Owners' Guide Projector
The projector integrates high-performance optical engine projection and a user-friendly design to deliver high reliability and ease of use.
Some of the features may not be available on your projector. Actual performance may vary and subject to model specifications.
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.
Projector

Remote control



Remote control code
The projector can be assigned to 8 different remote control codes, 1 to 8. When several adjacent projectors are in operation at the same time, switching the remote control codes can prevent interference from other remote controls. Set the remote control code for the projector first before changing that for the remote control.
To switch the code for the projector, select from among 1 to 8 in the SYSTEM > Remote Control Code menu.
To switch the code for the remote control, press ID set and the number button corresponding to the remote control code set in the projector OSD together for 5 seconds or more. The initial code is set to 1. When the code is switched to 8, the remote control can control every projector.
If different codes are set on the projector and remote control, there will be no response from the remote control. When that happens, a message will display to remind you to switch the code for the remote control.

Using the remote PgUp/PgDn function
The capability of operating your computer with the remote control gives you more flexibility when delivering presentations.
Remote control effective range
Refer to the illustration about the location of the InfraRed (IR) remote control sensor(s). The remote control must be held at an angle within 30 degrees perpendicular to the projector's IR remote control sensor(s) to function correctly. The distance between the remote control and the sensor(s) should not exceed 8 meters (~ 26 feet).
Make sure that there are no obstacles between the remote control and the IR sensor(s) on the projector that might obstruct the infra-red beam.

Replacing the remote control batteries

WARNING
When connecting a signal source to the projector, be sure to:
In the connections shown below, some cables may not be included with the projector (see "Shipping contents" on page 4). They are commercially available from electronics stores.
The connection illustrations below are for reference only. The connecting jacks available on the projector vary with each projector model.
For detailed connection methods, see pages 14-17.


*USB Type A connector supports 5V/1.5A power output for HDMI dongle charging.
Connecting a computer
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.
If you want to view your presentation close-up on a monitor as well as on the screen, you can connect the Monitor Out signal output socket on the projector to an external monitor with a VGA cable following the instructions below:
The Monitor Out output only works when Computer 1 connection is made to the projector. To use this connection method in the standby mode, turn on the Active VGA Out function under the POWER MANAGEMENT > Standby Settings menu.
You can connect your projector to various Video source devices that provide any one of the following output sockets:
You need only connect the projector to a Video source device using just one of the above 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:
Best video quality
The best available video connection method is HDMI. If your source device is equipped with an HDMI socket, you can enjoy uncompressed digital video quality.
See "Connecting an HDMI device" on page 16 for how to connect the projector to an HDMI source device and other details.
If no HDMI source is available, the next best video signal is Component video (not to be confused with composite video). Digital TV tuner and DVD players output Component video natively, so if available on your devices, this should be your connection method of choice in preference to (composite) video.
See "Connecting a Component Video source device" on page 16 for how to connect the projector to a component video device.
Least video quality
Composite Video is an analog video and will result in a perfectly acceptable, but less than optimal result from your projector, being the least video quality of the available methods described here.
See "Connecting a composite Video source device" on page 16 for how to connect the projector to a composite Video device.
Connecting audio
You can make use of the projector speaker in your presentations, and also connect separate amplified speakers to the Audio Out socket of the projector. The audio output is controlled by the projector Volume and Mute settings.
You should use an HDMI cable when making connection between the projector and HDMI devices.
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 HDMI input settings" on page 22 for details.
Examine your Video source device to determine if it has a set of unused Component Video output sockets available:
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.
Examine your Video source device to determine if it has a set of unused composite Video output sockets available:
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.
You need only connect to this device using a composite Video connection if Component Video input is unavailable for use. See "Connecting Video source devices" on page 15 for details.
You can make use of the projector speaker in your presentations, and also connect separate amplified speakers to the Audio Out socket of the projector.
Power to start the projector. As soon as the lamp lights up, a "Power On Ring Tone" will be heard. The Power indicator light stays blue when the projector is on. (If necessary) Rotate the focus ring to adjust the image clearness.
If the projector is still hot from previous activity, it will run the cooling fan for approximately 90 seconds before energizing the lamp.
To maintain the lamp life, once you turn the projector on, wait at least 5 minutes before turning it off.
To turn off the ring tone, see "Turning off the Power On/Off Ring Tone" on page 32 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 62 for details.The projector is equipped with On-Screen Display (OSD) menus for making various adjustments and settings.
The OSD screenshots below are for reference only, and may differ from the actual design.
Below is the overview of the OSD menu.

