Optoma H181X User Manual

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ............................1

Usage Notice

Safety Information ...............................2

Precautions .........................................3

Eye Safety Warnings ..........................6

...................................2

Introduction ......................................7

Package Overview ..............................7

Product Overview ...............................8

Main Unit .............................................. 8

Keypad ................................................. 9

Input/Output Connections .................. 10

Remote Control .................................. 11

Installation .....................................12

Connecting to the Projector ..............12

Connecting a Computer/Notebook ....12

Connecting a Video source ................ 13

Connect to 3D Video Devices ...........14

Using the 3D glasses ........................16

Powering On/Off the Projector ..........17

Powering On the Projector ................. 17

Powering Off the Projector ................. 18

Warning Indicator ............................... 19

.......................................................... 19

Adjusting the Projected Image ..........20

Adjusting the Projector’s Height ........ 20

Adjusting the Projector’s Zoom / Focus 21

Adjusting Projection Image Size ........ 21

User Controls ................................23

Keypad & Remote Control ................23

Keypad ............................................... 23

Remote Control .................................. 24

On-screen Display Menus ................31

How to operate ..................................31

Menu Tree ..........................................32

IMAGE ............................................... 34

IMAGE | Advanced ............................36

DISPLAY ............................................ 38

DISPLAY | 3D ................................... 40

SETUP ............................................... 41

SETUP | Audio Settings ..................... 43

SETUP | Security ............................... 44

SETUP | Advanced ............................ 45

OPTIONS ........................................... 46

OPTIONS | Lamp Settings ................. 49

OPTIONS | HDMI Link Settings ......... 50

OPTIONS | Remote Settings ............. 52

OPTIONS | Advanced ........................ 53

Appendices ....................................54

Troubleshooting ................................54

Image Problems ................................. 54

Other Problems .................................. 56

Remote Control Problems .................56

LED Lighting Messages ..................... 57

On Screen Messages ........................ 58

Replacing the Lamp ..........................59

Installing and Cleaning the Dust Filter 61

Compatibility Modes .........................62

Ceiling Mount Installation ..................64

Optoma Global Ofces .....................65

Regulation & Safety Notices .............67

FCC Notice ........................................ 67

Declaration of Conformity for EU coun-

tries .................................................... 68

1

English

Usage Notice

Safety Information

The lightning ash with arrow head within an equilateral triangle is

intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous volt

age” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufcient magnitude to

constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servic­ing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DANGEROUS HIGH
VOLTAGES ARE PRESENT INSIDE THE ENCLOSURE. DO NOT OPEN THE
CABINET. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY.

Class B emissions limits

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Inter­ference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Important Safety Instruction

1. Do not block any ventilation openings. To ensure reliable operation of the
projector and to protect from over heating, it is recommended to install the
projector in a location that does not block ventilation. As an example, do
not place the projector on a crowded coffee table, sofa, bed, etc. Do not

put the projector in an enclosure such as a book case or a cabinet that

restricts air ow.

2. Do not use the projector near water or moisture. To reduce the risk of re
and/or electric shock, do not expose the projector to rain or moisture.

3. Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, heaters, stoves or any
other apparatus such as ampliers that emits heat.

4. Clean only with dry cloth.

5. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.

6. Do not use the unit if it has been physically damaged or abused. Physical
damage/abuse would be (but not limited to):

-

Unit has been dropped.

Power supply cord or plug has been damaged.

-

Liquid has been spilled on to the projector.

-

Projector has been exposed to rain or moisture.

-

Something has fallen in the projector or something is loose inside.

-

Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Opening or removing covers
may expose you to dangerous voltages or other hazards. Please call
Optoma before you send the unit for repair.

7. Do not let objects or liquids enter the projector. They may touch danger­ous voltage points and short out parts that could result in re or electric

shock.

8. See projector enclosure for safety related markings.

9. The unit should only be repaired by appropriate service personnel.

-

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2

3

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Usage Notice

Please follow all warnings, precautions and mainte­nance as recommended in this user’s guide.

