Epson PowerLite Cinema 500 User manual

EPSON®PowerLite®Cinema 500
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.
EPSON and 3LCD are registered trademarks of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
EPSON Extra Care, EPSON Connection and EPSON Store are service marks, and PrivateLine and PowerLite are
registered trademarks of Epson America, Inc.
DCDi is a registered trademark of Faroudja, a division of Genesis Microchip, Inc.
HDMI, the HDMI logo, and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of
HDMI Licensing, LLC.
Pixelworks and DNX are trademarks 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.
Copyright © 2005 by Epson America, Inc. 1/05
CPD-17304R3
front.fm Page 2 Thursday, January 13, 2005 3:58 PM

3
Contents
Introduction 7
Registration and Warranty 7
Projector Parts 8
Projection Controls 9
Optional Accessories 10
Using This Manual 11
Getting More Information 11
Setting Up the Projector 13
Choosing a Location 13
Connecting the Cables 15
Making Other Connections 16
Installing the Cable Cover 17
Displaying and Adjusting the Image 18
Focusing and Zooming the Image 18
Inverting and Mirroring the Image 19
Selecting the Input Signal Setting 19
Positioning the Image 20
Performing Keystone Correction 20
Basic Operation 21
Turning On the Projector 21
Turning the Projector Off 22
Selecting the Image Source 22
Choosing the Aspect Ratio 23
Choosing the Color Mode 24
Locking the Projector 25

4Contents
Making Adjustments 27
Using the Menu System 27
Changing How the Menu Displays 28
Adjusting the Image Quality 29
Brightness and Contrast Settings 29
Sharpness and Picture Quality Settings 31
Color Settings 32
Adjustments for Computer Images 33
Saving and Resetting Menu Selections 34
Creating Memory Settings 34
Recalling Memory Settings 34
Resetting the Projector 35
Customizing Projector Features 36
Image Sizing 36
Screen Options 37
Connectivity 38
Other Setup Options 38
Using Cinema Color Editor 41
Setting Up Your Computer 41
System Requirements 41
Installing the Software 42
Connecting With a Serial or USB Cable 43
Connecting With a Network Cable 44
Using Cinema Color Editor 45
Remote Control Operations 46
Adjusting the Picture Quality 47
Adjusting the Color 48
Saving and Recalling Picture Settings 49
Managing Your Settings 51

Contents 5
Maintenance 53
Cleaning the Lens 53
Cleaning the Projector Case 53
Cleaning and Replacing the Air Filter 54
Changing the Remote Control’s Batteries 55
Storing the Projector 55
Transporting the Projector 56
Replacing the Lamp 56
Resetting the Lamp Usage Timer 58
Checking the Projector Status 58
Problem Solving 59
What To Do When the Lights Flash 59
Solving Picture Problems 60
Solving Remote Control Problems 64
Where To Get Help 65
Specifications 67
General 67
Lamp 67
Remote Control 67
Dimensions 68
Electrical 68
Environmental 68
Safety 68
Compatible Video Formats 69
Image Size and Aspect Ratio Settings 70

6Contents
Notices 73
Important Safety Information 73
Remote Control Information 74
FCC Compliance Statement 75
Declaration of Conformity 76
Epson America, Inc., Limited Warranty 76
Index 79

7
Introduction
The EPSON®PowerLite®Cinema 500 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:
■1280 ×720 resolution, 1200:1 contrast ratio, and up to 1000 lumens for incredibly rich,
sharp images
■DCDi®technology by Faroudja and PixelworksTM Digital Natural ExpressionTM
technology to make moving images appear clear and lifelike
■HDMITM port for superior, uncompressed digital video
■True 16:9 wide-format projection
■Flexible setup configurations, including front or rear projection and ceiling mounted,
with a screen trigger port to automatically raise and lower your projection screen
■Adjustable color modes to quickly optimize viewing for different lighting environments,
and Cinema Color Editor software for making fine custom color adjustments
■Vertical and horizontal lensshift to position the image without distortion, and electronic
zoom and focus for precise image adjustment
■Parental control using the projector’s Operation Lock
Registration and Warranty
The EPSON PowerLite Cinema 500 comes with a basic two-year carry-in warranty. For
details, see page 76.
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.

