Projector Installation
Setting up a projector may seem like a simple project, but there is a fair amount of preparation involved before even starting in earnest. Factors such as where the screen will be placed and the distance between the screen and projector will all need to be taken into consideration. A set-up for a small meeting room will look very different from a reception hall. Projectors can come with different connection types and settings depending on the manufacturer, so it is important to make sure you select a unit that will match up with your other hardware and needs.
The first factor to consider is what the projector will connect to. Typically, a computer is used alongside the projector to display images. Check what kind of connections are on the computer you plan on using (VGA, HDMI, DVI, etc.) and then see if the projector accepts that format. If it does not, you can use an adapter or converter as necessary. If there is an age discrepancy between the devices, such as an older computer paired with a brand-new projector or vice versa, the odds of needing an adapter/converter will increase.
Hanging up a projector can sound easy but it does require some planning. From running cables through the ceiling to adjusting settings and getting the projector configured, installing a projector can quickly transition into an overwhelming project for a non-professional. But before diving into the installation itself, think about how big of a screen you will be using since that will determine the projectors positioning.
Screen Placement vs. Projector Placement
Start by deciding where the projector screen is going to be placed. The average projector today supports high-quality imaging for up to 100 inches (8.33 feet) and most screens are made with that sizing in mind. To keep a screen at a comfortable eye level, the bottom of the screen should hang from 24” – 36” above the ground. The exact placement will depend on the height of chairs or any other seating arrangements.
Next is determining the distance between the screen and projector, referred to as the throw distance. Not every projector has the same throw distance rating, so be sure to check the specs. This number is typically represented as a ratio, with the first number called the throw ratio and the second number being the screen width. For example, say the ratio is 2:1. That means the projector’s distance should equal double the width of the screen. If you had a 50-inch screen, the projector would need to be 100 inches away. These numbers are fairly easy to configure so long as you remember to check the projector specs.
Ideally, a projector should hang exactly where the throw distance says it should. But in real-world settings, other factors need to be taken into consideration. If there are already cables or outlets in the ceiling, their placement could determine where the projector can go. Like many electronics, projectors use fans to mitigate the heat they generate; if a projector is noisy, you may not want it directly over the seating arrangements. Projectors also have settings for vertical offset to tilt the projection up or down when the unit is not completely level with the screen. All of these factors and more are factored into the planning phase during professional installations.
Pre-Installation Tasks
Each installation is unique, but they all start with the same thing: a site survey. Measuring the scope of your project is critical in determining what tools and equipment will be needed. Setting up a single projector in an office meeting room will be a very different project from installing units in every classroom of a newly constructed school. For simple projects like working with existing hardware, a phone call can be all it takes to start the project planning. For more detailed projects, a technician may need to come out and examine the site.
After the survey is complete, our team will formulate a custom plan for your facility. Factors such as the type of mount being used, how high the projector will hang, and whether any cabling needs to be run through the walls will all be factored in here. Prior to the installation, our team can ship HDMI cables, VGA cables, mounts, and other necessary equipment directly to the job site. On the day of the installation, make sure there is a way for the installer to access the property. Ideally, this will involve having someone on-hand to let them in. This representative should also be able to point the installer to the work area as well.
Completing the Installation
With the materials already onsite, our technicians will unpackage everything and start prepping the walls by cutting holes for cables and hanging mounts as needed. Then the hardware will be mounted and connected, with cables being run through the walls, floors, and/or ceiling as needed. Once everything has been cleanly connected, the system will be tested to check functionality. After that, it is a simple matter of cleaning up the area and your new projector will be ready to go.
At INC, we perform projector installations for schools, universities, churches, business offices, convention centers, reception halls, and more. A properly installed projector not only looks crisp and clean but will also provide key functionality to day-to-day operations. Whether a projector is being installed from scratch or tacked onto existing equipment, INC is ready to get the job done right.
If you have additional questions on this process, please call us directly at 888-519-9525 or request a quote here. Our team will work with you to prepare your custom installation project.