Projector Christie Roadster S+20k User Manual

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  Roadster/Mirage S+ User’s Manual 3-23 
9 A 5:4 graphic image will enlarge to fill the screen height, and be 
centered between narrow black sidebars. 
9 A video image or 4:3 graphic image will enlarge to fill the screen width.  
9 An HDTV (16:9) image will fill the width and be centered between 
black bars on top and bottom. 
 
• Select
 “NO RESIZING” to display the image in its native resolution, which may be 
smaller than the projector’s 1400 x 1050 resolution. For example, for a source with 
a native resolution of 800 x 600, “No Resizing” will center a small image within a 
black border—the black border areas are unused areas. See below. 
 
• Select “FULL SCREEN” to use all 
pixels (1400 x 1050) for 
displaying the image, regardless 
of source or original aspect 
ratio. Incoming source material 
having a different aspect ratio 
than the projector will be 
stretched for display.  
• Select 
“FULL WIDTH” to fill the 
projector’s display from left-to-
right without changing the original 
aspect ratio of the image. 
Depending on the source, data at 
the top and bottom may be 
discarded (cropped), or the display 
may have black borders at the top 
and bottom (called “letterboxed”).  
• Select 
“FULL HEIGHT” 
to fill the display from 
top-to-bottom. 
Depending on the 
source, this may 
create borders.  
  
  
 
  
						

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• Select “ANAMORPHIC” to display an anamorphic image 
in its native 16:9 aspect ratio. The image will fill the 
screen from side-to-side, and be centered between 
narrow black bars on top and bottom. This is used for 
DVD players that output widescreen images compressed 
into 4:3 NTSC format. 
Size 
“Size” controls both the image width and height in tandem, maintaining the current 
aspect ratio (proportion) of the displayed signal data. 
Vertical Stretch 
“Vertical Stretch” adjusts the height of the image while keeping the width constant. 
Use “Vertical Stretch” to change the aspect ratio of the display. 
Pixel Track 
Steady flickering or several soft vertical stripes or bands across the entire image 
indicates poor pixel tracking. Proper pixel tracking helps ensure that the image 
quality is consistent across the screen, that the aspect ratio is maintained, and that the 
pixel phase can be optimized (described below). Tracking determines the frequency 
of the pixel-sampling clock, indicated by the number of incoming pixels per line, so 
that all pixels generated by a particular source are sampled. 
NOTE: By default, the projector samples at the correct frequency for most sources. 
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, such 
as the Windows 2000 shutdown screen. Adjust the slidebar until the vertical stripes 
broaden to the point where one large stripe fills the image. If the image still exhibits 
some shimmer or noise, adjust Pixel Phase (below). 
Pixel Phase 
NOTE: Adjust “Pixel Phase” after “Pixel Tracking”. 
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. 
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, such 
as the Windows 2000 shutdown screen. Adjust the slidebar until the image stabilizes 
and each pixel is clearly defined. You may notice that you can stabilize the image at 
more than one point—i.e., you may find that the image appearance at “11” is 
identical to the image appearance at “38”, thus you can use either setting. 
If some shimmer from a video or HDTV source persists, use the “Filter” control to 
remove high-frequency noise from the signal. 
H-Position 
This option moves the image right or left within the area of available pixels. 
 
  
						

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NOTE: The value shown represents where the approximate center of the image lies 
in relation to the total number of pixels available horizontally. This varies widely 
according to the signal—watch the image while adjusting. 
V-Position 
This option moves the image up or down within the area of available pixels.  
NOTE: The value shown represents where the approximate center of the image lies 
in relation to the total number of pixels available vertically. This varies widely 
according to the signal—watch the image while adjusting. 
Advanced Size and Position 
— SUBMENU 
This submenu consists of the 
following options: 
ACTIVE INPUT WINDOW: This 
read-only value indicates the 
current size (i.e., area) of your 
displayed data or “region of 
interest” as defined by the 
blanking controls. By default, the 
projector automatically determines what portion of its full resolution to use, and 
pixels in the surrounding borders are turned off. You can also specify a specific 
active input window size by adjusting one or more “Blank” settings. For example, if 
you have blanked (cropped) 100 pixels from both the left and right edges of an 
incoming source of 1400 x 1050, the remaining active input window will be reduced 
to 1200 x 1050. When using SD or HD or a decoded video source at 
INPUT 3 or 
INPUT 4, the default blanking of  “0” defines an active input window of 720 x 483. 
BLANKING (TOP, BOTTOM, LEFT, and RIGHT): 
Crop the image as desired so that unwanted 
edges are removed from the display (changed 
to black—see Figure 3.14). Blanking defines 
the size of the Active Input Window, or area 
of interest. Range of adjustment depends on 
the source resolution and other factors. After 
adjustment of blanking it may be necessary 
to perform a source switch.  
NOTE: Blanking a PIP image resembles 
zoom (Figure 3.15). For example, left 
Blanking zooms the right side of the PIP 
image; Right Blanking zooms the left side. 
There are no black bars.  
 
