O W N E R ’S O P E R A T I N G M A N U A L VX-44d VX-55d 1080p Digital Light ProcessingTM Projector and Digital High Definition (DHD™) Controller
TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY For Projectors, Video Processors and Controllers Congratulations on your purchase of a Runco video product and welcome to the Runco family! We believe Runco produces “The World’s Finest Home Theater Products.” With proper installation, setup and care, you should enjoy many years of unparalleled video performance. This is a LIMITED WARRANTY as defined in the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Please read it carefully and retain it with your other important documents.
EFFECTIVE WARRANTY DATE: This warranty begins on the effective date of delivery to the end user. For your convenience, keep the original bill of sale as evidence of the purchase date. IMPORTANT – WARRANTY REGISTRATION: Y Please fill out and mail your warranty registration card. It is imperative that Runco knows how to reach you promptly if we should discover a safety problem or product update for which you must be notified.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: To locate the name and address of the nearest Runco Authorized Service Center, or for additional information about this Limited Warranty, please call or write: EL IM IN A R Y RUNCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Safety Precautions Thank you for your purchase of this quality Runco video projector! It has been designed to provide you with the quality of video that is expected in a home theater. For the best performance, please read this manual carefully as it is your guide through the menus and operation. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
1 Table of Contents TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ................................................................................. iii Safety Precautions ......................................................................................................... vi 1. Introduction ...............................................................................................................1 About This Manual .......................................................................................................
Table of Contents Installing the Projection Lens ......................................................................................25 Installing the Optional CineWide Lens Mount ..............................................................26 Remove Projector Front Feet (CineWide with AutoScope) .....................................26 Install Anamorphic Lens Motor (CineWide with AutoScope) or Base Plate (fixed CineWide) ..................................................................................
4. Operation .................................................................................................................61 Using the On-Screen Menus ......................................................................................61 Main Menu............................................................................................................63 Input Source .........................................................................................................63 Aspect Ratio ..............
Table of Contents PR EL IM IN A R Y Notes: x Runco VX-44d/-55d Owner’s Operating Manual
1 List of Figures 2-1. VX-44d/-55d Top/Rear/Front View ...............................................................................5 2-2. VX-44d/-55d Input Panel..............................................................................................6 2-3. VX-44d/-55d Rear-Panel Keypad .................................................................................8 2-4. DHD Controller Front Panel ........................................................................................10 Y 2-5.
List of Figures 5-1. Removing the Lamp Door...........................................................................................79 5-2. Unlocking the Lamp ...................................................................................................79 5-3. Removing the Lamp ...................................................................................................80 5-4. Installing A New Lamp ................................................................................................
1. Introduction This Owner’s Manual describes how to install, set up and operate the Runco Video Extreme™ Series DLP Projector (Models VX-44d and VX-55d) and DHD Controller. 1.1 About This Manual Y Throughout this manual, the Runco Video Extreme DLP Projector and DHD Controller are referred to as the “VX-44d/-55d.” The information in this manual applies to both projectors except where otherwise indicated.
Introduction Graphic Conventions: These symbols appear in numerous places throughout the manual, to emphasize points that you must keep in mind to avoid problems with your equipment or injury: Note NOTES emphasize text with unusual importance or special significance. They also provide supplemental information. Caution CAUTIONS alert users that a given action or omitted action can degrade performance or cause a malfunction.
Introduction Runco’s VX-44d and VX-55d bring the most advanced technology, 1080p SuperOnyx™ resolution and the world’s first THX® Certified home video products together in truly awesome fashion. They use a new, ingeniously engineered 3-chip DLP™ light engine, combined with an advanced Xenon lamp illumination system to bring astoundingly high performance and ultra high resolution to the very best home theaters on the planet.
Introduction Key Features and Benefits ➤ The VX-44d/-55d offers these key features and benefits: • Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080 • Three-chip Digital Light Processing (DLP) system • Two HDMI Inputs (on DHD Controller) with High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) • HDTV Compatible • CinOptx™ Telesto lens options for stunning sharpness and throw distance flexibility Your VX-44d/-55d is shipped with the following items.
2. Controls and Functions 2.1 VX-44d/-55d at a Glance EL IM IN A R Y Figure 2-1 shows the key VX-44d/-55d components. 2 4 PR 1 6 3 5 7 8 9 10 11 Figure 2-1.
Controls and Functions 1. TOP IR SENSOR 2. BUILT-IN KEYPAD The built-in keypad is located at the back of the projector, beside the input panel. Use it similarly to the TheaterMaster Remote Control to perform service-related tasks on the projector. 3. INPUT PANEL Connect the DHD Controller outputs here. 4. LED STATUS DISPLAY Indicates current operating status of the projector. Y 5. LAMP COVER Remove this cover to access the lamp compartment. 6. REAR FOOT (Stationary) EL IM IN A R 7.
