Christie Digital Systems M Series User Manual

							M-Series User Manual3-27020-100009-01 Rev.1 (07/08)
•Scan-quadrupled sync-on-green.
For these signals, change the color Space to RGB, and then define a new channel for future use.
VIDEO OPTIONS 
This submenu is used with video sources only.
•AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL (AGC): 
AGC affects decoded video images only. Enter a 
checkmark (default) in most instances. Activate 
the decoder’s AGC circuit to ensure properly 
bright images. Delete the checkmark if a decoded 
video image exhibits strange color artifacts such 
as stripes in highly saturated colors, indicating an 
incompatibility between this source and the 
AGC.
• VIDEO STANDARD: 
For most video standards available in the world, the projector 
automatically detects the incoming horizontal and vertical 
frequencies and sets the projector’s processing of this signal to 
the corresponding standard. The current video standard name 
appears in the Video Options submenu, and includes an “A” if it 
is auto-detected. Press   to view or select a different video 
standard from those available to the projector—any that are 
disabled have frequency characteristics that differ from those of 
the incoming signal. Selecting a specific standard forces the 
projector to process the signal according to this standard.
NOTE: Best results are obtained with defined channels. Otherwise, switching from one video source 
to another can sometimes cause slight disturbances in the display, indicating that the Auto function 
is struggling. Recover by briefly selecting a different video standard, then going back.
Table 3.3 - Regions and Video Standards: Summary
NOTE: Generally, use “Auto” for all instances except: 1) a poor quality input signal or 2) a black-
and-white video signal. In order to detect and display such signals, select the relevant standard from 
the list.
STANDARDWHERE USED (Subject to Change)
PAL Most of Europe, China, Australia, some of S. America, some of Africa
NTSC N. America and Japan
SECAM France, Eastern Europe, most of Africa
NTSC 4.43 A tape-only standard for partially-translated hybrid signals
PAL-M Brazil
PAL-NC Argentina, Chile, other Latin American countries
PAL 60
FIGURE 3-29 - VIDEO OPTIONS
FIGURE 3-30 - VIDEO STANDARD 
						

							Section 3: Operation
M-Series User Manual3-28020-100009-01 Rev.1 (07/08)
•INPUT VIDEO BLACK:
 This control compensates for incoming elevated black 
levels present in certain video signals, and ensures that 
blacks in the display are neither crushed (i.e., where 
dark grays appear black) nor excessively elevated (i.e., where blacks appear dark gray). By default, the 
projector automatically determines the best setting according to the type of incoming video signal:
•0 IRE – Used for DVD output with “enhanced black”, SECAM, most PAL standards, and Japanese 
NTSC.
•7.5 IRE – Used for most NTSC video signals.
For some types of video, you can override the setting. The control is disabled for other types of video 
(and all graphics sources). Generally, if black appears crushed when brightness = 50, choose “0 IRE”. 
If black appears excessively elevated, use “7.5 IRE”.
• COLOR:
 This slide bar adjusts the color saturation level. Lower settings produce less saturated colors, for 
example a setting of “0” produces a black and white image. If the color level is too high, colors will be 
overpowering and unrealistic.
•TINT: 
Adjusts the red/green color hue for true color reproduction of video and HDTV signals connected to 
Input 3 or 4. For best results, adjust tint while displaying an external test pattern—it is recommended 
that tint remain at its default setting.
•FILTER: 
The proper filter setting is automatically set for virtually all signals, 
and rarely needs to be changed. Override only if standard pixel 
tracking and phase adjustments do not adequately clear up a “noisy” 
video signal, or if a graphics signal appears overly “soft”. Both 
instances indicate that “Filter” may be set to the wrong option.
•SAMPLING MODE: 
Sets the color sampling mode for a digital signal to either YCbCr 4:4:4, 
RGB or YCbCr 4:2:2. The proper sampling mode is determined 
automatically by the projector; you can override this setting.
• FILM MODE DETECT:
Enable or disable film motion detection. Only available for interlaced 
or segmented frame sources.
FIGURE 3-31 - FILTER
FIGURE 3-32 - SAMPLING MODE
FIGURE 3-33 - FILM MODE 
D
ETECT 
						

