MS506/MS3081+/MS504A Digital Projector User Manual
Table of contents Important safety instructions ........................... 3 Introduction .......................... 7 Using the test pattern............................ 33 Using the teaching templates ............... 34 Shutting down the projector ............... 35 Direct power off..................................... 35 Menu operation ...................................... 36 Projector features.....................................7 Shipping contents ......................................
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. Safety Instructions 1. Please read this manual before you operate your projector. Save it for future reference. 2. Do not look straight at the projector lens during operation.
Safety Instructions (Continued) 4 7. 10. The lamp becomes extremely hot during operation. Allow the projector to cool for approximately 45 minutes prior to removing the lamp assembly for replacement. 8. Do not operate lamps beyond the rated lamp life. Excessive operation of lamps beyond the rated life could cause them to break on rare occasions. 9. Never replace the lamp assembly or any electronic components unless the projector is unplugged.
Safety Instructions (Continued) 13. Do not place this projector in any of the following environments. 14. Do not block the ventilation holes. - Do not place this projector on a blanket, bedding or any other soft surface. - Do not cover this projector with a cloth or any other item. - Do not place inflammables near the projector. - Space that is poorly ventilated or confined. Allow at least 50 cm clearance from walls and free flow of air around the projector.
Safety Instructions (Continued) 17. Do not step on the projector or place any objects upon it. Besides probable physical damage to the projector, doing so may result in accidents and possible injury. 18. Do not place liquids near or on the projector. Liquids spilled into the projector may cause it to fail. If the projector does become wet, disconnect it from the power supply's power outlet and call BenQ to have the projector serviced. 19.
Introduction Projector features The projector offers the following features • SmartEco™ starts your dynamic power saving The SmartEco™ technology offers a new way of operating the projector lamp system and saves lamp power depending on the content brightness level. • Longest lamp life with SmartEco™ technology The SmartEco™ technology lowers the power consumption and increases the lamp life.
Shipping contents Carefully unpack and verify that you have all of the items shown below. If any of these items are missing, please contact your place of purchase. Standard accessories The supplied accessories will be suitable for your region, and may differ from those illustrated. *The warranty card is only supplied in some specific regions. Please consult your dealer for detailed information.
Projector exterior view 1. Front/upper side 1 4 5 6 2 7 3 8 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Rear/lower side 10 11 12 13 14 14. 15. 16. 17. 15 9 External control panel (See "Controls and functions" on page 10 for details.
Controls and functions Projector 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10 9. Focus ring Adjusts the focus of the projected image. Zoom ring 10. Adjusts the size of the image. TEMPerature warning light Lights up red if the projector's temperature becomes too high. 11. MENU/EXIT Turns on the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu. Goes back to previous OSD menu, 12. exits and saves menu settings. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 AUTO Automatically determines the best picture timings for the displayed image.
Remote control 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 7 15 16 17 18 18 19 20 12 13 14 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 21 22 23 10. Page Up/Page Down Operate your display software program (on a connected PC) which responds to page up/ down commands (like Microsoft PowerPoint). 11. Digital Zoom (+, -) Magnifies or reduces the projected picture size. 12. Timer On Activates or displays an on-screen timer based on your own timer setting. 13. Timer Set up Enters presentation timer setting directly. 14.
Remote control effective range The remote control must be held at an angle within 30 degrees perpendicular to the projector's IR remote control sensor(s) to function correctly. The distance between the remote control and the sensor(s) should not exceed 8 meters (~ 26 feet). Make sure that there are no obstacles between the remote control and the IR sensor(s) on the projector that might obstruct the infra-red beam. • Operating the projector from the front Ap pro x.
Positioning your projector Choosing a location Your projector is designed to be installed in one of four possible installation locations: 1. Front Table Select this location with the projector placed on the table in front of the screen. This is the most common way to position the projector for quick setup and portability. 3. Rear Ceiling Select this location with the projector suspended upside-down from the ceiling behind the screen.
Obtaining a preferred projected image size The distance from the projector lens to the screen, the zoom setting, and the video format each factors in the projected image size. Projection dimensions Refer to "Dimensions" on page 55 for the center of lens dimensions of this projector before calculating the appropriate position.