When the lamp

reaches the end
of its life, the

projector will not

turn back on until

the lamp module

has been replaced.
To replace the

lamp, follow the

procedures listed
under “Replacing

the Lamp” section

on pages 59-60.



▀■ Warning-

Do not look into the projector’s lens when the
lamp is on. The bright light may hurt your eyes.

▀■ Warning-

To reduce the risk of  re or electric shock, do
not expose this projector to rain or moisture.

▀■ Warning-

Please do not open or disassemble the projec­tor as this may cause electric shock.

▀■ Warning-

When replacing the lamp, please allow the unit
to cool down. Follow instructions as described

on pages 59-60.

▀■ Warning-

This projector will detect the life of the lamp
itself. Please be sure to change the lamp when
it shows warning messages.

▀■ Warning-

Reset the “Lamp Reset” function from the on­screen display “Options|Lamp Settings” menu
after replacing the lamp module (refer to page

49).

▀■ Warning-

When switching the projector off, please ensure
the cooling cycle has been completed before
disconnecting power. Allow 90 seconds for the
projector to cool down.

▀■ Warning-

Do not use lens cap when projector is in opera-

tion.

▀■ Warning-

When the lamp is approaching to the end of its
life time, the message “Lamp life exceeded.”
will show on the screen. Please contact your

local reseller or service center to change the

lamp as soon as possible.

Precautions

Usage Notice

Do:

Turn off and unplug the power plug from the AC outlet before



cleaning the product.
Use a soft dry cloth with mild detergent to clean the display hous-



ing.
Disconnect the power plug from AC outlet if the product is not be-



ing used for a long period of time.

Do not:

Block the slots and openings on the unit provided for ventilation.



Use abrasive cleaners, waxes or solvents to clean the unit.



Use under the following conditions:



In extremely hot, cold or humid environments.

-

Ensure that the ambient room temperature is within 5°C ~



40°C
Relative humidity is 10% ~ 85%



In areas susceptible to excessive dust and dirt.

-

Near any appliance generating a strong magnetic eld.

­In direct sunlight.

-

Viewing 3D projection using the 3D function

English

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ THE FOLLOWING WARN­INGS BEFORE YOU OR YOUR CHILD USE THE 3D FUNCTION.

Warning

Children and teenagers may be more susceptible to health issues



associated with viewing in 3D and should be closely supervised
when viewing these images.

Photosensitive Seizure Warning and Other Health Risks

Some viewers may experience an epileptic seizure or stroke when



exposed to certain ashing images or lights contained in certain
Projector pictures or video games. If you suffer from, or have a
family history of epilepsy or strokes, please consult with a medical

specialist before using the 3D function.

Even those without a personal or family history of epilepsy or



stroke may have an undiagnosed condition that can cause photo­sensitive epileptic seizures.

4

Usage Notice

Pregnant women, the elderly, sufferers of serious medical condi-



tions, those who are sleep deprived or under the inuence of
alcohol should avoid utilizing the unit’s 3D functionality.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop viewing 3D



pictures immediately and consult a medical specialist: (1) altered
vision; (2) light-headedness; (3) dizziness; (4) involuntary move­ments such as eye or muscle twitching; (5) confusion; (6) nausea;
(7) loss of awareness; (8) convulsions; (9) cramps; and/ or (10)
disorientation. Children and teenagers may be more likely than
adults to experience these symptoms. Parents should monitor
their children and ask whether they are experiencing these symp­toms.
Watching 3D projection may also cause motion sickness, percep-



tual after effects, disorientation, eye strain and decreased postural
stability. It is recommended that users take frequent breaks to
lessen the potential of these effects. If your eyes show signs of
fatigue or dryness or if you have any of the above symptoms, im­mediately discontinue use of this device and do not resume using
it for at least thirty minutes after the symptoms have subsided.
Watching 3D projection while sitting too close to the screen for



an extended period of time may damage your eyesight. The
ideal viewing distance should be at least three times the screen
height. It is recommended that the viewer’s eyes are level with the

screen.

