Projectors have entered our lives relatively recently and although their prices are regularly falling, they are still quite expensive devices. However, now not only a we althy family, able to purchase a projector and pay for its proper installation, can afford such a device, but also people with an average income. They just prefer to do most of the work themselves. For the purpose of saving. And this implies following certain rules for installing the projector.
In this article, we will describe step by step what and how to do in order for the product to perform its functions efficiently.
Projection distance
This is the first thing to determine where to place the projector. It must be said that it is always better to lay down the potential location of the device at the stage of making repairs in the apartment. This approach will allow you to correctly position the furniture and immediately provide for the appropriate mounting point on the ceiling (since this is where it is most convenient to place the projector).
But back to the projection distance. If you do not go into details, then this is the distance at which the device should be located fromscreen. The basis of the calculation will be the projection ratio and the selected screen size (usually it is 2.54 meters). They need to be multiplied with each other. For example, the projection ratio is 1.4. A screen of 254 centimeters is selected (it is more convenient to make calculations in centimeters). We get 2541.4=355.6 centimeters. That is, the projector should be installed at a distance of about 3.5 meters from the potential screen placement.
Vertical offset
The second step is to determine the vertical offset. This is, roughly speaking, the angle of inclination of the image projection. This indicator is indicated in the instructions and can have both positive and negative values (it is recommended to take projectors with a positive offset, since they still turn over during installation and what was up will become down). In most modern models, this indicator can change. For example, you can adjust the position of the bracket device itself, but we are more interested in the function of adjusting the vertical offset angle without moving the projector. This also occurs and allows you to tilt the image as required. In any case, you need to pay attention to this parameter when choosing a product.
Projector installation height
To install a projector in an apartment on the ceiling, this is perhaps the most important step. First we need the height of the screen. The easiest way is to simply measure it, but you can use the services of online calculators orremember high school math. For example, let's take the same screen with a diagonal of 254 centimeters. Its height will be 124.5 centimeters. From it we will already calculate the optimal position of the projector. To do this, we multiply 124.5 by the degree of vertical displacement. As an example, let's say it is 96.3%. It turns out 124.596.3% \u003d 119.9 centimeters. That is, the projector can be placed anywhere that is above 119.9 centimeters from the center of the screen.
Bracket selection
The next important step is the selection of the bracket. There are a huge number of varieties. In order not to worry about compatibility, it is recommended to focus only on the same models as the projector itself. Particular attention should be paid to which ceiling this or that mount is designed for. If there is still no clear understanding of what it will be in the end, then the bracket will set this indicator. And if the apartment is already in a finished state, then the projector should be installed on a mount that is strictly suitable for the existing ceiling.
It is not recommended to take cheap samples. They can become loose and, at best, simply knock down the image settings. At worst, the projector will crash to the floor with all the ensuing consequences. It will break, to put it simply.
Install on standard concrete ceiling
This is the easiest way to install the projector.
- Choosing the right place.
- Try on the bracket and mark the attachment points.
- Drill holes in the ceiling (do not get carried away, otherwise the neighbors from above will not be happy).
- We fix the bracket. This stage depends entirely on the model of the product and the fasteners that come with the kit.
- Installing the projector.
- Connect all required cables/wires.
- Set up and enjoy.
The main disadvantage of such ceilings is hanging wires from the projector. They just have nowhere to go. If the installation is carried out at the repair stage, special grooves can be knocked out where the wires will be laid. Subsequently, they can be covered with plaster or any other suitable method without any problems. If the repair has already been made, then the only option is to attach special plastic boxes to the ceiling, in which to lay the wires. It's inexpensive and easy, but it still spoils the look of the room.
Gypsum ceiling installation
Installing a projector on a plasterboard ceiling presents more challenges than a conventional projector. You should start with the fact that the maximum weight (and then subject to the use of special mounts) of the projector can be no more than 5 kilograms. But they are usually heavier. As a result, you will either have to fix the device on a metal frame (you can find it with a regular magnet) or cut a piece of the ceiling, mount the projector directly on the concrete and then think for a long time how to close the hole (you can either just cover it with plaster or install a plastic plug). There is also nowhere to hide the wires, so you will have to deal with them the same way.same as installing the projector on a concrete ceiling.