							M-Series User Manual3-29020-100009-01 Rev.1 (07/08)
•CHROMA/LUMA DELAY: 
Affects any incoming composite or S-video signal, delaying the luma signal (intensity) in relation to 
the chroma (color). In the image, increasing the luma delay will move luma (seen as a shadow where 
colors overlap) to the right slightly, with colors remaining in place. Decreasing this delay will move 
the shadow slightly to the left. If necessary for your current source, adjust so that no shadows occur 
with adjacent colors.
• ADAPTIVE CONTRAST:
Dynamically expands the contrast of the output image producing vibrant images with seamless 
response to scene changes and fades. The slide bar adjusts the amount of adaptive contrast to apply, 
with a setting of “0” producing no change.
• SPLIT SCREEN:
This control allows a snap shot of the main image to be presented on the 
right side or lower part of the screen, to allow evaluation of advanced 
image processing features. All resizing controls are honoured on both 
images. However, image processing controls (such as, Detail, Sharpness, 
Noise Reduction and Adaptive Contrast) only happen on the left side or top 
image. Changing inputs, channels or test patterns will disable this control. 
PIP operation must be disabled prior to enabling this control.
INPUT LEVELS 
NOTES: 1) Because the projector 
automatically optimizes input levels for all 
but the most unusual of sources, it is 
recommended that only experienced users 
use the Input Levels submenu. 2) Before 
beginning, check that overall contrast and 
brightness settings are near 50 and that 
color temperature is properly set up on an 
internal grayscale test pattern. 3) Refer to   
Auto , on page3-5.
Good RGB or input levels—that is, the drives 
and black levels for each of the three colors, 
red, green and blue—ensure that images from 
analog sources other than decoded video have maximum contrast without crushing black or white. By 
default (and in an “Auto Setup”), the projector automatically determines the best input levels by 
monitoring image content and adjusting the controls appropriately—further adjustment is typically not 
required to obtain proper blacks or whites. 
NOTE: This automatic adjustment requires at least 6-12 consecutive white pixels in the image. 
Without these pixels, input levels may produce skewed colors, particularly in non-video images.
For a source exhibiting overly high black levels (typically caused by a noisy source causing black level 
spikes) use the Input Levels menu (shown above). These adjustments, serve as a calibration process 
FIGURE 3-34 - SPLIT 
S
CREEN
FIGURE 3-35 - INPUT LEVELS  
						

							Section 3: Operation
M-Series User Manual3-30020-100009-01 Rev.1 (07/08)
compensating for differences in sources and cabling, to perfect the source image input levels and 
eliminate the “overshoot” and “undershoot”. NOTES: 1) Input Levels are of limited use with digital 
signals, but do offer some ability to tweak poorly mastered source materials. 2) Input levels apply for 
the current source only, but for any color temperature used. 3) Assuming that color temperature has 
been set up based on the internal test patterns, you can then set up input levels for a given source so 
that it matches the color temperature of the internal test patterns.
•AUTO INPUT LEVEL: 
Use only if you are an experienced user and you have an unusual source that you feel needs further 
color temperature and/or input level adjustment. This compensates for incoming out-of-range drives 
(white) and black levels (black) that would cause “crushing” of light and dark colors in the image. 
After entering a checkmark, wait for the six slide bar values to stabilize, then delete the checkmark and 
exit. The Auto Input Level is automatically turned off upon exit from the Input Levels Menu.
•BLACK LEVELS AND DRIVES: 
To check your image levels and adjust these controls:
1. Ensure overall “Contrast” and “Brightness” settings are both set to near 50. NOTE: Not required 
for “Auto” adjustment.
= 50 (approx.)
= 50 (approx.)
2. Check the color temperature setup using an internal grayscale test pattern, making sure to obtain a 
neutral grayscale. 
NOTE: Not required for “Auto” adjustment.
3. Confirm that you are using input on an Analog BNC card or a Dual Link DVI card. Input Levels 
are not applicable for sources going through the decoder. A grayscale is recommended.
4. If black levels are too high (and/or whites are too low, which is rare), you likely have a noisy 
source that is producing skewed input levels. Enable “Auto” in the Input Levels menu. Wait for 
all six values to stabilize. Alternatively, do not use “Auto”—reduce black levels manually instead. 
Judge by eye and change one or more of the six levels as necessary to obtain proper blacks and 
whites. You may want to see only a certain color while adjusting—use the “Auto Color Enable” 
option (described below).
5. Delete the “Auto” checkmark and leave the Input Levels menu.
IMPORTANT: Do not use Input Levels to adjust color temperature. This will distort contrast and 
brightness functions as well as color temperature.
•AUTO COLOR ENABLE: 
When a checkmark is present, selecting a specific black level or drive to adjust will automatically 
enable the corresponding color in the display. Delete the checkmark to see all colors, or to enable a 
different specific color through the Color Enable control.
Contrast
Bright 
						

