Sony VPL-FX37, VPLFH31W, VPLFH31B User manual

Data
Projector

4-426-908-12 (1)

Operating Instructions

Before operating the unit, please read this manual and supplied Quick Reference Manual
thoroughly and retain it for future reference.

VPL-FH36/FH35/FH31/FH30
VPL-FX37/FX35/FX30

Not all models are available in all countries and area. Please check
with your local Sony Authorized Dealer.

© 2010 Sony Corporation

Table of Contents

Overview

Location and Function of Controls .... 3

Main Unit .....................................3

Connector Panel ...........................4

Remote Commander and Control

Panel ..........................................5

Preparation

Connecting the Projector ................... 8

Connecting a Computer ................8

Connecting a Video Equipment ... 9

Connecting an External Monitor and

Audio Equipment .................... 11

Projecting/Adjusting an
Image

Projecting an Image ......................... 12

Adjusting the Focus, Size, and

Position of the Projected

image ....................................... 13

Turning Off the Power ................ 18

Adjustments and Settings
Using a Menu

Using a MENU ................................ 19

The Picture Menu .............................20

The Screen Menu ............................. 22

The Function Menu .......................... 26

The Operation Menu ........................ 27

The Connection/Power Menu .......... 28

The Installation Menu ...................... 29

The Information Menu .....................32

Network

Using Network Features ...................33

Displaying the Control Window of

the Projector with a Web

Browser ...................................33

Confirming the Information

regarding the Projector ............34

Operating the Projector from a

Computer .................................34

Using the e-mail report

Function ...................................34

Others

Indicators ..........................................36

Messages List ...................................37

Troubleshooting ................................38

Replacing the Lamp ..........................40

Cleaning the Air Filter ......................42

Removing/Attaching the Projection

Lens ...............................................43

Removing ....................................43

Attaching .....................................43

Attaching the Projection Lens

Adapter to the Projection

Lens .........................................43

Specifications ...................................45

Projection Distance and Lens Shift

Range ............................................53

Dimensions .......................................57

Index .................................................60

2

Table of Contents

B Overview

3q

q

2

Location and Function of Controls

Main Unit

8

qa qd9q;4 1 4 5

s

a Lens (page 43)

b Focus ring (page 13)

c Zoom lever (page 13)

d Lens shift dial (page 13)

e Front panel (page 43)

f Rear panel (pages 40, 42)

g Ventilation holes (intake)

h Ventilation holes (exhaust)

Caution

Do not place anything near the ventilation
holes as this may cause internal heat
buildup. Do not place your hand near the
ventilation holes and the circumference as
this may cause injury.

f

7

qgqh

l Connector panel (page 4)

m Remote control detector

The remote control detectors are located
at the front and rear of the projector.

n Front feet (adjustable) (page 13)

o Antitheft lock

Connects to an optional antitheft cable
manufactured by Kensington.
For details, visit Kensington’s web site.
http://www.kensington.com/

p Antitheft bar

Connects to a commercially available
antitheft chain or wire.

6

qd

Overview

i ON/STANDBY indicator

(page 36)

j LAMP/COVER indicator

(page 36)

k Control panel (page 5)

Location and Function of Controls

3

Connector Panel

56 23

qa 9

8q; 32 4

56 1 7 1 7

Input (page 8)

a INPUT A

Video: RGB/YPBPR input connector

(RGB HD VD/YP

Audio: Audio input connector (AUDIO)

BPR)

b INPUT B

Video: RGB input connector (RGB)
Audio: Audio input connector (AUDIO)

c INPUT C

Video: DVI-D input connector (DVI-D)
Audio: Audio input connector (AUDIO)

d INPUT D (VPL-FH36/FH35/FH31/

FH30 only)

Video: HDMI input connector (HDMI)
Audio: HDMI input connector (HDMI)

Output (page 11)

g OUTPUT

Video: Monitor output connector

(MONITOR)

Audio: Audio output connector

(AUDIO)

Note

This connector outputs the projected image or
audio. The image is output as a computer signal
input from the RGB input connector (INPUT
A, INPUT B) or a video signal input from the
YP

BPR input connector (INPUT A).