To use the OSD menus, please select your language first.

to highlight the SYSTEM menu.
to highlight Language and press Enter.
to select a preferred language.For security purposes and to help prevent unauthorized use, the projector includes an option for setting up password security. The password can be set through the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu. For details of the OSD menu operation, please refer to "Using the menus" on page 19.
You will be inconvenienced if you enable the password function yet forget the password somehow. Do make a note of your password, and keep the note in a safe place for later recall.
Setting a password
Once a password has been set and the power on lock is enabled, the projector cannot be used unless the correct password is entered every time the projector is started.
.
) respectively represent 4 digits (1, 2, 3, 4). According to the password you desire to set, press the arrow keys to enter six digits for the password.
If you forget the password
If the password function is activated, you will be asked to enter the six-digit password every time you turn on the projector. If you enter the wrong password, the password error message as pictured to the right is displayed lasting for 5 seconds, and the message 'INPUT PASSWORD' follows. You can retry by entering another six-digit password, or if you did not record the password in this user manual, and you absolutely do not remember it, you can use the password recall procedure. See "Entering the password recall procedure" on page 21 for details.
If you enter an incorrect password 5 times in succession, the projector will automatically shut down in a short time.


The "XXX" shown in the above screenshot are numbers that vary depending on different projector models.
The digits being input will be displayed as asterisks on-screen. Do make a note of your password, and then keep the note in a safe place for later recall.
to select Off.
Though the password function is disabled, you need to keep the old password in hand should you ever need to re-activate the password function by entering the old password.
The projector can be connected to multiple devices at the same time. However, it can only display one full screen at a time.
Be sure the Quick Auto Search function in the SYSTEM menu is On if you want the projector to automatically search for the signals.
You can also manually select the desired signal by pressing one of the source selection keys on the remote control, or cycle through the available input signals.
until your desired signal is selected and press Enter.
Please see "Projector specifications" on page 66 for the native display resolution of this projector. For best display picture results, you should select and use an input signal which outputs at this resolution. Any other resolutions will be scaled by the projector depending upon the 'aspect ratio' setting, which may cause some image distortion or loss of picture clarity. See "Selecting the aspect ratio" on page 24 for details.
Changing HDMI input settings
In the unlikely event that you connect the projector to a device (like a DVD or Blu-ray player) via the projector’s HDMI input and the projected picture displays wrong colors, please change the color space to an appropriate one that fits the color space setting of the output device.
To do this:
to select a suitable color space according to the color space setting of the output device connected.
to select a suitable HDMI color range according to the color range setting of the output device connected.
This function is only available when the HDMI input port is in use.
Refer to the documentation of the device for information on the color space and HDMI range settings.
Adjusting the projection angle
The projector is equipped with an adjuster foot. It changes the image height and vertical projection angle. Screw the adjuster foot to fine tune the angle until the image is positioned where you want it.
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 "Correcting keystone" on page 23 for details.
Warning: Do not look into the lens while the lamp is on. The strong light from the lamp may cause damage to your eyes.
Auto-adjusting the image
In some cases, you may need to optimize the picture quality. To do this, press Auto Sync on the remote control. Within 5 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 upper left corner of the screen for 3 seconds.
The screen will display ViewSonic logo while auto adjustment is functioning.
This function is only available when PC D-Sub input signal (analog RGB) is selected.
Fine-tuning the image clarity