							M-Series User Manual3-31020-100009-01 Rev.1 (07/08)
•CLAMP LOCATION: 
Brightens the image produced from certain high-resolution high-frequency 
graphic sources. The projector automatically selects the best clamp 
location for most sources. Use the normal Back Porch location if the 
image is either sufficiently bright or overly bright. Select Sync Tip if the 
image appears unusually dim, if there are horizontal streaks across the 
image, or if there is significant color drift. This moves the clamping pulse 
from the normal back porch location (which is likely too short) to the tip of the horizontal sync pulse. 
Tr i  L e v e l is typically needed for an HDTV source.
•PEAK DETECTOR: 
A tool to assist with defining individual input levels, enabling you to accurately set the Input Levels 
for any particular source with the appropriate image. Enabling the Peak 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. When used with a smooth grayscale pattern in which black and white are 
known to be at opposite edges of the image, you can watch these isolated areas while adjusting 
individual black levels and input drives until both black and white edges are just visible and 
distinguished from neighboring pixels. Images from this source will then display correct blacks and 
whites without crushing. See Figure 3-37 - Adjusting Input Levels Using the Peak Detector (RED 
EXAMPLE SHOWN).
1. Display a 16 level grayscale test pattern from the desired external source, and enter a checkmark in 
the Peak Detector checkbox. NOTE: The “Peak Detector” will initially render the grayscale as a 
uniform gray field before adjustment or extreme crushing.
2. Display one primary color. NOTE: Select Auto Color Enable to ensure the correct color is 
displayed for each setting. 
3. For the current color, adjust its corresponding “Black level” slide bar just until a single band of 
black appears at one edge of the screen. This band represents the first band of the grayscale 
pattern, which should be 100% black.
4. With the same color still active, adjust its corresponding “Input Drive” slide bar just until a single 
band of color appears at the opposite edge of the screen. This band represents the last band of the 
grayscale pattern, which should be 100% white (or the current color, if a certain color is enabled). 
5. Check the black band and adjust the black level slide bar if necessary. 
NOTE: Adjusting the black levels affects the gain. Only adjust when necessary.
6. Repeat Steps 3-5 with the 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. 
Upon exiting the Input Levels menu, the Peak Detector checkbox will clear.
FIGURE 3-36 - CLAMP 
L
OCATION 
						

