BenQ ES500 User manual

Digital Projector
Us
er
Ma
n
u
a
l
ES500/EX501

Table of contents2
Important safety
instructions ................... 3
Introduction.................. 7
Projector features.....................................7
Shipping contents ......................................8
Projector exterior view.........................10
Positioning your
projector ..................... 16
Choosing a location................................16
Obtaining a preferred projected image
size..............................................................17
Connection ................. 18
Connecting a computer or monitor...19
Connecting Video source devices.......19
Operation ................... 21
Starting up the projector ......................21
Adjusting the projected image .............22
Using the menus......................................25
Securing the projector...........................26
Switching input signal .............................29
Magnifying and searching for details ...30
Selecting the aspect ratio ......................31
Optimizing the image .............................32
Setting the presentation timer.............36
Remote paging operations ....................37
Hiding the image......................................38
Freezing the image ..................................38
Operating in a high altitude
environment.............................................39
Use Teaching Template .........................40
Personalizing the projector menu
display ........................................................41
Select the lamp saver mode..................41
Shutting down the projector ............... 42
Menu operation ...................................... 43
Maintenance ............... 56
Care of the projector............................ 56
Lamp information ................................... 57
Troubleshooting......... 64
Specifications.............. 65
Dimensions .............................................. 66
Ceiling mount installation ..................... 66
Timing chart............................................. 67
Warranty and Copyright
information................. 69
Ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s

Important safety instructions 3
Important safety instructions
Your projector is designed and tested to meet the latest standards for safety of
information technology equipment. However, to ensure safe use of this product, it is
important that you follow the instructions mentioned in this manual and marked on
the product.
Safety Instructions
1. Please read this manual before
you operate your projector.
Save it for future reference.
2. Do not look straight at the
projector lens during
operation. The intense light beam
may damage your eyes.
3. Refer servicing to qualified
service personnel.
4. Always open the lens shutter
or remove the lens cap when
the projector lamp is on.
5. In some countries, the line voltage
is NOT stable. This projector is
designed to operate safely within a
mains voltage between 100 to 240
volts AC, but could fail if power
cuts or surges of ±10 volts occur.
In areas where the mains
voltage may fluctuate or cut
out, it is recommended that
you connect your projector
through a power stabilizer,
surge protector or
uninterruptible power supply
(UPS).
6. Do not block the projection lens
with any objects when the
projector is under operation as this
could cause the objects to become
heated and deformed or even cause
a fire.

Important safety instructions4
Safety Instructions (Continued)
7. The lamp becomes extremely hot
during operation. Allow the
projector to cool for
approximately 45 minutes prior
to removing the lamp assembly
for replacement.
8. Do not operate lamps beyond the
rated lamp life. Excessive
operation of lamps beyond the
rated life could cause them to
break on rare occasions.
9. Never replace the lamp assembly
or any electronic components
unless the projector is unplugged.
10. Do not place this product on an
unstable cart, stand, or table. The
product may fall, sustaining
serious damage.
11. Do not attempt to disassemble
this projector. There are
dangerous high voltages inside
which may cause death if you
should come into contact with
live parts.
Under no circumstances should you
ever undo or remove any other
covers. Refer servicing only to
suitably qualified professional
service personnel.
12. When the projector is under
operation, you may sense some
heated air and odor from its
ventilation grill. It is a normal
phenomenon and not a product
defect.

Important safety instructions 5
Safety Instructions (Continued)
13. Do not place this projector in any of
the following environments.
- Space that is poorly ventilated or
confined. Allow at least 50 cm
clearance from walls and free flow of
air around the projector.
- Locations where temperatures may
become excessively high, such as the
inside of a car with all windows
rolled up.
- Locations where excessive humidity,
dust, or cigarette smoke may
contaminate optical components,
shortening the projector's life span
and darkening the image.
- Locations near fire alarms
- Locations with an ambient
temperature above 40°C / 104°F
- Locations where the altitudes are
higher than 3000 m (10000 feet).
14. Do not block the ventilation holes.
- Do not place this projector on a
blanket, bedding or any other soft
surface.
- Do not cover this projector with a
cloth or any other item.
- Do not place inflammables near the
projector.
If the ventilation holes are seriously
obstructed, overheating inside the
projector may result in a fire.
15. Always place the projector on a
level, horizontal surface during
operation.
- Do not use if tilted at an angle of
more than 10 degrees left to right,
nor at angle of more than 15
degrees front to back. Using the
projector when it is not fully
horizontal may cause a malfunction
of, or damage to, the lamp.
3000 m
(10000
feet)
0 m
(0 feet)