Modular ceiling installation
This is perhaps the most successful and convenient option.
- Remove part of the ceiling in the place where you want to install the bracket.
- Measure the fixation points and drill, as in the case of a concrete ceiling.
- We fix the bracket using the accessories supplied with it.
- Install the projector on it and connect the wires.
- We bring all the cables through the ceiling, since its modular (aka suspended) version allows this.
- We cut a hole in the previously removed ceiling plate strictly to the size of the bracket rod.
- Install it in place.
The only feature here is the location of the sockets. Usually they are not made on the ceiling and the cable will still have to be led out somewhere, but at least the wires will not lead directly from the projector. And if you try and still make a socket right in the ceiling, then the appearance will not spoil anything at all.
Installation on a stretch ceiling
To the great regret of all users, it is simply impossible for a non-specialist to work with stretch ceilings without the appropriate tools and skills. With any attempt, it is possible to spoil the ceiling (and it is not cheap) rather than to attach something somewhere. The cost of installing a projector on such surfaces can vary greatly, but be aware that you will have to pay much more for a new ceiling.
Basicthe principle here is about the same as in all previous cases, but it is advisable to first fix the bracket, wires and the projector, and only then stretch the ceiling. If it already exists and you don’t want to change anything (and it’s expensive, frankly), you should think about mounting it on the wall. It's not as convenient, but still real. Of the main differences, it can only be noted that instead of a vertical offset, you should pay attention to the horizontal one (it is also in the instructions). Otherwise, the differences are minor.
Installing the screen for the projector
In this case, a lot depends on the selected screen, its size, location, and so on. It is most convenient to use collapsible versions. They are a kind of blinds and they need to be opened only when the need arises. They are mounted on the wall or on the ceiling according to the standard scheme:
- Determine anchor points.
- Make holes with a drill.
- Using regular self-tapping screws/dowels/any other fastening options, fix the base of the screen.
- If necessary, provide additional clamps.
It is recommended to look for detailed instructions for each individual type of screen along with it, but the general principle of operation is almost always identical to each other. In general, hanging a screen is much easier than a projector, if only because it does not require wires. The exception is situations when it has to be mounted on the ceiling.
Here everything will be absolutelyidentical, as with the projector itself, with all the ensuing features. A little nuance: sometimes it’s easier to install the projector first, and only then figure out where to hang the screen, and not vice versa (especially when the room is small and there is nowhere to roam). Nevertheless, it is more correct to do everything according to this instruction, assuming in advance the placement of all the components of the future home theater.
Projector setup
Finally completed installation. Projector setup is the next and final step. As in many other cases, almost everything depends directly on the product model itself.
- Turn on the projector, making the lighting of the room minimal. If it is daylight outside, close the curtains tightly. If it's evening, turn off the lights. Immediately after switching on, expect miracles and hope that "it will do" is not worth it. Practice shows that usually you have to tinker.
- Align the position of the image on the screen. If there are such settings, then use them. If not, then adjust the position of the projector and/or screen.
- Checking the focus (you should look at the picture closer and move away). If everything looks clear (which rarely happens right away), then we don’t touch anything. In other cases, we delve into the settings and bring the image to a state close to the ideal.
- Checking brightness, color and contrast. Usually these indicators are set by default, but there are always options for customization, so you can really try to do better. If it didn’t work out, no one bothers to reset the settings back todefault state.
- If the projector has other settings, it makes sense to check them all. It is quite possible that you will like some of the modes more or you will be able to find something interesting (surprisingly, not many people dig into the settings of new equipment, but in vain).
The last thing left to do. Download a movie and invite your friends. Or maybe connect a computer / set-top box and finally play on a really huge screen. Now there are many more possibilities, and all thanks to the competent installation of the projector.
Results
If you have free funds, it is better to use the services of specialists. At least they will give a guarantee for their services (well, or they should give it), which will allow in case of problems to demand compensation or a free correction. But there is to do everything on your own and something will go wrong, there will be no one else to blame. This is especially true with poor-quality fixtures, which can lead to both the collapse of the ceiling (or part of it) and fatal damage to the projector.
