ViewSonic Pj501 Projector User Manual

							ViewSonic  PJ500/PJ550/PJ501/PJ55118
Maintenance
Lamp 
To order a new lamp unit see page 26 for contact information and see Table 15 for part numbers. The 
estimated lamp life is 2000 hours. Before replacing the lamp, turn the Power Switch OFF, remove 
the power cord from the power outlet, and wait approximately 45 minutes until the lamp has cooled. 
CAUTION: The lamp may explode if handled at high temperatures.
   
Lamp Life
Projector lamps have a finite life. The image will become darker and hues will become weaker after 
a lamp has been used for a long period of time.
Replace the lamp if the LAMP indicator is red or the “CHANGE THE LAMP” message appears 
when the projector is switched on. See Table 10: OSD Messages on page 21 and Table 
11: Indicator Messages on page 21.
NOTE: The LAMP indicator is also red when the lamp unit reaches high temperature. Before 
replacing the lamp switch the POWER OFF, wait approximately 20 minutes, and switch the 
POWER ON again. If the LAMP indicator is still red replace the lamp.
     HIGH VOLTAGE
HIGH TEMPERATURE
HIGH PRESSURE
     WARNINGS
• Dispose of the used lamp according to local regulations.
• Since the lamp is made of glass, do not drop the unit and do not scratch 
the glass.
• Do not reuse the old lamp. This could cause the lamp to explode.
• If it is probable that the lamp has exploded (you have heard an explosive 
sound), disconnect the power plug from the power outlet and ask your 
dealer to replace the lamp. The lamp is protected by a cover glass, but in 
rare cases the reflector and the inside of the projector could be damaged 
by broken or shattered glass. Broken pieces of glass could cause injury.
• Do not use the projector with the lamp’s front glass covering removed.
Figure 10: Lamp Diagram
Lamp
Reflector Front glass 
						

							19ViewSonic  PJ500/PJ550/PJ501/PJ551
Replacing the Lamp
When the indicator shows that there is zero (0) hours of lamp life remaining, the unit will 
automatically shut off within 10 minutes. If you see this message you should replace the lamp. 
However, you may replace the lamp anytime after the first warning message appears at 
approximately 300 hours of remaining lamp life.   
Resetting the Lamp Timer
After replacing the lamp, it is important that you reset the lamp timer. When the lamp has been 
replaced after the THE POWER WILL TURN OFF AFTER 0hr. message is displayed, complete 
the following steps within 10 minutes of switching power ON. The power will be turned off 
automatically after 10 minutes.
1Switch POWER ON.
2From the OPTION menu select LAMP TIME with the description of Adjusting the Projected 
Image.
3Press the RESET button and hold for approximately 3 seconds. The DEFAULT and CANCEL 
options will display.
4Press the Up arrow button to select the DEFAULT. The remaining lamp life is now reset to 2000 
hours. 
IMPORTANT: Do not reset the lamp timer without replacing the lamp. The message functions will 
not operate properly if the lamp timer is not reset correctly.
1Switch the projector OFF, remove the power cord from the 
power outlet, and wait at least 45 minutes for the unit to 
cool.
2Prepare a new lamp.
3Check that the projector has cooled sufficiently, and gently 
turn it upside down.
4Loosen the two screws as shown in the diagram, and remove 
the lamp cover.
5Loosen the one screw, and gently remove the lamp while 
holding the grips. Touching the inside of the lamp case may 
result in uneven coloring.
6Install the new lamp and tighten the one screw firmly. Make 
sure that the lamp assembly is seated properly before 
replacing the other screw.
7Replace the lamp cover in position and tighten the two 
screws firmly.
8Gently turn the projector right-side up.
    CAUTION
• Ensure that screws are tightened properly. Screws not tightened fully may 
result in injury or accidents.
• Do not use the projector with the lamp cover removed.
Figure 11: Lamp Replacement 
						

