i500 Digital Projector Personal Smart Series User Manual
Copyright and disclaimer Copyright Copyright © 2016 by BenQ Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of BenQ Corporation.
Statement regarding hyperlinks and third-party websites BenQ is not responsible for the content of the websites or of similar resources, which are maintained and controlled by third parties, that may be linked from this product. Providing links to those websites or to similar resources does not mean that BenQ makes any warranty or representation to their content by expression or by implication. Any third party content or service preinstalled in this product is provided "as is".
Table of contents Copyright and disclaimer ...........................................................................................................................................................................2 Copyright ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Disclaimer .............................................................
Selecting an input source ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 37 Adjusting the projection angle..............................................................................................................................................................................................................39 Fine-tuning the image clarity ................................
Extending lamp life .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 61 Troubleshooting .........................................................................................................................................................................................65 Specifications ..........................................
Important safety instructions Your projector is designed and tested to meet the latest standards for safety of information technology equipment. However, to ensure safe use of this product, it is important that you follow the instructions mentioned in this manual and marked on the product. 1. Please read this user manual before you operate your projector. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference. 3. Do not store the projector on end vertically.
- Locations where the altitudes are higher than 3000 m (10000 feet). 8. Do not place liquids near or on the projector. Liquids spilled into the projector will void your warranty. If the projector does become wet, disconnect it from the power point and call BenQ to have the projector repaired. 5. Do not block the vents holes while the projector is on (even in standby mode). 9. Do not look straight into the projector lens during operation. It may harm your sight.
12. This projector is capable of displaying inverted images for ceiling installation. Moisture condensation 13. Do not attempt to disassemble this projector. There are dangerous high voltages inside which may cause death if you should come into contact with live parts. Avoid volatile liquids Never operate the projector immediately after moving it from a cold location to a hot location. When the projector is exposed to such a change in temperature, moisture may condense on the crucial internal parts.
Package contents Carefully unpack and verify that you have the items below. Some of the items may not be available depending on your region of purchase. Please check with your place of purchase. Standard accessories Projector Adapter Remote Control with Battery i500 Ultra Lite LED Smart Projector Quick Start Guide HDMI Cable Warranty Card • Some of the accessories may vary from region to region. • The warranty card is only supplied in some specific regions.
Introduction Projector features • Full HD compatible The projector is compatible with Standard Definition TV (SDTV) 480i, Enhanced Definition television (EDTV) 480p, 576i, 576p and High Definition TV (HDTV) 720p, 1080i/p 60Hz formats, with the 1080p format providing clear image reproduction. • Good picture quality The projector provides excellent picture quality due to its resolution, 500 lm brightness, high contrast ratio, vivid color and rich gray-scale reproduction.
• Vivid color reproduction The projector features the capability of representing 1.07 billion colors. • Auto Keystone The projector offers an automatic keystone adjustment function which adjusts the projected image accordingly. • 3D function To enjoy the 3D movies, videos, and sporting events in a more realistic way by presenting the depth of the images through HDMI.
Projector exterior view Front and upper side view 1. Bluetooth button (See Control panel on page 17 for details.) 2. LED indicator light 3. Lens cap holder This magnetic component holds the lens cap while the projector is in use. 1 2 7 8 3 9 4 4. Front IR sensor 5. Quick-release button 6. Quick-release adjuster foot (located underneath the projector) 7. TEMPerature indicator light 5 10 8. Power button 6 11 9. Vent (cool air intake) 10. Focus ring 11.
Rear and upper side view See Connection on page 26 for connection details. 12. Microphone in jack 13. Audio input jack 14. Audio output jack 15. HDMI port This port can also be used for charging the connected HDMI compatible smart device as long as the power is fed to the projector. 16. USB 3.0 Type-A port Used to connect a USB storage device to project/broadcast media stored on the device. You may also connect a wireless keyboard/mouse via this USB port.
20. Speaker Grill Inside the speaker grill is the two 5-watt chamber speakers. 21. Vent (cool air intake) 21 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 The image above features the rear view with the IO port cover removed. For ease of use when removing the magnetic IO port you can place it on the speaker grill as a temporary holding place.
