Epson PhotoPC 550 User manual

Epson®PowerLite®Cinema 550
Home Theater Projector
User’s Guide

2
Copyright Notice
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation. The information contained herein is designed only for use with
this Epson product. Epson is not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other products.
Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties for
damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by purchaser or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of
this product or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to
strictly comply with Seiko Epson Corporation’s operating and maintenance instructions.
Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be liable for any damages or problems arising from the use of any options or
any consumable products other than those designated as Original Epson Products or Epson Approved Products by
Seiko Epson Corporation.
Trademarks
Epson is a registered trademark and Exceed Your Vision is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
PrivateLine and PowerLite are registered trademarks, AccuCinema is a trademark, and Epson Extra Care, Epson
Connection, and Epson Store are service marks of Epson America, Inc.
HDMI, the HDMI logo, and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of
HDMI Licensing, LLC.
Pixelworks is a trademark of Pixelworks, Inc.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of
their respective owners. Epson disclaims any and all rights in those marks.
© 2005 Epson America, Inc. 9/05
CPD-20566

Contents 3
Contents
Introduction 7
Projector Parts 8
Projector Control Panel 9
Remote Control Button Map 10
Optional Accessories 11
Registration and Warranty 11
Using This Manual 12
Setting Up the Projector 13
Choosing a Location 13
Installing the Projector 16
Connecting the Cables 18
Making Other Connections 19
Installing Batteries in the Remote Control 20
Turning On the Projector 21
Turning Off the Projector 22
Selecting the Image Source 22
Positioning the Image 24
Making Basic Adjustments 25
Correcting the Image Shape 25
Focusing and Zooming 26
Choosing the Aspect Ratio 26
Choosing the Color Mode 28
Adjusting the Gamma, Color Temperature, and Skin Tones 29
Adjusting the Gamma Setting 30
Locking the Projector 31

4Contents
Making Detailed Adjustments 33
Using the Menu System 33
Changing How the Menus Display 34
Adjusting the Picture Quality 35
Input Brightness Settings 35
Sharpness and Picture Quality Settings 37
Color Settings 38
Adjustments Just for Computer Images 40
Saving and Resetting Menu Selections 41
Creating Memory Settings 41
Recalling Memory Settings 41
Deleting Saved Memory Settings 42
Resetting the Projector 42
Customizing Projector Features 43
Image Sizing 43
Screen Options 44
Other Setup Options 45
Maintenance 47
Cleaning the Lens 47
Cleaning the Projector Case 48
Cleaning and Replacing the Air Filter 48
Replacing the Lamp 50
Resetting the Lamp Usage Timer 52
Checking the Projector Status 53
Storing the Projector 53
Transporting the Projector 54

Contents 5
Problem Solving 55
What To Do When the Lights Come On or Flash 55
Solving Picture Problems 56
Solving Remote Control Problems 60
Where To Get Help 61
Specifications 63
General 63
Lamp 63
Remote Control 63
Dimensions 64
Electrical 64
Environmental 64
Safety 64
Compatible Video Formats 65
ESC/VP21 Command Codes 67
Notices 69
Important Safety Information 69
Remote Control Information 70
FCC Compliance Statement 71
Declaration of Conformity 72
Epson America, Inc., Limited Warranty 73
Index 75

6Contents

Introduction 7
Introduction
The Epson®PowerLite®Cinema 550 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:
■Native 720P (1280 ×720) resolution, 3000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and up to 1400
lumens for incredibly rich, sharp images in any room lighting
■Dynamic Eye Iris system that constantly controls the lamp intensity based on the gamma
and black/white levels of your projected content, for perfectly adjusted images all the way
through your movies and game sessions
■Epson 3LCD technology for reliable picture quality, increased contrast ratio, uniform
colors, and the deepest blacks available
■10 bit color quality for unmatched color accuracy, with over a billion colors available
■Epson AccuCinema™Color Management delivered by the built-in optical Cinema Filter
blocks out excess light for an expanded, purer color range and sophisticated grayscale
tracking
■HDMI™(High Definition Multimedia Interface™) port for superior, uncompressed
digital video
■True 16:9 wide-format projection
■Flexible setup configurations, including front projection and ceiling mounted, with
vertical and horizontal offset lens shift
■Seven optimized color modes to quickly optimize viewing for different lighting
environments and a vast array of fine custom color adjustments

8Introduction
Projector Parts
Control panel
Ventilation slots Lens cover
Vertical lens shift dial
Adjustable foot
Video port
HDMI portInput A port
(component)
AC power inlet
Infrared
receiver
Kensington®
lock port
Infrared receiver
D4/SCART port
(used mainly in
Japan)
Horizontal lens shift dial
S-Video port Control (RS-232C) port
Trigger out
port
Input B port
(RGB)
Zoom ring
Focus ring
Main power switch