Correcting keystone
Keystoning refers to the situation where the projected image becomes a trapezoid due to angled projection.
To correct this, besides adjusting the height of the projector, you will need to manually correct it following one of these steps.
to display the Keystone correction page.
to correct keystoning at the top of the image. Press
to correct keystoning at the bottom of the image.
to correct keystoning at the top of the image or press
to correct keystoning at the bottom of the image.If you need to find the details on the projected picture, magnify the picture. Use the direction arrow keys for navigating the picture.
the directional arrows (
) to navigate the picture.
repeatedly.
This adjustable range may vary depending on different aspect ratios.
The picture can only be navigated after it is magnified. You can further magnify the picture while searching for details.
The 'aspect ratio' is the ratio of the image width to the image height.
With the advent of digital signal processing, digital display devices like this projector can dynamically stretch and scale the image output to a different aspect than that of the image input signal.
To change the projected image ratio (no matter what aspect the source is):
to select an aspect ratio to suit the format of the video signal and your display requirements.About the aspect ratio
The table below demonstrates the effects of the aspect ratio settings on projectors with different native resolutions. Please see "Projector specifications" on page 66 for the native display resolution of your projector.
In the pictures below, the black portions are inactive areas and the white portions are active areas. OSD menus can be displayed on those unused black areas.

Selecting a picture mode
The projector is preset with several predefined picture modes so that you can choose one to suit your operating environment and input signal picture type. To select an operation mode that suits your need, you can follow one of the following steps.
to select a desired mode or press Color Mode repeatedly.
to select a desired mode.Picture modes for different types of signals
The picture modes available for different types of signals are listed below.
Using Screen Color
In the situation where you are projecting onto a colored surface such as a painted wall which may not be white, the Screen Color feature can help correct the projected picture’s colors to prevent possible color difference between the source and projected pictures.
To use this function, go to the DISPLAY > Screen Color menu and press Enter. Press
to select a color which is closest to the color of the projection surface. There are several precalibrated colors to choose from: Whiteboard, Greenboard, and Blackboard. The effects of these settings may vary depending on different models.
This function is only available for PC timings from a VGA or HDMI input signal.
Fine-tuning the image quality in user modes
According to the detected signal type, there are some user-definable functions available. You can make adjustments to these functions based on your needs.
Adjusting Brightness
Go to the IMAGE > Brightness menu and press Enter.
The higher the value, the brighter the image. And the lower the setting, the darker the image. Adjust this control so the black areas of the image appear just as black and that detail in the dark areas is visible.

Adjusting Contrast
Go to the IMAGE > Contrast menu and press Enter.
The higher the value, the greater the contrast. Use this to set the peak white level after you have previously adjusted the Brightness setting to suit your selected input and viewing environment.

