Epson MG-50, MG-850HD User's Guide

MegaPlex MG-50/MG-850HD

Home Theater Projector

User’s Guide

Contents

Introduction 5

Projector Parts 6
Optional Accessories 10
Registration and Warranty 10
Using This Manual 11

Setting Up the Projector 12

Choosing a Location 12
Installing the Projector 15
Installing Batteries in the Remote Control 17
Turning the Projector On and Off 17

Turning On the Projector 17
Turning Off the Projector 18

Projecting From an iPod, iPhone, or iPad 19

Connecting an iPod or iPhone 19
Connecting an iPad 20
Checking the Dock Light 21
Removing Your iPod, iPhone, or iPad 22
Device Playback 23

Playing Video and Music From Your iPod, iPhone, or iPad 23
Playing Music When the Projector Is in Standby Mode 24
Controlling Playback 24
Configuring the Screen Saver 25
Projecting Photos, Videos and YouTube Videos From Your iPod, iPhone, or iPad 25
Playing Music With Photos 26

2 Contents

Connecting Other Devices 27

Connecting Video Equipment 27
Connecting Computer Equipment 28

Installing the USB Driver 29
Connecting a Microphone 30

Connecting a USB Storage Device 30

Playing a Slideshow 31
Customizing Slideshow Settings 33

Making Basic Adjustments 34

Positioning the Image 34
Adjusting the Image 36

Resizing the Image 36

Focusing the Image 37
Selecting the Image Source 37
Choosing the Aspect Ratio 38
Choosing the Color Mode 39
Choosing the Sound Mode 40

Making Detailed Adjustments 41

Using the Menu System 41
Fine-tuning the Image 43
Adjusting Signal Settings 45
Customizing Projector Features 47
Customizing Power and Operation 48
Resetting the Projector 50
Using the Projector Security Features 51

Creating Your Own Startup Screen 52

Capturing the Image 52

Locking the Projector 53

Password Protecting 54

iPod Management 56

Using Security Locking 57

Contents 3

Maintenance 58

Cleaning the Lens 58
Cleaning the Projector Case 58
Cleaning and Replacing the Air Filter 59
Replacing the Lamp 61

Resetting the Lamp Usage Timer 63
Checking the Projector Status 64
Storing the Projector 64
Transporting the Projector 65

Problem Solving 66

What To Do When the Lights Come On or Flash 66
Solving Picture Problems 68
Solving Remote Control Problems 71
Where to Get Help 72

Specifications 74

General 74
Lamp 75
Remote Control 75
Dimensions 75
Electrical 75
Environmental 76
Safety 76
Compatible Video Formats 76
System Requirements 79

Notices 81

4 Contents

Introduction

The MegaPlex MG-50/MG-850HD projector lets you enjoy theater-quality images in the
relaxing environment of your own home. Designed especially for home cinema use, it offers
these outstanding features:

■ Built-in dock that allows you to display media from and charge iPods, iPhones, or iPads

■ Native WXGA 720p (MG-850HD) and 540p (MG-50) resolution, and up to

2800 lumens (2200 lumens for the MG-50) of brightness (color light output) for

incredibly rich, sharp images in any room lighting

■ Auto Iris system that constantly controls the light output based on the gamma and

black/white levels of your projected content, for perfectly adjusted images and deepest

blacks

■ EPSON 3LCD technology for reliable picture quality, increased contrast ratio, and

uniform colors

■ HDMI

digital video

■ True 16:9 wide-format projection

®

(High-Definition Multimedia Interface®) port for superior, uncompressed

■ Closed captioning (MG-850HD)

■ Flexible setup configurations, including front projection and ceiling mounted, plus auto

vertical keystone

■ Up to seven (MG-850HD) color modes (five for the MG-50), to quickly optimize

viewing for different lighting environments, and a vast array of custom color adjustments

Introduction 5

Projector Parts

Front

Lamp cover

A/V mute slide

Back

Lens cover

Focus ring

Horizontal keystone slider

Control panel

Light sensor

Port cover

Zoom ring
(MG-850HD only)