Controls and Functions 1. RS232 IN Connect the RS-232 output from the DHD Controller here, using the provided RJ11-to-DB9 adapter and communication cable. 2. RS232 OUT Not used. 3. RS422 Not used. 6. ETHERNET Reserved for future use. EL IM IN A R 5. REMOTE Wired input from an external remote control or infrared receiver. Y 4. GPIO Not used. 7. INPUT 3 (Video) / INPUT 4 (S-Video) Not used. Connect all video sources to the DHD Controller. 8. INPUT 2 (DVI) HDCP-compliant digital video input.
Controls and Functions 2.3 VX-44d/-55d Rear-Panel Keypad Figure 2-3 shows the VX-44d/-55d rear-panel keypad. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 EL IM IN A R Y 1 12 11 Figure 2-3. VX-44d/-55d Rear-Panel Keypad 1. LED STATUS DISPLAY The LED status window displays an active pattern of segments to indicate the projector is changing its state from powered down to powered up. The message “On” appears in the display when the projector has completed its initialization and is ready for use. PR 2.
Controls and Functions 9. Menu Navigation Buttons: UP BUTTON ( ) Used to move the menu cursor up in the VX-44d/-55d menu system. LEFT BUTTON ( ) Used to move the menu cursor left in the VX-44d/-55d menu system. RIGHT BUTTON ( ) Used to move the menu cursor right in the VX-44d/-55d menu system. Y DOWN BUTTON ( ) Used to move the menu cursor down in the VX-44d/-55d menu system. EL IM IN A R ENTER BUTTON When an item is highlighted on the On-Screen Display, the ENTER button selects the item. 10.
Controls and Functions 2.4 DHD Controller Front Panel 1 2 EL IM IN A R Y Figure 2-4 shows the controls and indicators on the DHD Controller front panel; the paragraphs that follow describe them. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Figure 2-4. DHD Controller Front Panel 1. RUNCO ICON Lights red to indicate that the DHD Controller is in standby mode; lights blue to indicate that the unit is on. PR 2. POWER BUTTON Press once to toggle from standby mode to on mode. Press it again to return to standby mode.
Controls and Functions 7. ENTER BUTTON When an item is highlighted on the On-Screen Display, the ENTER button selects the item. 8. DOWN BUTTON Use to direct select aspect ratios or move the menu cursor down in the OSD. When no menu is present on-screen, this button toggles through the different aspect ratios, in this order: Virtual Cinema - Cinema - VirtualWide - Letterbox - 4:3 - 16:9 EL IM IN A R Y 9. RIGHT BUTTON Used to direct select inputs or move the menu cursor right in the OSD.
Controls and Functions 2.5 DHD Controller Rear Panel Figure 2-5 shows the rear connector panel on the DHD Controller. 7 3 9 SYSTEM CONTROL INTERFACE CAUTION INPUTS Serial No R/Pr G/Y B/Pb RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN H V TRIGGERS CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USERSERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE CENTER.
Controls and Functions 8. RS-232 OUTPUT Connect this to the RS232 IN input on the projector, using the provided communication cable. 9. IR Wired input from a wired remote control or infrared receiver. It is a 3.5-mm, mini phono jack, wired as follows: Ring = +5V Tip = IR Input Sleeve = Ground When an external remote control or infrared receiver is connected to the wired IR input, the IR sensor on the front of the DHD is disabled. Y Note EL IM IN A R 10.
Controls and Functions 2.6 VX-44d/-55d Remote Control Unit Figure 2-6 shows the VX-44d/-55d remote control, and the paragraphs that follow describe its functionality. 2 Y 1 3 EL IM IN A R 4 5 6 8 7 10 11 9 PR 12 13 Figure 2-6.
Controls and Functions 1. IR OUTPUT INDICATOR Lights when a button is pressed to indicate that an IR signal is being transmitted. 2. ON / OFF Press to turn the projector on or off. 3. ENTER Press to select a highlighted menu item or confirm a changed setting. 4. Cursor Buttons ( , , , ) Use these buttons to select items or settings, adjust settings or switch display patterns.
Controls and Functions 9. Aspect Ratio Selection Buttons Use the red buttons to select an aspect ratio directly or to enter numeric characters, as follows: ANA (16:9) (3) For viewing 16:9 DVDs or HDTV programs in their native aspect ratio. 4X3 (4:3) (6) Scales the input signal to fit 4:3 display mode in the center of the screen. Y LETBOX (Letterbox) (9) For viewing LaserDisc movies or non-anamorphic DVDs on a 16:9 screen.
3. Installation 3.1 Remote Control EL IM IN A R Y To install batteries in the remote control, press up on the battery cover retainer clip and lift off the cover. Install the two AAA batteries with the correct polarity and then replace the cover. • Make sure that the battery polarities are correct when installing the batteries. Notes on Batteries • Do not mix an old battery with a new one or different types of batteries.