							ViewSonic  PJ500/PJ550/PJ501/PJ55120
Air-Filter 
Cleaning the Air Filter
The air filter should be cleaned as described below at intervals of approximately 100 hours. When 
the filter is used for approximately 100 hours, the message CLEAN THE AIR FILTER appears 
when the projector is switched on.
1Switch the projector power supply OFF, and remove the power cord from the power outlet.
2Clean the air filter with a vacuum cleaner.
3Reset the Filter Timer using the function of the FILTER TIME on the OPTION Menu. Please 
refer to the description of the FILTER TIME on the Table 9: MAIN Menu.
Replacing the Air Filter
Replace the air filter if contamination cannot be removed, or if it is damaged. To order a new air 
filter  see page 26 for contact information. 
1Switch the projector power OFF, and remove the power cord from the power outlet.
2Remove the filter cover and the filter.
3Replace the new air-filter and the filter cover. 
4Reset the Filter Timer using the function of the FILTER TIME on the OPTION Menu. Refer to 
the description of the FILTER TIME on Table 9: MAIN Menu.  
Maintenance Inside the Equipment
For safety reasons, ensure that the equipment is cleaned and checked by the dealer once every two 
years. Maintaining the equipment by yourself is dangerous. 
Cleaning the Lens
Gently wipe the lens with lens cleaning paper. Do not touch the lens with your hands.
Cleaning the Cabinet and Remote Control
Gently wipe with a soft cloth. If dirt and stains are not easily removed, use a soft cloth dampened 
with water, or water and a neutral detergent, and wipe dry with a soft, dry cloth.  
     CAUTION
• Switch POWER OFF and remove the power cord from the power outlet before beginning maintenance work.
• Replace the air filter if contamination cannot be removed, or if it is damaged. 
• Do not use the projector with the air filter removed.
• When the air filter is clogged, the power supply is switched OFF automatically to prevent overheating.
     CAUTION
• Switch POWER OFF and remove the power cord from the power outlet before beginning maintenance work.
• Make sure the lens is cool before cleaning.
• Do not use detergents or chemicals other than those noted above. Do not use benzene or thinners.
• Do not use chemical sprays.
• Use a soft cloth or lens paper only. 
						

							21ViewSonic  PJ500/PJ550/PJ501/PJ551
Troubleshooting
OSD Messages
The messages as described below may appear on the screen at POWER ON. Take the appropriate 
measures when such messages appear.   
1 This message is cleared automatically after approximately three minutes, and appears every time POWER is switched 
ON.
Indicator Messages
The POWER indicator, LAMP indicator, and TEMP indicator are either lit, unlit or blinking as 
explained in the table below.  
Table 10: OSD Messages 
Screen Message Meaning or Action Required
CHANGE THE LAMP. AFTER 
REPLACING LAMP, RESET THE LAMP 
TIME. 
1
The lamp will reach the end of its life in 300 hours. POWER is switched off 
automatically when the lamp reaches the end of its life. prepare a new lamp 
for installation.
Always reset the lamp timer after replacing the lamp.
CHANGE THE LAMP. AFTER 
REPLACING LAMP, RESET THE LAMP 
TIME. THE POWER WILL TURN OFF 
AFTER ** HR. 
1
The lamp will reach the end of its life in ** hours. POWER will be switched 
OFF automatically in ** hours. Replace the lamp as shown in  Replacing 
the Lamp on page 19. 
Always reset the lamp timer after replacing the lamp.
CHANGE THE LAMP. AFTER 
REPLACING LAMP, RESET THE LAMP 
TIME. THE POWER WILL TURN OFF 
AFTER 0 HR.The lamp has reached the end of its life. POWER will be switched OFF in a 
few minutes.
Switch POWER OFF immediately and replace the lamp as shown in 
Replacing the Lamp on page 19.
Always reset the lamp timer after replacing the lamp.
NO INPUT IS DETECTED
ON ***No input signal found.
Check signal input connections and signal sources.
SYNC IS OUT OF RANGE ON ***
The horizontal or vertical frequency of the input signal is not within the 
specified range.
Check the specifications of the equipment and the signal source.
CHECK THE AIR FLOW
The internal temperature has risen.
Switch POWER OFF, and wait 20 minutes until the equipment cools.
Check the following and switch POWER ON again.
• Are the ventilation openings blocked?
• Is the air filter dirty?
• Is the ambient temperature in excess of 95°F (35°C)?
Table 11: Indicator Messages 
POWER
indicatorLAMP
indicatorTEMP
indicatorMeaning or Action Required
Lights orange Turns off Turns off The Standby mode has been set.
Blinks green Turns off Turns off Warming up. Please wait.
Lights green Turns off Turns off ON. Normal operation possible.
Blinks orange Turns off Turns off Cooling. Please wait.
Blinks red - - Cooling. Please wait.
The error is found. Take the appropriate measures when the POWER 
indicator ceases blinking. 
						