Kensington
Security slot

Air exhaust vent

Remote control
receiver

Adjustable foot

Lamp cover

Port cover

Speakers

6 Introduction

Air exhaust
vent

AC power inlet

iPod dock

Remote control receiver

Bottom

Mounting bracket
attachment points

Control Panel

Front adjustable foot

Rear adjustable feet

Status lights

Light sensor

Power button

Source button

Volume

Dock light

Power light

Projector Parts 7

Projector Ports

Side ports

Composite video

HDMI

Back ports

Microphone

Component
video

Audio (L/R)

PC input

USB
TypeB

USB TypeA
(MG-850HD only)

8 Introduction

Remote Control

Source button
Switches between
image sources connected to
the projector

Color Mode button
Optimizes viewing for
different lighting
environments

Menu button
Displays the
projector’s
menus

Menu
navigation
buttons

Turns down
the volume

Illumination button
Lights the playback and
volume buttons for easy
viewing

Power button
Turns projector on or off

Aspect button
Changes the picture’s aspect ratio

User button
Shortcut to selected menu items

Transfers control to the iPod
when connected

Esc (escape) button
Exits the current menu item

Enter button
Selects menu items or opens
the line menu

Controls playback:
Play/Pause
Rewind
Fast-forward

Turns up the
volume

A/V mute button
Temporarily turns projected
images and audio off and on

Projector Parts 9

Optional Accessories

Epson provides the following optional accessories for the projector:

Product Part number

Replacement lamp V13H010L67

Air filter replacement V13H134A37

Kensington

EPSON DC-06 document camera (MG-850HD only) V12H321005

Universal Projector Ceiling Mount ELPMBPJF

Note: When the projector is mounted on the ceiling and the picture is inverted, the iPod dock will
not function.

®

security lock (anti-theft device) ELPSL01

In addition to the accessories listed above, 1-year and 2-year extended service plans are
available. You can purchase these plans and other accessories from an authorized Epson
reseller. To find the nearest reseller, please call 800-GO-EPSON (800-463-7766). To
purchase online, visit www.epsonstore.com (U.S. sales) or www.epson.ca (Canadian sales).

Registration and Warranty

Your projector comes with a basic two-year carry-in warranty. For details, see the warranty
brochure.

In addition, Epson offers free Extra Care
equipment failure, you won’t have to wait for your unit to be repaired. Instead, Epson will
ship you a replacement unit anywhere in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico. See your
Extra Care Home Service brochure for details.

To register, simply follow the registration instructions on the CD, or register online at
epson.com/webreg. Registering also lets you receive special updates on new accessories,
products, and service.

10 Introduction

SM

Home Service. In the unlikely event of an

Using This Manual

This book contains all the information you need to use the projector, in addition to basic
setup and maintenance instructions, troubleshooting tips, and specifications.

Please follow these guidelines as you read through the manual:

Warning: Must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.

Caution: Must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.

Note: Contains important information about your projector.

Tip: Contains helpful projection tips.

Need additional help? Take advantage of Epson’s automated support services 24 hours a day
at epson.com/support (U.S.) or epson.ca/support (Canada). Use this site to view FAQs or
product information and e-mail Epson.

®

If you need more help, you can use the EPSON
[phone] to speak to a representative.

These illustrations show the MG-850HD, but the instructions are the same for the MG-50
unless otherwise noted.

The term “iPod” is used in this manual to describe an iPod, iPhone, or iPad unless otherwise
noted.

PrivateLine® Support service. Call

Using This Manual 11

Setting Up the Projector

Follow the instructions in this section to choose a location for the projector and display an
image.

Choosing a Location

You can install the projector for the viewing setups shown below, as well as front ceiling
projection. For more information on projector installation, see page 15.

Front

Rear

Rear ceiling

Warning: Do not connect an iPod to the projector’s dock when it is suspended from the ceiling.
Attempting to do so may cause the iPod to fall and may cause injury or damage.

12 Setting Up the Projector

Ideally, keep the projector level and place it at a height so its lens is pointing near the bottom
or top of the screen, as shown below.