Installation 3.2 Quick Setup Table 3-1 gives a quick overview of the VX-44d/-55d installation process. The sections following this one provide detailed instructions. Note Installation should be performed by a qualified custom video installation specialist. Table 3-1. Installation Overview Choose a location for the projector PR EL IM IN A R 1 Procedure Y Step For Details, Refer to page...
Installation Proper installation of your projector will ensure the quality of your display. Whether you are installing a projector temporarily or permanently, you should take the following into account to ensure your projector performs optimally. 3.3 Installation Considerations Choose the installation type that best suits your needs: front or rear screen, floor mount or inverted mount. Table 3-2 compares these various installation methods.
Installation Throw Distance ➤ Throw distance is the distance measured from the front of the projector to the screen. This is an important calculation in any projector installation as it determines whether or not you have enough room to install your projector with a desired screen size and if your image will be the right size for your screen. You can quickly estimate the throw distance by taking the width of the screen and multiplying it by the lens throw ratio; see Figure 3-1.
Installation Proper placement of the projector relative to the screen will yield a rectangular, perfectly-centered image that completely fills the screen. Vertical and Horizontal Position Ideally, the projector should be positioned perpendicular to the screen and in such a way that the lens center and screen center are aligned with each other, as shown in Figure 3-2.
Installation 100% Width Lens Shift (1.0 x W) 50% Width Lens Shift (0.5 x W) Screen Center Y 0% PR EL IM IN A R Screen Width (W) Note: This is a general example of lens shift. Lenses vary in their shift capabilities. No particular lens or projector is used in this example. Figure 3-4.
Installation Table 3-4 lists the lens shift limits for each available VX-44d/-55d lens, as percentages and absolute measurements with a 100 x 56 inch (1.78:1) screen. Table 3-4.
Installation Folded Optics ➤ In rear screen applications where space behind the projector is limited, a mirror may be used to fold the optical path, as shown in Figure 3-5. The position of the projector and mirror must be accurately set. If you are considering this type of installation, contact your dealer for assistance. Screen EL IM IN A R Y Mirror Figure 3-5.
Installation The projection lens is shipped separately from the projector. Proceed as follows to install the projection lens: 1. Remove the lens plug from the lens opening in the projector. 2. Place the lens cap on the projection lens to protect it from being damaged during the installation process. 3. Remove the rear cap from the lens. This protective cap is only used during shipping to protect the lens from damage. EL IM IN A R Y 4. Slide the new lens into the lens opening of the projector.
Installation 3.5 Installing the Optional CineWide Lens Mount If you are installing a VX-44d/-55d with the optional CineWide or CineWide with AutoScope system, proceed as follows to install the anamorphic lens mounting assembly (stationary base plate or AutoScope lens motor). Note 1. Do not install the CineWide lens yet, only the mounting plate or lens motor. You will install the CineWide lens after you install the projector and adjust the primary lens.
Installation Caution DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN THE SCREWS. (Skip this step if you are installing a fixed CineWide anamorphic lens, or ceiling-mounting an AutoScope-equipped projector.) PR AutoScope stand used for floor-mounted projector EL IM IN A R Y If you are installing the VX-44d/-55d in an upright position (not ceiling-mounted), use the supplied hardware to attach the projector stand to the bottom of the projector as shown below.
Installation 3.6 Mounting the VX-44d/-55d There are several methods for mounting the projector. Depending on your chosen installation, one method may be more suitable than another. For fixed installations, and for those that want the projector out of sight or have a limited space for projector and audience, you can invert the VX-44d/-55d and suspend it from the ceiling using a specially-designed ceiling mount fixture.
Installation 3.7 Connections to the VX-44d/-55d and DHD Controller Proceed as follows to connect the DHD Controller to the VX-44d/-55d, your video sources, external controller(s) – if present – and AC power. When connecting your equipment: • Turn off all equipment before making any connections. • Use the correct signal cables for each source. • Ensure that the cables are securely connected. Tighten the thumbscrews on connectors that have them.
Installation Connecting Source ➤ Components to the DHD Controller Connect your video sources to the DHD Controller as shown and described in the sections that follow. HDMI Connections: See Figure 3-9. Use the HDMI inputs whenever possible. This ensures the highest video quality because the signal is carried in the digital domain throughout the entire signal path, from source component output into the projector.
Installation Digital (DTV) RGB or Component Video Connections: See Figure 3-10. R/Pr G/Y INPUTS B/Pb H V TRIGGERS HD1 1 2 3 HD2 R/Pr G/Y B/Pb H V S-Video 1 Pb HDMI 2 Pr Y Component Video Video S-Video 2 DTV or Progressive Component (YPbPr) Source Horiz Vert PR Red/Pr Green/Y Blue/Pb EL IM IN A R Y HDMI 1 Figure 3-10.
Installation Analog (Computer) RGB Connections: See Figure 3-11. R/Pr G/Y INPUTS B/Pb H V TRIGGERS HD1 1 2 3 HD2 R/Pr G/Y B/Pb H V S-Video 1 Pb HDMI 2 Y Pr Component Video Video S-Video 2 EL IM IN A R Y HDMI 1 PR Red Green Blue Horiz Vert Personal Computer Figure 3-11.