							ViewSonic  PJ500/PJ550/PJ501/PJ55122
NOTE
: (about overheating) 
When the internal temperature rises too high, POWER to the unit switches OFF as a safety precaution; 
the LED lamp indicator turns OFF.  Set the POWER switch to [0] and wait 20 minutes until the equipment has cooled sufficiently 
before continuing with operation.
Symptom
Before requesting repair, refer to the chart below. If the problem cannot be corrected, contact your 
dealer.   
Blinks/
Lights redLights red Turns off Lamp is not lit.
The interior of the equipment may be too hot. Switch POWER OFF, 
wait 20 minutes until the equipment cools, and check whether the 
ventilation openings are blocked, whether the air filter is dirty, or 
whether the ambient temperature exceeds 95°F (35°C). And switch 
POWER ON again. 
Replace the lamp if the same problem occurs again.
Blinks/
Lights redBlinks red Turns off Lamp or lamp cover is not found, or hasn’t been fitted in correctly. 
Switch POWER OFF, and wait for 45 minutes until the equipment 
cools. Check fitting of the lamp and lamp cover, and switch POWER 
ON again. 
Contact your dealer if the same problem occurs again.
Blinks/
Lights redTurns off Blinks red The cooling fan is not operating.
Switch POWER OFF, and wait for 20 minutes until the equipment 
cools. Check for foreign matter in the fan, and switch POWER ON 
again. 
Contact your dealer if the same problem occurs again.
Blinks/
Lights redTurns off Lights red The interior of the equipment is too hot. See  NOTE: (about 
overheating) 
below.
Switch POWER OFF, and wait for 20 minutes until the equipment 
cools. Check whether the ventilation openings are blocked., whether 
the air filter is dirty, or whether the ambient temperature exceeds 95°F 
(35°C). Then switch POWER ON again. 
Contact your dealer if the same problem occurs again.
Lights green Blinks red 
alternately 
with TEMP 
indicatorBlinks red 
alternately 
with LAMP 
indicatorThe interior of the equipment is too cool. 
Check whether the ambient temperature is below 32°F (0°C). Contact 
your dealer if the same problem occurs when the ambient temperature 
is 32°F  ~ 95°F (0°C ~ 35°C).
Lights green Blinks red 
synchronizing 
with TEMP 
indicatorBlinks red 
synchronizing 
with LAMP 
indicatorThe air-filter has been used for 100 hours or more.
Clean the filter, then reset the filter timer.
Table 12: Symptom 
Symptom Possible cause Remedy Page
No power
The main POWER switch 
is not turned on.Turn on the main POWER switch. page 9
The power cord is 
disconnected.Plug the power cord into an AC power outlet. page 7
No video or 
audioThe Input is not correctly 
set.Use INPUT button on projector control pad or remote control 
to select input source.page 10
No signal input. Connect correctly. page 7,8
Table 11: Indicator Messages  (Continued)
POWER
indicatorLAMP
indicatorTEMP
indicatorMeaning or Action Required 
						