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M-Series User Manual3-32020-100009-01 Rev.1 (07/08)
FIGURE 3-37 - ADJUSTING INPUT LEVELS USING THE PEAK DETECTOR
(RED EXAMPLE SHOWN)
•COLOR ENABLE: 
Select which color or colors you want to see in the display, useful while 
working with color temperature white levels or input levels.
NOTES: 1) Input levels apply for the current source only, but for any 
color temperature used. 2) If color temperature is set up based on the 
internal test patterns, you can set up input levels for a given source so 
that it matches the color temperature of the internal test patterns.
ADVANCED IMAGE SETTINGS
Use the Advanced Image Settings submenu to make the 
adjustments necessary for lesser-used but more specialized 
applications on your projector.
GAMMA SETTINGS:
These controls apply a default video, graphics or simple 
gamma table or “curve” to your images, controlling the 
intensity of mid-level colors and producing maximum 
contrast, brightness and color performance. As shown at 
right, the graphics curve is a modified power curve that 
will show more detail in darker areas of the projected 
content while the video curve has a linear segment near 
black to compensate for increased black levels typical of 
FIGURE 3-38 - COLOR ENABLE
FIGURE 3-39 - ADVANCED IMAGE 
S
ETTINGS 
FIGURE 3-40 - GAMMA CURVE 
						

							M-Series User Manual3-33020-100009-01 Rev.1 (07/08)
video signals. A simple gamma curve is a true power curve that does not alter the contrast or the 
intensity of mid-level colors. Although the projector automatically applies either the graphics or video 
curve according to what type of incoming signal is detected, in some cases you may wish to override 
this default and use graphics gamma for a video source or video gamma for a graphics source. 
Alternatively, if neither default is ideal, you may prefer to apply the simple (non-optimized) gamma 
curve or a user-defined custom gamma curve that has been created externally, named, and downloaded 
to the projector (requires separate PC-based Arbitrary Gamma software application to create the table 
and the Web UI to download it). If any of these special user curves have been installed, their names 
will appear in the Gamma Table pull-down list.
Keep in mind that any Gamma Table choice sets the related Gamma value (shown in the Image 
Settings menu) to a 2.22 default, where it can be fine-tuned as desired. Different values (1-3) here 
indicate that the original gamma table has been adjusted with either the Gamma slide bar or direct key.
NOTES: 1) If no user curves have been defined and downloaded to projector memory, only the 2.22 
default gamma curve is available here – adjust as desired using gamma in the main Image Settings 
menu. 2) Some graphic material will look best with the video setting while some video material is 
best with the graphic setting.
• GAMMA:
Affects the shape of the curve determining what grey 
shades are displayed for a given amount of signal 
input between minimum (black) and maximum 
(white). The normal curve has a gamma of 2.22 which 
is correct for most signals and conditions. If there is a 
lot of ambient light the image can become washed out 
so that it becomes difficult or impossible to see details 
in dark areas. Lowering the gamma setting can 
compensate for this.
• GAMMA TABLE: 
Allows you to select the base gamma table. Select from one of the standard tables, or select an 
arbitrary gamma table that has been downloaded to the projector. A separate PC utility is needed to do 
this. When the Gamma control is not 2.22, the gamma curve used is an interpolated value between the 
selected table and either a 1.0 or 3.0 table. The 2.22 table is a simple power curve. The standard table is 
a modified 2.22 curve with an optimized linear portion in the low end of the curve.
•GAMMA FUNCTION: 
Defines the base gamma power curve used when the base gamma table value is set to “custom”. This 
value, combined with gamma slope setting determines the base gamma table to be used as the custom 
base table. The curve is generally a power curve with a small linear segment at the bottom defined by 
the slope.
•GAMMA SLOPE: 
This control defines a slope to be used for the base custom gamma table for a small section at the 
bottom of the curve. This slope can be used to bring in or out the low level blacks in the image. This 
slope combined with the gamma function, define the custom gamma table.
FIGURE 3-41 - GAMMA SETTINGS  
						