Important safety instructions6
Safety Instructions (Continued)
16. Do not stand the projector on end
vertically. Doing so may cause the
projector to fall over, causing injury
or resulting in damage to the
projector.
17. Do not step on the projector or
place any objects upon it. Besides
probable physical damage to the
projector, doing so may result in
accidents and possible injury.
18. Do not place liquids near or on the
projector. Liquids spilled into the
projector may cause it to fail. If the
projector does become wet,
disconnect it from the power
supply's wall socket and call BenQ
to have the projector serviced.
19. This product is capable of displaying
inverted images for ceiling mount
installation.
Use only BenQ's Ceiling
Mount Kit for mounting the
projector and ensure it is
securely installed.

Introduction 7
Introduction
Projector features
This model is one of the best projectors available in the world. You can enjoy the best
performance video quality with up to 300-inch projection across various devices such
as PC, laptop, DVD and VCR even document camera to bring all possibility to life.
The projector offers the following features
• SmartEco™ starts your dynamic power saving
SmartEco™ technology saves lamp power consumption depending on the
content brightness level when SmartEco mode is selected
• Longest hours lamp life with SmartEco™ technology
SmartEco™ technology increases the lamp life hours when selecting SmartEco
mode to lower the power consumption
• ECO BLANK saves lamp power
Pressing the ECO BLANK bottom to immediately hide the image, lowering the
lamp power at the same time your image is hiding
• Less than 0.5W in standby condition
Less than 0.5W power consumption under standby mode
•FilterFree
Filter free design to lower maintenance and operating costs.
• One-key auto-adjustment
Pressing AUTO on the keypad or remote control to show the best picture
quality immediately
• Quick Cooling, Auto Power Off, Direct Power On
Quick Cooling function speeds up the cooling process when turning off the
projector. Auto Power Off function allows the projector to turn off
automatically if no input signal is detected after a set period of time. Direct
Power On turns your projector when the power is fed.
•InstantRestart
Selectable Instant Restart function enables you to restart the projector
immediately within 90 seconds after turning it off.
• 3D Function supported
Various 3D formats make the 3D function more flexible. By presenting the
depth of the images, you can wear BenQ 3D glassed to enjoy the 3D movies,
videos and sporting events in a more realistic way.
• The apparent brightness of the projected image will vary depending on
the ambient lighting conditions, selected input signal contrast/
brightness settings, and is proportional to projection distance.
• The lamp brightness will decline over time and may vary within the
lamp manufacturers specifications. This is normal and expected
behavior.

Introduction8
Shipping contents
Carefully unpack and verify that you have all of the items shown below. If any of these
items are missing, please contact your place of purchase.
Standard accessories
The supplied accessories will be suitable for your region, and may differ
from those illustrated.
*The warranty card is only supplied in some specific regions. Please consult
your dealer for detailed information.
Projector Power cord VGA cable
Quick start guide User manual CD Warranty card*
Remote control with battery
Digital Projector
QQ
uick Start Guide uick Start Guide

Introduction 9
Optional accessories
1. Spare lamp kit
2. Ceiling mount kit
3. Carry bag
4. 3D glasses
5. Presentation plus

Introduction10
Projector exterior view
1. External control panel
(See "Projector" on page 11 for
details.)
2. Lamp cover
3. Focus ring
4. Front IR remote sensor
5. Elevator foot
6. Projection lens
7. Kensington anti-theft lock slot
8. Vent holes
9. Zoom ring
10. RGB (PC)/Component video
(YPbPr/ YCbCr) signal input jack
11. RS-232 control port
12. Video input jack
13. Mini-B USB input jack
14. AC power cord inlet
15. Rear adjuster foot
16. Ceiling mount holes
Front/upper side
7
1
2
3
4
8
6
5
9
9
Rear/lower side
11
10 12 13
15
14
16 5
7
8