							23ViewSonic  PJ500/PJ550/PJ501/PJ551
Video is 
present but 
no audioThe projector is not 
correctly connected.Connect correctly. page 7
page 8
The volume is set to 
minimum.Press VOLUME button on the remote control or display 
the menu screen and adjust the volume.
Mute is turned on.
Press the MUTE   button.page 10
Audio is 
present but 
no videoThe projector is not 
correctly connected.Connect correctly. page 7
page 8
The brightness is set to 
minimum.Select BRIGHT and CONTRAST with the MENU button and 
press the   button.page 12
Colors are 
pale and color 
matching is 
poorColor density and color 
matching are not correctly 
adjusted.Go to PICTURE-1 menu and adjust color parameters. page 13
Images are 
darkBrightness and contrast 
are not correctly adjusted.Go to MAIN menu  and adjust COLOR and BRIGHTNESS.
Go to PICTURE-1 menu and adjust color parameters.page 12
page 13
The lamp is nearing the 
end of its service life.Replace lamp. page 19
Images are 
blurredFocus or H PHASE is out 
of adjustment.Adjust the focus or H PHASE.
Adjust focus with Focus Ring.page 14
page 3
Table 12: Symptom  (Continued)
Symptom Possible cause Remedy Page 
						

							ViewSonic  PJ500/PJ550/PJ501/PJ55124
Specifications  
PJ500/PJ501 Technical Specifications
Table 13: PJ500/PJ501 Specifications
Item Specification
Liquid crystal
Panel Size
panel
Pixels0.7 inch P-Si TFT x3
800 horizontal x 600 vertical, 8 bit color, 16.7 Million  colors
Lens
Manual Zoom  F=2.0 - 2.3  f=17.7 -21.2 mm
Zoom 1.2 : 1, manual focus
Projection Distance
0.9 - 9.0 Meters
Display Size
30 - 300 inches
Keystone Correction
6:1 upward shift (fixed)
Lamp
150 W UHB (normal mode); 130 W UHB (whisper mode)
Speaker
1.0 W
Power Supply
AC 100 ~ 120V, 2.7A I AC220 - 240V,1.3A
Power consumption
240 W
Battery type
AA battery x2
Temperature range
0 ~ 35°C (Operating)
Size
11.4” (W) x 3.3” (H) x 8.3” (D) inches     289 (W) x 83 (H) x 210 (D) mm
Weight
5.4 lbs. (2.4 kg)
Horizontal Scan Frequency
31 - 91 KHz (PC mode)
15 KHz (video mode)
Vertical  Scan Frequency
56 - 120 KHz (PC mode)
50 KHz (video mode)
Computer Compatibility
Computer
RGB IN
(RGB signal
input)
Plug & Play
AUDIO INPC compatible for VGA, SVGA, XGA, and SXGA.
Video: Analog 0.7 Vp-p, 75 ohm terminator (positive), HV. sync.: TTL level 
(positive/negative), Composite sync.: TTL level, D-sub 15-pin shrink jack
Native resolution  1024 x 768
DDC 1/28 (VESA)
200m Vrms, 47 k ohms (max. 3.0Vp-p), Stereo mini jack
Video signal
VIDEO
input                         
(Composite)
S-VIDEO
COMPONENT
VIDEO
AUDIO1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm terminator, RCA jack
NTSC, NTSC4.43, PAL (BGDHI), SECAM, PAL-M, PAL-N, PAL60
Brightness signal: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm terminator, Color signal: 0.3 Vp-p 
(burst signal), 75 ohm terminator, Mini DIN 4-pin jack
480i, 575i, 1080i, 720i
Y 1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm Terminator (Positive)
C
B/CR0.7 Vp-p, 75 ohm Terminator (Positive)
P
B/PR0.7 Vp-p, 75 ohm Terminator (Positive)
L 200 m Vrms, 47 k ohms (max. 3.0 Vp-p)
RRCA jack
Control functions
CONTROL D-sub 15-pin shrink plug (RS232) 
						