							Section 3: Operation
M-Series User Manual3-34020-100009-01 Rev.1 (07/08)
DETAIL SETTINGS:
• DETAIL:
Adjusts the sharpness of the image. Setting detail 
above the halfway point can introduce ‘noise’ in 
the image. Lower settings can improve a noisy 
signal.
• TEXTURE ENHANCEMENT:
Applies texture detail enhancement based on 
adaptive horizontal, vertical, and diagonal large edge and small edge enhancement processes.
•DETAIL THRESHOLD: 
Selects a filter sensitivity to noise. A higher value may improve noisy sources especially for higher 
settings of detail.
• DETAIL OVERSHOOT: 
Minimizes ringing on the enhanced edges detail and texture effects.
• SPLIT SCREEN:
Refer Video Options
.
NOISE REDUCTION SETTINGS:
•NOISE REDUCTION:
Selects a filter sensitivity to 
noise. A higher value may 
improve noisy sources, but it 
will soften the image.
• BLOCK ARTIFACT 
REDUCTION:
Locates and reduces block edges 
produced by discrete cosine 
transform (DCT) based compression processing.
• MOSQUITO NOISE REDUCTION:
Reduces mosquito artifacts around sharp edges in DCT based compression by dynamically adapting to 
image content. 
FIGURE 3-42 - DETAIL SETTINGS 
FIGURE 3-43 - NOISE REDUCTION SETTINGS  
						

							M-Series User Manual3-35020-100009-01 Rev.1 (07/08)
SELECT COLOR ADJUSTMENT
Select the output color adjustment most suited to this input signal. The options include the following:
Max Drives - All color 
adjustments are turned off 
allowing the projector to 
run at maximum brightness. 
Color Temperature - 
Allows you to specify a 
color temperature between 
3200 and 9300 based on the 
setting of the color 
temperature slidebar.
Expressed in degrees Kelvin [3200K, 5400K, etc.]. Lower numbers appear reddish white and higher 
numbers appear bluish. 
Standard settings are:
ˆ9300K, is close to the white of many computer monitors
ˆ6500K, is the standard for color video, in both standard and high definition forms
ˆ5400K, is a standard for graphics and black and white video
ˆ3200K, is useful if the projected image is to be filmed or shot as part of a studio set 
illuminated with incandescent lights
For all color temperatures the color primaries; red, green, and blue are unchanged and reflect the native 
colors of the projector.
SD Video and HD Video - Sets the output color to a specific standard value. Adjusts the colors; red, 
green, blue, and white.
User# - Select 1 of 4 user defined sets of color adjustments; defined in the Configuration menu.
DYNAMIC IRIS
The Dynamic Iris adjusts the 
aperture to allow more or less 
light through. This will allow 
for deeper blacks in dark scenes.
• DYNAMIC IRIS MODE:
Enables either the Dynamic or Manual Iris operation of the Dynamic Iris. If set to Dynamic, the 
projector will automatically adjust the iris as the content of the image changes. If set to manual, then 
FIGURE 3-44 - COLOR SETTINGS
FIGURE 3-45 - DYNAMIC IRIS  
						

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M-Series User Manual3-36020-100009-01 Rev.1 (07/08)
set the Manual Iris control to set the iris to a fixed position, as a percentage of fully open. If Dynamic 
Iris Mode is set to OFF, the position of the iris will be fixed at fully open.
• MANUAL IRIS:
When the Dynamic Iris is set to manual, adjust the aperture for a fixed position where 100% 
represents fully open. Adjusting the aperture will increase or decrease the levels of blacks in dark 
scenes.
3.5 CONFIGURATION  - 
ADJUSTING SYSTEM PARAMETERS 
AND ADVANCED CONTROLS
Use the Configuration menu to define general 
operating parameters and communications with 
other projectors and equipment, and to access 
other advanced processing and image 
adjustments affecting overall performance. The 
Configuration menu provides access to 
diagnostics, calibration tools and the Service 
submenu (password-protected).
The first six options in the Configuration menu are explained below:
•LANGUAGE:
Choose the available language to use in the projector’s menus. The change will 
take effect immediately.
OUTPUT OPTIONS
• SCREEN IMAGE ORIENTATION
Select the on screen image orientation from 
Front, Rear, Front Inverted, and Rear 
Inverted.
FIGURE 3-46 - CONFIGURATION MENU
FIGURE 3-47 - OUTPUT OPTIONS