Introduction 11
Controls and functions
Projector
1. Focus ring
Adjusts the focus of the projected image. See "Fine-tuning the image size and clarity"
on page 24 for details.
2. Zoom ring
Adjusts the size of the image. See "Fine-tuning the image size and clarity" on page 24
for details.
3. LAMP indicator light
Indicates the status of the lamp. Lights up or flashes when the lamp has developed a
problem. See "Indicators" on page 63 for details.
4. TEMP(temperature) warning light
Lights up red if the projector's temperature becomes too high. See "Indicators" on
page 63 for details.
5. POWER indicator light
Lights up or flashes when the projector is under operation. See "Indicators" on page
63 for detail.
6. POWER
Toggles the projector between standby mode and on.See "Starting up the projector"
on page 21 and "Shutting down the projector" on page 42 for details.
1
5
6
3
4
2
I
I

Introduction12
Ceiling mounting the projector
We want you to have a pleasant experience using your BenQ projector, so we
need to bring this safety matter to your attention to prevent possible damage to
person and property.
If you intend to mount your projector on the ceiling, we strongly recommend
that you use a proper fitting BenQ projector ceiling mount kit and that you
ensure it is securely and safely installed.
If you use a non-BenQ brand projector ceiling mount kit, there is a safety risk
that the projector may fall from the ceiling due to an improper attachment
through the use of the wrong gauge or length screws.
You can purchase a BenQ projector ceiling mount kit from the place you
purchased your BenQ projector. BenQ recommends that you also purchase a
separate Kensington lock compatible security cable and attach it securely to
both the Kensington lock slot on the projector and the base of the ceiling mount
bracket. This will perform the secondary role of restraining the projector should
its attachment to the mounting bracket become loose.

Introduction 13
Remote control
1. Info
Showing the status information of the
projector.
2. Menu/Exit
Turns on the On-Screen Display (OSD)
menu. Goes back to previous OSD
menu, exits and saves menu settings. See
"Using the menus" on page 25 for details.
3. Left/ Right
When the On-Screen Display (OSD)
menu is activated, the #3 and #12 keys
are used as directional arrows to select
the desired menu items and to make
adjustments. See "Using the menus" on
page 25 for details.
4. Mode/Enter
Selects an available picture setup
mode. See "Selecting a picture mode"
on page 32 for details.
Activates the selected On-Screen
Display (OSD) menu item. See "Using
the menus" on page 25 for details.
5. Eco Blank
Press the Eco Blank button to turn off
the image for a period of time with
70% lamp power saving. Press again to
restore the image. See "Hiding the
image" on page 38 for details.
6. Smart Eco
Displays the lamp mode selection bar
(Normal/Economic/SmartEco).
7. Aspect
Selects the display aspect ratio. See
"About the aspect ratio" on page 31
for details.
8. Digital Zoom keys (+, -)
Magnifies or reduces the projected
picture size. See "Magnifying and
searching for details" on page 30 for
details.
9. Timer On
Activates or displays an on-screen
timer based on your own timer
setting. See "Setting the presentation
timer" on page 36 for details.
10. Timer Setup
Enters presentation timer setting
directly. See "Setting the presentation
timer" on page 36 for details.
1
12
2
4
16
8
15
9
14
3
11
10
6
13
5
7
3
17
18
19
20
21
22
12

