BenQ X500i User manual

Digital Projector
User Manual
Console Gaming Projector I X500i V 1.00

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 2023 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
Installing the QS02 HDMI Media Streaming .................................................................... 9
Projector exterior view.................................................................................................... 10
Terminals......................................................................................................................... 11
Controls and functions ................................................................................................... 12
Positioning your projector ............................................................................................14
Choosing a location ........................................................................................................14
Obtaining a preferred projected image size.................................................................. 15
Mounting the projector ................................................................................................... 16
Adjusting the projected image....................................................................................... 17
Connection ...................................................................................................................19
Operation .....................................................................................................................20
Starting up the projector .................................................................................................20
Setting up the QS02 HDMI Media Streaming................................................................ 23
Using the menus ............................................................................................................. 25
Securing the projector .................................................................................................... 26
Switching input signal ..................................................................................................... 28
Presenting from a Media Reader ................................................................................... 29
Shutting down the projector........................................................................................... 30
Menu operation ............................................................................................................31
Basic menu ......................................................................................................................31
Advanced menu .............................................................................................................. 32
Maintenance ................................................................................................................49
Care of the projector ....................................................................................................... 49
Light source information ................................................................................................ 50
Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................................52
Specifications ..............................................................................................................53
Projector specifications .................................................................................................53
Dimensions...................................................................................................................... 54
Timing chart .................................................................................................................... 55
RS232 command ............................................................................................................ 59

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.
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. The light source becomes extremely hot
during operation.
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. To temporarily turn
off the light source, press the ECO
BLANK button.
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. 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
15. This product is capable of displaying
inverted images for ceiling mount
installation.
16. 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).
17. This apparatus must be earthed.
18. 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.
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 Power cord Remote control with
batteries
QS02 HDMI Media
Streaming Quick start guide Regulatory
statements Warranty card*
• 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
• 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.

9Introduction
Installing the QS02 HDMI Media Streaming
The supplied QS02 HDMI Media Streaming is an Android TV (ATV) dongle to be used with the
projector. See the instructions below to install the dongle. With a successful installation, you
can enjoy more entertainment programs through this projector.
1. Make sure the projector is turned off
and the power cord is disconnected.
2. Loosen the screws that secure the
top of projector cover . Slide to
remove the cover .
3. Plug the USB Micro B cable to the
dongle.
4. Plug the dongle to the HDMI* port on
the projector.
*This HDMI port is for connecting QS02 HDMI
Media Streaming only.
5. Arrange the USB Micro B cable in place
below the dongle.
6. Replace the projector cover , and
tighten the screws .
7. Connect the power cord to the projector
and turn it on. Press to select Android
TV.
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2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
3
2
1

10 Introduction
Projector exterior view
1. QS02 HDMI Media Streaming port
(Android TV dongle)
See Installing the QS02 HDMI Media
Streaming on page 9 for how to remove
the cover.
2. External control panel
See Controls and functions on page 12.
3. LIGHT/TEMP/POWER status indicator
See Indicators on page 51.
4. IR remote sensor
5. Zoom ring
6. Focus ring
7. Adjuster feet
8. Ceiling mount holes
9. Anti-theft security bar
10. Vent (air inlet)
11. Adjuster button
Push up to release the front adjuster
foot.
12. Projection lens
13. IR remote sensor
14. Connector panel
See Terminals on page 11.
15. AC power jack
16. Vent (air exhaust)
17. Speaker grill
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16
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11Introduction
Terminals
1. Audio output jack
2. RS-232 control port
3. USB 2.0 Type-A port
(Firmware upgrade, Media Reader)
4. HDMI input port
(Version 2.0b, HDCP 2.2)
5. HDMI input port
(Version 2.0b, HDCP 2.2, Audio Return+)
6. SPDIF audio output port
7. USB-C DP port
1 2 3 45 6 7