Watching 3D projection while wearing 3D glasses for an extended



period of time may cause a headache or fatigue. If you experience
a headache, fatigue or dizziness, stop viewing the 3D projection

and rest.
Do not use the 3D glasses for any other purpose than for watch-



ing 3D projection. Wearing the 3D glasses for any other purpose
(as general spectacles, sunglasses, protective goggles, etc.) may
be physically harmful to you and may weaken your eyesight.
Viewing in 3D projection may cause disorientation for some view-



ers. Accordingly, DO NOT place your 3D PROJECTOR near open
stairwells, cables, balconies, or other objects that can be tripped
over, run into, knocked down, broken or fallen over.

5

English

Usage Notice

Eye Safety Warnings

▀■ Avoid staring/facing directly into the projector beam at all

times. Keep your back to the beam as much as possible.

▀■ When projector is used in a classroom, adequately supervise

students when they are asked to point out something on the

screen.

▀■ In order to minimize the lamp power, use room blinds to re-

duce ambient light levels.

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Introduction

Optional

accessories vary

depending on

model, speci ca-

tion and region.



Unpack and inspect the box contents to ensure all parts listed
below are in the box. If something is missing, please contact
Optoma customer service.

Package Overview

Standard Accessories



CD User Manual



Warranty Card



Quick Start Card



WEEE Card

(for EMEA only)

Projector Power Lead Documentation

Remote 2 × AAA Batteries

Optional Accessories

Carry Bag Lens Cap Lens Cap

HDMI Cable MHL Cable

Introduction

Product Overview

Main Unit

6

1 32 54

Do not block



projector in/out air
vents.
(*) Optional



accessory.

7

12

6

Lens

1.
IR Receiver

2.

Keypad

3.
Input / Output

4.
Connections

Power Socket

5.

Tilt-Adjustment Feet

6.
Lens Cap (

7.

8

109 11

14

Speaker

8.

Zoom Lever

9.
Focus Ring

10.

Lamp Cover

11.

Ventilation (inlet)

12.

Ventilation (outlet)

13.
KensingtonTM Lock Port

14.

)

*

13

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8

9

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Introduction

Keypad

11

1 3

10

5

Source
Enter

Keystone Correction
Re-Sync

Menu
Help

Lamp LED
On/Standby LED
Power
Temp LED
Four Directional Select Keys

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

6

7

2 4

8 9

Introduction

AUDIO-OUT

12V OUT

Out (5V)

3D SYNC

HDMI 1/ MHL

HDMI 2

USB

Input/Output Connections

2 31



English

Remote mouse
requires special
remote.

10

4 7 86

12V Trigger Relay (12V, 250mA, 3.5mm mini jack)

1.

3D Sync Out (5V) connector

2.
HDMI 1/ MHL connector

3.

Security Bar

4.

Audio Out connector (3.5mm mini jack)

5.
HDMI 2 connector

6.

USB-B mini connector (Firmware upgrade)

7.

Power Socket

8.

5

Some keys may



have no function

for models which

do not support
these features.

10

12

13

15

17

19

21

Remote Control

1

5

8

Introduction

3

4

Power On

1.

Power Off

2.

2

6

7

9

11

14

16

18

20

22

User 1/User 2/User 3

3.
Contrast

4.
Brightness

5.

Display mode

6.
Aspect ratio

7.

Keystone

8.
3D

9.
Mute

10.

Sleep timer

11.

Dynamic black

12.
Source

13.

Re-sync

14.

Volume+/-

15.
Enter

16.
Menu

17.
Four directional select

18.

keys

HDMI1

19.
HDMI2

20.
VGA1

21.
YPbPr

22.
VGA2

23.
Video

24.

23

24

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Installation

AUDIO-OUT

12V OUT

Out (5V)

3D SYNC

HDMI 1/ MHL

HDMI 2

USB

MOLEX

5

1

2

Audio output

3D glasses

3

4

6

Connecting a Computer/Notebook

Connecting to the Projector

Due to the
difference in
applications for

each country,
some regions may

have different
accessories.

