BenQ TH690ST User manual

Digital Projector
User Manual
Home Entertainment Series I TH690ST/TH690SX V 1.02

2 Warranty and Copyright information
Warranty and Copyright information
Limited warranty
BenQ warrants this product against any defects in material and workmanship, under normal usage and
storage.
Proof of purchase date will be required with any warranty claim. In the event this product is found to be
defective within the warranty period, BenQ's only obligation and your exclusive remedy shall be
replacement of any defective parts (labor included). To obtain warranty service, immediately notify the
dealer from which you purchased the product of any defects.
Important: The above warranty shall be void if the customer fails to operate the product in accordance
with BenQ's written instructions, especially the ambient humidity must be in-between 10% and 90%,
temperature in-between 0°C and 35°C, altitude lower than 4920 feet, and avoiding to operate the
projector in a dusty environment. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other
rights which vary from country to country.
For other information, please visit www.BenQ.com.
Copyright
Copyright 2022 by BenQ Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system or translated into any language or
computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical,
manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of BenQ Corporation.
Disclaimer
BenQ Corporation makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect
to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties, merchantability or fitness for any
particular purpose. Further, BenQ Corporation reserves the right to revise this publication and to make
changes from time to time in the contents hereof without obligation to notify any person of such
revision or changes.
*DLP, Digital Micromirror Device and DMD are trademarks of Texas Instruments. Others are
copyrights of their respective companies or organizations.
Patents
Please go to http://patmarking.benq.com/ for the details on BenQ projector patent coverage.

3Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Warranty and Copyright information ................................................................................ 2
Important safety instructions .............................................................................................. 4
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 7
Shipping contents ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Projector exterior view ............................................................................................................................ 8
Controls and functions.............................................................................................................................. 9
Positioning your projector ................................................................................................. 11
Choosing a location .................................................................................................................................11
Obtaining a preferred projected image size....................................................................................... 12
Mounting the projector........................................................................................................................... 13
Adjusting the projected image............................................................................................................... 14
Connection .......................................................................................................................... 16
Operation ............................................................................................................................ 17
Starting up the projector ........................................................................................................................17
Using the menus ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Securing the projector ............................................................................................................................ 20
Switching input signal ...............................................................................................................................21
Shutting down the projector .................................................................................................................22
Menu operation ................................................................................................................... 23
Basic menu .................................................................................................................................................23
Advanced menu ........................................................................................................................................ 24
Maintenance ........................................................................................................................ 42
Care of the projector ..............................................................................................................................42
Light source information ........................................................................................................................ 43
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 45
Specifications ...................................................................................................................... 46
Projector specifications ..........................................................................................................................46
Dimensions ................................................................................................................................................ 47
Timing chart............................................................................................................................................... 48
RS232 command....................................................................................................................................... 50

4 Important safety instructions
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.
1. Please read this manual before you
operate your projector. Save it for future
reference.
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).
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.
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. To temporarily turn off the light
source, press the ECO BLANK button.
4. The light source becomes extremely hot
during operation.
7. Do not operate light sources beyond the
rated light source life.

5Important safety instructions
8. Do not place this product on an unstable
cart, stand, or table. The product may fall,
sustaining serious damage.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Always place the projector on a level,
horizontal surface during operation.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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 power outlet and call BenQ to
have the projector serviced.

6 Important safety instructions
16. This product is capable of displaying inverted
images for ceiling mount installation.
17. This apparatus must be earthed.
18. 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, shorten the projector's life span and
darken 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).
Risk Group 2
1. According to the classification of
photobiological safety of light source and
light source systems, this product is Risk
Group 2, IEC 62471-5:2015.
2. Possibly hazardous optical radiation emitted
from this product.
3. Do not stare at operating light source. May
be harmful to the eyes.
4. As with any bright source, do not stare into
the direct beam.
To avoid damaging the DLP chips, never aim a high-power
laser beam into the projection lens.
3000 m
(10000 feet)
0 m
(0 feet)

7Introduction
Introduction
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
Replacing the remote control batteries
1. Press and slide off the battery cover, as illustrated.
2. Remove the old batteries (if applicable) and install two
AAA batteries. Make sure that the positive and
negative ends are positioned correctly, as illustrated.
3. Slide the battery cover in until it clicks into place.
Projector Remote control with batteries Power cord
Quick start guide Warranty card* Regulatory statements
• 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.