8Projector Parts
Projector Parts
Control panel
Ventilation slots
Lens cover
Vertical lens shift knob
Adjustable foot
Video port
HDMI port
Input A ports
AC power inlet
Infrared receiver
Kensington®
lock port
Infrared receiver
D4 port (used
mainly in
Japan)
Network port
Lamp cover
Horizontal lens shift knob
S-Video port
Control (RS-232C) port
USB port
Trigger out port
Input B ports

Projection Controls 9
Projection Controls
Power button
Lamp light
Keystone correction buttons
Corrects the shape of a non-rectangular image
Menu navigation
buttons Source button
Switches the video input source
Esc button
Exits the current menu item
Aspect button
Changes the picture’s
aspect ratio
Source buttons
Switch between equipment
connected to the projector
Color Mode button
Optimizes viewing for
different lighting environments
On/Off buttons
Memory button
Recalls custom picture settings
Menu navigation buttons
Pattern button
Displays test patterns to adjust
the image Zoom and Focus buttons
Menu button
Displays the projector’s menus
Zoom button
Menu button
Displays the on-screen menu
Focus
button
Aspect button
Changes the picture’s aspect ratio
ESC button
Exits the current menu item
Blank button
Turns off the screen image
Illumination button
Lights the buttons on the remote
control
Menu selection/Line menu
Selects menu items or opens
Line Menu
Temperature
light

10 Optional Accessories
Optional Accessories
EPSON provides the following optional accessories for the projector:
You can purchase many of these accessories from your dealer, by calling EPSON
at [phone], or by visiting the EPSON StoreSM at www.epsonstore.com
(U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call [phone] for dealer referral.
Product Part number
Replacement lamp (ELPLP28) V13H010L28
Air filter replacement (ELPAF04) V13H134A04
Ceiling mount ELPHB01
Kensington security lock ELPSL01
Macintosh®adapter set (includes monitor adapter
and desktop adapter) ELPAP01
S-video cable ELPSV01

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, 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.
Getting More Information
Need additional help? Take advantage of EPSON’s automated support services 24 hours a
day at http://support.epson.com. Use this site to download FAQs 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.

12 Using This Manual

13
Setting Up the Projector
Follow the instructions in this section to choose a location for the projector, connect the
cables, and display and adjust the image.
Choosing a Location
You can install the projector for various viewing setups, as shown below.
If you install the projector in a rear or overhead position, you’ll need to flip and/or mirror the
image by selecting the correct Projection option (see page 19). For overhead projection, you’ll
also need to install the optional ceiling mount bracket (see page 10 for ordering information).
For all setups, it’s best to 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 knob 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 20).
Front
Front/Ceiling
Rear
Rear/Ceiling

14 Choosing a Location
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 knob to center the image. Do not place the projector
farther to the left or right than the edge of the screen, or you will not be able to project a
square (or rectangular) image.
The maximum size of the image is determined by the distance from the projector’s lens to the
screen. Depending on how you use the Zoom and other settings, the actual size may be
smaller. Use this table as a rough guide for projector placement:
Also keep these considerations in mind:
■Make sure there isplenty 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 10 feet of a grounded electrical outlet or extension cord.
Projection distance Maximum image size (16:9)
2.9 feet 30 in. (26 ×14 in.)
3.9 feet 40 in. (34 ×19 in.)
5.9 feet 60 in. (52 ×29 in.)
7.9 feet 80 in. (69 ×39 in.)
9.9 feet 100 in. (87 ×49 in.)
19.9 feet 200 in. (174 ×98 in.)
29.9 feet 300 in. (261 ×147 in.)
Vertical lens shift knob
Horizontal lens shift knob

Connecting the Cables 15
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:
Note: For details on compatible video formats, see page 69.
Port name Video equipment connection Computer connection
HDMI Use an HDMI cable: Use an HDMI cable:
Input A or
Input B Use a component video cable (with RCA-style connectors):
Connect the cable to the three
component video terminals on the
left, as shown. Be sure to match
corresponding colors between the
cable and the terminals.
Select YCbCr, YPbPr, or
RGB-Video as the Input Signal
setting (see page 19).
Use a VGA-to-BNC monitor cable,
and attach RCA adapters to each
of the five BNC connectors:
When connecting the cable, use
the marking on each connector as
a guide to match it to the correct
terminal on the projector.
Select RGB as the Input Signal
setting (see page 19).
S-Video Use an S-video cable: —
Video Use an RCA video cable: —
Component
video terminals