Rear and left side view 22. Rear IR sensor 23. Rear power jack Please only use the supplied power adapter to avoid possible dangers such as electric shock and fire. 22 23 The image above features the rear view with the IO port cover removed. For ease of use when removing the magnetic IO port you can place it on the speaker grill as a temporary holding place.
Controls and functions Control panel 1. Focus ring Adjusts the focus of the projected image. 2. TEMPerature warning light Lights up red if the projector's temperature becomes too high. See Indicators on page 63 for more details. 1 3. 2 4 3 5 POWER Toggles the projector between standby mode and on. The icon on the Power button also acts as the power indicator light. See Starting up the projector on page 31 and Indicators on page 63 for more details. I I 4.
Remote control 1 8 2 9 3 10 11 4 5 6 7 12 1. Power Toggles the projector between on and off mode. 2. Source Launches the Source On-Screen Display (OSD) menu (the source menu will automatically close after 30 seconds of inactivity). 3. Mute Toggles projector audio between on and off. I I 4. Arrow keys ( Left, Right, Up, Down) • When the OSD menu is activated, these keys are used as directional arrows to select the desired menu items and to make adjustments.
7. 1 8 2 9 3 10 11 5 7 This key is only available when the projector is under BenQ Launcher mode. 8. BLANK Switches the projected image to either a blank screen or switches the blank screen back to the original projected image. 9. MENU Opens the projectors OSD menu. 4 6 HOME Press this key to enter the home menu of the BenQ Launcher mode. 12 10. Volume Up Increases the projector volume. 11. Volume Down Decreases the projector volume. 12.
Activating the remote control batteries 1. Pull out the plastic battery shield between the battery contacts on your remote control and the battery, as illustrated. • Avoid leaving the remote control and battery in an excessive heat or humid environment like the kitchen, bathroom, sauna, sunroom or in a closed car. • Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the battery manufacturer.
• Operating the projector from the front • Operating the projector from the rear 21
Installation Choosing a location Before choosing an installation location for your projector, take the following factors into consideration: • Size and position of your screen • Electrical outlet location • Location and distance between the projector and the rest of your equipment • Location and distance between the projector and the wireless access point, or if using a LAN cable, the internet hub. You can install your projector in the following ways. 1.
3. Front Ceiling: Select this location with the projector elevated near the ceiling in front of the screen. Turn on the projector and make the following settings: MENU > Settings > Projector Position > Front Ceiling The projector does not feature ceiling mount components/equipment so when choosing to use a front ceiling location you must place it on an elevated location of your choice. 4. Rear Ceiling: Select this location with the projector elevated from the ceiling behind the screen.
Obtaining a preferred projected image size The projected image size is determined by the distance from the projector lens to the screen, and the video format. Projection dimensions Use the illustration and tables below to help you determine the projection distance. Screen Size Screen Center of lens Vertical Offset Projection Distance Screen size Diagonal Projector distance (mm) H (mm) W (mm) Average Max.
Screen size Diagonal Projector distance (mm) H (mm) W (mm) Average Max. distance 3556 1885 3015 905 1809 160 4064 2154 3446 1034 2068 180 4572 2423 3877 1163 2326 200 5080 2692 4308 1292 2585 Inch mm 140 All measurements are approximate and may vary from the actual sizes.
Connection When connecting a signal source to the projector, be sure to: 1. Turn all equipment off before making any connections. 2. Use the correct signal cables for each source. 3. Make sure the cables are firmly inserted. 4. Place the projector within range of the wireless AP you plan to connect it to.
• In the connection illustrations shown above, some cables may not be included with the projector (see Projector exterior view on page 13). They are commercially available from electronics stores. • The illustrations above are for reference only. The rear connecting jacks available on the projector vary with each projector model. 1. HDMI cable 2. VGA cable 3. HDMI to Micro USB cable 4. Audio 3.5” cable 5.