All measurements are approximate and may vary from the actual sizes. BenQ recommends that if you intend to permanently install the projector, you should physically test the projection size and distance using the actual projector in situ before you permanently install it, so as to make allowance for this projector's optical characteristics. This will help you determine the exact mounting position so that it best suits your installation location.
Connection When connecting a signal source to the projector, be sure to: 1. 2. 3. Turn all equipment off before making any connections. Use the correct signal cables for each source. Ensure the cables are firmly inserted. • In the connections shown below, some cables may not be included with the projector (see "Shipping contents" on page 8). They are commercially available from electronics stores. • The connection illustrations below are for reference only.
• If you wish to use this connection method when the projector is in standby mode, make sure the Monitor Out function is turned on in the SYSTEM SETUP: Advanced menu. See "Standby Settings" on page 44 for details. Connecting video source devices You need only connect the projector to a video source device using just one of the connecting methods, however each provides a different level of video quality.
Operation Starting up the projector 1. Plug the power cord into the projector and into a power outlet. Turn on the power outlet switch (where fitted). Check that the POWER indicator light on the projector lights orange after power has been applied. Please use the original accessories (e.g. power cord) only with the device to avoid possible dangers such as electric shock and fire. 2. Press POWER to start the projector. As soon as the lamp lights up, a "Power On Ring Tone" will be heard.
Adjusting the projected image Adjusting the projection angle The projector is equipped with 1 adjuster foot. It changes the image height and projection angle. To adjust the projector, screw the adjuster foot to finetune the horizontal angle. To retract the foot, screw the rear adjuster foot in a reverse direction. If the projector is not placed on a flat surface or the screen and the projector are not perpendicular to each other, the projected image becomes trapezoidal.
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. To correct this, you will need to manually correct it following ONE of these steps. • Press / on the projector or remote control to display the Keystone correction page. Press to correct keystoning at the top of the image. Press to correct keystoning at the bottom of the image. Press / . Press / .
Using the menus The projector is equipped with On-Screen Display (OSD) menus for making various adjustments and settings. The OSD screenshots below are for reference only, and may differ from the actual design. Below is the overview of the OSD menu. Main menu icon Main menu DISPLAY Off Wall Color Auto Aspect Ratio Keystone Position Sub-menu Status ENTER Phase 0 H.
Securing the projector Using a security cable lock The projector has to be installed in a safe place to prevent theft. Otherwise, purchase a lock, such as the Kensington lock, to secure the projector. You can locate a Kensington lock slot on the rear side of the projector. See item 17 on page 9 for details. A Kensington security cable lock is usually a combination of key(s) and the lock. Refer to the lock’s documentation for finding out how to use it.
manual, and you absolutely do not remember it, you can use the password recall procedure. See "Entering the password recall procedure" on page 23 for details. If you enter an incorrect password 5 times in succession, the projector will automatically shut down in a short time. Entering the password recall procedure 1. 2. 3. Press and hold AUTO on the projector or remote control for 3 seconds. The projector will display a coded number on the screen. Write down the number and turn off your projector.
ii. If the password is incorrect, the password error message will appear, and the message “INPUT PASSWORD” appears for your retry. You can press MENU/EXIT to cancel the change or try another password. Though the password function is disabled, you need to keep the old password in hand should you ever need to re-activate the password function by entering the old password. Switching input signal The projector can be connected to multiple devices at the same time.
Magnifying and searching for details If you need to find the details on the projected picture, magnify the picture. Use the direction arrow keys for navigating the picture. • Using the remote control 1. Press Digital Zoom+/- to display the Zoom bar. Press Digital Zoom+ to magnify the center of the picture. Press the key repeatedly until the picture size is suitable for your need. 2. Use the directional arrows ( , , , ) on the projector or remote control to navigate the picture. 3.
About the aspect ratio • In the pictures below, the black portions are inactive areas and the white portions are active areas. • OSD menus can be displayed on those unused black areas. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 26 Auto: Scales an image proportionally to fit the projector's native resolution in its horizontal or vertical width. This is suitable for the incoming image which is neither in 4:3 nor 16:9 and you want to make most use of the screen without altering the image's aspect ratio.