Others

h RS-232C connector

RS-232C compatible control connector

e S VIDEO (S VIDEO IN)

Video: S video input connector
Audio: Audio input connector (AUDIO

L [MONO]/R)

f VIDEO (VIDEO IN)

Video: Video input connector
Audio: Audio input connector (AUDIO

L [MONO]/R)

Notes

• The audio input connectors of the projector
are for output to external equipment.

Connect external audio equipment to
output an audio

• The audio inputs of INPUT B and INPUT C
are shared. The audio inputs of S VIDEO
and VIDEO also are shared.

4

Location and Function of Controls

(page 11).

i LAN connector (page 33)

j CONTROL S input connector

(DC power supply) (CONTROL S
IN PLUG IN POWER)

Connects to the CONTROL S output
connector on the supplied Remote
Commander with a connecting cable
(stereo mini plug (not supplied)) when
using it as a wired Remote Commander.
You do not need to install batteries in the
Remote Commander, as the power is
supplied from this connector.

k AC IN (∼) socket

Connects the supplied AC power cord.

Remote Commander and Control Panel

9

Remote Commander

7

ONSTANDBY

INPUT

ABC

DEF

S

VIDEO

VIDEO

ENTER

KEY-

STONE

MUTING

PIC

AUDIO

TWIN FREEZEAPA

ID MODE

1 2 3

ECO

MODE

RESETRETURN

SHIFTZOOMFOCUS

+

–

MENU

ASPECT PATTERN

D ZOOM VOLUME

+

–

1

2

6

3

4

5

8

Control Panel

3126

ECO

ENTER

MODE

MENU INPUT

a Turning on the power/Going to

standby

? (On) key
1 (Standby) key

b Selecting an input signal

(page 12)

INPUT key (main unit)
Direct input select keys (Remote
Commander)

VPL-FH36/FH35/FH31/FH30: The E
and F keys are not used with this
projector.
VPL-FX37/FX35/FX30: The D, E, and
F keys are not used with this projector.

c Operating a menu (page 19)

ENTER /V/v/B/b (arrow) keys
MENU key
RETURN key
RESET key

d Adjusting the image (page 13)

FOCUS key

This function is not provided in this
projector.

ZOOM key

This function is not provided in this
projector.

SHIFT key

This function is not provided in this
projector.

ASPECT key (pages 22, 24)

Changes the aspect ratio of the projected
image.

KEYSTONE key (page 14)
PATTERN key (page 13)
APA (Auto Pixel Alignment) key

Automatically adjusts a picture to its
clearest while a signal is input from a
computer. You can cancel the adjustment
by pressing the APA key again while
adjusting.

Note

Use this key when inputing a computer

*

signal via the RGB input connector
(INPUT A, INPUT B).

Overview

*

Location and Function of Controls

5

e Using various functions during

projecting

D ZOOM (Digital Zoom) +/– key

*1

Enlarges a portion of the image while
projecting.

1 Press the D ZOOM + key to display

the digital zoom icon on the projected
image.

2 Press the V/v/B/b keys to move the

digital zoom icon to the point on the
image you wish to enlarge.

3 Press the D ZOOM + key or the D

ZOOM – key repeatedly to change the
enlargement ratio. The image can be

enlarged up to 4 times.
Press the RESET key to restore the
previous image.

TWIN (Twin Picture) key
(VPL-FH36/FH35/FH31/FH30 only)

You can project the images from two
input signals on the screen as a main
picture and subpicture at the same time.
To switch between one and two pictures,
press the TWIN key on the Remote
Commander.

One picture display

TWIN key

Two pictures display

(A) Main picture (B) Subpicture

You can select the image to project to the
main picture.
The subpicture is preset to display the
image from INPUT B.
For details on combinations of input
signals, see “Combinations of Input
Signals” on page 52.

Notes

• When displaying a two pictures, the ?
(On) key, 1 (standby) key, INPUT key,
and MUTING (PIC) key are available.

• When “Screen Aspect” (page 29) is set
to “4:3,” the two picture function is not
available.