Installation Composite/S-Video/Component Video Connections: See Figure 3-12. R/Pr G/Y INPUTS B/Pb H V TRIGGERS HD1 1 2 3 HD2 R/Pr G/Y B/Pb H V S-Video 1 HDMI 2 Pb Y Pr Component Video Video S-Video 2 EL IM IN A R Y HDMI 1 Pr Y PR Pb DVD Player, VCR, Satellite Receiver, Laser Disc etc. Figure 3-12.
Installation RS-232 Controller ➤ Connection Use a straight-through, 9-pin RS-232 cable to connect a PC or home theater control/automation system (if present) to the RS-232 Control port on the DHD Controller; see Figure 3-13. For more information about using this connection, refer to Serial Communications on page 89.
Installation AutoScope Lens Motor (Rear) Power Switch AC Input 3.
Installation Note Connecting to AC Power ➤ When an external IR receiver is connected to the wired IR input, the built-in IR sensor on the DHD Controller is disabled. The VX-44d/-55d system includes two (2) AC power cords (one each for the DHD Controller and projector). DHD Controller: Plug the female end of one power cord into the AC receptacle on the rear of the DHD Controller. Connect the other end to your AC power source (100 to 240 VAC).
Installation 3.8 Turning on the Power 1. Turn on your source components. 2. Turn on the main power switch at the rear of the DHD Controller. 3. If this is an AutoScope-equipped projector, turn on the main power switch at the rear of the AutoScope lens motor. The lens motor power switch is located next to the AC input (see Figure 3-14). 4. Press the ON button on the remote control – or the POWER button on the DHD Controller front panel – to turn on the system.
Installation 3.9 Adjusting the Picture Orientation By default, the VX-44d/-55d is configured for a “floor/front” installation, in which the projector is installed upright and in front of the screen. If it is installed behind the screen and/or mounted on a ceiling, you must change the picture orientation. To do this: 1. Select an input OTHER THAN HDMI 1 or HDMI 2 on the DHD Controller. 2. On the DHD Controller, press MENU and enter the Service Menu passcode. 3. Select Service from the Main Menu. 4.
Installation If you are installing a CineWide-equipped projector, proceed as follows to install and adjust the anamorphic lens. Note that some components shipped with your projector may differ slightly from what is shown in these instructions. Note It is extremely important that the primary lens is properly adjusted before you install the anamorphic lens. Ensure that the 16:9 or 4:3 image from the primary lens is perfectly centered on the screen. Y 1.
Installation Configure Lens Motor ➤ Trigger (CineWide with AutoScope) (Skip this step if you are installing a fixed CineWide anamorphic lens.) CineWide with AutoScope maintains constant image height independent of the aspect ratio, while using the full display resolution of the projector. It accomplishes this by moving the anamorphic lens in front of the primary lens when widescreen material is being viewed.
Installation Height (Y) Adjustment: With the white field still on-screen, loosen the Height Adjustment Levers on either side of the lens. Then, slowly move the anamorphic lens into place so that there are no shadows on the top or bottom of the screen: EL IM IN A R Y Too Low Correct position Too High When the height is properly set, tighten the Height Adjustment Levers to secure the lens in place. PR Pitch (Angle): Next, angle the lens to even out any top-to-bottom pincushion distortion.
Installation Yaw Adjust: Loosen the Yaw/X-Adjustment Levers to allow the lens to pivot freely from side to side. Then, angle the lens to even out any left-right pincushion distortion: EL IM IN A R Y Anamorphic Lens (Top View) Correct Position Wrong Position PR Once the proper lens angle has been set, firmly tighten the Yaw/X-Adjustment Levers to secure the lens in place. Geometry: 1. Input an anamorphic cross-hatch test pattern to the DHD Controller. 2.
Installation 3. Grasp the lens by the front ring and rotate the lens until the image is properly anamorphic: Correct Position EL IM IN A R 4. When the image geometry appears correct, tighten the three Lens Rotation Set Screws to secure the lens in place. (When viewed from the front, the rear opening on the anamorphic lens should appear as a tall, narrow oval.) Y Wrong Position PR S CU FO Focus: Finally, rotate the Focus Ring on the anamorphic lens to fine-tune the optical focus.
Installation 3.12 Calibrating Projector Input 2 (DVI) After you have installed and adjusted the projector and lens (or lenses), you are ready to begin calibrating the DVI input (Input 2) to the VX-44d/-55d. Note Runco calibrates both the VX-44d/-55d and DHD Controller at the factory for optimum performance in most typical home cinema environments, before the system ships. Y Carefully assess the displayed image quality before proceeding with calibration.
Installation SYSTEM 1 MAIN 11 LENS FUNCS 2 3 4 SOURC EL IM IN A R Y 12 5 + PREV CH 13 GUIDE + MENU 6 7 8 14 EXIT INFO 15 PR 9 DIS 10 Figure 3-16.