Introduction 9
Power
button
Power
light
Keystone correction buttons
Correct the shape of a non-rectangular
image
Menu navigation
buttons
Source button
Switches the video
input source Esc button
Exits the current
menu item
Menu button
Displays the
menus
Warning
light
Lamp cover Air filter
Mounting bracket connections
Aspect button
Changes the picture’s
aspect ratio
Select/Line menu button
Selects menu items or
opens the Line Menu
Projector Control Panel

10 Introduction
Remote Control Button Map
Source buttons
Switch between equipment
connected to the projector
Color Mode button
Optimizes viewing for
different lighting environments
On and Off
buttons
Memory button
Recalls custom picture settings
Menu navigation
buttons
Pattern button
Displays test patterns
to adjust the image
Menu button
Displays the projector’s menus
Aspect button
Changes the picture’s aspect ratio
ESC button
Exits the current menu item
Blank button
Turns off the
screen image
Select/Line menu
Selects menu items or opens
the Line Menu
Operation light
Lights when you send
remote control commands
Gamma button
Adjusts the gamma values
of the screen display
ColorTemp. button
Changes the color temperature
of the screen display
Contrast button
Changes the contrast of
the screen display
S. Tone button
Adjusts the skin tones of people
appearing in the screen display
Illumination button
Lights the remote control
buttons for easy viewing

Introduction 11
Optional Accessories
Epson provides the following optional accessories for the projector:
You can purchase accessories from an Epson authorized reseller. To find the nearest reseller,
please call 800-GO-EPSON (800-463-7766). To purchase online, visit www.epsonstore.com
(U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call [phone] for reseller referral.
Registration and Warranty
The Epson PowerLite Cinema 550 comes with a basic two-year carry-in warranty. For
details, see page 73.
In addition, for customers who register their projector, 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 or
Canada, usually via overnight delivery. See your Extra Care Home Service brochure for details.
To register, simply fill out the registration card that came with your projector and mail it to
Epson. Or you can register online at http://www.epson.com/webreg. Registering also lets you
receive special updates on new accessories, products, and service.
Product Part number
Replacement lamp (ELPLP35) V13H010L35
Air filter replacement (ELPAF09) V13H134A09
Projector mount (ELPMB20) V12H003B20
Kensington security lock ELPSL01
S-video cable ELPSV01

12 Introduction
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, important safety instructions,
specifications, and warranty information.
Please follow these guidelines as you read through the manual:
Warnings: Must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
Cautions: Must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Notes: Contain important information about your projector.
Tips: Contain helpful projection tips.
Need additional help? Take advantage of Epson’s automated support services 24 hours a day
at http://support.epson.com. Use this site to view FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) or
product information and e-mail your questions to Epson support.
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.

Setting Up the Projector 13
Setting Up the Projector
Follow the instructions in this section to choose a location for the projector, connect the
cables, and display an image.
Choosing a Location
You can install the projector for various viewing setups, as shown below.
Center
Ceiling
Side

14 Setting Up the Projector
Ideally, place the projector at a height where
its lens is between the top and bottom of the
screen. That way, you can keep the projector
level and use the vertical lens shift dial to
position the image. This produces the
best-looking picture.
If you place the projector above or below
screen level, you’ll have to tilt it up or down
to aim the image at the screen; this distorts
the shape of the image, but you can correct its
shape using the projector’s Keystone function
(see page 25).
If you place the projector off to the side, aim it straight ahead (rather than at the center of the
screen), then use the horizontal lens shift dial to center the image on the screen. Do not place
the projector too far to the left or right, or your image won’t be rectangular.
Vertical lens shift dialHorizontal lens shift dial