 
 
Figure 3.14. Blanking of a Primary 
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Roadster/Mirage S+ User’s Manual 
 
Figure 3.15. Blanking of a PIP Image 
 
PLUG & DISPLAY (EDID): By default, a Plug & Play 
(EDID) source outputs a signal according to the EDID 
information provided by the projector. To override this 
information and display in a different format (for 
example, if your Plug & Play [EDID] device does not 
support the projector’s resolution and/or frequency), 
select the desired Plug & Play (EDID) resolution from 
the list. 
Any daisy-chained projectors will also display 
according to the chosen Plug & Play (EDID) format. 
EDID = Extended Display Identification Data standard. 
Use options in the Image 
Settings menu to alter your 
main image without affecting 
its size or position. Changes 
made to the Image Settings 
menu are applied 
immediately and are saved 
when you exit the menu 
(press 
Ex i t or
 Menu). Options 
not available for the projector 
model or source are disabled 
and appear dim (gray). 
Contrast 
(
SHORT CUT: Press Contrast and adjust the slidebar.) 
“Contrast” increases or decreases the perceived difference between light and dark 
areas of the image (0-100). For best results, keep close to 50. If the contrast is set too 
high, the light parts of the image lose detail and clarity. If the contrast is set too low, 
the light areas will not be as bright as they could be and the overall image will be 
dim. For best results, start with a low value and increase so that whites remain bright 
but are not distorted or tinted, and that light areas do not become white (i.e., are 
“crushed”).  
 
 
 Image Settings Menu '
 
  
						

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NOTE:  If the environment lighting changes, an adjustment of Gamma is 
recommended (see below). 
Brightness 
(
SHORT CUT: Press Bright and adjust the slidebar.) 
“Brightness” increases or decreases the amount of black in the image (0-100). For 
best results, keep close to 50. Start with a high value and decrease so that dark areas 
do not become black (i.e., are “crushed”). Conversely, high brightness changes black 
to dark gray, causing washed-out images.  
NOTE: Brightness should be adjusted before contrast, as Brightness setting affects 
the contrast setting. 
Gamma 
(
SHORT CUT: Press Gamma and adjust the slidebar.) 
“Gamma” is a global setting that determines what gray shades are displayed between 
minimum input (black) and maximum input (white) for all signals. A good gamma 
setting helps to optimize blacks and whites while ensuring smooth transitions for the 
“in-between” values utilized in other 
colors. Thus, unlike “Brightness” and 
“Contrast” controls, the overall tone of 
your images can be lightened or darkened 
without changing the extremes, and all 
images will be more vibrant while still 
showing good detail in dark areas.  
Gamma is used to fine-tune the gamma 
table currently in use, ranging from 1 – 3 (2.2 = default). If excess ambient light 
washes out the image and it becomes difficult or impossible to see details in dark 
areas, lower the gamma setting to compensate. This will improve contrast while 
maintaining good details for blacks. Conversely, if the image is washed out and 
unnatural, with excessive detail in black areas, increase the setting. In high ambient 
light conditions, lower gamma may produce better results than higher gamma. 
Gamma of 2.2 (default) indicates the gamma table has not been adjusted. For more 
information, refer to Advanced Image Settings submenu, Gamma Table. Again, good 
gamma improves contrast while maintaining good details for blacks. 
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). 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. 
 
 
 
  
  
						

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Detail 
“Detail” adjusts the sharpness of a video image so that edges remain clearly defined. 
It can be particularly useful if a significant “Noise Reduction” adjustment has caused 
the image to appear too soft. Adjust until the display is as sharp as desired, keeping in 
mind that because “Detail” adds some high frequencies back into the image, it can 
also re-introduce a certain degree of noise. 
Noise Reduction 
“Noise Reduction” is similar to the “Filter” control, but operates in the post-sampling 
digital domain with a more subtle effect. Higher settings are most useful for clearing 
up noisy RGB images such as those from a PC. Adjust as desired, keeping in mind 
that reducing noise (which reduces high frequencies) may also soften the image. 
Color Space 
“Color Space” determines how the color components of an 
analog input signal are decoded for accurate color in the display. 
Selecting a color space option is useful only for analog signals 
and certain digital sources connected to 
INPUT 1, INPUT 2, INPUT 
5
 or INPUT 6. Although color space for these analog signals is 
automatically determined by the projector, in some circumstances you may wish to 
override this and manually set a specific color space. 
NOTE: For many digital signals or for signals connected to 
INPUT 3 or INPUT 4, the 
color space function is entirely automatic and the pull-down list disabled. 
The current color space appears in the Image Settings menu. Press 
 to select a 
different option: 
• Select 
RGB unless you are using component video at INPUT 1, 2, 5 or 6. 
• Select 
YPbPr (Video) with a standard definition televised signal (SDTV). 
• Select 
YPbPr (HDTV) with a high definition televised signal (HDTV). 
NOTE: When certain RGB signals are first connected, the projector may not initially 
recognize them as RGB and will incorrectly decode their color information as YPbPr 
(video). These signals can include: 
• RGB signals in NTSC, PAL, SECAM frequency ranges. 
• Scan-doubled sync-on-green. 
• 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 
— SUBMENU 
This submenu is used with video 
sources only (
INPUTS 3 or 4). 
ENABLE DECODER AGC: Automatic 
Gain Control (AGC) affects decoded 
video images only. Enter a checkmark 
(default) in most instances—this 
activates the decoder’s AGC circuit to 
 