12 Introduction
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 status indicator
See Indicators on page 51.
2. POWER
Toggles the projector between standby
mode and on.
3. Arrow keys ( , , , )
When the On-Screen Display (OSD) or
the Android TV menu is activated, these
keys are used as directional arrows to
select the desired menu items and to
make adjustments.
When OSD and Android TV menu is
inactive, workable under CEC-capable
sources only.
4. OK
• Confirms the selected Android TV or
On-Screen Display (OSD) menu item.
• Under Android TV media playback,
plays or pauses a video or audio file.
5. BACK/
Goes back to previous OSD menu, exits
and saves menu settings.
6. MENU/
Turns on/off the On-Screen Display
(OSD) menu.
7. MODE/
Displays the picture mode menu.
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9
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13Introduction
8. ECO BLANK
Used to hide the screen picture.
Do not block the projection lens from
projecting as this could cause the
blocking object to become heated and
deformed or even cause a fire.
9. SOURCE/
Displays the source selection bar.
10.
Toggles projector audio between on and
off.
11.
Under Android TV source, rewinds,
plays/pauses, forwards multimedia files.
12.
Displays the Game Settings menu.
13.
Press to open/close Auto focus page.
*Available on compatible projectors only.
14.
Displays the keystone menu. See
Correcting keystone on page 18 for
details.
15.
Press and hold to activate the voice
assistant or voice search. Hold this key and
speak to the microphone at the top of the
remote control while using voice assistant.
16.
Opens Android TV Home page.
17.
Under Android TV source, opens the setting
menu for the current application.
18.
Decreases or increases the projector
volume.
19.
Press to switch between sound modes.
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.
• Operating the projector from the front
• Operating the projector from the top
Approx.+30º
Approx. +30º

14 Positioning 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
The projected image size and vertical offset depend on how far you place the projector, and the
zoom setting you choose. There is more information from Projection dimensions on page 15
which can help decide exact distance and height of your projector.
You can install your projector in the following ways.
After turning on the projector, the projector will automatically select a suitable setting for the
way the projector is installed. If not, 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.
3. Rear
Select this location with the projector
placed on the table behind the screen.
Note that a special rear projection screen
is required.
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.
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.

15Positioning 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 200 cm, the closest match in the "Distance from screen
(mm)" column is 2019 mm. Looking across this row shows that a 120'' (about 3.0 m) screen is
required. The projected image will be slightly higher/lower than the lens centerline with 37 mm
vertical offset.
• *The vertical offset value is the vertical distance from the bottom edge of the image (when the projector
is placed on a table, diagram on the left), or top edge of the image (when the projector is ceiling
mounted, diagram on the right) to the centerline of lens.
• Due to the lens optical characteristics, every projector has its vertical offset ratio. The vertical offset
value normally gets larger while the projection distance increases.
Screen size Distance from screen (mm) *Vertical offset (A)
(Lowest/Highest
lens position) (mm)
Diagonal H (mm) W (mm) Min length Average Max length
Inch mm (max. zoom) (min. zoom)
60 1524 747 1328 917 1009 1102 19
70 1778 872 1550 1069 1178 1286 22
80 2032 996 1771 1222 1346 1470 25
90 2286 1121 1992 1375 1514 1654 28
100 2540 1245 2214 1528 1682 1837 31
110 2794 1370 2435 1680 1851 2021 34
120 3048 1494 2657 1833 2019 2205 37
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
Centerline of lens
Screen
16:9 Screen diagonal
Vertical offset (A)*
H
W
Projection distance
Centerline of lens
Screen
16:9 Screen diagonal
Vertical offset (A)*

16 Positioning 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/Wall mount installation diagram
Please refer to the user manual of the mounting kit or contact BenQ service center if any installation
problem occurs.
151.0
77.0
140.0122.0
Ceiling/Wall mount screw: M4
(Max L = 25 mm; Min L = 20 mm)
Unit: mm

17Positioning 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.
12

18 Positioning 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.
3. When done, press BACK/ tosaveyour
changes and exit.
Press . Press .
Press . Press .

19Connection
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.
Audio cable USB flash drive SPDIF audio cable
RS-232 cable HDMI cable (with ferrite cores)
USB Type-A cable USB Type-C cable
• 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.
HDMI
12 3 55
HDMI USB-C DPUSB Type-ARS-232
67
HDMI
5 5
4
Notebook or desktop computer
Speakers
Audio device
1
4
7
2
5
3
6

20 Operation
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 15 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 14.
Step 2:
Reminder for using the supplied BenQ Android TV
remote control