Adjusting Color
Go to the IMAGE > Advanced > Color menu and press
.
Lower setting produces less saturated colors. If the setting is too high, colors on the image will be overpowering, which makes the image unrealistic.
This function is only available when the input signal is Video, YPbPr or YCbCr.
Adjusting Tint
Go to the IMAGE > Advanced > Tint menu and press
.
The higher the value, the more greenish the picture becomes. The lower the value, the more reddish the picture becomes.
This function is only available when the input signal is Video, YPbPr or YCbCr.
Adjusting Sharpness
Go to the IMAGE > Advanced > Sharpness menu and press
.
The higher the value, the sharper the picture becomes. The lower the value, the softer the picture becomes.
This function is only available when the input signal is Video, YPbPr or YCbCr.
Adjusting Brilliant Color
Go to the IMAGE > Advanced > Brilliant Color menu and press
.
This feature utilizes a new color-processing algorithm and system level enhancements to enable higher brightness while providing truer, more vibrant colors in the projected picture. It enables a greater than 50% brightness increase in mid-tone images, which are common in video and natural scenes, so the projector reproduces images in realistic and true colors. If you prefer images with that quality, select a level that suits your need. If you don’t need it, select Off.
Reducing image noise
Go to the IMAGE > Advanced > Noise Reduction menu and press
.
This function reduces electrical image noise caused by different media players. The higher the setting, the less the noise.
This function is only available when a PC or Video input signal is selected.
Selecting a gamma setting
Go to the IMAGE > Advanced > Gamma menu and select a preferred setting by pressing
.
Gamma refers to the relationship between input source and picture brightness.
Selecting a Color Temperature
Go to the IMAGE > Color Temp. menu and press
.
The options available for color temperature settings vary according to the signal type selected.
Setting a preferred color temperature
to select Cool, Normal or Warm and press Enter.
to highlight the item you want to change and adjust the values by pressing
.
This function is only available for PC timings from a VGA or HDMI input signal.Color Management
Only in permanent installations with controlled lighting levels such as boardrooms, lecture theaters, or home theaters, should color management be considered. Color management provides fine color control adjustment to allow for more accurate color reproduction, should you require it.
If you have purchased a test disc which contains various color test patterns and can be used to test the color presentation on monitors, TVs, projectors, etc., you can project any image from the disc on the screen and enter the Color Management menu to make adjustments.
To adjust the settings:
to select a color from among Red, Yellow, Green, Cyan, Blue, or Magenta.
to highlight Hue and press
to select its range. Increase in the range will include colors consisted of more proportions of its two adjacent colors. Please refer to the illustration to the right for how the colors relate to each other. For example, if you select Red and set its range at 0, only pure red in the projected picture will be selected. Increasing its range will include red close to yellow and red close to magenta.
to highlight Saturation and adjust its values to your preference by pressing
. Every adjustment made will reflect to the image immediately. For example, if you select Red and set its value at 0, only the saturation of pure red will be affected.
Saturation is the amount of that color in a video picture. Lower settings produce less saturated colors; a setting of “0” removes that color from the image entirely. If the saturation is too high, that color will be overpowering and unrealistic.
to highlight Gain and adjust its values to your preference by pressing
. The contrast level of the primary color you select will be affected. Every adjustment made will reflect to the image immediately.Presentation timer can indicate the presentation time on the screen to help you achieve better time management when giving presentations. Follow these steps to utilize this function:
. The length of time can be set from 1 to 5 minutes in 1-minute increments and 5 to 240 minutes in 5- minute increments.
If the timer is already on, the timer will restart whenever the Timer Period is reset.
to highlight Timer Display and choose if you want the timer to show up on the screen by pressing
.
| Selection | Description |
| Always | Displays the timer on screen throughout the presentation time. |
| 1 min/2 min/3 min | Displays the timer on screen in the last 1/2/3 minute(s) |
| Never | Hides the timer throughout the presentation time. |
to highlight Timer Position and set the timer position by pressing
.
to highlight Timer Counting Direction and select your desired counting direction by pressing
.
| Selection | Description |
| Count Up | Increases from 0 to the preset time. |
| Count Down | Decreases from the preset time to 0. |
to highlight Sound Reminder and decide if you want to activate sound reminder by pressing
. If you select On, a double beep sound will be heard at the last 30 seconds of counting down/up, and a triple beep sound will be produced when the timer is up.
