CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

JorisS · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 160 Location: Uppsala, Sweden

Hi all,

after swapping out all fans on my NEC XG110LC and installing the newly purchased Moome HDMI card, I'm in the process of setting up the projector now. It's going to be ceiling mounted and before I go off drilling 4 big holes in the concrete ceiling, I'd like to make sure it's in the right place.

So what I did last time was to optimize the phosphor first, without the lenses, then put the lenses on and move the projector to the right distance so the picture fills the screen. Then ceiling mount it there.

That's correct, right? Using the calculations in the manual doesn't really cut it as the phosphor usage will be too conservative? (i.e. too small image on the phosphor?)

Now what I never really got my hands around - if I feed a signal through HDMI from my Curanta media box, 1080p in this case, the image projected from the Curanta doesn't cover the same surface as when I enable the TEST pattern. It seems to be shifted and 'doubled' up on one side, i.e. like when shifting the image too far it sort of rolls over and doubles back, as if a paper sheet pushing into a solid barrier.

Which image should I use? Should I do the setup with the built in TEST patterns, or should I somehow get the Curanta to project a test image instead? It can do JPG's, for example. I do need to have the PJ locked into a signal right? Does it actually matter if the signal is 720p or 1080i or 1080p? Can't really remember if the phosphor usage is signal related or not? It didn't seem like it was in the old apartment, but that perhaps is due to the fact I installed another input card (the moome HDMI) rather than which source I use (used to be an HTPC)?

Also, optimization of the phosphor, is that source/input related? If I instead feed 720p, would that change the size and thereby phosphor usage? Would appear rather unlogical in a way, as people don't move about their PJ with differenct input sources as far as I know Wink

I think I already knew a lot of this previously, but too much time has passed in between and I can't really seem to find my old topics and notes Sad

How should I go to work here? I'm interested in the correct steps prior to the actual convergence and alignment, making sure I'm starting off in the right spot (CTL + NORMAL should cut it, right?) and do everything right from the start.

Thanks in advance!

//Joris

Nashou66 · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 16171 Location: West Seneca NY

Always set up your PJ using the source as the internal test patters will have different timings. I think some PJ's will alter their timings to match an incoming source. But its usual practice to use the external source convergence grid.

I personally use a full field 20 IRE pattern to center the image on the tube face. once that is done do as you described in your post, set it up on the floor to fill the screen and then move that location to your ceiling.

Athanasios

ecrabb · Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 7:51 pm Post subject:

But, in this case, he can't use the 1080p source, because the XG doesn't like 1080p timings.

For the purposes of positioning the projector, it isn't necessary to use an external source... Just make sure the test pattern you use covers the same area the external signal would, and that you leave enough room for keystone on all corners of all three rasters, and that you'll still have good corner focus... i.e. don't get too close to the edges.

SC

JorisS · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 160 Location: Uppsala, Sweden

Thanks for the replies. Does anybody know if the NEC alters it's timings or not? One thing I do know is that the pj switches to the test screen promptly, it doesn't click and lock onto a new signal as when switching input channel or source.

Using the media box, do you guys have any good suggestions for test patterns? It doesn't have any in-built, so I'd be dependent on jpg's or something of the likes.

I should then obviously also do the convergence and all with a source generated test pattern, right?

Lastly, in question to the input signal - if I position the pj correctly for optimal usage of the phosphor at 1080i (if I chose to go with that instead of p), will that also mean phosphor usage will be good/optimal if I should change the input signal to 720p at a later stage? Just want to make sure the mechanical setup/ceiling positioning is correct.

Elaine Benes · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1416

Without question, on an NEC especially, use the actual source for your setup. The NEC test patterns are generated from the sources timings, but there is still a definite discrepancy between the internal and external test patterns.

Also, before you go whole hog with "maximizing" the tubeface usage, take the time to actually complete a setup at your desired resolution, check how well you can get it setup on the edges and in the corners, then do the same setup using a tubeface size closer to what NEC recommends. I am one of the very few people who *generally* stick much closer to NEC's recommended positioning because I've seen in practical applications, a more conservative raster size leads to a raster that can be set up more precisely and focused more exactly over its entire area. NEC XG's also typically have a line distribution problem which is MUCH harder to correct the larger your raster. Getting it exactly square and straight on all edges will be quite difficult with a raster that is maximized...

JorisS · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 160 Location: Uppsala, Sweden

Cheers, that's a very interesting perspective. This will not be the first time I'll do a full setup on the NEC, although it will be the first time in the new house - also I've never been that good at it Embarassed

But did previously find it hard to get proper focus towards edges, which might be explained by the above.

Thanks!

Any suggestions for good test images/patterns in proper resolutions? I've used the Nokia monitor tool before, but that was on the HTPC - the media player can't use it.

Mark_A_W · Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 9:25 pm Post subject:

JorisS · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 160 Location: Uppsala, Sweden

Excuse my ignorance, but what's a VP?

I might go with the laptop then, as I don't have the funds nor desire to build/buy a new HTPC really.. and the new laptop has HDMI out. Can give it a go at least and will try the suggested resolution and scan rate, cheers. In that case I can also resort to the Nokia tool again Smile

kschmit2 · Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 2:14 pm Post subject:

VP = video processor

**AnalogRocks** · Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 4:29 pm Post subject:

JorisS · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 160 Location: Uppsala, Sweden

It's a HD3470 I think... VAIO FW11E. But the mrs kind of confiscated the laptop the minute it was delivered, so guess that option is a goner Wink

So perhaps will try to build a simple budget HTPC with a HD decoding graphics card in it.

**AnalogRocks** · Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 10:45 pm Post subject:

Powerstrip should support that chip set. I have a 3450 card in my HTPC and powerstrip works nicely. Now if you can just get YOUR lap top off the missus.

Shoujiki · Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 12:23 am Post subject:

I'm not well tuned in CRT setup and that, but from my reading, the 1272 manual says to "set the projector up with the internal test patterns with the projector in "internal oscillation mode", ie. no signal input, and then once complete, redo the setup with your "first piece of equipment" connected.

Is this correct?

**AnalogRocks** · Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 1:16 am Post subject:

Shoujiki · Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 1:30 am Post subject:

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 2:34 am Post subject:

After the G90 debacle, I no longer believe that Sony is all-knowing. Smile

**AnalogRocks** · Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 2:35 am Post subject:

Ahhh whatdaenieersknow? Laughing

Seriously though. Once you get the hang of setting that up you'll be able to do it in a flash. The Sony 12xx series projectors are a breeze to set up.

My 1252 took me 8 hours the first time with the manual. Now 45mins to an hour to get a decent picture.

Elaine Benes · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1416

JorisS · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 160 Location: Uppsala, Sweden

Problem with these HTPC's are the peripherals... i.e. one needs a keyboard/mouse or some fancy combination such as the Dinovo edge in order to operate. That's what I like about the mediaboxes; then again I realize while writing that one can get those IR remotes for HTPC use as well, if running Media Center.... hrm. Will give it all some consideration.