Runco Vx 3c Projector User Manual

							OWNER S  OPER ATING  MANUAL
Digital Light Processing Projector &
V irtual High Definition  Controller W ith  Aspect Ratio Control
Reflection VX- 3c Projector
VHD Controller   
						

							III
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
2
3
4
5
Section ContentsPage
Introduction1.1 The Projectors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.2 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.3 Purchase Record and Servicing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Installation and Setup2.1 Quick Setup  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.2 Installation Considerations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
2.3 Projector Position and Mounting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
2.4 Source Connections  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
2.5 Power Connection  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
2.6 Operating Orientation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
2.7 Leveling  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
2.8 Zoom, Focus, & Lens Offset  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
2.9 Serial Port Connections  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28
Operations3.1 Overview  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.2 Projector Basics  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.3 Using the Keypad  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
3.4 Navigating the Menus  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
3.5 Using Inputs and Channels  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
3.6 Adjusting the Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
3.7 Adjusting System Parameters and Advanced Controls  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
3.8 Using Multiple Projectors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-42
3.9 Error Conditions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-43
Maintenance4.1 Warnings and Guidelines  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
4.2 Cleaning   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
4.3 Replacing Keypad Batteries  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
4.4 Replacing the Lens  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
4.5 Troubleshooting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Specifications5.1 Specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 
						

							IV
VHD  Cont roller Manual  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .  6-1
Warnings and Safety Precautions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 
Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 General Description  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Features and Benefits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Front and Rear Panel Description  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 Front Panel Description  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Rear Panel Description  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Remote Control Description  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Quick Set-up Guide  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9 Connection Examples  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Getting Started  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Overall Function Description  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Menu Description  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12 Main Menu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Picture Quality Adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
Aspect Ratios  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16 First, the basics  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16 
How Aspect Ratios Affect DLP
TMProjectors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . 6-18
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19 
RS-232 Protocol  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20
Specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-21
A          Glossary  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
B          Keypad Reference  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
C          Menu Tree  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
D          Throw Distnace  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
6 
						

							1-1
INTRODUCTION
The VX-3c projector is a professional quality DMDTMprojector that uses Digital Light
Processing
TM(DLPTM) technology from Texas Instruments to achieve high-brightness multimedia and video projection. Both models are compatible 
with standard international video formats and can interface with
IBM
TM-compatible PC, MacintoshTMcomputers and high-defini-
tion (DTV) decoders. The VX-3c is ideal for use in large audi-
ence venues in which there may be high levels of ambient light,
such as in corporate boardrooms, auditoriums, and large theaters
with large screens. 
The features of the VX-3c include: 
!  Includes the V HD Controller for optimum picture quality when using NTSC sources
! 1024 x 768 native resolution, with other resolutions fully scaleable
! 3000 ANSI lumens light output
! Contrast ratio of greater than 250:1 ANSI, 400:1 full field
! Tandem horizontal and vertical sizing software control
! Independent vertical stretch for changing aspect ratios
! Interchangeable lenses for diagonal screen sizes up to 40 or more feet
! Memory for up to 99 custom “channels” (source setups)
! Intuitive on-screen menus or hidden direct control
! Input switching with keypad
! Built-in RS-232 and RS-422 ports for computer control and networked proj\
ectors
! Remote-controlled shutter (optional)
! Modular design for easy servicing. 
How The Projector Work? The VX-3c can accept data/graphics and video input signals for projectio\
n on to front 
or rear flat screens. High brightness light is generated by an internal \
700W Xenon arc
lamp, then modulated by three DMD (digital micromirror device) panels \
that provide
digitized red, green or blue color information. Light from the “on”\
 pixels of each panel
is reflected, converged and then projected to the screen through a single front lens,
where all pixels are perfectly superimposed as a sharp full-color image.\
 
						

