BenQ W1500 Users Manual

							  11
  Important safety instructions
Projector features
• Full HD compatible
The projector is compatible with Standard Definition TV (SDTV) 576i, Enhanced Definition television 
(EDTV) 480p, 576p and High Definition TV (HDTV) 720p, 1080i/p 60Hz formats, with the 1080p 
format providing a true 1:1 image reproduction.
•  High picture quality
The projector provides excellent picture quality due to its high resolution, excellent home theater 
brightness, high contrast ratio, vivid color and rich gray-scale reproduction.
•  Vivid color reproduction
The projector features a 6-segment color wheel to produce realistic color depth and range 
unattainable with lesser segment color wheels.
• Rich gray-scale
When viewed in a darkened environment, the automatic gamma control provides excellent gray-scale 
images which reveal details in shadows and in night or darkened scenes.
•  Wide variety of inputs and video formats
The projector supports a wide variety of inputs for connection to your video and PC equipment, 
including component video, S-Video, and composite video, as well as dual HDMI, PC, and an output 
trigger for connection to automated screen and environment lighting systems. 
•  ISF certified calibration control
To reach a higher standard of performance, the projector incorporates ISF NIGHT and ISF DAY 
mode settings in its OSD menus, which requires professional calibration service from authorized ISF 
installers.
• 3D function 
To enhance your sense of presence when watching 3D movies, videos, and sporting events by 
presenting the depth of the images through HDMI interface.
•  2D 3D conversion
With the 2D 3D Conversion function, you can convert 2D content into 3D images for 3D effect.
• Wireless 
The projector allows you to wirelessly project the FHD image from HDMI output devices, such as 
Blu-ray players, DVD players, and desktop PCs, etc.
• CEC
When you connect the projector to any HDMI CEC-compatible devices, such as DVD players, 
activating the CEC function enables you to turn both devices on and off with one remote controller. 
Due to different design of HDMI CEC for each device, some devices might not be able to operate 
correctly. 
• Frame interpolation
With motion estimation and compensation technology, picture smoothness and clarity are enhanced. 
• Built-in speaker(s)
Built-in speaker(s) provide(s) mixed mono audio when an audio input is connected.
• Intuitive lens shift
The intuitive control over lens shift lever provides flexibility in setting-up your projector.
• SmartEco
SmartEco™ technology saves lamp power consumption up to 70% depending on the content 
brightness level when SmartEco mode is selected.
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							12 Important safety instructions  
Projector exterior view
Front and upper side view 
1. Control panel (See Control panel on 
page 13 for details.)
2. Lamp cover
3. Vent
4. Lens cap
5. Lens shift cover
6. Focus and Zoom ring
7. Vent
8. Front IR sensor
9. Projection lens
10. HDMI ports
11. Mini USB port
(Used for service)
12. RS-232 control port
Used to interface with a PC or home 
theater control/automation system.
13. RGB (PC)/Component video (YPbPr/
YCbCr) signal input jack
14. Component Video inputs (RCA)
support Y/P
B/PR or Y/CB/CR video 
signal
15. S-Video input (mini 4-pin DIN)
Composite Video input (RCA)
16. Audio (L/R) input jacks
17. Audio input jack
Audio output jack
18. 12VDC output terminal
Used to trigger external devices such 
as an electric screen or light control, 
etc. Consult your dealer for how to 
connect these devices.
19. AC power cable inlet
20. Kensington lock slot
21. Adjuster feet
22. Ceiling mount holes
Rear and lower side view 
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See Connecting with video equipment on page 21 
for connection details.
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							  13
  Important safety instructions
Controls and functions
Control panel
1. Focus ring
Adjusts the focus of the projected image.
2. Zoom ring
Adjusts the size of the image.
3. Lens shift cover
4. Top IR remote sensor
5. MENU/EXIT
Turns on the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu. 
Goes back to previous OSD menu, exits and 
saves menu settings.
6.  POWER
Toggles the projector between standby mode 
and on.
7. Left/
Decreases the projector volume.
When the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu is 
activated, the #7, #12, and #15 keys are used 
as directional arrows to select the desired 
menu items and to make adjustments.
8. ECO BLANK
Used to blank the screen picture.
9. POWER indicator light
Lights up or flashes when the projector is 
under operation.
10. TEMPerature warning light
Lights up red if the projectors temperature 
becomes too high.
11. LAMP indicator light
Indicates the status of the lamp. Lights up or 
flashes when the lamp has developed a 
problem.12. Keystone/Arrow keys ( / Up,  /
Down)
Manually corrects distorted images resulting 
from an angled projection.
When the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu is 
activated, the #7, #12, and #15 keys are used 
as directional arrows to select the desired 
menu items and to make adjustments.
13. AUTO
Automatically determines the best picture 
timings for the displayed image.
14. MODE/ENTER
Selects an available picture setup mode.
Activates the selected On-Screen Display 
(OSD) menu item.
15. Right/
Increases the projector volume.
When the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu is 
activated, the #7, #12, and #15 keys are used 
as directional arrows to select the desired 
menu items and to make adjustments.
16. SOURCE
Displays the source selection bar.