Optimizing the image Using Wall Color In the situation where you are projecting onto a colored surface such as a painted wall which may not be white, the Wall Color feature can help correct the projected picture’s colors to prevent possible color difference between the source and projected pictures. To use this function, go to the DISPLAY > Wall Color menu and press / to select a color which is closest to the color of the projection surface.
6. Press to select a menu item to be changed and adjust the value with "Fine-tuning the image quality in user modes" below for details. / . See Fine-tuning the image quality in user modes According to the detected signal type and selected picture mode, some of the below functions may not be available. Based on your needs, you can make adjustments to these functions by highlighting them and pressing / on the projector or remote control. Adjusting Brightness The higher the value, the brighter the image.
Setting a preferred color temperature To set a preferred color temperature: 1. 2. 3. 4. Highlight Color Temperature and select Warm, Normal or Cool by pressing / on the projector or remote control. Press to highlight Color Temperature Fine Tuning and press MODE/ ENTER. The Color Temperature Fine Tuning page appears. Press / to highlight the item you want to change and adjust the values by pressing / . • R Gain/G Gain/B Gain: Adjusts the contrast levels of Red, Green, and Blue.
Please refer to the illustration to the right for how the colors relate to each other. For example, if you select Red and set its range at 0, only pure red in the projected picture will be selected. Increasing its range will include red close to yellow and red close to magenta. 5. RED Magenta Press to highlight Saturation and adjust its values to your preference by pressing / . Every adjustment made will reflect to the image immediately.
4. Press to highlight Timer Position and set the timer position by pressing Top-Left 5. 7. 8. Top-Right . Bottom-Right Press to highlight Timer Counting Direction and select your desired counting direction by pressing / . Selection Count Up Count Down 6. Bottom-Left / Description Increases from 0 to the preset time. Decreases from the preset time to 0. Press to highlight Sound Reminder and decide if you want to activate sound reminder by pressing / .
Hiding the image In order to draw the audience's full attention to the presenter, you can use ECO BLANK on the projector or remote control to hide the screen image. When this function is activated with an audio input connected, the audio can still be heard. You can set the blank time in the SYSTEM SETUP: Basic > Operation Settings > Blank Timer menu to let the projector return the image automatically after a period of time when there is no action taken on the blank screen.
symptoms. However, this is not to state that this projector can operate under any and all harsh or extreme conditions. Adjusting the sound The sound adjustments made as below will have an effect on the projector speaker(s). Be sure you have made a correct connection to the projector audio input. See "Connection" on page 16 for how the audio input is connected. Muting the sound To temporarily turn off the sound: 1. 2. 3.
Using the teaching templates The projector provides several preset patterns for various teaching purposes. To activate the pattern: 1. 2. Open the OSD menu and go to the DISPLAY > Teaching Template and press / to select Blackboard or Whiteboard. Press / to choose the pattern you need. 3. Press MODE/ENTER to activate the pattern.
Shutting down the projector 1. Press POWER and a confirmation message will display prompting you. If you don't respond in a few seconds, the message will disappear. 2. Press POWER a second time. The POWER indicator light flashes orange, the projection lamp shuts down, and the fans will continue to run for approximately 90 seconds to cool down the projector. To protect the lamp, the projector will not respond to any commands during the cooling process.
Menu operation Menu system Please note that the on-screen display (OSD) menus vary according to the signal type selected and the projector model you are using. Main menu Sub-menu Options Off/Light Yellow/Pink/Light Green/Blue/ Blackboard Auto/Real/4:3/16:9/16:10 Wall Color Aspect Ratio Keystone Position Phase H. Size Digital Zoom 1. DISPLAY 2. PICTURE 3.
Main menu Sub-menu Options Timer Period Timer Display Presentation Timer Timer Position 1~240 minutes Always/3 min/2 min/1 min/Never Top-Left/Bottom-Left/Top-Right/ Bottom-Right Timer Counting Count Down/Count Up Direction Sound Reminder On/Off On/Off Language 4.
Main menu Sub-menu Options High Altitude Mode Mute Volume Audio Settings Power On/Off Ring Tone Lamp Mode Lamp Settings On/Off On/Off On/Off Normal/Economic/SmartEco/ LampSave Reset Lamp Timer Lamp Timer Change Password 5.