Center of lens

Offset:

Projection distance

Center of lens

Projection distance

The distance from the center of
the lens to the base of the
screen (or to the top of the
screen, if suspended from a
ceiling)

The size of the image is determined by the distance from the projector’s lens to the screen.
Depending on your display settings and how you use the zoom ring, the actual size may differ.
Use these tables as a guide for projector placement:

16:9 aspect ratio

Diagonal image size Projection distance Offset

35 in.
(88.9 cm)

40 in.
(101.6 cm)

60 in.
(152.4 cm)

80 in.
(203.2 cm)

100 in.
(254 cm)

120 in.
(305 cm)

39 to 47.2 in.
(99 to 120 cm)

44.9 to 53.9 in.
(114 to 137 cm)

67.7 to 81.9 in.
(172 to 208 cm)

90.9 to 109.4 in.
(231 to 278 cm)

113.8 to 137 in.
(289 to 384 cm)

137 to 164.6 in.
(348 to 418 cm)

0.8 in.
(2 cm)

0.8 in.
(2 cm)

1.2 in.
(3 cm)

1.6 in.
(4 cm)

2 in.
(5 cm)

2.8 in.
(7 cm)

Choosing a Location 13

16:9 aspect ratio (continued)

Diagonal image size Projection distance Offset

150 in.
(381 cm)

200 in.
(508 cm)

310 in.
(787.4 cm)

171.3 to 205.9 in.
(435 to 523 cm)

229.1 to 275.2 in.
(582 to 699 cm)

335.5 to 426.8 in.
(903 to 1084 cm)

3.1 in.
(8 cm)

4.3 in.
(11 cm)

6.7 in.
(17 cm)

4:3 aspect ratio

Diagonal image size Projection distance Offset

30 in.
(76.2 cm)

40 in.
(101.6 cm)

60 in.
(152.4 cm)

80 in.
(203.2 cm)

100 in.
(254 cm)

120 in.
(305 cm)

37 to 44.5 in.
(94 to 113 cm)

49.6 to 59.8 in.
(126 to 152 cm)

74.8 to 90.2 in.
(190 to 229 cm)

100.4 to 120.5 in.
(255 to 306 cm)

125.6 to 150.8 in.
(319 to 383 cm)

150.8 to 181.5 in.
(383 to 461 cm)

1.6 in.
(4 cm)

2 in.
(5 cm)

3.1 in.
(8 cm)

4.3 in.
(11 cm)

5.5 in.
(14 cm)

6.3 in.
(16 cm)

150 in.
(381 cm)

200 in.
(508 cm)

280 in.
(711.2 cm)

16:10 aspect ratio

Diagonal image size Projection distance Offset

35 in.
(88.9 cm)

40 in.
(101.6 cm)

60 in.
(152.4 cm)

14 Setting Up the Projector

189 to 227.2 in.
(480 to 577 cm)

252.4 to 303.1 in.
(641 to 770 cm)

353.5 to 424.8 in.
(898 to 1079 cm)

38.2 to 46.1 in.
(97 to 117 cm)

43.7 to 52.8 in.
(111 to 134 cm)

66.1 to 79.5 in.
(168 to 202 cm)

7.9 in.
(20 cm)

10.6 in.
(27 cm)

15 in.
(38 cm)

1.6 in.
(4 cm)

2 in.
(5 cm)

2.8 in.
(7 cm)

16:10 aspect ratio (continued)

Diagonal image size Projection distance Offset

80 in.
(203.2 cm)

100 in.
(254 cm)

120 in.
(305 cm)

150 in.
(381 cm)

200 in.
(508 cm)

320 in.
(812.8 cm)

88.6 to 106.3 in.
(225 to 270 cm)

110.6 to 133.1 in.
(281 to 338 cm)

133.1 to 160.2 in.
(338 to 407 cm)

166.9 to 200.4 in.
(424 to 509 cm)

222.8 to 267.7 in.
(566 to 680 cm)

357.1 to 428.7 in.
(907 to 1089 cm)

3.9 in.
(10 cm)

4.7 in.
(12 cm)

5.5 in.
(14 cm)

7.1 in.
(18 cm)

9.4 in.
(24 cm)

15.4 in.
(39 cm)

Installing the Projector

To install the projector, you first need to determine the location, based on the size of your
screen (maximum diagonal image size). Use the tables on page 13 as a guide to positioning the
projector.