• When displaying a two pictures, the
input signal icon does not appear in
the input select window (page 12).

• Picture settings set for one pictures may
not be reflected as two pictures.

MUTING key

PIC: Cuts off the image. Press again to

restore the image.

AUDIO: Mutes the audio output. Press

again to restore the previous volume.

VOLUME +/– key

For adjusting the volume output from
the audio output connector of the
projector.

FREEZE key

*2

Pauses a projected image. Press again to
restore the image.

Notes

*1: Use this key when inputting a

computer signal. But it may not be
enabled, depending on the resolution
of the input signal and when
displaying a two pictures (VPL-FH36/
FH35/FH31/FH30 only).

*2: Use this key when inputting a

computer signal.

f Setting the energy–saving mode

easily

ECO MODE key

“Lamp Mode,” “Power Saving Mode,”
and “Standby Mode” for energy-saving
can be set easily.

1 Press the ECO MODE key to display

the ECO Mode menu.

ECO Mode Menu

ECO Mode

ECO

User

Sel Back

6

Location and Function of Controls

2 Press the V/v key or ECO MODE key

to select ECO or User mode.
ECO: Sets each mode to the optimum

energy-saving value.
Lamp Mode: Standard
Power Saving Mode: Standby
Standby Mode: Low
(go to step 6)

User: Sets each item of the energy-

saving mode menu as you desire
(go to step 3).

3 Select “User” then press the b key.

The setting items appear.

User

Lamp Mode Standard

Power Saving Mode Off

Standby Mode Standard

Set

Sel Back

4 Press the V/v key to select the ECO

Mode item then press the b key or the
ENTER key.

5 Press the V/v key to select the setting

value.

6 Press the RETURN key to restore the

previous image.
For details on ECO Mode settings, see
“Lamp Mode” (page 26) on the Function
menu and “Standby Mode” (page 28)
and “Power Saving Mode” (page 28) on
the Connection/Power menu.

You do not need to install batteries in the
Remote Commander, as the power is
supplied from the projector.

About Remote Commander operation

• Direct the Remote Commander toward the
remote control detector.

• The shorter the distance between the
Remote Commander and the projector is,
the wider the angle within which the
Remote Commander can control the
projector becomes.

• If there is any obstruction between the
Remote Commander and the remote
control detector on the projector, the
projector may not be able to receive
signals from the Remote Commander.

Overview

Others

g Infrared transmitter

h ID MODE 1/2/3 switch (page 27)

Sets an ID mode of the Remote
Commander. If you assign a different ID
number to each projector when multiple
projectors are used, you can control only
the projector with the same ID mode as
that of the Remote Commander.

i CONTROL S output connector

Connects to the CONTROL S input
connector on the projector with a
connecting cable (stereo mini plug (not
supplied)) when using the Remote
Commander as a wired one.

Location and Function of Controls

7

B Preparation

Connecting the Projector

Notes

• Turn off all equipment before making any connections.

• Use the proper cables for each connection.

• Insert the cable plugs firmly; Loose connections may reduce performance of picture signals or
cause a malfunction. When pulling out a cable, be sure to grip it by the plug, not the cable itself.

• For more information, refer also to the instruction manuals of the equipment you are connecting.

• Use a no-resistance audio cable.

Connecting a Computer

Connection with a computer is explained for each input signal.

INPUT A

For connection when there is some distance between a computer and the projector.

Mini D-sub 15-pin
– BNC cable
(not supplied)

RGB output

connector

Computer

Audio output

connector

Audio cable
(Stereo mini plug)
(not supplied)

INPUT B

For connecting a computer with an RGB output connector.

RGB output

connector

Audio output

connector

Computer

Note

Mini D-sub 15-pin
cable
(not supplied)

Audio cable
(Stereo mini plug)
(not supplied)

It is recommended that you set the resolution of your computer to 1920 × 1200 pixels (VPL-FH36/
FH35/FH31/FH30) or 1024 × 768 pixels (VPL-FX37/FX35/FX30) for the external monitor.

8

Connecting the Projector

INPUT C

For connecting a computer with a DVI-D output connector.