Connecting HDMI devices HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) supports uncompressed video data transmission between compatible devices like DTV tuners, DVD players, Blu-ray players and displays over a single cable. You should use an HDMI cable when making a connection between the projector and HDMI devices. HDMI device: DVD player, digital tuner, etc.
Connecting with a computer Using a VGA cable Connect the projector to a computer with a VGA cable, and a separate audio cable (only if you want to broadcast audio from the computer). Notebook or Desktop Computer Audio Cable VGA Cable Using an HDMI cable Connect the projector to a computer with an HDMI cable.
• Some computers feature HDMI ports that do not transmit audio, in such cases a separate audio cable must be connected to the projector. • Many laptops do not turn on their external video ports when connected to a projector. Usually a key combination 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 laptop. Press Fn and the labeled function key simultaneously.
Operations Starting up the projector 1. Plug the power cable into the projector and a power outlet. Turn on the power outlet switch (where fitted). The POWER indicator light on the projector lights orange after power has been applied. Please use the supplied power cable to avoid possible dangers such as electric shock and fire. 2. Connect any video equipment to the respective port on the rear of the projector.
• Use OK to confirm the selected menu item. The Setup Wizard screenshots below are for reference only and may differ from the actual design. Step 1: Specify Projector Position. For more information about projector position, see Choosing a location on page 22.
Step 2: Specify OSD Language. Available languages may vary by the product supplied for your region and may be updated without prior notice. Step 3: Specify Auto Keystone.
Step 4: Specify Auto Source. Step 5: Specify the Network Settings (either connecting to a WLAN AP or using LAN connection). You may need to enter a password if you choose to connect to a WLAN AP.
For more information about changing your network settings, see Choosing a location on page 22. Now you’ve completed the initial setup. 5. Switch on the connected equipment. 6. The projector starts to search for available input signals. The current input signal being scanned displays on the screen. If the projector is unable to detect a valid signal, the projector will automatically open the BenQ Launcher. You may press on your remote control to select your desired input signal. 7.
Shutting down the projector 1. Press I I on the projector or I I on your remote control. The projector displays a shutdown confirmation message. 2. Press II or II a second time. The POWER indicator light flashes orange and the fans run for about two minutes to cool the lamp. The projector does not respond to any commands during the cooling process. 3. When the cooling process ends, the POWER indicator light will show a solid orange.
Securing the projector Using the security bar The projector has to be installed in a safe place to prevent theft. It has a security lock bar located at the bottom of the projector which you can use to secure the projector via a variety of purchasable self-locking cables. Security Bar Selecting an input source The projector can be connected to multiple equipment at the same time. However, it only displays one full screen at a time.
To select the video source: 1. Press on your remote control to display the source selection bar. 2. Press / until your desired signal is selected and press OK. Once detected, the selected source information displays on the screen for seconds. If there are multiple pieces of equipment connected to the projector, repeat steps 1-2 to search for another signal. The native display resolution of this projector is in a 16:10 aspect ratio.
Adjusting the projected image Adjusting the projection angle The projector is equipped with a quick-release adjuster foot and a rear adjuster foot. These adjusters change the image height and projection angle. To adjust the projection angle: • • Press the quick-release button and lift the front of the projector. Once the image is positioned as desired, release the quick-release button to lock the foot in position.
Fine-tuning the image clarity To sharpen the picture, rotate the focus ring on the projector. Correcting keystone Keystoning refers to the situation where the projected image is noticeably wider at either the top or bottom. It occurs when the projector is not perpendicular to the screen. You may correct this in the following way. • Using the OSD settings menu • Select Keystone.
Use Use • To correct keystoning at the top of the image, use on your remote control. • • To correct keystoning at the bottom of the image, use on your remote control. When done, press BACK to save your changes and exit. You may only make these adjustments if Auto Keystone is disabled in the Setting menu, see Auto Keystone on page 58 for details.
1. Press the Bluetooth button on the top of the projector. If your projector is on when you press the Bluetooth button, a prompt will display asking you to confirm whether or not you want to activate the Bluetooth speaker and put the projector on standby, confirm this selection. After confirming the selection your projector will automatically be placed on standby. 2.