							1-2
INTRODUCTION
1.2 Components
Included with the VX-3c is an infrared (IR) remote keypad, high-current 13 amp rated line cord,
a 9/64” hex socket ball driver, and a VX-3c owner’s manual. Make sure that you have all these
items, and note that if you have purchased this projector, a purchaser’s Warranty Registration
Card is also included. Complete this card and return it directly to Runco International as soon as
possible.
1.3 Purchase Record and Servicing
Whether the projector is under warranty or the warranty has expired, Runco’s extensive factory
and dealer service network is always available. Runco service technicians and dealers are fully
trained to quickly diagnose and correct projector malfunctions. 
Should you encounter a problem with the projector and require assistance, contact your Runco
dealer or Runco International. In many cases, any necessary servicing can be performed on site.
If you have purchased the projector, fill out the information below and keep with your records.
Purchase Record 
Dealer:  
Dealer Phone Number:  
Projector Serial Number*:  
Purchase Date:  
Installation Date, if 
applicable:  
* NOTE: The projector serial number is located on the projectors rear identification label 
 
Owners Operating Manual
Reflection  VX-3c
Projector/Controller
Digital Light Processing Projector &
Digital Scaler and Aspect Ratio Controller
THE WORLDS FINEST HOME THEATER PRODUCTSTM 
						

							2-1
This section explains how to install and set up the projector.  If you are familiar with the projector and want to
quickly set it up for temporary use, follow the Quick Setup instructions below. For a more complete setup, fol-
low the instructions and guides covered in the remaining subsections.
NOTE: 1) The lens is not mounted when the projector is shipped from the factory. For instructions on how to
install or replace a lens, refer to 4.5, Replacing the Lens.
2.1 Quick Setup
Follow these steps for quick setup of the projector in a standard floor mount position.
STEP 1!
Position the Projector
Set the projector at the expected throw distance (projector-to-screen distance) and vertical posi-
tion. See 2.3, Projector Position and Mounting and Appendix E.Make sure that the projector is
level from side-to-side (see 2.7, Leveling).
STEP 2!
Connect a Source
Locate the main input panel at the rear of the projector. The lower left area, labeled INPUT 1,
accepts an RGB input via BNC connectors. The upper right area (assuming a video decoder is
installed) accepts a composite video at INPUT 3or S-video input at INPUT 4. Connect your
source to the appropriate panel connectors.
STEP 3 !
Connect the Line Cord to AC Power
Connect the projector’s 13 amp high-current rated line cord to the AC receptacle at the lower
right corner of the projector and to AC. Input power required is 100 - 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz @
11.5 amps (@ 100 V). Use only a high-current 13 amp rated cord. SeeSection5.
WARNING
Do not attempt operation if the AC supply and cord are not within the
specified voltage and power range.
STEP 4!
Turn the Projector ON
Using either the built-in or remote keypad, press           and hold for approximately 1 second to
turn the projector on (or press                   ). Let the projector warm up for about five minutes.
The POWERLED, located in the lower right corner of the rear input panel, should glow a
steady green.
STEP 5!
Select a Source
Using either the built-in or remote keypad, press        ,        ,        , or         to select and display
the image for the source you connected in Step 2. The display will resize as needed, producing
an image as large as possible for the type of source present.
INSTALLATION & SETUP
!
Power*
Power*   ON
 Input1 Input1 Input1 Input1 
						

							2-2
INSTALLATION AND SETUP
STEP 6!Adjust Image
!ZOOM:With the input image displayed, rotate the textured ring on
the lens barrel to increase or decrease the image size (this requires a
zoom lens). If you don’t have a zoom lens or you can’t adjust the
image enough, the projector may not be positioned at the proper throw
distance for your screen size. Power down, unplug the projector and
move it towards or away from the screen. See 2.3, Projector Position
and Mountingfor details.
!FOCUS:At the lens opening, turn the focus tab to focus the image
clearly.
!OFFSETS:Turn either or both of the adjustment screws (with the
provided hex driver) adjacent to the lens if you need to align the image
with your screen-turn the top screw to raise or lower the image. Turn
the bottom screw to shift the image left or right. Re-check focus.
!OTHER:Press        to refine other display parameters as described
in Section 3.
2.2 Installation Considerations
Although this projector delivers a high brightness quality output, final display quality could be
compromised if the projector is not properly installed. This subsection discusses issues you
should consider before proceeding with a final installation. Even if you do not intend to use the
projectors in a fixed and permanent installation, this subsection will help you to better understand
what you can do to enhance display performance.
Lifting
For any new installation, you will likely have to safely lift the projector into place. Keep in mind
that the projector is quite heavy, and the aid of a CO2 or other type of mechanical lift is highly
recommended.
Zoom
Focus
V
H
Menu 
						

