit from your dealer to mount your projector on the ceiling.

Set Front Ceiling in the SYSTEM SETUP: Basic > Projector Position menu after you turn the projector on.

3.Rear Ceiling

Select this location with the projector suspended upside-down from the ceiling behind the screen.

Note that a special rear projection screen and the BenQ Projector Ceiling Mount Kit are required for this installation location.

Set Rear Ceiling in the SYSTEM SETUP: Basic > Projector Position menu after you turn the projector on.

4.Rear Table

Select this location with the projector placed on the table behind the screen.

Note that a special rear projection screen is required.

Set Rear Table in the SYSTEM SETUP: Basic > Projector Position menu after you turn the projector on.

Your room layout or personal preference will dictate which installation location you select. Take into consideration the size and position of your screen, the location of a suitable power outlet, as well as the location and distance between the projector and the rest of your equipment.

Positioning your projector

13

Obtaining a preferred projected image size

The distance from the projector lens to the screen, the zoom setting, and the video format each factors in the projected image size.

For example, if you are using an 120-inch screen, the recommended projection distance is 1481 mm and the vertical offset is 274 mm.

If your measured projection distance is 2.5 m (2500 mm), the closest match in the "(b) Distance from screen" column is 2469 mm. Looking across this row shows that a 200'' (about 5.1 m) screen is required.

Projection dimensions

Refer to "Dimensions" on page 53 for the center of lens dimensions of this projector before calculating the appropriate position.

(a)

Screen

Center of lens

(c)

(b)

The screen aspect ratio is 4:3 and the projected picture is 4:3

		(a) Screen size			(b) Distance from screen	(c) Vertical offset
	Diagonal		Height	Width
					(mm)	(mm)
	Inches	mm	(mm)	(mm)
	80	2032	1219	1626	988	183
	100	2540	1524	2032	1235	229
	120	3048	1829	2438	1481	274
	150	3810	2286	3048	1852	343
	180	4572	2743	3658	2222	411
	200	5080	3048	4064	2469	457
	220	5588	3353	4470	2716	503
	240	6096	3658	4877	2963	549
	270	6858	4115	5486	3333	617
	300	7620	4572	6096	3704	686

All measurements are approximate and may vary from the actual sizes.

BenQ recommends that if you intend to permanently install the projector, you should physically test the projection size and distance using the actual projector in situ before you permanently install it, so as to make allowance for this projector's optical characteristics. This will help you determine the exact mounting position so that it best suits your installation location.

14 Positioning your projector

Connection

When connecting a signal source to the projector, be sure to:

1.Turn all equipment off before making any connections.

2.Use the correct signal cables for each source.

3.Ensure the cables are firmly inserted.

•In the connections shown below, some cables may not be included with the projector (see "Shipping contents" on page 8). They are commercially available from electronics stores.

•The connection illustrations below are for reference only. The rear connecting jacks available on the projector vary with each projector model.

Notebook or desktop computer

A/V device

Monitor

	(VGA)		(DVI)
		2	3						7	8	Speakers	9
	1			1	4	5	9	6

or

or

1.	VGA cable	6.	Audio L/R cable
2.	VGA to DVI-A cable	7.	S-Video cable
3.	USB cable	8.	Video cable
4.	HDMI cable	9.	Audio cable

5.Component Video to VGA (D-Sub) adapter cable

Connection 15

•Many notebooks do not turn on their external video ports when connected to a projector. Usually a key combo like FN + F3 or CRT/LCD key turns the external display on/off. Locate a function key labeled CRT/ LCD or a function key with a monitor symbol on the notebook. Press FN and the labeled function key simultaneously. Refer to your notebook's documentation to find your notebook's key combination.

•The D-Sub output only works when an appropriate D-Sub input is made to the COMPUTER 1 jack.

•If you wish to use this connection method when the projector is in standby mode, make sure the Monitor Out function is turned on in the SYSTEM SETUP: Advanced menu. See "Standby Settings" on page 42 for details.