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							14 Important safety instructions  
Remote control
1. POWER ON/OFF
Toggles the projector between on and off mode.
2. Source selection keys
Selects an input source for display.
3. MENU/EXIT
Turns on the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu. 
Goes back to previous OSD menu, exits and 
saves menu settings.
4. Left
Decreases the projector volume.
When the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu is 
activated, the #4, #15, and #17 keys are used as 
directional arrows to select the desired menu 
items and to make adjustments.
5. MODE/ENTER
Selects an available picture setup mode.
Activates the selected On-Screen Display 
(OSD) menu item.
6. ECO BLANK
Used to blank the screen picture.
7. PIP
Displays the 
PIP (Picture In Picture) menu.
8. ASPECT
Selects the display aspect ratio.
9. Picture quality adjustment keys
These function keys perform the same tasks as 
specified in the OSD menu. For details, please 
refer to Fine-tuning the picture quality on 
page 36.10. FINE TUNE 
Displays the Color Temperature Fine 
Tu n i n g menu. For details, please refer to 
Setting a preferred color temperature on 
page 38.
11. 3D/INVERT
Enters the 3D menu directly and toggles the 
invert function between on and off.
12. MUTE
Toggles projector audio between on and off.
13. FREEZE
Freezes the projected image.
14. LIGHT
The LED backlight lights up and stays on for 
approximately 10 seconds when pressing any 
key on the remote control. Pressing any other 
keys within the 10-second window turns off the 
LED backlight.
15. Keystone/Arrow keys ( / Up,  /
Down)
Manually corrects distorted images resulting 
from an angled projection.
When the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu is 
activated, the #4, #15, and #17 keys are used as 
directional arrows to select the desired menu 
items and to make adjustments.
16. AUTO
Automatically determines the best picture 
timings for the displayed image.
17. Right
Increases the projector volume.
When the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu is 
activated, the #4, #15, and #17 keys are used as 
directional arrows to select the desired menu 
items and to make adjustments.
18. SOURCE
Displays the source selection bar.
19. SRS
Enables or disables the SRS function.
20. TEST
Displays the test pattern.
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							  15
  Important safety instructions
Positioning your projector
Choosing a location
Your projector is designed to be installed in one of four possible installation locations.
Your room layout or personal preference will dictate which installation location you select. Take into 
consideration the size and position of your screen, the location of a suitable power outlet, as well as the 
location and distance between the projector and the rest of your equipment.
*To set the projector position:
1. Press MENU/EXIT on the projector or remote control and then press  /  until the System Setup menu is highlighted.
2. Press  /  to highlight Projector Position and press  /  until the correct position is selected.
1. Front:
Select this location with the projector placed near 
the floor in front of the screen. This is the most 
common way to position the projector for quick 
setup and portability.3. Rear:
Select this location with the projector placed near 
the floor behind the screen.
Note that a special rear projection screen is 
required.
*Set Rear after you turn the projector on.
2. Front Ceiling:
Select this location with the projector suspended 
from the ceiling in front of the screen.
Purchase the BenQ Projector Ceiling Mount Kit 
from your dealer to mount your projector on the 
ceiling.
*Set Front Ceiling after you turn the projector 
on.4. Rear Ceiling:
Select this location with the projector suspended 
from the ceiling behind the screen.
Note that a special rear projection screen and the 
BenQ Projector Ceiling Mount Kit are required for 
this installation location.
*Set Rear Ceiling after you turn the projector 
on.
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							16 Important safety instructions  
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.
The projector should always be placed horizontally level (like flat on a table), and positioned directly 
perpendicular 90° right-angle square) to the screen. This prevents image distortion caused by angled 
projections (or projecting onto angled surfaces). If the projector is mounted on a ceiling, it must be 
mounted upside-down.
If the projector is positioned further away from the screen, the projected image size increases, and the 
vertical offset also increases proportionately.
When determining the positions of the screen and projector, you will need to account for both the 
projected image size and the vertical offset dimension, which are directly proportional to the projection 
distance.
This projector is equipped with a movable lens. See Shifting the projection lens vertically on page 20 for 
details. You can see the diagrams on pages 18 and 19 for the vertical offset values in the dimension tables 
that are measured when the lens is shifted fully up or down.
How to determine the position of the projector for a given screen size
1. Determine the aspect ratio of your screen, 16:9 or 4:3?
2. Refer to the table and find the closest match to your screen size in the left columns labelled Screen 
dimensions. Using this value, look across this row to the right to find the corresponding average 
distance from screen value in the column labelled Average. This is the projection distance.
3. Decide the exact position of your projector according to the position of your screen and the 
adjustable lens shift range.