Installation TheaterMaster Remote ➤ Control Functions 1. POWER Button Hold this button down for 1-2 seconds to turn on or off the projector. 2. FUNCS Button This button brings you to a sub-page in which you can access the projector’s internal test patterns, view help text, auto-calibrate the projector and perform various other functions. 3. BACKLIGHT Button Lights the LCD display and buttons for use in a dark room. 5. MAIN Button Brings up the Main LCD Menu page. Y 4.
Installation Most of the controls for the projector are accessed from within the projector’s menu system. There are several groups of related functions, with each group selectable from the Main Menu. Press MENU on the rear keypad or TheaterMaster remote to display this menu. To select a sub-menu using the remote keypad, do one of the following: • Press the number key corresponding to the function menu you wish to access, such as 2 for the Picture Quality menu.
Installation All available channels are listed in the Channel Setup menu (Figure 3-17), which describes how each channel can be accessed and which serves as the gateway for editing, copying and deleting channels. pDig iDig iDig iDig iDig iDig iDig pDig pDig 720p from DHD 1080i16x9 nt 1080i 4x3 nt 1080i Lbx nt 1080i VW nt 1080i Cin nt 1080i VC nt 1080p16x9 nt 1080p 4x3 nt Y 0,2 0,2 0,2 0,2 0,2 0,2 0,2 0,2 0,2 EL IM IN A R 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 Figure 3-17.
Installation 3. Select Locked from the Channel Setup menu and press ENTER to clear the check box. Channel Edit 1080i16x9 nt 02 2 Clear this check box to unlock the channel Y Name Number Input In Menu Auto Source Locked Previous Channel Next Channel EL IM IN A R 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Figure 3-18. Unlocking a Channel Use the Auto Setup feature of the VX-44d/-55d as a convenient starting point for calibrating the projector DVI input for optimum picture quality.
Installation Auto Setup also optimizes the following settings, based on the characteristics of the incoming signal: • Pixel Tracking • Pixel Phase • Size and Blanking • Height • Position • White Balance (Input Levels) Size and Position No Resizing 0.
Installation For 1080i digital and 1080p signals, channels are pre-configured at the Runco factory for each aspect ratio. These channels use Custom size presets to achieve the selected aspect ratio. • “Custom” Resizing: The “Custom” re-size descriptor automatically appears in the Size and Position menu when any of the values for Size, Height, Horizontal Shift, Vertical Shift or Blanking do not correspond to those for a preset. This option is not offered in the Size Presets pull-down list.
Installation Pixel Phase: Adjust pixel phase when the image (usually from an RGB source) still shows shimmer or “noise” after pixel tracking is optimized. Pixel phase adjusts the phase of the pixel sampling clock relative to the incoming signal. Note Adjust “Pixel Tracking” before “Pixel Phase.” EL IM IN A R Y For best results, use a good test pattern such as a smooth gray consisting of a clear pattern of black and white pixels, or a similar “half on, half off” graphic image.
Installation Filter: The proper filter setting is automatically set for virtually all signals, and rarely needs to be changed. It applies a low pass filter for noise reduction in the incoming input signal, particularly for HDTV or SDTV. Applied in the analog domain before sampling, this filtering removes high frequencies and thus reduces pixel phase noise (note this also reduces signal bandwidth).
Installation • Pre-Calibration: Keep off for virtually all sources (default). Temporarily enter a check mark only if you are an experienced technician and you have an unusual source that you feel needs further color temperature and/or white balance adjustment. After entering a check mark, wait for the six slidebar values to stabilize, then clear the check mark and exit.
Installation • Clipping Detector: The Clipping Detector is a tool to assist with defining individual input levels, enabling you to accurately set the white balance for any particular source with the appropriate image. Y Enabling the Clipping Detector activates a special operating mode for detecting only pixels that are considered black or white; all other levels are displayed as a mid-level gray.
Installation 6. It may be advantageous to go back and check the black band. Adjust the blacklevel slidebar if necessary. Note Readjusting the black levels affects the gain at this point; only readjust when absolutely necessary. 7. Repeat Steps 4 through 6 with the other two remaining primary colors. When each primary color shows one optimized black band and white (or colored) band, the input levels for this source are correctly set.
Installation OptiCal (Primary Lens Calibration): OptiCal provides the ability to store and recall focus, zoom and position settings for the primary lens. To enable OptiCal: 1. Select Installation from the Main Menu. Geometry and Color 1. Test Pattern Grid 2. Keystone 50.0 3. Brightness Uniformity 4. Edge Blending 5. Color Adjustments by X,Y 6. Color Saturation 7. Black Level Blending 8. Default Color Adjustments 9. OptiCal 2. Select Geometry and Color from the Installation menu. 3.