Description of each menu Function Description Wall Color Corrects the projected picture’s color when the projection surface is not white. See "Using Wall Color" on page 27 for details. There are several options to set the image's aspect ratio depending on your input signal source. See "Selecting the aspect ratio" on page 25 for details. Corrects any keystoning of the image. See "Correcting keystone" on page 20 for details. Displays the position adjustment page.
Function Description This projector features a 3D function which enables you to enjoy the 3D movies, videos, and sporting events in a more realistic way by presenting the depth of the images. You need to wear a pair of 3D glasses to view the 3D images. 3D Mode The default setting is OFF. Press mode. / to choose a preferred 3D When the 3D function is on: • The brightness level of the projected image will decrease. 1. DISPLAY menu • The Picture Mode cannot be adjusted.
Function Picture Mode Reference Mode Brightness Contrast Color 2. PICTURE menu Tint Sharpness Description Pre-defined picture modes are provided so you can optimize your projector image set-up to suit your program type. See "Selecting a picture mode" on page 27 for details. Selects a picture mode that best suits your need for the image quality and further fine-tune the image based on the selections listed on the same page below. See "Setting the User 1/User 2 mode" on page 27 for details.
Function Description Presentation Timer Reminds the presenter to finish the presentation within a certain time frame. See "Setting the presentation timer" on page 30 for details. Language Sets the language for the On-Screen Display (OSD) menus. See "Using the menus" on page 21 for details. Projector Installation The projector can be installed on a ceiling or behind a screen, or with one or more mirrors. See "Choosing a location" on page 13 for details.
Function Description 4. SYSTEM SETUP: Basic menu 5. SYSTEM SETUP: Advanced menu Panel Key Lock Disables or enables all panel key functions except POWER on the projector and keys on the remote control. See "Locking control keys" on page 32 for details. Background Color Sets the background color for the projector. Splash Screen Allows you to select which logo screen will display during projector start-up. High Altitude Mode A mode for operation in high altitude areas.
Function Description Closed Caption Enable Activates the function by selecting On when the selected input signal carries closed captions. 5. SYSTEM SETUP: Advanced menu Closed Caption Standby Settings • Captions: An on-screen display of the dialogue, narration, and sound effects of TV programs and videos that are closed captioned (usually marked as "CC" in TV listings). Caption Version Selects a preferred closed captioning mode.
Function Description Source Shows the current signal source. 6. INFORMATION menu Picture Mode Shows the selected mode in the PICTURE menu. Lamp Mode Shows the current lamp mode. Current System Status Resolution Shows the native resolution of the input signal. 3D Format Shows the current 3D mode. Color System Shows input system format. Lamp Usage Time Displays the number of hours the lamp has been used. Firmware Version Shows the firmware version of your projector.
Maintenance Care of the projector Your projector needs little maintenance. The only thing you need to do on a regular basis is to keep the lens and case clean. Never remove any parts of the projector. Contact your dealer if other parts need replacing. Cleaning the lens Clean the lens whenever you notice dirt or dust on the surface. Please be sure to turn off the projector and let it cool down completely before cleaning the lens. • • • Use a canister of compressed air to remove dust.
Lamp information Getting to know the lamp hour When the projector is in operation, the duration (in hours) of lamp usage is automatically calculated by the built-in timer. Total (equivalent) lamp hour = 2.5 x (hours used in Normal mode) + 1.67 x (hours used in Economic mode) + 1.54 x (hours used in SmartEco mode) + 1.00 x (hours used in LampSave mode). To obtain the lamp hour information: 1. Press MENU/EXIT and then press / to highlight the SYSTEM SETUP: Advanced menu. 2.
Timing of replacing the lamp When the Lamp indicator lights up red or a message appears suggesting it is time to replace the lamp, please consult your dealer or go to http://www.BenQ.com before installing a new lamp. An old lamp may cause a malfunction in the projector and in some instances the lamp may explode. The LAMP indicator light and TEMPerature warning light will light up if the lamp becomes too hot. Turn the power off and let the projector cool for 45 minutes.