BenQ Launcher BenQ Launcher is a multimedia platform that integrates various applications ranging from entertainment, education, games, online shopping, TV, and other practical functions that caters to your everyday needs. Under BenQ Launcher mode, please use your remote control or an optional wireless keyboard/mouse for operating BenQ Launcher functions. The projector’s control panel keys are limited to control projector functions.
Using the BenQ Launcher applications Before you start using BenQ Launcher applications, make sure you are connected to the Internet via a wired or wireless connection. See Using the All Apps page on page 49 for connection instructions. The main menu of the BenQ Launcher mode features four main sections. • • • • Streaming Video section - Shortcuts to direct streaming of Teleplay shows, Movies, or Cartoons.
Using the Notification menu and Clean Tool function Press twice on your remote control from the main menu to choose either the Notification menu or Clean Tool function and press OK to enter the menu. Actual screen may vary based on your BenQ Launcher firmware version. • • Notification - Select this menu to view any app or system related messages for the projector. Clean Tool - Select this function to clear the memory cache for the projector, which speeds up the performance of the BenQ Launcher.
Using the History menu Press twice on your remote control from the main menu to view a list of recently opened apps. Actual screen may vary based on your BenQ Launcher firmware version. To re-open an app from the History menu use re-open that app.
Using the BenQ Launcher Settings page The Settings page for the BenQ Launcher offers a set of configurations that allow you to make adjustments to the BenQ Launcher environment. Actual screen may vary based on your BenQ Launcher firmware version. BenQ Launcher Settings overview Submenu Internet Functions and Descriptions Allows you to: • Connect to the Internet via an Ethernet connection. • Connect to the Internet via a wireless connection. See Using the All Apps page on page 49 for more details.
Submenu Mirror General Settings Functions and Descriptions Allows you show the connected smart device’s screen from the projector. To perform the screen mirroring function, follow the instructions in the connected device’s user manual. Allows you to: • Change the language for the projector. • Change the language input type. • Change the wallpaper. • Change the name for the projector.
Using the All Apps page The All Apps page in the system section of the main page allows you view and launch all apps installed on the projector. To open an app: 1. Press / / / on your remote control to select the App you want to launch and press OK to launch. Adding/Removing app shortcuts To add an app to the App Shortcuts section of the main page: 1. Select the + box from the App Shortcuts section on the main page, a menu of all the apps installed on your projector will be displayed. 2.
Inputting text Various menus within the BenQ Launcher may require that you input text. To input text in a text field: 1. Select the text field where you want to input text. 2. Press OK on your remote control, a full alphanumeric keyboard will appear on screen. 3. Press / / / text field. 4. Press on your remote control to navigate the keyboard, and press OK to select the letter/key/symbol you want to enter into the at anytime to exit out of the keyboard.
Navigating the OSD menus About the OSD menus To let you make various adjustments or settings on the projector and the projected image, the projector provides a multilingual On-Screen Display (OSD) menus, which contains primary menu functions. (See Using the OSD menu on page 53) To access the OSD menu, press MENU on your remote control.
The following is the OSD menu: Use the arrow keys ( / / / ) on your remote control to move through the menu items, and use OK to confirm the selected menu item.
The following is the Settings menu of the OSD menu: When selecting items within the Setting menu press OK, and then ( selection and return to navigating the Settings menu. / /) to toggle through the options. Press when you want to confirm your Using the OSD menu The OSD menu provides primary menu functions. Available menu items may vary depending on the connected video sources or specified settings. Menu options that are not available will become grayed out.
Menu Submenus and descriptions Selects a preset picture mode to suit your operating environment and input signal picture type. The preset picture modes are described as below: Picture Mode Bright Maximizes the brightness of the projected image. This mode is suitable for environments where extra-high brightness is required, such as using the projector in well lit rooms.
Menu Submenus and descriptions The options available for color temperature* settings vary according to the connected input signal. Color Temperature Sound Mode There are many different shades that are considered to be “white” for various purposes. One of the common methods of representing white color is known as the “color temperature” . A white color with a low color temperature appears to be reddish white. A white color with a high color temperature appears to have more blue in it.