							2-3
INSTALLATION AND SETUP
Installation Type!
Choose the installation type which suits your needs: front or rear screen, floor mount or invert-
ed mount.
Screen Type!Front Screen Installations
While there are two basic screen types, flat and curved, generally flat screens are recommended
for this projector. Flat screens offer a gain of about 1 with a viewing angle just less than 180°. The
image is diffused equally in all directions so the audience can see the display from various angles.
Because of the low gain, flat screens are most effective when ambient lighting is reduced,
although this difference may be negligible given the high brightness output from this projector.
Front Screen, Floor Mount Installation 
ADVANTAGES CONSIDERATIONS 
Chapter 1 Easy to set up 
Chapter 2 Can be moved or changed quickly 
Chapter 3 Easy to access Chapter 4 Shares floor space with audience 
 
Front Screen, Inverted Mount (ceiling) Installation 
ADVANTAGES CONSIDERATIONS 
Chapter 5 Does not take up audience space 
Chapter 6 Projector is unobtrusive 
Chapter 7 Projector cannot be accidentally 
moved Chapter 8 Installation is more permanent 
Chapter 9 It is more difficult to access the 
projector 
 
Rear Screen, Floor Mount Installation 
ADVANTAGES CONSIDERATIONS 
Chapter 10 Projector is completely hidden 
Chapter 11 Projector is easily accessed 
Chapter 12 Usually good ambient light 
rejection Chapter 13 Requires separate room 
 
Rear Screen, Inverted Mount (ceiling) Installation 
ADVANTAGES CONSIDERATIONS 
Chapter 14 Projector is completely hidden 
Chapter 15 Usually good ambient light 
rejection Chapter 16 Requires separate room 
Chapter 17 Installation cost is usually 
higher 
 
Rear Screen, Floor Mount with Mirror 
ADVANTAGES CONSIDERATIONS 
Chapter 18 Projector is completely hidden 
Chapter 19 Usually good ambient light 
rejection 
Chapter 20 Requires less space behind 
screen than other rear screen installations Chapter 21 Requires separate room 
Chapter 22 Installation cost is usually 
higher 
  
						

							2-4
INSTALLATION AND SETUP
Figure 2.1. Audience Coverage with Flat Screen
NOTE: Lenses for this projector are designed primarily for use with flat screens, but the projec-
tor depth-of-field range allows the lens to be focused on curved screens as well. While focus
remains sharp in the corners, there may be significant pincushion distortion, primarily at the top
of the screen.
Rear Screen Installations
There are two basic types of rear screens: diffused and optical. A diffused screen has a surface
that evenly spreads the light striking it. Purely diffused screens have a gain of less than 1. The
main advantage of the diffused screen is its wide viewing angle, similar to that of a flat screen for
front screen projection. Fresnel lenticular screens take light from the projector and redirect it to
increase the light intensity at the front of the screen. This reduces it in other areas. A viewing
cone, similar to that of a curved front screen installation, is created.
To summarize, Fresnel lenticular screens are better suited for brightly lit rooms where the audi-
ence is situated within the viewing cone. Diffused screens may be better suited when a wide view-
ing angle is required but there is low ambient room lighting.
Screen Size!
Screen size may be from 5 to 40 feet diagonal, depending on the lens you are using. For instance,
a 1.2:1 lens can produce a 5 to 25 foot image size, whereas a 4-7:1 zoom lens produces an 8 to
40 foot image size. Choose a screen size that is appropriate for your lens and application. Keep
in mind that if the projector will be used to display text information, the image size must allow
the audience to recognize all text clearly. The eye usually sees a letter clearly if eye-to-text dis-
tance is less than 150 times the height of the letter. Small text located too far from the eye may
be illegible at a distance no matter how sharply and clearly it is displayed.
To fill a screen with an image, the aspect ratio of the screen should be equal to the aspect ratio of
the image. The aspect ratio of an image is the ratio of its width to its height. Standard television
has a 4:3 or 1.33:1 aspect ratio. For example, to display a television image with a 4:3 aspect ratio
onto a 10 foot (3m) high screen, the width of the screen must be at least 13.3 feet (4m).
Note: Screen size is often specified as diagonal size. Screens specified by diagonal size have
aspect ratios of 4:3. Screens with other aspect ratios, such as 16:9,  are not typically specified by
diagonal size, instead they are specified by height and width.