							25ViewSonic  PJ500/PJ550/PJ501/PJ551
PJ550/PJ551 Technical Specifications
Table 14: PJ550/PJ551 Specifications
Item Specification
Liquid crystal
Panel Size
panel
Pixels0.7 inch  P-Si TFT with microlens
1024 horizontal x 768 vertical, 8 bit color, 16.7 Million  colors
Lens
Manual Zoom  F=2.0 - 2.3  f=17.7 -21.2 mm
Zoom 1.2 : 1, manual focus
Projection Distance
0.9 - 9.0 Meters
Display Size
30 - 300 inches
Keystone Correction
6:1 upward shift (fixed)
Lamp
150 W UHB (normal mode); 130 W UHB (whisper mode)
Speaker
1.0 W
Power Supply
AC 100 ~ 120V, 2.7A I AC220 - 240V,1.3A
Power consumption
240 W
Battery type
AA battery x2
Temperature range
0 ~ 35°C (Operating)
Size
11.4” (W) x 3.3” (H) x 8.3” (D) inches     289 (W) x 83 (H) x 210 (D) mm
Weight
5.4 lbs. (2.4 kg)
Horizontal Scan Frequency
31 - 91 KHz (PC mode)
15 KHz (video mode)
Vertical  Scan Frequency
56 - 120 KHz (PC mode)
50 KHz (video mode)
Computer Compatibility
Computer
RGB IN
(RGB signal
input)
Plug & Play
AUDIO INPC compatible for VGA, SVGA, XGA, and SXGA.
Video: Analog 0.7 Vp-p, 75 ohm terminator (positive), HV. sync.: TTL level 
(positive/negative), Composite sync.: TTL level, D-sub 15-pin shrink jack
Native resolution  1024 x 768
DDC 1/28 (VESA)
200m Vrms, 47 k ohms (max. 3.0Vp-p), Stereo mini jack
Video signal
VIDEO
input                        
(Composite)
S-VIDEO
COMPONENT
VIDEO
AUDIO1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm terminator, RCA jack
NTSC, NTSC4.43, PAL (BGDHI), SECAM, PAL-M, PAL-N, PAL60
Brightness signal: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm terminator, Color signal: 0.3 Vp-p 
(burst signal), 75 ohm terminator, Mini DIN 4-pin jack
480i, 575i, 1080i, 720i
Y 1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm Terminator (Positive)
C
B/CR0.7 Vp-p, 75 ohm Terminator (Positive)
P
B/PR0.7 Vp-p, 75 ohm Terminator (Positive)
L 200 m Vrms, 47 k ohms (max. 3.0 Vp-p)
RRCA jack
Control functions
CONTROL D-sub 15-pin shrink plug (RS232) 
						

							ViewSonic  PJ500/PJ550/PJ501/PJ55126
Customer Support
For technical support or product service, see the table below or contact your reseller.
NOTE: You will need the product serial number.
Country/Region Web site T = Telephone
F = FAXEmail
United States
Canadaviewsonic.com/
support
viewsonic.com/
supportT:
 (800) 688-6688
F:
 (909) 468-1202
T:
 (800) 688-6688
F:
 (909) 468-1202service.us@
viewsonic.com
service.ca@
viewsonic.com
United Kingdom viewsoniceurope.comT:  
0800 833 648
F:
 (01293) 643910service.eu@
viewsoniceurope.com
Europe, Middle East, Baltic 
countries, and North Africaviewsoniceurope.com Contact your reseller service.eu@
viewsoniceurope.com
Australia and New Zealand viewsonic.com.auT:
 +61 2 9929 3955
F:
 +61 2 9929 8393service.au@
viewsonic.com
Singapore/India and 
Southeast Asiaviewsonic.com.sgT:
 65 273 4018
F:
 65 273 1566service.sg@
viewsonic.com
Other Asia/Pacific countries  viewsonic.com.twT:
 886 2 2246 3456
F: 
886 2 8242 3668service.ap@
viewsonic.com
South Africa viewsonic.com/asiaT:
 886 2 2246 3456
F: 
886 2 8242 3668service.ap@
viewsonic.com
Table 15: Optional Parts
Part Ordering Specifications
Lamp Replacement
To order parts contact your 
dealer or ViewSonic.
Air Filter Replacement
To order parts contact your dealer or ViewSonic.
Slot for Kensington lock 
To order parts contact your dealer or ViewSonic. 
						