Menu Submenus and descriptions The native display resolution of this projector is in a 16:10 aspect ration. However you may use this function to display projected pictures in a different aspect ratio In the following illustrations, the black portions are inactive areas and the white portions are active areas. • Scales a picture proportionally to fit the projector’s native resolution in its horizontal and vertical width. This makes the most use of the screen and maintains the aspect ratio of a picture.
Menu Submenus and descriptions Selects the audio input source for the projector. The following Audio Input Source options are provided. Audio Input Source Wall Color LINE IN Selects the audio device that is connected via the AUDIO IN jack at the rear of the projector as the audio input source. MIC IN Selects the microphone that is connected via the MIC IN jack at the rear of the projector as the audio input source.
Menu Submenus and descriptions Projector Position The projector can be installed on in a high location or behind a screen. See Choosing a location on page 22 for details. Auto Source Search Sets whether the projector searches automatically for input sources. Select On to enable the projector to scan for input sources until it acquires a signal. If the function is set to Off, the projector selects the last used input source.
Menu Submenus and descriptions Information Displays the following information about your projector. • Source: Displays the current signal source. • Picture Mode: Displays the current Picture Mode. • Resolution: Displays the native resolution of the input source. • Color System: Displays input system format. • Equivalent Lamp Hour: Displays the number of hours the lamp has been used. • Firmware Version: Displays the firmware version of your projector.
Maintenance Care of the projector Your projector needs little maintenance. The only thing you have to do on a regular basis is keep the lens clean. Never remove any parts of the projector. Contact your dealer or local customer service center if the projector fails to operate as expected. Cleaning the lens Clean the lens whenever you notice dirt or dust on the surface.
Storing the projector To store the projector for an extended time: • • • • Make sure the temperature and humidity of the storage area are within the recommended range for the projector. Refer to Specifications or consult your dealer about the range. Retract the adjuster feet. Remove the batteries from the remote control. Pack the projector in its original packing or equivalent. Transporting the projector It is recommended that you ship the projector with its original packing or equivalent.
Setting LED Mode Setting the projector in Economic mode extends the lamp life. LED mode Description Normal 100% lamp brightness Economic Economic mode dims the projector’s LED lamp which will lower power consumption, extend the LED lamp life and reduce the projector’s noise level. The reduced light output will result in darker projected pictures. If you set your projector to Economic mode choose Normal to return to the default normal mode. 1. Select MENU > Settings > LED Mode and press OK. 2.
Indicators There are two indicators which show the status of the projector and the Bluetooth speaker. Check the following information about the indicator lights. If there is anything wrong, turn the projector off and contact your dealer.
• When the projector is undergoing system updates or in an abnormal state TEMP LED Status & description Red Flashing Off Red Flashing Red Flashing Projector is downloading a firmware update Green Off Off Red Green Off Green Red Flashing Off Off Off Red The projector’s lamp is not functioning properly Red Off Red Off Fan 1 is not working properly Red Off Red Flashing Off Fan 2 is not working properly Green Off Red Off The projector’s temperature is over the stage 1 limit
Troubleshooting Problem Cause Remedy There is no power from the power cable. Plug the power cable into the AC inlet on the rear of the projector, and plug the power cable into to 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. The video source is not turned on or connected correctly.
Problem 3D content does not display correctly Cause Remedy The 3D glasses are out of battery. Recharge the 3D glasses. The settings in the 3D menu are not set correctly. Correctly set the settings in the 3D menu. Your Blu-ray Disc is not in 3D format. Use a 3D Blu-ray Disc and try again. The input source has not been correctly selected. Select the correct source with the SOURCE key on the projector or remote control.
Specifications Projector specifications All specifications are subject to change without notice. Optical Resolution 1280 (H) x 800 (V) Display system Mstar ARM A7 Quad-Core CPU Lens F/Number F = 1.6, f = 6.154 mm Lamp Type OSRAM PIW LED Lamp Life (Normal/Economic) 20,000/30,000 hours Lamp life results will vary depending on environmental conditions and usage.