(*) Optional
accessory





1.................................................................................................*12V DC plug

2........................................................................................... *3D emitter cable

3...................................................................................................*HDMI cable

4.....................................................................................................Power cord

5............................................................................................ *Audio out cable

6.................................................................................................... *USB cable

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Installation

Connecting a Video source

Due to the
difference in
applications for

each country,
some regions may

have different
accessories.

(*) Optional
accessory





AUDIO-OUT

12V OUT

Out (5V)

3D SYNC

HDMI 1/ MHL

HDMI 2

USB

MHL

5

1

2

Audio output

3D glasses

3

4

6

DVD player,

Set-top box,
HDTV receiver

1.................................................................................................*12V DC plug

2........................................................................................... *3D emitter cable

3.................................................................. *MHL cable (MicroUSB to HDMI)

4.....................................................................................................Power cord

5............................................................................................ *Audio out cable

6...................................................................................................*HDMI cable

DVD player, Blu-ray player, Set-top box,
HDTV receiver, Games console

The 3D video



source device

must be
powered on

before the 3D
projector.

If input video



is normal 2D,

please press

“3D Format”
and switch to

“Auto”.
If “SBS Mode”



is active, 2D
video content

will not display
correctly.

Installation

Connect to 3D Video Devices

Once you have connected your devices together with HDMI
cables, as shown in the diagram, you are ready to begin.
Power ON your 3D video source and your 3D projector.

PlayStation® 3 Games

Make sure that you have updated your console to the latest soft-



ware version.
Go to the “Settings menu -> Display settings -> Video output ->



HDMI”. Select “Automatic” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Insert your 3D game disc. Alternatively you can download games



(and 3D updates) via the PlayStation® network.
Launch the game. In the in-game menu, select “Play in 3D”.



Blu-ray 3D™ Player

Make sure that your player can support 3D Blu-ray™ disc and that



3D output is enabled.

Insert the 3D Blu-ray™ disc into the player, press “Play”.



3D TV (e.g. SKY 3D, DirecTV)

Contact your TV service provider to enable any 3D channels on



your channel package.
Once enabled, switch to the 3D channel.



You should see two images side-by-side.



Switch to the “SBS Mode” of the 3D projector. The option is lo-



cated in the “Display” section of the projector OSD menu.

3D Device (e.g. 3D DV/DC) with 2D 1080i side by side signal
output

Connect your 3D device and switch to out 3D content with 2D



side-by-side output to 3D Projector.

You should see two images side-by-side.

­Switch to the “SBS Mode” of the 3D projector. The option is lo-



cated in the “Display” section of the projector OSD menu.

If watching 3D content from an HDMI 1.4a source (e.g. 3D Blu-ray)
your 3D glasses should always be in sync. If watching 3D content
from an HDMI 1.3 source (e.g. 3D broadcast using SBS mode) it may
be necessary to use the projector’s 3D Sync-Invert option to optimize
your 3D experience. The option is located in the “Display ->3D” sec­tion of the projector OSD menu.

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14

15

English

Installation

3D Broadcast 3D Blu-ray™ Disc 3D Console Games

SKY+HD, cable/satellite

box

3D Blu-ray™ Player

PlayStation® 3

3D DLP®Link™ Glasses

Full 3D 1080p DLP® Projector

3D RF Glasses 3D Emitter

For more de-



tailed informa­tion, please
refer to 3D

glasses user’s

guide.

Installation

Using the 3D glasses

To turn ON 3D glasses.

1.