DVI-D output

connector

Audio output

connector

Computer

DVI-D cable
(not supplied)

Audio cable
(Stereo mini plug)
(not supplied)

INPUT D (VPL-FH36/FH35/FH31/FH30 only)

For connecting a computer with a HDMI output connector.

HDMI output

connector

HDMI cable
(not supplied)

Computer

Notes

INPUT D HDMI

• The HDMI connector of this projector is not compatible with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) Signal
or CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) Signal.

• Be sure to use the HDMI cable with an HDMI logo.

Preparation

Connecting a Video Equipment

Connections with a VHS video deck, DVD player, or BD player are explained for each input
signal.

S VIDEO IN

For connecting video equipment with an S-video output connector.

S video cable
(not supplied)

S video output

connector

Video equipment

Audio output

connector

Audio cable (Phono plug × 2) (not supplied)

Connecting the Projector

9

VIDEO IN

For connecting video equipment with a video output connector.

Video equipment

Video output

connector

Audio output

connector

Audio cable (Phono plug × 2) (not supplied)

Video cable
(not supplied)

INPUT A

For connection when there is some long distance between the video equipment and projector.

Component – BNC
cable (not supplied)

BPR output

YP

connector

Audio output

Video equipment

connector

Audio cable (Phono plug
× 2 – stereo mini plug)
(not supplied)

INPUT D (VPL-FH36/FH35/FH31/FH30 only)

For connecting video equipment with a HDMI output connector.

HDMI output

connector

HDMI cable
(not supplied)

Video equipment

INPUT D HDMI

Notes

• The HDMI connector of this projector is not compatible with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) Signal
or CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) Signal.

• Be sure to use the HDMI cable with an HDMI logo.

10

Connecting the Projector

To attach the HDMI cable

Fix the cable to the cable tie holder at the bottom of the projector, using a commercially
available cable tie, as in the illustration.
Use a cable tie of less than 1.9 mm × 3.8 mm in thickness.

Cable tie holder

Bottom of the projector

Cable tie
(commercially
available)

Connecting an External Monitor and Audio Equipment

OUTPUT

Projected images and input audio can be output to display equipment such as a monitor and
audio equipment such as speakers with a built-in amplifier.

Display equipment

Audio equipment

RGB input

connector

Audio input

connector

Mini D-sub 15­pin cable
(not supplied)

Audio cable
(stereo mini plug)
(not supplied)

Preparation

Note

This connector outputs the projected image or audio. The image is output as a computer signal input
from the RGB input connector (INPUT A, INPUT B) or a video signal input from the YP

BPR input

connector (INPUT A).

Connecting the Projector

11

B Projecting/Adjusting an Image

Projecting an Image

The size of a projected image depends on the distance between the projector and screen. Install
the projector so that the projected image fits the screen size. For details on projection distances
and projected image sizes, see

4

Computer

“Projection Distance and Lens Shift Range” (page 53).

Input select window

5

Input

Video

S-Videoo
Input-A
Input-B
Input-C
Input-D

Sel Skip

6

2

Video equipment

1 Plug the AC power cord into a wall

outlet.

2 Connect all equipment to the projector

(page 8).

3 Turn on the projector.

Press the ?/1 key on the main unit or the
? key on the Remote Commander.

4 Turn on the connected equipment.

5 Select the input source.

Press the INPUT key on the projector to
display the input select window. Press
the INPUT key repeatedly or the V/v
key to select an image to be projected.
The signal icon appears on the right
side in the input select window when a
signal is input.

3

INPUT

5

Projector

You can select the input source using
Direct input select keys on the Remote
Commander

1

(page 5).

Wall outlet

6 Switch your computer to output to

external display by changing your
computer’s setting.

How to switch the computer to output to
the projector varies, depending on the
type of computer.

(Example)

+

7 Adjust the focus, size, and position of

the projected image (page 13).