Audio Supported Audio (HDMI Mode) • Supports LPCM, two audio channels • Supported audio sampling rates: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, and 48kHz • Supported audio bit rates: 16 bits, 20 bits, and 24 bits Supported Audio (DVI/PC Mode) Analog audio is supported through the PC audio input port Electrical Power supply AC100–240V, 3.5 A, 50-60 Hz (Automatic) Power consumption 75 W (Typical); < 0.5 W (Standby) Mechanical Weight 1.3 Kg (2.
USB USB port 2.0 Type-A x 1 USB port 3.0 Type A x 1 The USB ports only output power, which allows you to charge attached USB-enabled devices (i.e. a smartphone, tablet, etc.). Control IR receiver x 2 Input terminals Computer input D-Sub 15-pin (female) x 1 Video signal input SD/HDTV signal input Digital - HDMI x 1 Audio signal input Audio in PC audio jack x 1 Microphone jack x 1 USB USB port 2.0 Type-A x 1 USB port 3.
Environmental Requirements Operating temperature 0°C–40°C at sea level Operating relative humidity 10%–90% (without condensation) Operating altitude 0–1499 m at 0°C–35°C 70
Dimensions (with adjustment feet not extended) 215.63 mm x 201.7 mm x 93.16 mm (W x D x H) 203.9 206.1 71 91.7 88.2 215.8 127.
Timing chart Supported timing for video input Timing Resolution H. Frequency (KHz) V. Frequency (KHz) Dot Clock Frequency (MHz) 480i**** 720 (1440) x 480 15.73 59.95 27 480p**** 720 x 480 31.47 59.94 27 576i 720 (1440) x 576 15.63 50 27 576p 720 x 576 31.25 50 27 720/50p** 1280 x 720 37.5 50 74.25 720/60p* 1280 x 720 45.00 60 74.25 1080/24P** 1920x1080 27 24 74.25 1080/25P 1920x1080 28.13 25 74.25 1080/30P 1920x1080 33.75 30 74.
Supported timing for PC input Timing 640 x 480 800 x 600 1024 x 768 1152 x 864 1280 x 720 1280 x 768 1280 x 800 Resolution H. Frequency (KHz) V. Frequency (KHz) Dot Clock Frequency (MHz) VGA_60 59.940 31.469 25.175 VGA_72 72.809 37.861 31.500 VGA_75 75.000 37.500 31.500 VGA_85 85.008 43.269 36.000 SVGA_60 60.317 37.879 40.000 SVGA_72 72.188 48.077 50.000 SVGA_75 75.000 46.875 49.500 SVGA_85 85.061 53.674 56.250 XGA_60* 60.004 48.363 65.000 XGA_70 70.069 56.
Timing Resolution H. Frequency (KHz) V. Frequency (KHz) Dot Clock Frequency (MHz) SXGA_60 60.020 63.981 108.000 SXGA_75 75.025 79.976 135.000 1360 x 768 1360 x 768_60 60.015 47.712 85.500 1440 x 900 WXGA+_60 59.887 55.935 106.500 1400 x 1050 SXGA+_60 59.978 65.317 121.750 1600 x 1200 UXGA 60.000 75.000 162.000 1680 x 1050 1680 x 1050_60 59.954 65.290 146.250 640 x 480@67Hz MAC13 66.667 35.000 30.240 832 x 624@75Hz MAC16 74.546 49.722 57.
Supported file formats File type File extension Description Adobe PDF 1.0 - 1.4 (.pdf) Documents MS PowerPoint 97 - 2010 (.ppt, .pptx) MS Excel 95 - 2010, Office XP (.xls, .xlsx) MS Word 95 - 2010, Office XP (.doc, .docx) Photos JPG (.jpg, .jpeg), BMP (.bmp) Music MP3, MP2, MP1, OGG, AAC, WAV AVI (XVID, MJPEG) DVIX (MJPEG, XVID) Video DAT (MPEG1) MPG (MPEG1) MPEG (MPEG1 Subtitles • Subtitle files must be in the same directory as the video files.