Installation 3.13 Working With the Lamp Access the Lamp Adjust menu to: • Choose a lamp mode for regulating power and light output. • Change the optical aperture size. • View information pertaining to past and present lamps. • Record the lamp serial number in the projector’s memory. Y Lamp Hours (read-only): Lamp Hours shows the number of hours logged on the current lamp.
Installation Lamp Mode: Select the Lamp Mode you want to use in order to control the light output. You can choose to run the lamp as bright as possible, you can power the lamp with a specific wattage appropriate for the installed lamp or you can set a specific intensity (brightness) to maintain. Keep in mind that higher lamp power settings can shorten lamp life.
Installation For example, a 1000-Watt lamp can be driven at no more than 1000 Watts. To produce desired brightness at the screen, a new lamp would likely need less than this maximum rating — perhaps 812 Watts (example only). Over time, however, the lamp requires more and more current in order to generate the desired light, until eventually the lamp wattage reaches its 1000-Watt maximum and the lamp power automatically levels off.
4. Operation Press the MENU button on either the remote control or the DHD Controller front panel to display the Main Menu. Y To select a menu item, use the and buttons on either the remote control or the DHD Controller front panel to highlight it. Press ENTER to confirm your selection. PR EL IM IN A R The VX-44d/-55d OSD menus are arranged hierarchically, as shown in Figure 4-1. Depending on the selected input source and signal characteristics, some menu options may not be available.
Operation Picture Input Position ISF Presets Information (read-only) PR Test Video ISF Night - Input Image ISF Night - Input Color ISF Day - Display Color Note: Virtual Cinema is available only on VX-44d/-55d projectors equipped with the CineWide option (secondary anamorphic lens).
Operation The Main Menu is the starting point for accessing all projector functions. Main Menu (The Calibration and Service menus are hidden and not accessible until you enter a passcode.) Runco Video Input Source Aspect Ratio Picture Input Position ISF Presets Information Calibration EL IM IN A R Y Service From the Main Menu, select Input Source to choose a video signal source. The active source is indicated by an arrow (>) to its left; in this example, Composite is the active source.
Operation Table 4-1. Aspect Ratio Settings Aspect Ratio Remote Control Key 16:9 16:9 Description Select 16:9 to view 16:9 DVDs and HDTV programs in their native aspect ratio. EL IM IN A R Y 16:9 Image on 16:9 Screen (Display) 4:3 images are stretched horizontally to fit a 16:9 screen.
Operation Table 4-1. Aspect Ratio Settings (continued) Remote Control Key VirtualWide V-WIDE Description 4:3 Image on 16:9 Screen (Display) VirtualWide scales a 4:3 image NON-linearly (more on the sides than in the center) to fit a 16:9 screen. Y Aspect Ratio EL IM IN A R 4:3 Image on 16:9 Screen with VirtualWide 4:3 Image on 2.35:1 Screen with VirtualWide Cinema CINEMA On a 2.35:1 screen, the image is centered between black bars on either side. Select Cinema to view 2.
Operation Table 4-1. Aspect Ratio Settings (continued) Aspect Ratio Remote Control Key Virtual Cinema SVC Description Y 16:9 16:9 Image Image on on 2.35:1 2.35:1 Screen Screen Picture ➤ Picture Contrast Color Tint Sharpness Use the controls in the Picture Menu to calibrate your VX-44d/-55d for optimum picture quality. The VX-44d/-55d has been designed to incorporate setup and calibration standards established by the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF).
Operation Above Black EL IM IN A R Below Black Y Brightness: On your external test pattern source, select a PLUGE pattern. (PLUGE is an acronym for “Picture Line-Up Generation Equipment.”) Figure 4-2 shows a typical PLUGE pattern. Figure 4-2. Typical PLUGE Pattern for Adjusting Brightness PLUGE patterns vary but generally consist of some combination of black, white and gray areas against a black background. The example above includes two vertical bars and four shaded boxes.
Operation EL IM IN A R Y Contrast: On your external test pattern source, select a stepped, gray-bar pattern like the one shown in Figure 4-3. Figure 4-3. Typical Gray Bar Pattern for Adjusting Contrast Select Contrast and press ENTER. Adjust the contrast to a point just below which the white rectangle starts to increase in size. Brightness and contrast controls are interactive. A change to one may require a subtle change to the other in order to achieve the optimum setting.
Operation EL IM IN A R Y blue red magenta green cyan yellow gray Select Color and press ENTER. While looking at the color bar pattern through a blue filter, adjust the color saturation level until the outermost (gray and blue) color bars appear to be a single shade of blue: Tint: Tint or “hue” is essentially the ratio of red to green in the color portion of the image. When tint is decreased, the image appears redder; when it is increased the image appears greener.
Operation EL IM IN A R Y Sharpness: “Sharpness” is the amount of high-frequency detail in the image. To adjust sharpness, select Sharpness from the Picture menu and press ENTER. On your external test pattern source, select a pattern like the one shown in Figure 4-5. Adjust as needed, looking for white edges around the transitions from black to gray and differently-sized lines in the “sweep” patterns at the top and bottom. Lower the sharpness setting to eliminate them. Figure 4-5.