12

Projecting an Image

Adjusting the Focus, Size, and Position of the Projected image

Focus Size (Zoom) Position (Lens shift)

Projecting/Adjusting an Image

Adjusting the tilt of the projector with the front feet (adjustable)

When the projector is installed on an uneven
surface and the projected position is low, you
can adjust using the front feet (adjustable).
To correct any trapezoidal distortion of the
projected image, use the Keystone
correction feature (pages 14,

Notes

• Be careful not to let the projector down on your fingers.

• Do not push hard on the top of the projector with the front feet (adjustable) extended.

• Since the Keystone adjustment is an electronic correction, the image may be deteriorated.

29).

Displaying a pattern for adjusting an image

You can display a pattern for adjusting the projected image with the PATTERN key on the
Remote Commander. Press the PATTERN key again to restore the previous image.

Projecting an Image

13

Correcting for trapezoidal distortion of the projected image (Keystone
adjustment)

If the screen is tilted, or you are projecting from an oblique angle, perform keystone adjustment.

1 Press the KEYSTONE key on the

Remote Commander once or select “V
Keystone” in the Installation menu to
display the adjustment menu.

2 Adjust the value using V/v/B/b.

The higher the setting, the narrower the
top of the projected image. The lower
the setting, the narrower the bottom of
the projected image.

If the projected image is trapezoidally-distorted in the lateral plane (VPL-FH36/
FH31 only)

1 Press the KEYSTONE key on the

Remote Commander twice, or select
“H Keystone” in the Installation menu
to display the adjustment menu.

2 Adjust the value using V/v/B/b.

The higher the setting, the narrower the
right side of the projected image. The
lower the setting, the narrower the left
side of the projected image.

Increase setting

Decrease setting

Decrease setting Increase the setting

Notes

• Since the Keystone feature is electronic, image deterioration may occur.

• Depending on the position adjusted with the lens shift feature, using the Keystone feature may
change the aspect ratio of the original image, or the projected image may be distorted.

• If keystone correction is performed using the KEYSTONE key, the Warp correction feature (if
enabled) will be canceled.

14

Projecting an Image

Correcting image twist (Warp
correction feature) (VPL-FH36/
FH31 only)

You can correct image twist with the warp
correction feature.

Example of cursor display:

Adjust in all directions

1 Press the KEYSTONE key on the

Remote Commander three times, or
select “Warping” in the Installation
menu, then select “Adjust.”

The guide is displayed.

Selecting the corner(s) of the image
to be corrected

1 Move s using V/v/B/b to select the

corner you want to correct.

2 Press the ENTER key.

The cursor appears.

Leftward, rightward or
downward adjustment only

Correcting deflection 1 – left/right
sides of the image

1 Move s using V/v/B/b to select the

side you want to correct.

Projecting/Adjusting an Image

2 Press the ENTER key.

The cursor appears.

Adjust using this cursor

Adjust using this cursor

3 Adjust the position of the corner you

want to correct, using V/v/B/b.

The cursor will disappear when the
deflection range limit is reached.

3 You can adjust the deflection of the

side, using V/v/B/b.

You can adjust the center point of
deflection using V/v. For the range of
deflection, use B/b. You can adjust the
left/right side independently.

Projecting an Image

15

The cursor will disappear if the
deflection range limit is reached.

Example of cursor display:

Adjust in all directions

Upward, downward, or
rightward adjustment only

Correcting deflection 2 – top/bottom
sides of the image

1 Move s using V/v/B/b to select the

side you want to correct.

Adjust using this cursor

3 You can adjust the deflection of the

side, using V/v/B/b.

You can adjust the center point of
deflection using B/b. For the range of
deflection, use V/v. You can adjust the
top/bottom independently.

The cursor will disappear if the
deflection range limit is reached.

Example of cursor display:

2 Press the ENTER key.

The cursor appears.

16

Projecting an Image

Adjust in all directions

Leftward, rightward or
downward adjustment only

Setting the blending function to
project from multiple projectors
(VPL-FH36/FH31 only)

1 Install the projectors.

Input a pattern, etc., to adjust the
projected positions from multiple
projectors.
Set a different ID mode for each
projector (page 27).

2 Enable the Edge Blending function.

Display the main menu to set “Edge
Blending” to “On” in the Installation
menu.