If you are using a 120-inch, 4:3-aspect-ratio screen, please refer to The screen aspect ratio is 4:3 and the 
projected picture is 16:9. The average projection distance is 3409 mm.
How to determine the recommended screen size for a given distance
This method can be used for situations where you have purchased this projector and would like to know 
what screen size will fit in your room.
The maximum screen size is limited by the physical space available in your room.
1. Determine the aspect ratio of your screen, 16:9 or 4:3?
2. Measure the distance between the projector and where you want to position the screen. This is the 
projection distance.
3. Refer to the table and find the closest match to your measurement in the average distance from 
screen column labelled Average. Check that your measured distance is between the min. and max. 
distances listed on either side of the average distance value.
4. Using this value, look across that row to the left to find the corresponding screen diagonal listed in 
that row. That is the projected image size of the projector at that projection distance.

If you have a 16:9-aspect-ratio screen and your measured projection distance was 4000 mm, please refer 
to The screen aspect ratio is 16:9 and the projected picture is 16:9. The closest match in the Average 
column is 4024 mm. Looking across this row shows that a 130-inch screen is required.
Checking the min. and max. projection distance values in the columns of Projection distance  [mm] 
on page 18 indicates that the 4000 mm measured projection distance will also fit the 120 and 140-inch 
size screens. The projector can be adjusted (using the zoom control) to display on these different screen 
sizes at the projection distance. Be aware that these different screens have different vertical offset values.
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							  17
  Important safety instructions
If you place the projector in a different position (to that recommended), you will have to tilt it down or 
up to center the image on the screen. In these situations, some image distortion will occur. Use the 
Keystone function to correct the distortion. See Correcting picture distortion on page 34 for details.
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							18 Important safety instructions  
Projection dimensions
Installation for a 16:9 ratio screen
 The screen aspect ratio is 16:9 and the projected picture is 16:9
The above numbers are approximate and may be slightly different from the actual measurements. Only the 
recommended screen sizes are listed. If your screen size is not in the table above, please contact your dealer 
for assistance.
Screen dimensionsProjection distance  [mm]
Lowest/Highest 
lens position 
 [mm]Diagonal

