Frequently Asked Questions about Projectors

We have answered here some of the most common questions we have been asked in the past about projectors.
If you can't find the answer to your question just call us on 01924 278464 and we'll be happy to assist you.

• Are projectors compatible with Mac computers?
• I have connected my notebook/laptop to the projector but the projector isn't showing an image, what's wrong?
• Why has the image from my projector become dimmer?
• The projector image has a colour haze and/or blotches in some places, what is it?
• There are blured "blobs" on the image, what are they?
• The image projected isn't very clear, the text is distorted, why?

Are projectors compatible with Mac computers?

Yes projectors are compatible with Mac computers. If don't already have one you will need to buy a VGA adapter to fit your Mac computer.
Once the projector is connected to your Mac computer, you will need to turn the projector on and tell the computer to detect a new display (in Display Preferences).

I have connected my notebook/laptop to the projector but the projector isn't showing an image, what's wrong?

First you should check that you have connected the projector and laptop correctly and that the cable isn't faulty. If this doesn't solve the problem, it could be that your laptop computer, like many others, requires a function key or software command to activate/deactivate the laptop video output signal.
Click here to see a chart for Laptop Computer Video Port Activation to find how to do it on your computer.

Why has the image from my projector become dimmer?

The usual reason for the image becoming noticeably dimmer is that the lamp will need replacing soon. With metal halide (high pressure mercury) lamps, you'll notice a dimming of the image brightness as the lamp loses power.
Some projectors allow you to check the number of hours your lamp has been used through the built-in menu system. Check your user guide for information about this feature.

The projector image has a coloured haze and/or blotches in some places, what is it?

Although it is hard to tell for sure without seeing the problem ourselves, the problem sounds like LCD panel burn.
LCD projectors have 3 LCD panels: one red, one blue and one green panel. The white light passes through them to create the colour image that is projected.
Given enough prolonged exposure to high intensity UV light and extreme heat, the organic compounds used in most LCD panels are expected to degrade over long periods of time. This degradation can lead to a discolouration of the image and a reduction in contrast.
The only way to fix it is to replace the damaged LCD panel, which is typically a cost-prohibitive proposition. You are normally better off buying a new projector.

There are blured "blobs" on the image, what are they?

If the "blobs" come in and out of focus when you adjust the focus of the projector, they are likely to be dust particles stuck in the optical assembly of your projector.
A projector service may be able to remove some or all of them. Call us for pricing.

The image projected isn't very clear, the text is distorted, why?

Often the problem is that your computer is using a resolution different from the projector's native resolution.
Although most projectors can display an image from a computer with a higher resolution, the signal will be compressed to be displayed in the projector's lower native resolution. This process makes the image look less sharp and this is more apparent on text.
Try to turn the computer's resolution down to solve the problem.