To suspend the projector from the ceiling, you will need the optional projector mount. See
page 10 for ordering information. Follow the instructions included with the mount to install
the projector.

Warning: When installing or adjusting the ceiling mount, do not use adhesives to prevent the
screws from loosening and do not use any type of oil or lubricant. These may cause the projector
casing to crack and the projector may fall, causing serious injury and serious damage to the
projector.

Note: When the projector is mounted on the ceiling and the picture is inverted, the iPod dock will
not function.

If you install the projector on the ceiling, you will need to invert the picture so that it appears
right side up. Follow these steps:

1. Turn on the projector.

2. Press the

3. Open the

Menu button on the remote control.

Extended menu, then select Projection.

Installing the Projector 15

4. Select Front/Ceiling.

5. Press the

Menu button when done.

Note: You can also invert the picture by pressing the A/V mute button for about five seconds.

When the projector is mounted on the ceiling, the left and right speakers are on opposite sides
and the stereo output is reversed. To fix the stereo output, reverse the left and right audio inputs
to the projector.

The following illustrations show the dimensions of the projector:

)

Depth 0.4 in. (1 cm)

4.8 in. (12.1 cm)

13.4 in. (33.97 cm)

3.6 in. (9.2 cm)

11.5 in. (29.2 cm)

1.2 in. (3.1 cm)

1.3 in. (3.4 cm)

4.5 in. (11.5 cm)

16 Setting Up the Projector

5 in. (12.7 cm)

8.2 in. (20.85 cm)

3.9 in. (10 cm)

0.4 in.

(1 cm)

3.4 in (8.5 cm)

Installing Batteries in the Remote Control

The remote control uses two AAA batteries.

Warning: Keep batteries away from children. If a battery is swallowed, contact your doctor
immediately.

1. Release the tab and lift open the cover.

2. Insert two new AAA batteries as shown.

3. Insert the tab on the cover and press it down until it clicks

into place.

Aim the remote control at the screen, or at the front or back of
the projector. Make sure you are within 20 feet (6 m) of the
projector.

If you suspect the batteries are weak, press the illumination button. If the playback and
volume buttons do not glow, replace the batteries.

Turning the Projector On and Off

Turning On the Projector

1. Slide open the lens cover.

2. Turn on any connected equipment you plan to use.

3. Press the Ppower button on the remote control or on

the projector.

Note: To prevent children from turning on the projector, you
can use the Child Lock feature. See page 47 for details.

If you’ll be using the projector at an altitude above 4921 feet (1500 meters), turn on High Altitude
Mode so the fan can properly cool the projector at the high altitude air pressure. See page 50 for
details.

The projector takes about 30 seconds to warm up and display an image. If you don’t see a picture,
you may need to change the image source as described on page 37.

Installing Batteries in the Remote Control 17

Turning Off the Projector

1. Turn off any equipment connected to the projector.

2. Press the Ppower button on the remote control or on the projector.

Caution: Turn off this product when not in use to prolong the life of the projector. Continuous

24-hour-a-day use may reduce the overall life of the product.

3. If you need to move the projector, wait for the projector to beep twice and the Ppower

light to stop flashing. You can now unplug the projector.

18 Setting Up the Projector

Projecting From an iPod, iPhone, or iPad

The projector features a dock that allows you to connect an iPod, iPhone, or iPad and charge
it while you play back media stored on the device.

Note: The term “iPod” is used in this manual to describe an iPod, iPhone, or iPad unless
otherwise noted.

Tip: When your iPod is connected to the projector, it charges whenever the projector is on,
including when the projector is in standby mode.

Connecting an iPod or iPhone

1. Remove any protective case from your device.

2. Eject the dock by pressing on it until it clicks, then release it. The dock slides out.

3. Connect the device by aligning it with the dock connector and gently pushing it straight

down as shown.

Caution: To prevent damage, do not apply too much pressure when connecting your device.