8 Introduction
Projector exterior view
• Avoid leaving the remote control and batteries in an excessive heat or humid environment like the kitchen,
bathroom, sauna, sunroom or in a closed car.
• Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the battery manufacturer.
• Dispose of the used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions and local environment regulations for
your region.
• Never throw the batteries into a fire. There may be danger of an explosion.
• If the batteries are dead or if you will not be using the remote control for an extended period of time, remove the
batteries to avoid damage to the remote control from possible battery leakage.
1. Zoom ring/Focus ring
2. Vent (air inlet)
3. Projection lens
4. Adjuster feet
5. IR remote sensor (front)
6. External control panel
See Controls and functions on page 9.
7. IR remote sensor (top)/Ambient light sensor
8. Speakers
9. Vent (air outlet)
10. Ceiling mount holes
11. Anti-theft security bar
12. Audio input jack
(Only works when the projector input
source is set to HDMI, and is connected to
a DVI device via a DVI cable with a
DVI-to-HDMI adapter.)
Audio output jack
13. RS-232 control port
14. USB 2.0 Type-A port (2.5 A power supply,
Firmware upgrade)
15. HDMI input ports (Version 2.0b)
16. SPDIF audio output port
17. AC power jack
18. Kensington anti-theft lock slot
7
6
8
2
3
8
9
4
4 4
11
5
4
1
2
17 18
12 13 14 15 16
10

9Introduction
Controls and functions
Projector & Remote control
All the key presses described in this document are available on the remote control or projector.
1. POWER/TEMP/LIGHT
(See Indicators on page 44.)
2. POWER ( / )
Toggles the projector between standby mode
and on.
3. BACK
Goes back to previous OSD menu, exits and
saves menu settings.
4. Arrow keys ( , , , )
When the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu is
activated, these keys are used as directional
arrows to select the desired menu items and to
make adjustments.
When OSD menu is inactive, workable under
CEC-capable sources only.
Keystone keys ( , ) (keypad)
Displays the keystone correction page.
Volume keys / (keypad)
Decreases or increase the projector volume.
5. MODE/PIC MODE
Displays the picture mode menu.
6. ECO BLANK
Used to hide the screen picture.
7. OK
Confirms the selected On-Screen Display
(OSD) menu item.
8. SOURCE
Displays the source selection bar.
9. MENU
Turns on/off the On-Screen Display (OSD)
menu.
10.
Displays the keystone menu. See Correcting
keystone on page 15 for details.
4
5
7
9
8
6
2
1
3
2
13
8
6
4
7
2
10
3
11
12
14
9
5
15

10 Introduction
Remote control effective range
The remote control must be held at an angle within 30 degrees perpendicular to the projector's IR
remote control sensor(s) to function correctly. The distance between the remote control and the
sensor(s) should not exceed 8 meters (~ 26 feet).
Make sure that there are no obstacles between the remote control and the IR sensor(s) on the
projector that might obstruct the infra-red beam.
11.
Toggles projector audio between on and off.
12. SOUND MODE
Displays the sound mode menu.
13.
Selects a preset picture and sound mode for
games (Bright/Dark).
14.
Press to open/close Auto focus page.
*Available on compatible projectors only.
15. /
Decreases or increase the projector volume.
• Operating the projector from the front • Operating the projector from the top
Approx.+30º
Approx.+30º

11Positioning your projector
Positioning your projector
Choosing a location
Before choosing an installation location for your projector, take the following factors into consideration:
• Size and position of your screen
• Electrical outlet location
• Location and distance between the projector and the rest of your equipment
You can install your projector in the following ways.
After turning on the projector, go to Advanced menu - Installation > Projector Position, press
OK and press / to select a setting.
1. Front
Select this location with the projector placed on
the table 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 Mount Kit from your dealer to mount
your projector on the ceiling.
3. Rear
Select this location with the projector placed on
the table behind the screen. Note that a special
rear projection screen is required.
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 Mount
Kit are required for this installation location.

