Epson Megaplex MG-50 User manual

MegaPlex MG-50/MG-850HD
Home Theater Projector
User’s Guide

2Contents
Contents
Introduction 5
Projector Parts 6
Optional Accessories 10
Registration and Warranty 10
Using This Manual 11
Setting Up the Projector 12
Choosing a Location 12
Installing the Projector 15
Installing Batteries in the Remote Control 17
Turning the Projector On and Off 17
Turning On the Projector 17
Turning Off the Projector 18
Projecting From an iPod, iPhone, or iPad 19
Connecting an iPod or iPhone 19
Connecting an iPad 20
Checking the Dock Light 21
Removing Your iPod, iPhone, or iPad 22
Device Playback 23
Playing Video and Music From Your iPod, iPhone, or iPad 23
Playing Music When the Projector Is in Standby Mode 24
Controlling Playback 24
Configuring the Screen Saver 25
Projecting Photos, Videos and YouTube Videos From Your iPod, iPhone, or iPad 25
Playing Music With Photos 26

Contents 3
Connecting Other Devices 27
Connecting Video Equipment 27
Connecting Computer Equipment 28
Installing the USB Driver 29
Connecting a Microphone 30
Connecting a USB Storage Device 30
Playing a Slideshow 31
Customizing Slideshow Settings 33
Making Basic Adjustments 34
Positioning the Image 34
Adjusting the Image 36
Resizing the Image 36
Focusing the Image 37
Selecting the Image Source 37
Choosing the Aspect Ratio 38
Choosing the Color Mode 39
Choosing the Sound Mode 40
Making Detailed Adjustments 41
Using the Menu System 41
Fine-tuning the Image 43
Adjusting Signal Settings 45
Customizing Projector Features 47
Customizing Power and Operation 48
Resetting the Projector 50
Using the Projector Security Features 51
Creating Your Own Startup Screen 52
Capturing the Image 52
Locking the Projector 53
Password Protecting 54
iPod Management 56
Using Security Locking 57

4Contents
Maintenance 58
Cleaning the Lens 58
Cleaning the Projector Case 58
Cleaning and Replacing the Air Filter 59
Replacing the Lamp 61
Resetting the Lamp Usage Timer 63
Checking the Projector Status 64
Storing the Projector 64
Transporting the Projector 65
Problem Solving 66
What To Do When the Lights Come On or Flash 66
Solving Picture Problems 68
Solving Remote Control Problems 71
Where to Get Help 72
Specifications 73
General 73
Lamp 74
Remote Control 74
Dimensions 74
Electrical 74
Environmental 75
Safety 75
Compatible Video Formats 75
System Requirements 78
Notices 80

Introduction 5
Introduction
The MegaPlex MG-50/MG-850HD projector lets you enjoy theater-quality images in the
relaxing environment of your own home. Designed especially for home cinema use, it offers
these outstanding features:
■Built-in dock that allows you to display media from and charge iPods, iPhones, or iPads
■Native WXGA 720p (MG-850HD) and 540p (MG-50) resolution, and up to
2800 lumens (2200 lumens for the MG-50) of brightness (color light output) for
incredibly rich, sharp images in any room lighting
■Auto Iris system that constantly controls the light output based on the gamma and
black/white levels of your projected content, for perfectly adjusted images and deepest
blacks
■Epson 3LCD technology for reliable picture quality, increased contrast ratio, and
uniform colors
■HDMI®(High-Definition Multimedia Interface®) port for superior, uncompressed
digital video
■True 16:9 wide-format projection
■Closed captioning (MG-850HD)
■Flexible setup configurations, including front projection and ceiling mounted, plus auto
vertical keystone
■Up to seven (MG-850HD) color modes (five for the MG-50), to quickly optimize
viewing for different lighting environments, and a vast array of custom color adjustments

6Introduction
Projector Parts
Front
Back
Control panel
Air exhaust vent
Lens cover
Horizontal keystone slider
Adjustable foot
Remote control
receiver
Focus ring
Lamp cover
Security slot
Light sensor
Port cover
A/V mute slide Zoom ring
(MG-850HD only)
AC power inlet
Air exhaust
vent
Remote control receiver
Speakers iPod dock
Lamp cover
Port cover