and press
to highlight Start Counting and press Enter.To cancel the timer, perform the following steps:
In order to draw the audience's full attention to the presenter, you can press Blank on the projector or remote control to hide the screen image. Press any key on the projector or remote control to restore the image. The word 'BLANK' appears at the lower right corner of the screen while the image is hidden.
You can set the blank time in the BASIC > Blank Timer menu to let the projector return the image automatically after a period of time when there is no action taken on the blank screen.
Once Blank is pressed, the projector enters SuperEco mode automatically.
CAUTION
Do not block the projection lens from projecting as this could cause the blocking object to become heated and deformed or even cause a fire.
With the control keys on the projector locked, you can prevent your projector settings from being changed accidentally (by children, for example). When the Panel Key Lock is on, no control keys on the projector will operate except
Power.
to select On.
on the projector for 3 seconds.
Keys on the remote control are still functional when panel key lock is enabled.
If you press
Power to turn off the projector without disabling panel key lock, the projector will still be in locked status the next time it is turned on.
We recommend you use the High Altitude Mode when your environment is between 1500 m–3000 m above sea level, and temperature is between 0°C–30°C.
CAUTION
Do not use the High Altitude Mode if your altitude is between 0 m and 1499 m and temperature is between 0°C and 35°C. The projector will be over cooled, if you turn the mode on under such a condition.
To activate the High Altitude Mode:
to select On. A confirmation message is displayed.
This projector supports CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) function for synchronized power on/off operation via HDMI connection. That is, if a device that also supports CEC function is connected to the HDMI input of the projector, when the projector’s power is turned off, the power of the connected device will also be turned off automatically. When the power of the connected device is turned on, the projector’s power will be turned on automatically.
To turn on the CEC function:
to select Enable.
In order for the CEC function to work properly, make sure that the device is correctly connected to the HDMI input of the projector via an HDMI cable, and its CEC function is turned on.
Depending on the connected device, the CEC function may not work.
Using the 3D functions
This projector features 3D function which enables you to enjoy 3D movies, videos, and sporting events in a more realistic way by presenting the depth of the images. You need to wear a pair of 3D glasses to view 3D images.
If the 3D signal is input from an HDMI 1.4a compatible device, the projector detects the signal for 3D Sync information and once detected, it projects images in 3D format automatically. In other cases, you may need to manually select a 3D Sync format for the projector to project 3D images correctly.
to select a 3D Sync setting and then press Enter to confirm.
When the 3D Sync function is on:
If you discover the inversion of the 3D image depth, set the 3D Sync Invert function to “Invert” to correct the problem.
Using the projector in standby mode
Some of the projector functions are available in standby mode (plugged in but not turned on). To use these functions, be sure the cable connections are correctly made. For the connection methods, see the Connection chapter.
Active VGA Out
Selecting On in the POWER MANAGEMENT > Standby Settings > Active VGA Out outputs a VGA signal when the Computer 1 and Monitor Out sockets are correctly connected to devices. The projector outputs the signal received only from Computer 1.
Active Audio Out
Selecting On in the POWER MANAGEMENT > Standby Settings > Active Audio Out outputs an audio signal when the Audio In and Audio Out sockets are correctly connected to a proper device.
The sound adjustments made as below will have an effect on the projector speaker. Be sure you have made a correct connection to the projector audio input/output jacks. See "Connection" on page 13 for more details.
Muting the sound
to select On.Adjusting the sound level
to select a desired sound level.
If available, you can press
S on the remote control to adjust the projector’s sound level.
Turning off the Power On/Off Ring Tone
to select Off.
The only way to change Power On/Off Ring Tone is setting On or Off here. Setting the sound mute or changing the sound level will not affect the Power On/Off Ring Tone.
Power or
Off and a confirmation message is displayed prompting you. If you don't respond in a few seconds, the message will disappear.
Power or
Off a second time.
To turn off the ring tone, see "Turning off the Power On/Off Ring Tone" on page 32 for details.
CAUTION
Menu system
Please note that the on-screen display (OSD) menus vary according to the signal type selected.
The menu items are available when the projector detects at least one valid signal. If there is no equipment connected to the projector or no signal detected, limited menu items are accessible.
*The OSD settings vary according to the projector model you are using.