[inch 
(mm)]Height 

[mm]Width

[mm]Min distance 
(with max 
zoom)AverageMax distance 
(with min 
zoom)
42 (1067)523 930 1000 1300 1600 26 
50 (1270)623 1107 1190 1548 1905 31 
60 (1524)747 1328 1429 1857 2286 37 
70 (1778)872 1550 1667 2167 2667 44 
80 (2032)996 1771 1905 2476 3048 50 
84 (2134)1046 1860 2000 2600 3200 52 
90 (2286)1121 1992 2143 2786 3429 56 
100 (2540)1245 2214 2381 3095 3810 62 
11 0 (2794)1370 2435 2619 3405 4190 68 
120 (3048)1494 2657 2857 3714 4571 75 
130 (3302)1619 2878 3095 4024 4952 81 
140 (3556)1743 3099 3333 4333 5333 87 
150 (3810)1868 3321 3571 4643 5714 93 
160 (4064)1992 3542 3810 4952 6095 100 
170 (4318)2117 3763 4048 5262 6476 106 
180 (4572)2241 3985 4286 5571 6857 112 
190 (4826)2366 4206 4524 5881 7238 118 
200 (5080)2491 4428 4762 6190 7619 125 
250 (6350)3113 5535 5952 7738 9524 156 




Floor Installation
: Screen             : Center of lens
 
 

Ceiling Installation
: Screen             : Center of lens
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							  19
  Important safety instructions
Installation for a 4:3 ratio screen
The illustrations and table below are provided for those users who already have 4:3 aspect ratio screens 
or intend to purchase 4:3 aspect ratio screens to view 16:9 ratio projected images.
 The screen aspect ratio is 4:3 and the projected picture is 16:9
The above numbers are approximate and may be slightly different from the actual measurements. Only the 
recommended screen sizes are listed. If your screen size is not in the table above, please contact your dealer 
for assistance.






Floor Installation
: Screen             : Center of lens

 


Ceiling Installation
: Screen             : Center of lens
Screen dimensionsProjection distance  
[mm]Lowest/
Highest 
lens 
position 

[mm]
Image 
height 
[mm]
Diagonal

[inch (mm)]Height

[mm]Width

[mm]Min 
distance 
(with 
max 
zoom)AverageMax 
distance 
(with min 
zoom)
50 (1270)762 1016 1093 1421 174829 572 
60 (1524)914 1219 1311 1705 2098
34 686 
70 (1778)1067 1422 1530 1989 2448
40 800 
80 (2032)1219 1626 1748 2273 2797
46 914 
90 (2286)1372 1829 1967 2557 3147
51 1029 
100 (2540)1524 2032 2185 2841 3497
57 1143 
110 (2794)1676 2235 2404 3125 3846
63 1257 
120 (3048)1829 2438 2623 3409 4196
69 1372 
130 (3302)1981 2642 2841 3693 4546
74 1486 
140 (3556)2134 2845 3060 3977 4895
80 1600 
150 (3810)2286 3048 3278 4262 5245
86 1715 
160 (4064)2438 3251 3497 4546 5595
91 1829 
170 (4318)2591 3454 3715 4830 5944
97 1943 
180 (4572)2743 3658 3934 5114 6294
103 2057 
190 (4826)2896 3861 4152 5398 6644
109 2172 
200 (5080)3048 4064 4371 5682 6993
114 2286 
230 (5842)3505 4674 5026 6534 8042
131 2629 
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							20 Important safety instructions  
Shifting the projection lens vertically
The vertical lens shift control provides flexibility for installing your projector. It allows the projector to be 
positioned slightly above or below the top level of the projected images. 
The lens shift (offset) is expressed as a percentage of the projected image height. It is measured as an 
offset from the projected images vertical center. You can use the lever to shift the projection lens 
upwards or downwards within the allowable range depending on your desired image position. 
To use the lens shift lever:
1. Release the lever by turning it counterclockwise.
2. Move the lever to adjust the projected image position.
3. Lock the lever by turning it clockwise.
•  Please do not over-tighten the lever.
•  Lens shift adjustment will not result in a degraded picture quality. In the unlikely event that the image 
distortion is produced, see Adjusting the projected image on page 34 for details.
•  When the screen position is fixed
•  When the projector position is fixed
100%
10% 30%
1
2
Screen
Projector
110% 130%
120%
1
2
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