Operation Overscan: Image Overscan pushes the outside edge of the active picture area of the video signal out beyond the edge of the display area. Some television programs are produced based on the assumption that older television sets may not display the outer edges of the broadcast picture area. Over scan effectively trims away these inactive, outer edges and enlarges the remaining portion of the image to fill the display area. Select from 1% to 10% of Overscan, as desired.
Operation Calibration ➤ Use the Calibration menu to perform advanced picture quality adjustments. This menu should be used by ISF-certified technicians only. Calibration ISF Night Note Display Color You must enter a passcode to access the Calibration menu. Input Image Input Color To recall the ISF Night or ISF Day settings, select “ISF Night” or “ISF Day” from the ISF Presets menu (see above).
Operation • Noise Filter: To apply noise filtering to the input signal, select Noise Filter from the Input Color menu. The Noise Filter is useful for clearing up noisy images from 480i video sources. Use the left- or right-arrow buttons to select the desired amount of noise reduction, keeping in mind that higher settings (which reduce high frequencies) may also “soften” the image. ISF Day - Display Color: Refer to ISF Night - Display Color. ISF Day - Input Image: Refer to ISF Night - Input Image.
Operation Service ➤ Use the Service menu to access advanced projector configuration settings. This menu should be used by ISF-certified technicians only. Service Test Video Note Input Names You must enter a passcode to access the Service menu. Remote Control Analog Out Mode HD Format Test Video: Select Test Video from the Service Menu to access the internal test patterns on the VX-44d/-55d. Four patterns are available, consisting of white/gray or colored bars.
Operation Do not change the “Type” setting in this menu. Note When you change a remote code on the DHD Controller, you must re-program your remote control to send that same code. To do this: 1. Using a straightened paper clip or similar object, press and hold the CODE button on the remote control for approximately three seconds, or until the red LED on the remote lights solid red. Y 2. Enter a new two-digit code between 00 and 31 inclusive.
Operation HD Format: If the characteristics of the incoming signal on the HD1 or HD2 inputs are known, select HD Format from the Service menu and set them as described below. Doing so can reduce the time it takes the DHD Controller to switch from HD to 480i signals or vice versa.
Operation • Side Bar Color: This controls the color of the inactive image area. The range is from -100 (black) to 100 (white). The inactive image area is on either side of the active image area when using the Standard 4:3 aspect ratio, and above and below the active image area when using the Letterbox aspect ratio. • Film Mode: Enable Film Mode to smooth out moving images from interlaced, standard-definition (SD) sources.
Operation PR EL IM IN A R Y Notes: 78 Runco VX-44d/-55d Owner’s Operating Manual
5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting The VX-44d/-55d uses a Cermax® Xenon lamp to deliver its high brightness. The lamp should be replaced when it reaches the end of its life (typically 1000 hours), or sooner if a noticeable degradation in brightness occurs. When you replace a lamp, you should replace the filters as well. EL IM IN A R Y Keep track of the number of hours the lamp has been in use and be aware of any changes to brightness.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting EL IM IN A R Y 4. Grasp the lamp by its housing only and pull it straight out (lamp slides along guides) until it’s free; see Figure 5-3. Discard the lamp using safe disposal/recycling practices or contact your Runco dealer for a possible re-lamping program. Figure 5-3. Removing the Lamp PR 5. Align the new lamp with the top and bottom guides on the left side of the lamp compartment; see Figure 5-4. Slide the lamp all the way in.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting 13. Press ENTER to accept the change. This adds the new lamp serial number to the Lamp History menu and resets the Lamp Hours timer to “0.” Lamp Mode and Lamp Limit remain as they were for the previous lamp and can be changed at any time. Y EL IM IN A R 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Lamp Adjust Lamp Hours 147 Lamp S/N 123456789 Lamp Message Lamp Limit 1000 Lamp Mode Power Power 500 Intensity 0 RVR 3 Lamp History Change Lamp Reserved Figure 5-5.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting 5.2 Lens Replacement If you need to remove the lens – either to replace it or to prepare the projector for shipment – proceed as follows: 1. Power down the projector and wait five minutes to allow the lamp to cool. 2. Remove the secondary anamorphic lens, if present. 3. Place the lens cap on the installed lens to protect it from damage. 4. Press and hold the “lens release” button located in the top right corner of the lens panel. EL IM IN A R Y 5.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Table 5-1 provides some general guidelines for troubleshooting problems you may encounter with the VX-44d/-55d. If the suggested solutions fail to resolve the problem or if you encounter an issue not described here, please contact Runco Technical Support. Table 5-1. Troubleshooting Chart The projector does not turn on after initial installation. Possible Cause(s) Solution • The VX-44d/-55d is not plugged in or the AC outlet is not active.