Connecting video source devices

You need only connect the projector to a video source device using just one of the connecting methods, however each provides a different level of video quality. The method you choose will most likely depend upon the availability of matching terminals on both the projector and the video source device as described below:

Terminal name	Terminal appearance	Picture quality
HDMI		Best
Component Video		Better
S-Video		Good
Video		Normal

Connecting audio

The projector has one built-in mono speaker which is designed to provide basic audio functionality accompanying data presentations for business purposes only. It is not designed for, nor intended for stereo audio reproduction use as might be expected in home theater or home cinema applications. Any stereo audio input (if provided), is mixed into a common mono audio output through the projector speaker.

The built-in speaker will be muted when the AUDIO OUT jack is connected.

•In the unlikely event that you connect the projector to a DVD player via the projector’s HDMI input and the projected picture displays wrong colors, please change the color space to YUV. See "Changing Color Space" on page 24 for details.

•The projector is only capable of playing mixed mono audio, even if a stereo audio input is connected. See "Connecting audio" on page 16 for details.

•If the selected video image is not displayed after the projector is turned on and the correct video source has been selected, check that the video source device is turned on and operating correctly. Also check that the signal cables have been connected correctly.

16 Connection

Operation

Starting up the projector

1.Plug the power cord into the projector and into a

power outlet. Turn on the power outlet switch (where fitted). Check that the POWER indicator light on the projector lights orange after power has been applied.

Please use the original accessories (e.g. power cord) only with the device to avoid possible dangers such as electric shock and fire.

2.Press POWER on the projector or ON on the remote control to start the projector. As soon as the lamp lights up, a "Power On Tone" will be heard. The POWER indicator light flashes green and stays green when the projector is on.

The start up procedure takes about 30 seconds. In the later stage of start up, a startup logo is projected.

(If necessary) Rotate the focus ring to adjust the image clearness.

To turn off the ring tone, see "Turning off the Power On/Off Ring Tone" on page 33 for details.

If the projector is still hot from previous activity, it will run the cooling fan for approximately 90 seconds before energizing the lamp.

3.If the projector is activated for the first time, select your OSD language following the onscreen instructions.

4.If you are prompted for a password, press the arrow keys to enter a six-digit password. See "Utilizing the password function" on page 21 for details.

5.Switch all of the connected equipment on.

6.The projector will start to search for input signals. The current input signal being scanned displays in the upper left corner of the screen. If

the projector doesn't detect a valid signal, the message “No Signal” will continue displaying until an input signal is found.

You can also press SOURCE on the projector or remote control to select your desired input signal. See "Switching input signal" on page 24 for details.

If the frequency/resolution of the input signal exceeds the projector's operating range, you will see the message “Out of Range” displayed on a blank screen. Please change to an input signal which is compatible with the projector's resolution or set the input signal to a lower setting. See "Timing chart" on page 56 for details.

Operation 17

Adjusting the projected image

Adjusting the projection angle

The projector is equipped with 1 quick-release adjuster foot and 1 rear adjuster foot. These adjusters change the image height and projection angle. To adjust the projector:

1.Press the quick-release button and lift the front of the projector. Once the image is positioned where you want it, release the quick-release button to lock the foot in position.

2.Screw the rear adjuster foot to fine-tune the horizontal angle.

To retract the foot, hold up the projector while pressing the quick-release button, then slowly lower the projector. Screw the rear adjuster foot in a reverse direction.

If the projector is not placed on a flat surface or the screen and the projector are not perpendicular to each other, the projected image becomes trapezoidal. To correct this situation, see "Switching input signal" on page 24 for details.

2

1

Do not look into the lens while the lamp is on. The strong light from the lamp may cause damage to your eyes.

Be careful when you press the quickrelease button as it is close to the exhaust vent where hot air comes from.

Auto-adjusting the image

In some cases, you may need to optimize the picture quality. To do this, press Auto on the projector or remote control. Within 3 seconds, the built-in Intelligent Auto Adjustment function will re-adjust the values of Frequency and Clock to provide the best picture quality.

The current source information will be displayed in the corner of the screen for 3 seconds.

This function is only available when PC signal (analog RGB) is selected.

Fine-tuning the image clarity

Sharpen the image by rotating the focus ring.

18 Operation