Projecting From an iPod, iPhone, or iPad 19

Connecting an iPad

Before you connect an iPad to your projector, you can attach the included iPad bracket.

Caution: Do not remove the iPad bracket once attached. Removing the bracket weakens the
adhesive, making it unable to support the iPad if reattached.

1. Remove any protective case from your iPad.

2. Use a dry cloth to wipe the surface of the projector where the iPad bracket will be

attached.

3. Remove the tape from the iPad bracket to expose the adhesive.

4. Attach the bracket.

20 Projecting From an iPod, iPhone, or iPad

5. Eject the dock by pressing on it until it clicks, then release it. The dock slides out.

6. Connect the iPad by sliding the bottom through the bracket and gently pushing it

straight down to connect it to the dock connector.

Caution: To prevent damage, do not apply too much pressure when connecting your device.

Checking the Dock Light

The Dock light is on when your device is connected.

Checking the Dock Light 21

Tip: If the iPod, iPhone, or iPad battery is low, the Dock light may not turn on. Keep the device
connected so it will charge. Once the Dock light turns on, you can play back content.

Light Status Condition

Light on The device is connected and you can play back content on

your device.

Light flashing There is a device connection error. Disconnect the device

and try connecting it again.

Note: When you turn off the connected device, the Dock light also turns off.

Removing Your iPod, iPhone, or iPad

1. To remove a device, gently hold the dock and pull the device straight up.

Note: It is safe to remove your device without turning it or the projector off first.

2. Close the dock by pushing it straight in until it clicks into place.

Caution: Always close the dock when not in use or before transporting the projector.

22 Projecting From an iPod, iPhone, or iPad

Device Playback

Playing Video and Music From Your iPod, iPhone, or iPad

Once you’ve connected your device and the Dock light is on, the following screen is
projected:

To select videos or music:

1. Press u or d on the remote control to select the type of media you want to play.

2. Press r. One of the following screens will appear:

3. Press u or d to highlight a menu item. Press r to make a selection.

4. Repeat step 3 until the title of the song or video is highlighted.

5. Press r to begin playback.

Note: The Video menu will only play videos from your device that have been imported into iTunes.
If you would like to play a video recorded on your device or a YouTube® video, see page 25 for
instructions.

Device Playback 23

Playing Music When the Projector Is in Standby Mode

You can play music from the projector speakers without turning on the projector. To play
music from your device, turn the projector off and then use your device to select music and
control playback.

Note: You can use the remote control to control music playback in this mode.

It is safe to disconnect your iPod from the projector during playback.

Once your music begins playing, the projector will display any accompanying artwork (e.g.,
an album cover image). It will take about 30 seconds for the projector to find the artwork on
your device and operation may be unavailable during this time. If no artwork is found, the
projector will display a generic icon.

Note: If you are projecting from an iPod nano, artwork will not be displayed. Generic icons will be
displayed instead.

Controlling Playback

Use the remote during audio or video playback to control these options:

Select/cancel
shuffle

Previous menu

Back/rewind

Note: If you touch the iPod during playback, it may pause.

24 Projecting From an iPod, iPhone, or iPad

Select/cancel
repeat

Pause/play

Next/fast-forward

Configuring the Screen Saver

After a set period of time, the projector may project a screen saver while playing music. You
can configure the screen saver display and when it will turn on.

To configure your screen saver:

1. Select

Setting > Screen Saver from the iPod menu.

2. Press r. Select from the following screen saver options:

■ Off: the display will not switch to a screen saver

■ Dialog: the projector will display the current song information

■ Black out: the display will turn black

3. To configure when the screen saver will turn on, select

Setting > Timeout. Select from

the following times:

■ 5 mins

■ 15 mins

■ 30 mins

To select a time, highlight the option and press the enter button.

Projecting Photos, Videos and YouTube Videos From Your iPod, iPhone, or iPad

To project photos, videos taken on your device, or YouTube videos:

1. Turn on the projector and then connect your device.

2. Press on the remote control to switch playback control to your device.

Note: The projector screen turns black until you select play on your device.

Device Playback 25