Getting the perfect picture from your new projector

So, you’ve invested in the projector of your dreams. But how do you ensure you are getting the best results from your new purchase?

There is a lot to consider when it comes to setting up your projector and it’s easy, if you don’t take due care, to have a wonky, blurry or substandard image. But fear not, ProjectorPoint is on hand to assist you: here are our top tips for how to get the perfect picture from your new projector.

Calibration

Why have an awesome projector if you don’t take the time to make sure it is delivering an awesome picture? Well, the first thing you can do to avoid this mistake is to properly calibrate the projector for different video sources.

Showing a film will need to look different from a TV show or a sporting event, so you need to change the picture parameters for each video setting. Most projectors will have default settings and calibration test patterns built in, or will at least have a set-up wizard to help, so make sure you take the time to perform the necessary checks.

Brightness & Contrast

In just the same way you would if you had bought a new TV, one of the first things you should do when setting up your projector is to make sure you get the brightness and contrast settings just right.

Getting the right brightness and contrast settings will mainly depend on two things: the room you are in and personal preference. Depending on how light a room is, you will need to tweak the setting accordingly, and this can mean adjusting it at different times of the day or year. The rest just comes down to what you think looks best.

Fine Tuning

Calibrating the different sources and getting your brightness and contrast settings right are the basics. But don’t stop there – there is still some important fine tuning to be done.

Be sure to use your projector’s full array of settings, which means playing around with the colour, colour temperature, tint and sharpness. These things might need changing from the default settings depending on your room and what you’re projecting on. And like the brightness and contrast, don’t be scared to change these settings depending on what you’re watching on when you’re watching it.

Screen or Wall

An age old debate when it comes to setting up a projector is deciding whether to project onto a blank wall, or invest in a screen as well. Needless to say, as purists here at ProjectorPoint we would encourage you to project onto a proper projector screen.

It helps prevent glare and unlike most walls will be completely flat and free from any scuffs and stains.

Inputs

There are many options available when it comes to connecting your projector to a video source, whether that’s a digital TV box, a games console or a laptop. As such, selecting the right input is key.

As a rule, always go for HDMI cables. These are designed to deliver the highest quality images, so even if it means getting adapters or extra long cables, you will reap the benefits when it comes time to sit back and enjoy the show!