Projector Parts 7
Bottom
Control Panel
Mounting bracket
attachment points
Rear adjustable feet
Front adjustable foot
Power button
Volume
Dock light
Status lights
Power light
Source button
Light sensor

8Introduction
Projector Ports
Side ports
Back ports
HDMI
Component
video
Microphone
Audio (L/R)
Composite video
USB
TypeB
USB TypeA
(MG-850HD only)
PC input

Projector Parts 9
Remote Control
Source button
Switches between
image sources connected to
the projector
Power button
Turns projector on or off
Menu
navigation
buttons
Menu button
Displays the
projector’s
menus
Aspect button
Changes the picture’s aspect ratio
Esc (escape) button
Exits the current menu item
A/V mute button
Temporarily turns projected
images and audio off and on
Enter button
Selects menu items or opens
the line menu
Controls playback:
Play/Pause
Rewind
Fast-forward
Illumination button
Lights the playback and
volume buttons for easy
viewing
Color Mode button
Optimizes viewing for
different lighting
environments
Turns down
the volume Turns up the
volume
Transfers control to the iPod
when connected
User button
Shortcut to selected menu items

10 Introduction
Optional Accessories
Epson provides the following optional accessories for the projector:
In addition to the accessories listed above, 1-year and 2-year extended service plans are
available. You can purchase these plans and other accessories from an authorized Epson
reseller. To find the nearest reseller, please call 800-GO-EPSON (800-463-7766). To
purchase online, visit www.epsonstore.com (U.S. sales) or www.epson.ca (Canadian sales).
Registration and Warranty
Your projector comes with a basic two-year carry-in warranty. For details, see the warranty
brochure.
In addition, Epson offers free Extra CareSM Home Service. In the unlikely event of an
equipment failure, you won’t have to wait for your unit to be repaired. Instead, Epson will
ship you a replacement unit anywhere in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico. See your
Extra Care Home Service brochure for details.
To register, simply follow the registration instructions on the CD, or register online at
epson.com/webreg. Registering also lets you receive special updates on new accessories,
products, and service.
Product Part number
Replacement lamp V13H010L67
Air filter replacement V13H134A37
Kensington®security lock (anti-theft device) ELPSL01
Epson DC-06 document camera (MG-850HD only) V12H321005
Projector mount V12H003B23

Using This Manual 11
Using This Manual
This book contains all the information you need to use the projector, in addition to basic
setup and maintenance instructions, troubleshooting tips, and specifications.
Please follow these guidelines as you read through the manual:
Warning: Must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
Caution: Must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Note: Contains important information about your projector.
Tip: Contains helpful projection tips.
Need additional help? Take advantage of Epson’s automated support services 24 hours a day
at epson.com/support (U.S.) or epson.ca/support (Canada). Use this site to view FAQs or
product information and e-mail Epson.
If you need more help, you can use the Epson PrivateLine®Support service. Call
[phone] and enter the PIN on the PrivateLine support card that came with your
projector.
Note: These illustrations show the MG-850HD, but the instructions are the same for the MG-50
unless otherwise noted.
The term “iPod” is used in this manual to describe an iPod, iPhone, or iPad unless otherwise
noted.

12 Setting Up the Projector
Setting Up the Projector
Follow the instructions in this section to choose a location for the projector and display an
image.
Choosing a Location
You can install the projector for the viewing setups shown below, as well as front ceiling
projection. For more information on projector installation, see page 15.
Warning: Do not connect an iPod to the projector’s dock when it is suspended from the ceiling.
Attempting to do so may cause the iPod to fall and may cause injury or damage.
Front
Rear ceiling
Rear