Introduction14
Infra-Red (IR) remote control sensor is located on the front of the projector. The
remote control must be held at an angle within 30 degrees perpendicular to the
projector's IR remote control sensor to function correctly. The distance between the
remote control and the sensor should not exceed 8 meters (~ 26 feet).
Make sure that there are no obstacles between the remote control and the IR sensor
on the projector that might obstruct the infra-red beam.
11. Power
Toggles the projector between
standby mode and on. See "Starting up
the projector" on page 21 and
"Shutting down the projector" on page
42 for details.
12. Keystone/Arrow keys ( / Up,
/Down)
Manually corrects distorted images
resulting from an angled projection. See
"Correcting keystone" on page 24 for
details.
13. Auto
Automatically determines the best
picture timings for the displayed
image. See "Auto-adjusting the image"
on page 23 for details.
14. Source
Displays the source selection bar. See
"Switching input signal" on page 29 for
details.
15. Volume +/-
No function for this model.
16. Page Up/Down
Page up/down arrows when connected
through USB to a PC. See "Remote
paging operations" on page 37 for
details.
17. Mute
No function for this model.
18. Freeze
Freezes the projected image. See
"Freezing the image" on page 38 for
details.
19. CC
Display the video term description on
screen which is provided for hard-of-
hearing viewers.
20. Quick Install
A menu shortcut that includes Test
Pattern, Projector Installation and
Keystone.
21. Teaching Template
Displays the selectable bar for teachers
choosing the template as his/her suitable
teaching background. See "Use Teaching
Template" on page 40 for details.
22. 3D Settings
Activates the 3D On-Screen Display
(OSD) menu item.
I
I
• Operating the projector from the front
Approx.30°

Introduction 15
Replacing the remote control battery
1. To open the battery cover, turn the remote control over to view its back, push
on the finger grip on the cover and slide it up in the direction of the arrow as
illustrated. The cover will slide off.
2. Remove any existing batteries (if necessary) and install two AAA batteries
observing the battery polarities as indicated in the base of the battery
compartment. Positive (+) goes to positive and negative (-) goes to negative.
3. Refit the cover by aligning it with the base and sliding it back down into position.
Stop when it clicks into place.
• Avoid excessive heat and humidity.
• There may be battery damage if the battery is incorrectly replaced.
• Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
battery manufacturer.
• Dispose of the used battery according to the battery manufacturer’s
instructions.
• Never throw a battery into a fire. There may be danger of an explosion.
• If the battery is dead or if you will not be using the remote control for a
long time, remove the battery to prevent damage to the remote
control from possible battery leakage.

Positioning your projector16
Positioning your projector
Choosing a location
Your room layout or personal preference will dictate which installation location you
select. Take into consideration the size and position of your screen, the location of a
suitable power outlet, as well as the location and distance between the projector and
the rest of your equipment.
Your projector is designed to be installed in one of four possible installation locations:
1. Front Table
Select this location with the projector placed near the
floor in front of the screen. This is the most common
way to position the projector for quick setup and
portability.
2. Front Ceiling
Select this location with the projector suspended
upside-down from the ceiling in front of the screen.
Purchase the BenQ Projector Ceiling Mounting Kit
from your dealer to mount your projector on the
ceiling.
Set Front Ceiling in the SYSTEM SETUP: Basic
> Projector Installation menu after you turn the projector on.
3. Rear Table
Select this location with the projector placed near the
floor behind the screen.
Note that a special rear projection screen is required.
Set Rear Table in the SYSTEM SETUP: Basic >
Projector Installation menu after you turn the
projector on.
4. Rear Ceiling
Select this location with the projector suspended
upside-down from the ceiling behind the screen.
Note that a special rear projection screen and the
BenQ Projector Ceiling Mounting Kit are required for
this installation location.
Set Rear Ceiling in the SYSTEM SETUP: Basic >
Projector Installation menu after you turn the projector on.