 
 
  
						

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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 all but the more unusual 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 has been 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 
Standard Where Used (SUBJECT-TO-CHANGE) 
NTSC  N. America and Japan 
NTSC 4.43  A tape-only standard for partially-translated hybrid signals 
PAL  Most of Europe, China, Australia, some of S. America, some of Africa 
PAL-M Brazil 
PAL-NC  Argentina, Chile, other Latin American countries 
PAL 60   
SECAM  France, Eastern Europe, most of Africa 
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. 
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 slidebar adjusts the color saturation level, i.e. the amount of color in a 
video image. 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. 
 
 
 
  
						

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TINT: This slidebar 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—otherwise, it is recommended that tint remain at 
its default setting. 
DECODER LUMA DELAY: This control 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. 
Input Levels 
— SUBMENU 
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) There must be at least 2 consecutive white pixels present in 
the image for proper “Auto Input Level” function. Leave this control off after use.  
Good RGB or input 
levels—that is, the drives 
and blacklevels 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. 
However, for a very unusual source exhibiting one or more overly high blacklevels 
(typically caused by a noisy source causing blacklevel spikes), an experienced user 
may prefer to use the Input Levels menu (shown above). These adjustments, which 
together serve as a calibration process compensating for differences in sources and 
cabling, enable an experienced user to perfect the source image input levels and 
eliminate the “overshoot” and “undershoot”. Note that Input Levels are of limited use 
with digital signals, but do offer some ability to tweak poorly mastered source 
materials. 
NOTES: 1) Input levels apply for the current source only, but for any color 
temperature used. 2) 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. 
 
  
						

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AUTO INPUT LEVEL – Temporarily enter a checkmark 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 blacklevels (black) that would cause “crushing” of light and dark colors 
in the image. After entering a checkmark, wait for the six slidebar values to stabilize, 
then delete the checkmark and exit. The Auto Input Level is automatically turned off 
upon exit from the Input levels Menu.  
BLACKLEVELS AND DRIVES – To check your image levels and adjust these controls: 
1.  Make sure overall “Contrast” and “Brightness” settings are both set to 
near 50.  
NOTE: Not required for “Auto” adjustment. 
• 
Contrast= 50 (approx.) 
• 
Bright= 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 an analog source not connected to 
INPUT 3 or 
INPUT 4, as Input Levels are not applicable for digital sources or sources 
going through the decoder. A grayscale is recommended. 
4.  If the blacks and/or whites appear OK, input levels do not need 
adjustment. 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. Continue with Step 5. 
5.  Temporarily enable “Auto” in the Input Levels submenu. Wait for all 6 
values to stabilize. Alternatively, do not use “Auto”—reduce blacklevels 
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 “Color Enable” option 
(described below). 
6.  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 blacklevel 
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. 
CLAMP LOCATION – This option (formerly known as sync tip 
clamping) can brighten the image produced from certain high-
resolution high-frequency graphic sources. For almost all sources, 
the projector automatically selects the best clamp location. 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. Tri Level is typically needed for an HDTV source. 
 
  
						

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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. 
PEAK DETECTOR – The Peak Detector is 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 blacklevels 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 3.16. Adjusting Input Levels Using the Peak Detector
: 
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: Selecting Auto Color Enable ensures the correct color is displayed 
for each setting.  
3.  For the current color, adjust its corresponding “Blacklevel” slidebar 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. Do not 
adjust too far. 
4.  With the same color still active, adjust its corresponding “Input Drive” 
slidebar 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). Do 
not adjust too far. 
5. It may be advantageous to go back and check the black band—adjust the 
blacklevel slidebar if necessary.  
NOTE: Readjusting blacklevels at this point affects the gain; only readjust 
when absolutely necessary. 
6.  Repeat Steps 3-5 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. Upon exiting the Input 
Levels menu, the Peak Detector checkbox will clear.