Setting Up the Projector 15
The maximum 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 be smaller. Use this table as a rough guide for projector placement:
To determine the exact image size when you know the projection distance (or the exact
projection distance when you know the desired image size), you can use the Projection
Distance Calculator. You can download this program from the Epson website at
http://support.epson.com.
Also keep these considerations in mind:
■Make sure there is plenty of space for ventilation around and under the projector. Do not
set the projector on top of loose materials that could block the vents underneath.
■Make sure the projector is within 9.8 feet of a grounded electrical outlet or extension
cord.
16:9 aspect ratio 4:3 aspect ratio
Projection
distance
Maximum diagonal
image size
Projection
distance
Maximum diagonal
image size
2.9 to 4.4 feet 30 in. (26 × 15 in.) 3.5 to 5.3 feet 30 in. (26 × 18 in.)
3.9 to 5.9 feet 40 in. (35 × 20 in.) 4.8 to 7.2 feet 40 in. (32 × 24 in.)
5.9 to 8.9 feet 60 in. (51 × 28 in.) 7.2 to 10.8 feet 60 in. (47 × 35 in.)
7.9 to 11.8 feet 80 in. (71 × 39 in.) 9.7 to 14.5 feet 80 in. (63 × 47 in.)
9.9 to 14.8 feet 100 in. (87 × 47 in.) 12.1 to 18.2 feet 100 in. (79 × 59 in.)
20 to 29.8 feet 200 in. (173 × 98 in.) 24.5 to 36.5 feet 200 in. (161 × 118 in.)
30.1 to 44.8 feet 300 in. (260 × 146 in.) 36.8 to 54.8 feet 300 in. (240 × 181 in.)

16 Setting Up the Projector
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 table on page 15 as a guide to locating the
projector. Note the following dimensions:
■Distance from the center of the lens to the mounting bracket holes: 2.32 inches (59 mm),
0.34 inch (8.6 mm) maximum vertical lens shift
■Distance from the center of the lens to the center of the projector: 4.33 inches (110 mm),
0.30 inch (7.7 mm) maximum horizontal lens shift
The following illustrations show the dimensions of projector:
5.63 in.
4.33 in.
15.98 in.
5.18
in. 2.32 in.
0.75 in.
0.45 in.
3 in.
11.81 in. 2.08 in.
6.3 in.
12.17 in.

Setting Up the Projector 17
You will need the optional projector mount designed for the projector. See page 11 for
ordering information.
Follow the instructions included with the mount to install the projector, which weighs
11.5 pounds. The wall or ceiling where you install it must be capable of supporting a weight
of 58 pounds.
In addition to the tools supplied with the projector mount, you will need a Phillips head
screwdriver and a drill to use on the wall or ceiling.
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. Press the Menu button on the remote control.
2. Press the menu navigation buttons to open the
Settings menu, then select Projection.
3. Use the navigation buttons to select Front/Ceiling.
4. Press the Menu button when done.
If you are planning to use an AV controller with the projector,
refer to the table of ESC/VP21 command codes on page 67.
Menu
button
Menu
navigation
buttons

18 Setting Up the Projector
Connecting the Cables
You can connect the projector to any type of video equipment, such as a VCR, DVD player,
digital tuner, cable or satellite box, video game console, camcorder, or digital camera. You can
also connect it to a desktop or laptop PC or Apple®Macintosh®system.
You can connect up to five pieces of video equipment at the same time, using any of the
commercially available cables shown below:
* For details on compatible video formats, see page 65.
Port name Video equipment connection* Computer connection*
HDMI Use an HDMI cable:
Input A Use a component video cable
(with RCA-style connectors):
Connect the cable to the three
component video ports. Match
corresponding colors between the
cable and the ports.
Select YCbCr (NTSC) or YPbPr
(HDTV) as the Input Signal setting
(see page 22).
—
Input B — Use a Mini D-sub, 15-pin monitor
cable to connect to a computer
RGB (monitor) port
S-Video Use an S-video cable: —
Video Use an RCA video cable: —
Component
video ports
RGB port

Setting Up the Projector 19
For best results, connect your video equipment to the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia
Interface) port, if possible. If your equipment doesn’t support HDMI, connect it to one of the
following ports (highest quality listed first): Input A (for component video), S-Video, or
Video (for composite video).
If you connect to the Input A port, be sure to select the correct Input Signal setting for your
equipment, or the image may not display properly (see page 22).
Making Other Connections
Connect the power cable and other cables described below, depending on how you plan to
use the projector.
■Plug the power cable into the projector and a grounded electrical outlet.
Connect video equipment to the
HDMI port or one of these ports
Connect a computer to one
of these ports

20 Setting Up the Projector
■The Trigger out port outputs a 12-volt DC signal
when the projector is turned on. This lets a central
control system monitor whether the projector is on
or off, and can be used to raise or lower your
projection screen automatically when the projector
is in use.
Connect a 3.5-mm mini jack to the port, as shown.
Installing Batteries in the Remote Control
The remote control uses 2 AA 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 2 new AA 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 front or back of the
projector. Make sure you are within 30 feet of the
projector with the remote aimed within a 30° angle
from the infrared receivers.
When you suspect the batteries are weak, take the
remote control to a darkened room and press the illumination button. If the buttons do
not glow red, replace the batteries.