Positioning your projector 17
Obtaining a preferred projected image size
The distance from the projector lens to the screen, the zoom setting (if available), and
the video format each factors in the projected image size.
Projection dimensions
Refer to "Dimensions" on page 66 for the center of lens dimensions of this projector
before calculating the appropriate position.
The screen aspect ratio is 4:3 and the projected picture is 4:3
For example, if you are using a 120-inch screen, the average projection distance is 5040
mm and with a vertical offset of 274 mm.
If your measured projection distance is 5.0 m (5000 mm), the closest match in the
"Projection distance (mm)" column is 5040 mm. Looking across this row shows that a 120''
(about 3.0 m) screen is required.
All measurements are approximate and may vary from the actual sizes.
BenQ recommends that if you intend to permanently install the projector,
you should physically test the projection size and distance using the actual
projector in situ before you permanently install it, so as to make allowance
for this projector's optical characteristics. This will help you determine the
exact mounting position so that it best suits your installation location.
Screen size Projection distance (mm)
Ve r ti ca l o ff se t
(mm)
Diagonal W
(mm)
H
(mm)
Min
distance Average
Max
distance
Inch mm (max.
zoom)
(min.
zoom)
35 889 711 533 1401 1472 1543 80
40 1016 813 610 1600 1680 1760 91
50 1270 1016 762 2000 2100 2200 114
60 1524 1219 914 2400 2520 2640 137
80 2032 1626 1219 3200 3360 3520 183
100 2540 2032 1524 4000 4200 4400 229
120 3048 2438 1829 4800 5040 5280 274
150 3810 3048 2286 6000 6300 6600 343
200 5080 4064 3048 8000 8400 8800 457
220 5588 4470 3353 8800 9240 9680 503
250 6350 5080 3810 10000 10500 11000 572
300 7620 6096 4572 12000 12600 13200 686
Projection distance
Center of lens
Screen
Ver t ic al o ff set
Diagonal
W
H

Connection18
Connection
When connecting a signal source to the projector, be sure to:
1. Turn all equipment off before making any connections.
2. Use the correct signal cables for each source.
3. Ensure the cables are firmly inserted.
• In the connections shown below, some cables may not be included with
the projector (see "Shipping contents" on page 8). They are
commercially available from electronics stores.
• For detailed connection methods, see pages 19-20.
1. VGA cable 2. USB Cable
3. Component Video to VGA (DSub)
adapter cable
4. Video cable
34 1 2

Connection 19
Connecting a computer or monitor
Connecting a computer
The projector can connect to both IBM®compatibles and Macintosh®computers. A
Mac adapter is needed if you are connecting legacy version Macintosh computers.
To connect the projector to a notebook or desktop computer:
1. Take the supplied VGA cable and connect one end to the D-Sub output socket
of the computer.
2. Connect the other end of the VGA cable to the COMPUTER signal input jack
on the projector.
Many notebooks do not turn on their external video ports when connected
to a projector. Usually a key combo like FN + F3 or CRT/LCD key turns the
external display on/off. Locate a function key labeled CRT/LCD or a
function key with a monitor symbol on the notebook. Press FN and the
labeled function key simultaneously. Refer to your notebook's
documentation to find your notebook's key combination.
Connecting Video source devices
You need only connect the projector to a Video source device using just one of the
above connecting methods, however each provides a different level of video quality.
The method you choose will most likely depend upon the availability of matching
terminals on both the projector and the Video source device as described below:
Te r m i n a l
name
Te r m i n a l
appearance
Reference Picture quality
Component Video
COMPUTER "Connecting a
Component Video
source device" on
page 20
Better
Video
VIDEO "Connecting a
Composite source
device" on page 20 Good

Connection20
Connecting a Component Video source device
Examine your Video source device to determine if it has a set of unused Component
Video output jacks available:
• If so, you can continue with this procedure.
• If not, you will need to reassess which method you can use to connect to
the device.
To connect the projector to a Component Video source device:
1. Take a Component Video to VGA (D-Sub) adaptor cable and connect the end
with 3 RCA type connectors to the Component Video output jacks of the Video
source device. Match the color of the plugs to the color of the jacks; green to
green, blue to blue, and red to red.
2. Connect the other end of the Component Video to VGA (D-Sub) adaptor cable
(with a D-Sub type connector) to the COMPUTER jack on the projector.
• If the selected video image is not displayed after the projector is turned
on and the correct video source has been selected, check that the Video
source device is turned on and operating correctly. Also check that the
signal cables have been connected correctly.
Connecting a Composite source device
Examine your Video source device to determine if it has an unused Composite output
jack available:
• If so, you can continue with this procedure.
• If not, you will need to reassess which method you can use to connect to
the device.
To connect the projector to a Video source device:
1. Take a Video cable and connect one end to the Video output jack of the Video
source device.
2. Connect the other end of the Video cable to the VIDEO jack on the projector.
• If the selected video image is not displayed after the projector is turned
on and the correct video source has been selected, check that the Video
source device is turned on and operating correctly. Also check that the
signal cables have been connected correctly.