12 Positioning your projector
Obtaining a preferred projected image size
The distance from the projector lens to the screen, the zoom setting, and the video format each factors
in the projected image size.
Projection dimensions
• The screen aspect ratio is 16:9 and the projected picture is in a 16:9 aspect ratio
For example, if you are using a 120-inch screen, the recommended projection distance is 2019 mm.
If your measured projection distance is 150 cm, the closest match in the "Distance from screen (mm)"
column is 1514 mm. Looking across this row shows that a 90'' (about 2.3 m) screen is required.
Screen size Distance from screen (mm) Vertical offset
(Lowest/Highest
lens position) (mm)
Diagonal H (mm) W (mm) Min length Average Max length
Inch mm (max. zoom) (min. zoom)
30 762 374 664 458 505 551 10
40 1016 498 886 611 673 735 13
50 1270 623 1107 764 841 919 16
60 1524 747 1328 917 1009 1102 20
70 1778 872 1550 1069 1178 1286 23
80 2032 996 1771 1222 1346 1470 26
90 2286 1121 1992 1375 1514 1654 30
100 2540 1245 2214 1528 1682 1837 33
110 2794 1370 2435 1680 1851 2021 36
120 3048 1494 2657 1833 2019 2205 40
130 3302 1619 2878 1986 2187 2389 43
140 3556 1743 3099 2139 2355 2572 46
150 3810 1868 3321 2291 2524 2756 49
160 4064 1992 3542 2444 2692 2940 53
170 4318 2117 3763 2597 2860 3124 56
180 4572 2241 3985 2750 3028 3307 59
190 4826 2366 4206 2902 3197 3491 63
200 5080 2491 4428 3055 3365 3675 66
To optimize your projection quality, we suggest doing the projection by referring to the values listed in the non-gray
rows.
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.
H
W
Projection distance
Center of lens
Screen
16:9 Screen diagonal
Ver ti cal o ffset

13Positioning your projector
Mounting the projector
If you intend to mount your projector, we strongly recommend that you use a proper fitting BenQ
projector mounting kit and that you ensure it is securely and safely installed.
If you use a non-BenQ brand projector mounting kit, there is a safety risk that the projector may fall
down due to an improper attachment through the use of the wrong gauge or length screws.
Before mounting the projector
• Purchase a BenQ projector mounting kit from the place you purchased your BenQ projector.
• BenQ recommends that you also use a security cable to secure both the base of the mounting bracket
and the security bar on the projector. This will perform the secondary role of restraining the projector
should its attachment to the mounting bracket become loose.
• Ask your dealer to install the projector for you. Installing the projector on your own may cause it to
fall and result in injury.
• Take necessary procedures to prevent the projector from falling off such as during an earthquake.
• The warranty doesn’t cover any product damage caused by mounting the projector with a non-BenQ
brand projector mounting kit.
• Consider the surrounding temperature where the projector is ceiling mounted. If a heater is used, the
temperature around the ceiling may be higher than expected.
• Read the user manual for the mounting kit about the range of torque. Tightening with torque
exceeding the recommended range may cause damage to the projector and subsequently falling off.
• Make sure the power outlet is at an accessible height so that you can easily shut down the projector.
Ceiling mount installation diagram
151.00
77.00
140.00122.00
Ceiling mount screw: M4 x 8 mm
Unit: mm

14 Positioning your projector
Adjusting the projected image
Adjusting the projection angle
If the projector is not placed on a flat surface or the screen
and the projector are not perpendicular to each other, the
projected image becomes trapezoidal. You can screw the
adjuster feet to fine-tune the horizontal angle.
To retract the feet, screw the adjuster feet in a reverse
direction.
Fine-tuning the image size and clarity
Do not look into the lens while the light source is on. The strong light from the light source may cause damage to
your eyes.
1. Adjust the projected image to the size that you
need using the zoom ring.
2. Sharpen the image by rotating the focus ring.