Choosing a Location 13
Ideally, keep the projector level and place it at a height so its lens is pointing near the bottom
or top of the screen, as shown below.
The size of the image is determined by the distance from the projector’s lens to the screen.
Depending on your display settings and how you use the zoom ring, the actual size may differ.
Use these tables as a guide for projector placement:
16:9 aspect ratio
Diagonal image size Projection distance Offset
35 in.
(88.9 cm)
39 to 47.2 in.
(99 to 120 cm)
0.8 in.
(2 cm)
40 in.
(101.6 cm)
44.9 to 53.9 in.
(114 to 137 cm)
0.8 in.
(2 cm)
60 in.
(152.4 cm)
67.7 to 81.9 in.
(172 to 208 cm)
1.2 in.
(3 cm)
80 in.
(203.2 cm)
90.9 to 109.4 in.
(231 to 278 cm)
1.6 in.
(4 cm)
100 in.
(254 cm)
113.8 to 137 in.
(289 to 384 cm)
2 in.
(5 cm)
120 in.
(305 cm)
137 to 164.6 in.
(348 to 418 cm)
2.8 in.
(7 cm)
Offset:
The distance from the center of
the lens to the base of the
screen (or to the top of the
screen, if suspended from a
ceiling)
Projection distance
Projection distance
Center of lens
Center of lens

14 Setting Up the Projector
150 in.
(381 cm)
171.3 to 205.9 in.
(435 to 523 cm)
3.1 in.
(8 cm)
200 in.
(508 cm)
229.1 to 275.2 in.
(582 to 699 cm)
4.3 in.
(11 cm)
310 in.
(787.4 cm)
335.5 to 426.8 in.
(903 to 1084 cm)
6.7 in.
(17 cm)
4:3 aspect ratio
Diagonal image size Projection distance Offset
30 in.
(76.2 cm)
37 to 44.5 in.
(94 to 113 cm)
1.6 in.
(4 cm)
40 in.
(101.6 cm)
49.6 to 59.8 in.
(126 to 152 cm)
2 in.
(5 cm)
60 in.
(152.4 cm)
74.8 to 90.2 in.
(190 to 229 cm)
3.1 in.
(8 cm)
80 in.
(203.2 cm)
100.4 to 120.5 in.
(255 to 306 cm)
4.3 in.
(11 cm)
100 in.
(254 cm)
125.6 to 150.8 in.
(319 to 383 cm)
5.5 in.
(14 cm)
120 in.
(305 cm)
150.8 to 181.5 in.
(383 to 461 cm)
6.3 in.
(16 cm)
150 in.
(381 cm)
189 to 227.2 in.
(480 to 577 cm)
7.9 in.
(20 cm)
200 in.
(508 cm)
252.4 to 303.1 in.
(641 to 770 cm)
10.6 in.
(27 cm)
280 in.
(711.2 cm)
353.5 to 424.8 in.
(898 to 1079 cm)
15 in.
(38 cm)
16:10 aspect ratio
Diagonal image size Projection distance Offset
35 in.
(88.9 cm)
38.2 to 46.1 in.
(97 to 117 cm)
1.6 in.
(4 cm)
40 in.
(101.6 cm)
43.7 to 52.8 in.
(111 to 134 cm)
2 in.
(5 cm)
60 in.
(152.4 cm)
66.1 to 79.5 in.
(168 to 202 cm)
2.8 in.
(7 cm)
16:9 aspect ratio (continued)
Diagonal image size Projection distance Offset

Installing the Projector 15
Installing the Projector
To install the projector, you first need to determine the location, based on the size of your
screen (maximum diagonal image size). Use the tables on page 13 as a guide to positioning the
projector.
To suspend the projector from the ceiling, you will need the optional projector mount. See
page 10 for ordering information. Follow the instructions included with the mount to install
the projector.
Warning: When installing or adjusting the ceiling mount, do not use adhesives to prevent the
screws from loosening and do not use any type of oil or lubricant. These may cause the projector
casing to crack and the projector may fall, causing serious injury and serious damage to the
projector.
If you install the projector on the ceiling, you will need to invert the picture so that it appears
right side up. Follow these steps:
1. Turn on the projector.
2. Press the Menu button on the remote control.
3. Open the Extended menu, then select Projection.
4. Select Front/Ceiling.
5. Press the Menu button when done.
80 in.
(203.2 cm)
88.6 to 106.3 in.
(225 to 270 cm)
3.9 in.
(10 cm)
100 in.
(254 cm)
110.6 to 133.1 in.
(281 to 338 cm)
4.7 in.
(12 cm)
120 in.
(305 cm)
133.1 to 160.2 in.
(338 to 407 cm)
5.5 in.
(14 cm)
150 in.
(381 cm)
166.9 to 200.4 in.
(424 to 509 cm)
7.1 in.
(18 cm)
200 in.
(508 cm)
222.8 to 267.7 in.
(566 to 680 cm)
9.4 in.
(24 cm)
320 in.
(812.8 cm)
357.1 to 428.7 in.
(907 to 1089 cm)
15.4 in.
(39 cm)
16:10 aspect ratio (continued)
Diagonal image size Projection distance Offset