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Table 5-1. Troubleshooting Chart (continued) Symptom The display is jittery or unstable. Possible Cause(s) Solution • Poor-quality or improperly connected source. • Ensure that the source is properly connected and of adequate quality for detection. • Correct at the source. • The horizontal or vertical scan frequency of the input signal may be out of range for the projector. Y • Contrast is set too high.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting If the status code display on the back of the projector shows one of the following values, you have encountered a likely system error requiring the attention of a qualified service technician. Acknowledge and clear the error by pressing EXIT twice on the rear-panel keypad. Try resetting the projector by powering it off, allowing it to cool and powering it on again. Refer to Table 5-2 and contact your dealer if the problem persists.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Table 5-2. VX-44d/-55d Error Codes (continued) Code Description Lamp Failures Lamp turned on unexpectedly (fault related to ballast). 21 Lamp airflow low, overheating imminent. 23 Cannot read valid ballast ID. 26 Lamp 1 Interlock: lamp door open, lamp not installed. 27 Can’t turn lamp on. 28 Lamp turned off unexpectedly. EL IM IN A R Y 20 29 Lamp ballast overheated. PR Power and Cooling 46 Red DMD heat sink overheated. 47 Green DMD heat sink overheated.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Table 5-2. VX-44d/-55d Error Codes (continued) Code Description Boot code CRC failed. 61 Unable to program DigMux PLD. 62 Unable to program Control PLD. 63 Unable to program Bubks PLD. 64 Unrecognized ROM type. 65 Write to flash ROM failed. 66 TIPM failure. 67 Downloaded code will not fit. 68 Scaler communication problem. EL IM IN A R 60 Y TIPM (Image Processor) Built-In Keypad 70 Unable to access EEPROM on the built-in keypad.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Table 5-2. VX-44d/-55d Error Codes (continued) Code Description Miscellaneous A0 Unable to program the optional module. A1 Unable to power the optional module. A2 Unable to program the Dual Slot Backplane Module (DSBP). A3 Unable to program the optional Post Processing Module (Warp module). PR EL IM IN A R Y Note: To clear a system error, press the EXIT key (on the projector’s rear-panel keypad) twice.
6. Serial Communications To interface the DHD Controller with a home theater automation/control system or a PC running terminal emulation software, connect it to your control system or PC as shown in Figure 3-13. 6.1 RS-232 Connection and Port Configuration Serial commands to the DHD Controller take the following form: EL IM IN A R • Commands are not case-sensitive. Y Configure the RS-232 controller or PC serial port as follows: no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no flow control.
Serial Communications Table 6-1.
Serial Communications Table 6-1.
Serial Communications Table 6-1.
Serial Communications Table 6-1.
Serial Communications Table 6-1. Serial Commands (continued) Parameter (min/max) Command Value Stored? Description The following serial commands are meant to emulate buttons on the remote control or DHD Controller front panel. Each button has its own serial command, so effectively it is as if you were using the IR remote only you’ll be doing so via serial commands. These commands provide active OSD responses just like the IR remote.
7. Specifications 7.1 VX-44d/-55d Specifications Table 7-1 lists the VX-44d/-55d specifications. Table 7-1. VX-44d/-55d Specifications Digital Light Processing (DLP), 3-chip, 16:9 SuperOnyx DMD Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (16:9) Aspect Ratios: Refer to Table 7-2 Video Standards: Refer to Table 7-2 Scan Frequency: 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p Horizontal: 15 kHz to 120 kHz Vertical: 23.
Specifications Table 7-1. VX-44d/-55d Specifications (continued) Brightness and Contrast: Cinema Standards Measurement System (CSMS) Specifications Brightness: 87.0 foot-Lamberts (fL) (VX-44d); 107.0 fL (VX-55d) Contrast Ratio (variable, based on lens aperture setting): 230:1 - 280:1 (VX-44d); 222:1 - 278:1 (VX-55d) EL IM IN A R Y These measurements are taken from the projector in a controlled, home theater environment. All measurements are made to ANSI/NAPM IT7.
Specifications Table 7-1. VX-44d/-55d Specifications (continued) Limited Warranty: Projector: Two (2) years parts and labor from the date of delivery to the end user. Lamp: 1000 hours or six (6) months, whichever comes first. PR EL IM IN A R Y Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Specifications 7.2 DHD Controller Specifications Table 7-2 lists the DHD Controller specifications. Table 7-2.
Specifications 7.3 VX-44d/-55d Dimensions Figure 7-1 shows the VX-44d/-55d dimensions (all dimensions are in inches). 29.023 9.668 EL IM IN A R 12.225 Y Intake Vents 11.245 PR 28.240 27.465 Exhaust Vent Figure 7-1.
Specifications PR EL IM IN A R Y Notes: 100 Runco VX-44d/-55d Owner’s Operating Manual
SERIAL NUM BER RUMA-011195 rev 02-01-07 v1.3 Runco International • 2900 Faber Street • Union City, CA 94587 • Ph (510) 324-7777 / (800) 23RUNCO / Fax (510) 324-9300 www.runco.
