Epson Powerlite Cinema 550 Home Theater Projector Users Guide

Introduction11
Optional Accessories
Epson provides the following optional accessories for the projector:
You can purchase accessories from an Epson authorized reseller. To find the nearest reseller, 
please call 800-GO-EPSON (800-463-7766). To purchase online, visit www.epsonstore.com 
(U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call (800) 463-7766 for reseller referral.
Registration and Warranty
The Epson PowerLite Cinema 550 comes with a basic two-year carry-in warranty.  For 
details, see page 73.
In...

12Introduction
Using This Manual
This book contains all the information you need to use the projector, in addition to basic 
setup and maintenance instructions, troubleshooting tips, important safety instructions, 
specifications, and warranty information.
Please follow these guidelines as you read through the manual:
Warnings:  Must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
Cautions:  Must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Notes:  Contain important information about your projector....

Setting Up the Projector13
Setting Up the Projector
Follow the instructions in this section to choose a location for the projector, connect the 
cables, and display an image.
Choosing a Location
You can install the projector for various viewing setups, as shown below. 
Center
CeilingSide 

14Setting Up the Projector
Ideally, place the projector at a height where 
its lens is between the top and bottom of the 
screen. That way, you can keep the projector 
level and use the vertical lens shift dial to 
position the image. This produces the 
best-looking picture. 
If you place the projector above or below 
screen level, you’ll have to tilt it up or down 
to aim the image at the screen; this distorts 
the shape of the image, but you can correct its 
shape using the projector’s Keystone...

Setting Up the Projector15
The maximum size of the image is determined by the distance from the projector’s lens to the 
screen. Depending on your display settings and how you use the Zoom ring, the actual size 
may be smaller. Use this table as a rough guide for projector placement:
To determine the exact image size when you know the projection distance (or the exact 
projection distance when you know the desired image size), you can use the Projection 
Distance Calculator. You can download this program...

16Setting Up the Projector
Installing the Projector
To install the projector, you first need to determine the location, based on the size of your 
screen (maximum diagonal image size). Use the table on page 15 as a guide to locating the 
projector. Note the following dimensions:
■Distance from the center of the lens to the mounting bracket holes: 2.32 inches (59 mm), 
0.34 inch (8.6 mm) maximum vertical lens shift
■Distance from the center of the lens to the center of the projector: 4.33 inches (110 mm),...

Setting Up the Projector17
You will need the optional projector mount designed for the projector. See page 11 for 
ordering information.
Follow the instructions included with the mount to install the projector, which weighs 
11.5 pounds. The wall or ceiling where you install it must be capable of supporting a weight 
of 58 pounds. 
In addition to the tools supplied with the projector mount, you will need a Phillips head 
screwdriver and a drill to use on the wall or ceiling.
If you install the projector...

18Setting Up the Projector
Connecting the Cables
You can connect the projector to any type of video equipment, such as a VCR, DVD player, 
digital tuner, cable or satellite box, video game console, camcorder, or digital camera. You can 
also connect it to a desktop or laptop PC or Apple
® Macintosh® system.
You can connect up to five pieces of video equipment at the same time, using any of the 
commercially available cables shown below:
* For details on compatible video formats, see page 65. 
Port name...

Setting Up the Projector19
For best results, connect your video equipment to the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia 
Interface) port, if possible. If your equipment doesn’t support HDMI, connect it to one of the 
following ports (highest quality listed first): Input A (for component video), S-Video, or 
Video (for composite video). 
If you connect to the Input A port, be sure to select the correct Input Signal setting for your 
equipment, or the image may not display properly (see page 22).
Making Other...

20Setting Up the Projector
■The Trigger out port outputs a 12-volt DC signal 
when the projector is turned on. This lets a central 
control system monitor whether the projector is on 
or off, and can be used to raise or lower your 
projection screen automatically when the projector 
is in use.
Connect a 3.5-mm mini jack to the port, as shown.
Installing Batteries in the Remote Control
The remote control uses 2 AA batteries.
Warning: Keep batteries away from children. If a battery is swallowed, contact...