16 Setting Up the Projector
Note: You can also invert the picture by pressing the A/V mute button for about five seconds.
When the projector is mounted on the ceiling, the left and right speakers are on opposite sides
and the stereo output is reversed. To fix the stereo output, reverse the left and right audio inputs
to the projector.
The following illustrations show the dimensions of the projector:
)
Depth 0.4 in. (1 cm) 13.4 in. (33.97 cm)
4.8 in. (12.1 cm)
1.3 in. (3.4 cm)
8.2 in. (20.85 cm)
5 in. (12.7 cm)
11.5 in. (29.2 cm)
3.6 in. (9.2 cm)
1.2 in. (3.1 cm)
3.4 in (8.5 cm)
3.9 in. (10 cm)
4.5 in. (11.5 cm)
0.4 in. (1 cm)

Installing Batteries in the Remote Control 17
Installing Batteries in the Remote Control
The remote control uses two AAA batteries.
Warning: Keep batteries away from children. If a battery is swallowed, contact your doctor
immediately.
1. Release the tab and lift open the cover.
2. Insert two new AAA batteries as shown.
3. Insert the tab on the cover and press it down until it clicks
into place.
Aim the remote control at the screen, or at the front or back of
the projector. Make sure you are within 20 feet (6 m) of the
projector.
If you suspect the batteries are weak, press the illumination button. If the playback and
volume buttons do not glow, replace the batteries.
Turning the Projector On and Off
Turning On the Projector
1. Slide open the lens cover.
2. Turn on any connected equipment you plan to use.
3. Press the Ppower button on the remote control or on
the projector.
Note: To prevent children from turning on the projector, you
can use the Child Lock feature. See page 47 for details.
If you’ll be using the projector at an altitude above 4921 feet (1500 meters), turn on High Altitude
Mode so the fan can properly cool the projector at the high altitude air pressure. See page 50 for
details.
The projector takes about 30 seconds to warm up and display an image. If you don’t see a picture,
you may need to change the image source as described on page 37.

18 Setting Up the Projector
Turning Off the Projector
1. Turn off any equipment connected to the projector.
2. Press the Ppower button on the remote control or on the projector.
Caution: Turn off this product when not in use to prolong the life of the projector. Continuous
24-hour-a-day use may reduce the overall life of the product.
3. If you need to move the projector, wait for the projector to beep twice and the Ppower
light to stop flashing. You can now unplug the projector.

Projecting From an iPod, iPhone, or iPad 19
Projecting From an iPod, iPhone,
or iPad
The projector features a dock that allows you to connect an iPod, iPhone, or iPad and charge
it while you play back media stored on the device.
Note: The term “iPod” is used in this manual to describe an iPod, iPhone, or iPad unless
otherwise noted.
Tip: When your iPod is connected to the projector, it charges whenever the projector is on,
including when the projector is in standby mode.
Connecting an iPod or iPhone
1. Remove any protective case from your device.
2. Eject the dock by pressing on it until it clicks, then release it. The dock slides out.
3. Connect the device by aligning it with the dock connector and gently pushing it straight
down as shown.
Caution: To prevent damage, do not apply too much pressure when connecting your device.

20 Projecting From an iPod, iPhone, or iPad
Connecting an iPad
Before you connect an iPad to your projector, you can attach the included iPad bracket.
Caution: Do not remove the iPad bracket once attached. Removing the bracket weakens the
adhesive, making it unable to support the iPad if reattached.
1. Remove any protective case from your iPad.
2. Use a dry cloth to wipe the surface of the projector where the iPad bracket will be
attached.
3. Remove tape from the iPad bracket to expose the adhesive.
4. Attach the bracket.