15Positioning your projector
Correcting keystone
Keystoning refers to the situation where the projected image becomes a trapezoid due to angled
projection.
To correct the distorted image:
1. Display the 2D Keystone correction page from the following menus.
• The setup wizard during the projector initial setup
• The Basic menu system
• The Installation menu of the Advanced menu system
2. After the 2D Keystone correction page appears:
• To correct keystoning at the top of the image, use .
• To correct keystoning at the bottom of the image, use
.
• To correct keystoning at the right side of the image, use
.
• To correct keystoning at the left side of the image, use
.
• To reset the keystone values, press BACK for 2
seconds.
• To automatically correct the vertical sides of the
distorted image, press OK for 2 seconds, or enable
Auto Vertical Keystone in the Advanced menu -
Installation menu.
3. When done, press BACK to save your changes and exit.
Press . Press .
Press . Press .

16 Connection
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 above, some cables may not be included with the projector (see Shipping contents on page 7).
They are commercially available from electronics stores.
• The connection illustrations are for reference only. The rear connecting jacks available on the projector vary with
each projector model.
• Many notebooks do not turn on their external video ports when connected to a projector. Usually a key combo
like FN + function key with a monitor symbol turns the external display on/off. Press FN and the labeled function
key simultaneously. Refer to your notebook's documentation to find your notebook's key combination.
• 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.
• “Audio In” port only works when the projector input source is set to HDMI, and is connected to a DVI device via
a DVI cable with a DVI-to-HDMI adapter.
1 1
3
2
A/V device
HDMI cable (with ferrite cores)
SPDIF audio cable
Speaker
1
2
3
Notebook or desktop computer
Speakers

17Operation
Operation
Starting up the projector
1. Plug the power cord. Turn on the power outlet switch
(where fitted). The power indicator on the projector
lights orange after power has been applied.
2. Press on the projector or remote control to
start the projector. The power indicator flashes green
and stays green when the projector is on.
The start up procedure takes about 10 seconds. In the
later stage of starting up, a start-up logo is projected.
(If necessary) Rotate the focus ring to adjust the image
clearness.
3. If this is the first time you turn on the projector, the setup wizard appears to guide you through
setting up the projector. If you have already done this, skip this step and move on to the next step.
• Use the arrow keys ( ///) on the projector or remote control to move through the menu
items.
• Use OK to confirm the selected menu item.
Step 1:
Specify Projector Position.
For more information about projector position, see
Choosing a location on page 11.
Step 2:
Specify OSD Language.

18 Operation
4. If you are prompted for a password, press the arrow keys to enter a 6-digit password. See Utilizing
the password function on page 20.
5. Switch all of the connected equipment on.
6. The projector will search for input signals. The current input signal being scanned appears. If the
projector does not detect a valid signal, the message “No Signal” will appear until an input signal is
found.
You can also press SOURCE to select your desired input signal. See Switching input signal on page
21.
Step 3:
Specify 2D Keystone, and choose to activate Auto
Vertical Keystone.
For more information about keystone, see Correcting
keystone on page 15.
Step 4:
Specify Game Settings.
You can select a preferred Room Setting, and adjust
more image settings in this menu.
See Game Settings on page 26 for details.
Now you’ve completed the initial setup.
• Please use the original accessories (e.g. power cord) to avoid possible dangers such as electric shock and fire.
• If the projector is still hot from previous activity, it will run the cooling fan for approximately 2 seconds before
energizing the light source.
• The Setup Wizard screenshots are for reference only and may differ from the actual design.
• If the frequency/resolution of the input signal exceeds the projector's operating range, you will see the message
“Out of Range” displayed on the background screen. Please change to an input signal which is compatible with
the projector's resolution or set the input signal to a lower setting. See Timing chart on page 48.
• If no signal is detected for 3 minutes, the projector automatically enters saving mode.