Verify that 3D content is being sent to the projector and

2.

signal is compatible with projector specications.
Turn on the “3D Mode” (Off/DLP-Link/VESA 3D - depend-

3.

ing on which type of glasses you are using) of the 3D
projector. The option is located in the “Display” section of
the projector OSD menu.
Turn on 3D glasses and verify image appears in 3D with-

4.

out eyestrain.
If the image does not appear in 3D, please check 3D

5.

device set up correctly to send out 3D image or not. Or
“SBS Mode” should turn on when input signal is 2D 1080i
side-by-side and repeat previous steps 1 ~ 4.
It may be necessary to use projector’s “3D Sync-Invert”

6.

option to optimize your 3D experience. The option is
located in the “Display” section of the projector OSD menu.
To turn OFF 3D glasses: Press the “Power” button and

7.

hold until the LED switches off.
For more detailed information, please refer to the 3D

8.

glasses user’s guide, or manufacturer's Website.

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16

17

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Installation

Powering On/Off the Projector

Turn on the

projector  rst and

then select the
signal sources.

(*) Optional
accessory





Powering On the Projector

1. Remove the lens cap. 

2. Securely connect the power cord and signal cable. When

connected, the On/Standby LED will turn Amber.

3. Turn on the lamp by pressing “ ” button either on the top of
the projector or on the remote. The On/Standby LED will now

turn Green. 

The startup screen will display in approximately 10 seconds.

The  rst time you use the projector, you will be asked to
select the preferred language and power saving mode.

4. Turn on and connect the source that you want to display
on the screen (computer, notebook, video player, etc). The
projector will detect the source automatically. If not, push
menu button and go to “OPTIONS”.

Make sure that the “Source Lock” has been set to “Off”.

If you connect multiple sources at the same time, press the

“SOURCE” button on the Keypad or direct source keys on
the remote control to switch between inputs.

Lens Cap

(*)

1

Power

2

or

Installation

Powering Off the Projector

1. Press the “ ” button on the remote control or “ ” on the
Keypad to turn off the projector. The following message
will be displayed on the screen.

Press the “ ” button again to conrm otherwise the

message will disappear after 15 seconds. When you
press the “ ” button for the second time, the projector will
display countdown timer and will shut down.

2. The cooling fans continue to operate for about 10 seconds
for cooling cycle and the On/Standby LED will Flash
Green. When the On/Standby LED lights solid Amber, the

projector has entered standby mode.

If you wish to turn the projector back on, you must wait

until the projector has completed the cooling cycle and
has entered standby mode. Once in standby mode, simply

press “ ” button to restart the projector.

3. Disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet and

the projector.

4. Do not turn on the projector immediately following a power

off procedure.

Power Off?

Press Power again

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18

Contact the



nearest service
center if the

projector displays
these symptoms.

See pages

65-66 for more
information.

Installation

Warning Indicator

When the warning indicators (see below) come on,

the projector will automatically shutdown:

 “LAMP” LED indicator is lit red and if “On/Standby” indicator

ashes amber.

 “TEMP” LED indicator is lit red and if “On/Standby”

indicator ashes amber. This indicates the projector has
overheated. Under normal conditions, the projector can be
switched back on.

 “TEMP” LED indicator ashes red and if “On/Standby”

indicator ashes amber.

Unplug the power cord from the projector, wait for 30 seconds

and try again. If the warning indicator light up again, please
contact your nearest service center for assistance.

19

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Installation

Adjusting the Projected Image

Adjusting the Projector’s Height

The projector is equipped with elevator feet for adjusting
the image height.

1. Locate the adjustable foot you wish to modify on the

underside of the projector.

2. Rotate the adjustable ring clockwise to raise the projector
or counter clockwise to lower it. Repeat with the remaining

feet as needed.

Tilt-Adjustment Feet

Tilt-Adjustment Ring

21

English

Installation

Width

Height

Diagonal

Top View

Side View

Projection Distance (D)

Projection Distance (D)

Screen

Screen

Screen (W)

Screen (H)

Offset (Hd)

Adjusting the Projector’s Zoom / Focus

You may turn the zoom ring to zoom in or out. To focus the im­age, rotate the focus ring until the image is clear.

Short throw series: The projector will focus at distances from



1.09 to 11.13 feet (0.33 to 3.39 meters).

Zoom Lever

Focus Ring

Adjusting Projection Image Size

Projection Image Size from 30.0” to 307.0” (0.76 to 7.80



meters).