Replacing the lamp (FOR SERVICE PERSONNEL ONLY) • To reduce the risk of electrical shock, always turn the projector off and disconnect the power cord before changing the lamp. • To reduce the risk of severe burns, allow the projector to cool for at least 45 minutes before replacing the lamp. • To reduce the risk of injuries to fingers and damage to internal components, use caution when removing lamp glass that has shattered into sharp pieces.
5. 6. 7. Disconnect the lamp connector from the projector as illustrated. Loosen the screw that secures the lamp. Lift the handle so that it stands up. 3 2 4 1 8. Use the handle to slowly pull the lamp out of the projector. • Pulling it too quickly may cause the lamp to break and scatter broken glass in the projector. Do not place the lamp in locations where water might splash on it, children can reach it, or near flammable materials.
14. 15. • • 16. Close the lamp cover. Tighten the screw(s) that secures the lamp cover. Loose screw may cause a bad connection, which could result in malfunction. Do not over tighten the screw. 1 2 Connect the power and restart the projector. Do not turn the power on with the lamp cover removed. Resetting the lamp timer 17. After the startup logo, open the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu. Go to the SYSTEM SETUP: Advanced > Lamp Settings menu. Press MODE/ENTER. The Lamp Settings page appears.
Indicators Light Status & Description Power events Orange Green Flashing Green Orange Flashing Red Green Red Flashing Green Green Off Off Stand-by mode Off Off Powering up Off Off Normal operation Off Off Normal power-down cooling Off Off Off Off Green Off Red Off Off Green Download CW start fail Scaler shutdown fail (data abort) Burn-in ON Burn-in OFF Lamp events Off Off Off Off Red Orange Flashing Lamp1 error in normal operation Lamp is not lit up Thermal events Red Red Green 52
Troubleshooting The projector does not turn on. Cause Remedy Plug the power cord into the AC power jack on the projector, and plug the power cord into the There is no power from the power cord. power outlet. If the power outlet has a switch, make sure that it is switched on. Attempting to turn the projector on again Wait until the cooling down process has during the cooling process. completed. No picture Cause Remedy The video source is not turned on or connected correctly.
Specifications Projector specifications All specifications are subject to change without notice. Optical Control Resolution 800 x 600 SVGA Display system 1-CHIP DMD Lens F/Number F = 2.56 ~ 2.8, f = 21 ~ 23.1 mm Clear focus range 2.26–5.66 m @ Wide, 2.49–4.
Dimensions 283 mm (W) x 95 mm (H) x 222 mm (D) 283 222 95 54.46 59.5 Unit: mm Ceiling mount installation Ceiling Mount screw: M4 (Max L = 25 mm; Min L = 20 mm) 207.54 105.77 71.65 4.93 71.75 54.46 59.5 201.55 537.9 577.7 625.86 44.94 81.9 128.9 104.42 225.
Timing chart Supported timing for PC input Resolution 640 x 480 720 x 400 800 x 600 1024 x 768 1152 x 864 1024 x 576 1024 x 600 1280 x 720 1280 x 768 1280 x 800 1280 x 1024 1280 x 960 1360 x 768 1440 x 900 1400 x 1050 1600 x 1200 1680 x 1050 640 x 480@67Hz 832 x 624@75Hz 1024 x 768@75Hz 1152 x 870@75Hz 1920 x 1080@60Hz 1920 x 1200@60Hz 56 Specifications Mode VGA_60* VGA_72 VGA_75 VGA_85 720 x 400_70 SVGA_60* SVGA_72 SVGA_75 SVGA_85 SVGA_120** (Reduce Blanking) XGA_60* XGA_70 XGA_75 XGA_85 XGA_120**
• *Supported timing for 3D signal in Frame Sequential, Top Bottom and Side by Side formats. **Supported timing for 3D signal in Frame Sequential format. ***Supported timing for 3D signal in Top Bottom and Side by Side formats. • The timings showing above may not be supported due to EDID file and VGA graphic card limitations. It is possible that some timings cannot be chosen.
Warranty and Copyright information Limited warranty BenQ warrants this product against any defects in material and workmanship, under normal usage and storage. Proof of purchase date will be required with any warranty claim. In the event this product is found to be defective within the warranty period, BenQ's only obligation and your exclusive remedy shall be replacement of any defective parts (labor included).