Description of each menu






You need to keep the lens and/or filter (optional accessory) clean on a regular basis.
Never remove any parts of the projector. Contact your dealer when any part of the projector needs replacing.
Clean the lens whenever you notice dirt or dust on the surface.
CAUTION
Never rub the lens with abrasive materials.
Before you clean the case, turn the projector off using the proper shutdown procedure as described in "Shutting down the projector" on page 33 and unplug the power cord.
CAUTION
Never use wax, alcohol, benzene, thinner or other chemical detergents. These can damage the case.
If you need to store the projector for an extended time, please follow the instructions below:
Transporting the projector
It is recommended that you ship the projector with its original packing or equivalent.
CAUTION
Installing the dust filter

to select On. The filter timer starts counting.Warning: Set Filter Mode to On only when using the projector after the dust filer (optional accessory) is properly attached. Failing to do so will result in a shorter lamp life.
Obtaining the filter hour information
Cleaning the dust filter

CAUTION
Remember to set Filter Mode to Off in the ADVANCED > Filter Settings menu when using the projector with the dust filter removed. Setting Filter Mode to Off does not reset the filter timer. The timer will continue counting the next time you fit the filter back on and set Filter Mode to On.
Getting to know the lamp hour
When the projector is in operation, the duration (in hours) of lamp usage is automatically calculated by the built-in timer.
To obtain the lamp hour information:
The projection lamp is a consumable item. To keep the lamp life as long as possible, you can do the following settings via the OSD menu.
Setting Lamp Mode
Setting the projector in Eco/Dynamic Eco/SuperEco mode reduces system noise, power consumption and extends the lamp operation life.
| Lamp mode | Description |
| Normal | Provides full lamp brightness. |
| Eco | Reduces lamp power consumption by 30% and lowers brightness to extend the lamp life and decreases the fan noise. |
| Dynamic Eco | Reduces lamp power consumption by up to 70% depending on the content brightness level. |
| SuperEco | Reduces lamp power consumption by 70% and lowers brightness to extend the lamp life and decreases the fan noise. |
It is not recommended that you use SuperEco mode for a long time.
To set the lamp mode, go to the ADVANCED > Lamp Settings > Lamp Mode menu and press
to select. Or you can press Eco Mode on the remote control to select.
Setting Auto Power Off
This function allows the projector to turn off automatically after a set period of time once no input source is detected to prevent unnecessary waste of lamp life.
.Setting Sleep Timer
This function allows the projector to turn off automatically after a set period of time to prevent unnecessary waste of lamp life.
.Setting Power Saving
The projector lowers the power consumption if no input source is detected after 5 minutes to prevent unnecessary waste of lamp life. You can further decide if you would like the projector to turn off automatically after a set period of time.
.

Please install a new lamp or consult your dealer when the Lamp indicator light lights up. An old lamp may cause a malfunction in the projector and in some instances the lamp may explode.
CAUTION
The Lamp indicator light and Temperature indicator light will light up if the lamp becomes too hot. Turn the power off and let the projector cool for 45 minutes. If the Lamp indicator light or Temperature indicator light still lights up after turning the power back on, please contact your dealer. See "Indicators" on page 48 for details.
Warning: Turn the power off and disconnect the projector from the power outlet. Please contact qualified service personnel for changing the lamp.
Indicators

The projector does not turn on.
| Cause | Remedy |
| There is no power from the power cord. | Plug the power cord into the AC inlet on the projector, and plug the power cord into the power outlet. If the power outlet has a switch, make sure that it is switched on. |
| Attempting to turn the projector on again during the cooling process. | Wait until the cooling down process has completed. |
No picture
| Cause | Remedy |
| The video source is not turned on or connected correctly. | Turn the video source on and check that the signal cable is connected correctly. |
| The projector is not correctly connected to the input signal device. | Check the connection. |
| The input signal has not been correctly selected. | Select the correct input signal with the Source key on the projector or remote control. |
Blurred image
| Cause | Remedy |
| The projection lens is not correctly focused. | Adjust the focus of the lens using the focus ring. |
| The projector and the screen are not aligned properly. | Adjust the projection angle and direction as well as the height of the projector if necessary. |
Remote control does not work
| Cause | Remedy |
| The battery is out of power. | Replace the battery with a new one. |
| There is an obstacle between the remote control and the projector. | Remove the obstacle. |
| You are too far away from the projector. | Stand within 8 meters (26 feet) from the projector. |
| The remote control code on the projector and that on the remote control are not consistent. | Adjust the remote control code. |
Reference file: ViewSonic PA503W Projector
Additionally, the document applies to other ViewSonic models: PA500S, PA503S, PA500X, PA503X, PA503SP, PA503XP