3 Set the position of blending.

Choose the position (top/bottom/left/
right) for blending.

4 Assign the blending width.

Set the blending width according to the
overlapping range for the source signal.

Assign the position and width here.

Blend Gamma
correction

Notes

• The procedure shown above is for general
guidance. Your own installation may vary
according to the situation.

• In the case of multiple projectors, use the
color matching function (page 31) to adjust
for differences in color and brightness.
Note that more detailed adjustment for Edge
Blending is possible using a PC application.
For more details, consult with qualified Sony
personnel.

• When multiple projectors are set up in a line,
the temperature inside the projectors may
increase due to exhaust vent proximity, and
an error indication may result.
In this case, space the projectors farther apart
and/or install deflection partitioning between
them.
For more details, consult with qualified Sony
personnel.

Projecting/Adjusting an Image

5 Adjust using “Zone Black Level Adj.”

Adjust each correction zone by “Zone
Black Level Adj.” for the most uniform
black level between each zone.
During this adjustment, a black image is
automatically projected.

6 Set “Blend Gamma.”

Select the gamma mode in which the
overlapping of images is least
noticeable.

Projecting an Image

17

Turning Off the Power

1 Press the ?/1 key on the main unit or

the 1 key on the Remote Commander.

The message appears if you press the ?/

1

key on the main unit. Press it again
according to the message.
The fan continues to run for a while to
reduce internal heat.

2 Unplug the AC power cord from the

wall outlet.

You may unplug the AC power cord
before the fan stops.

Note

To move the projector just after turning it
off, be sure to wait until the fan stops
before unplugging the AC power cord.
Unplugging the AC power cord before the
fan stops may cause a malfunction.

To erase the confirmation message

The message disappears if you press any key
other than the
key on the Remote Commander, or if you do
not press any key for a while.

?/1 key on the main unit or 1

To turn off the power with the key
on the main unit without a
confirmation message being
displayed

Hold the ?/1 key on the main unit pressed
for a few seconds.

18

Projecting an Image

B Adjustments and Settings Using a Menu

Using a MENU

Note

The menu displays used for the explanation below may be different depending on the model you are
using.

1 Press the MENU key to display the

menu.

2 Select the setting menu.

Use the V or v key to select the setting
menu then press b or ENTER

Setting menu

Picture

Picture Mode Standard
Reset
Contrast 80
Brightness 50
Color 50
Hue 50
Color Temp. Middle
Sharpness 50
Expert Setting

Sel Set Back

key.

3 Select the setting item.

Use the V or v key to select the setting
menu then press b or ENTER key.
To return to the selection screen of the
setting menu, press the B key or the
RETURN key.

Setting items

Picture

Picture Mode Standard

Reset
Contrast 80
Brightness 50
Color 50
Hue 50
Color Temp. Middle
Sharpness 50
Expert Setting

Sel Set Back

4 Make the setting or adjustment for the

selected item.

Menu operation differs depending on the
setting item. If the next menu window is
displayed, select the item according to
the operations in step 3 and then press
the ENTER key to register the setting.

To return to the selection screen of the
setting items, press the B key or the

RETURN key. Also, to reset the setting
value of an item to its factory preset
value, press the RESET key during
setting or adjusting.

Using a pop-up menu

Press the V/v/B/b key to select an item.
Press the ENTER key to register the
setting. The previous screen is restored.

Selecting items

Function

Audio Output Volume

Smart APA Standard

CC Display
Lamp Mode Standard
Lamp Timer Reset
Background Blue
Start Up Image On

Sel Set Back

On

Off

Using the setting menu

Press the V or v key to select the item.
Press the ENTER key to register the
setting. The previous screen is restored.

Picture Mode

Dynamic

Standard

Presentation

Sel Back

Using the adjustment menu

To increase the number, press the V or b
key and to decrease the number, press
the v or B key. Press the ENTER key to
register the setting. The previous screen
is restored.

Contrast

Min

80

Adjust Back

Max

5 Press the MENU key to clear the

menu.

The menu disappears automatically if no
key is pressed for a while.

Adjustments and Settings Using a Menu

Using a MENU

19