19Operation
Using the menus
The projector is equipped with 2 types of On-Screen Display (OSD) menus for making various
adjustments and settings. The Basic OSD menu provides primary menu functions while the Advanced
OSD menu provides full menu functions.
To access the OSD menu, press MENU on the projector or remote control.
• Use the arrow keys ( / / / ) on the projector or remote control to move through the menu items.
• Use OK on the projector or remote control to confirm the selected menu item.
The first time you use the projector (after finishing the initial setup), press MENU, and the Basic OSD
menu will be displayed.
If you intend to switch from the Basic OSD menu to the Advanced OSD menu:
1. Go to Menu Type and press OK.
2. Use / to select Advanced and press OK. Your projector will switch to the Advanced OSD
menu.
Likewise, when you wish to switch from the Advanced OSD menu to the Basic OSD menu, follow
the instructions below:
1. Go to System > Menu Settings > Menu Type and press OK.
2. Use / to select Basic and press OK. Your projector will switch to the Basic OSD menu.
Overview of the Basic OSD menu.
Overview of the Advanced OSD menu.
Menu type
Sub-menu and status
Current input signal
Function keys
Main menu
Current input signal
Sub-menu and status
Function keys
The OSD screenshots are for reference only, and may differ from the actual design.
Picture Mode
2
4
2
Living Room
Enter Exit
3
Cinema
Sound Mode
Light Source Mode
2D Keystone
Game Settings
HDR Brightness
Information
Menu Type
SmartEco
0
Basic menu
1
1
2
3
4
Picture Picture Mode
Contrast
Advanced Color Settings
Reset Current Picture Mode
Sharpness
Game Settings
3
4
1
User Management
Brightness
Audio
Display
Installation
System
Information
Living Room
Enter Return Exit
2
1
2
3
4

20 Operation
Securing the projector
Using a security cable lock
The projector has to be installed in a safe place to prevent theft. Otherwise, purchase a security cable
to secure the projector. A security bar is located on the right side of the projector. See item 12 on page
8. Insert a security cable to the opening of the security bar and secure it to a nearby fixture or heavy
furniture.
You can also purchase a lock, such as the Kensington lock, to secure the projector. There is a
Kensington lock slot on the rear side of the projector. See item 18 on page 8. A Kensington security
cable lock is usually a combination of key(s) and the lock. Refer to the lock’s documentation for finding
out how to use it.
Utilizing the password function
Setting a password
1. Go to Advanced menu - System > Security Settings. Press OK. The Security Settings page
appears.
2. Highlight Change Password and press OK.
3. The four arrow keys ( , , , ) respectively represent
4 digits (1, 2, 3, 4). According to the password you
desire to set, press the arrow keys to enter six digits for
the password.
4. Confirm the new password by re-entering the new
password.
5. To activate the Power On Lock function, go to
System > Security Settings > Power On Lock,
press OK and / to select On. Input the password
again.
If you forget the password
If you enter the wrong password, the password error message
will appear, and the Input Password message follows. If you
absolutely do not remember the password, you can use the
password recall procedure. See Entering the password recall
procedure on page 21.
If you enter an incorrect password 5 times in succession, the
projector will automatically shut down in a short time.
• The digits being input will be displayed as asterisks on-screen. Make a note of your selected password and keep it
in a safe place in advance or right after the password is entered so that it is available to you should you ever
forget it.
• Once a password has been set and the Power On Lock is activated, the projector cannot be used unless the
correct password is entered every time the projector is started.
Input New Password
Return
Password Error
Please try again.