							27ViewSonic  PJ500/PJ550/PJ501/PJ551
LIMITED   WARRANTY
VIEWSONIC PROJECTOR
What the warranty covers:
ViewSonic
® warrants its products to be free from defects in material and workmanship during the warranty period. If a 
product proves to be defective in material or workmanship during the warranty period, ViewSonic
 will at its sole option 
repair or replace the product with a like product. Replacement product or parts may include remanufactured or refurbished 
parts or components.
How long the warranty is effective:
ViewSonic
 projectors are warranted for three (3) years for all parts excluding the lamp and three (3) years for all labor 
from the date of the first consumer purchase. Projector lamps are warranted separately. 
Who the warranty protects:
This warranty is valid only for the first consumer purchaser.
What the warranty does not cover:
1. Any product on which the serial number has been defaced, modified or removed.
2. Damage, deterioration or malfunction resulting from:
a. Accident, misuse, neglect, fire, water, lightning, or other acts of nature, unauthorized product modification, or failure to follow 
instructions supplied with the product.
b. Repair or attempted repair by anyone not authorized by ViewSonic.
c. Any damage of the product due to shipment.
d. Removal or installation of the product.
e. Causes external to the product, such as electric power fluctuations or failure.
f. Use of supplies or parts not meeting ViewSonic
’s specifications.
g. Normal wear and tear.
h. Any other cause which does not relate to a product defect.
3. Removal, installation, and set-up service charges.
How to get service:
1. For information about receiving service under warranty, contact ViewSonic Customer Support.
 You will need to provide your 
product’s serial number.
2. To obtain warranted service, you will be required to provide (a) the original dated sales slip, (b) your name, (c) your address, (d) a 
description of the problem, and (e) the serial number of the product.
3. Take or ship the product freight prepaid in the original container to an authorized ViewSonic
 service center or ViewSonic.
4. For additional information or the name of the nearest ViewSonic
 service center, contact ViewSonic.
 
Limitation of implied warranties:
THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION 
CONTAINED HEREIN INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A 
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Exclusion of damages:
VIEWSONIC
’S LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO THE COST OF REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT. 
VIEWSONIC
 SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:
1. DAMAGE TO OTHER PROPERTY CAUSED BY ANY DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT, DAMAGES BASED UPON 
INCONVENIENCE, LOSS OF USE OF THE PRODUCT, LOSS OF TIME, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS 
OPPORTUNITY, LOSS OF GOODWILL, INTERFERENCE WITH BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS, OR OTHER COMMERCIAL LOSS, 
EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
2. ANY OTHER DAMAGES, WHETHER INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHERWISE.
3. ANY CLAIM AGAINST THE CUSTOMER BY ANY OTHER PARTY.
Effect of state law:
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Some 
states do not allow limitations on implied warranties and/or do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential 
damages, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.
Sales outside the U.S.A. and Canada: 
For warranty information and service on ViewSonic
 products sold outside of the U.S.A. and Canada, contact ViewSonic
 
or your local ViewSonic dealer.
Projector Warranty (V3.0)  Release Date: May 1, 2002