16 Connecting the Cables
For best results, connect your video equipment to the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia
Interface) port, if possible. Ifyour equipment doesn’t support HDMI, connect it to one of the
following ports (highest quality listed first): Input A or B (for component video), S-Video, or
Video (for composite video).
If you connect to the Input A or B port, be sure to select the correct Input Signal setting for
your equipment, or the image may not display properly (see page 19).
Making Other Connections
Connect the power cable and other cables described below, depending on how you plan to
use the projector.
■Power cable
Plug the power cable into the projector and a grounded electrical outlet. The Ppower
light on the projector’s control panel turns orange when the projector is receiving power
and is in standby mode.
Connect video equipment to one of these ports
Connect a computer to one of these ports

Connecting the Cables 17
■Control (RS-232C), USB, or network port
Connect a computer to one of these ports to use the Cinema Color Editor software.
See pages 43 and 44 for details.
Caution: Be sure to install the Cinema Color Editor software before connecting a USB cable.
See page 42.
■Trigger out port
This 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, andcanbe usedtoraise
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 the Cable Cover
Once you’ve connected all the cables, you can install the cover to conceal them from view.
1. Turn the projector upside-down.
2. Press the cover firmly into place, as shown.
3. Tighten the thumbscrewson thecover, then
return the projector to its upright position.
Note: If the projector is to be ceiling-mounted, you can change the direction of the EPSON logo
plate. Use the eraser-end of a pencil or similar tool to push in on the side of the plate closer to the
ventilation slots. Rotate the plate as needed, then press it back into place.

18 Displaying and Adjusting the Image
Displaying and Adjusting the Image
Make sure your video or computer equipment is turned on, then turn on the projector as
described on page 21. If necessary, select the correct source to displaythe image(see page 22).
Note: If you turn on the connected equipment before starting the projector, the projector
automatically detects and displays the image. If you turn on the projector first, or have multiple
pieces of connected equipment, you may have to select the source manually.
If an image does not appear, check the troubleshooting tips on page 61.
Focusing and Zooming the Image
Follow the steps below to adjust the sharpness or size of the image.
Note: Before starting, you may want to display a test pattern to facilitate adjustment. Press the
Pattern button on the remote control, then select Cross-hatching.
1. Press the Focus or Zoom button on the projector or remote control.
You see this screen:
2. Use the arrow buttons to adjust the image.
Note: If you use the remote control, you can stand close to the screen while focusing the
image. This lets you adjust the picture more precisely.
3. Press ESC when done.

Displaying and Adjusting the Image 19
Inverting and Mirroring the Image
If the image is displayed upside-down or backward, select the correct Projection option:
1. Press the Menu button on the remote control.
2. Use the menu navigation buttons to open the Setting
menu, then open the Screen menu, and then select
Projection.
3. Choose from these options:
■Front if the projector is located in front of the
screen (for example, on a table).
■Front/Ceiling if the projector is located in front
of the screen and mounted overhead.
■Rear if the projector is located behind the screen.
■Rear/Ceiling if the projector is located behind
the screen and mounted overhead.
Selecting the Input Signal Setting
If you’re using the projector’s Input A or Input B port, select the correct setting for the type of
equipment you’ve connected to it:
1. Press the Menu button on the remote control.
2. Use the menu navigation buttons to open the Setting menu, then open the Input Signal
menu, and then select Input A or Input B (depending on the port to which you’ve
connected the equipment).
3. Choose from these options:
■YCbCr if your video player outputs an NTSC signal.
■YPbPr if your video player outputs an HDTV signal.
■RGB-Video if your video player outputs an RGB video signal.
■RGB if the image is coming from a computer.
Note: If you’re unsure which setting to use, check the label next to the port on your video
equipment.
Menu
button
Menu
navigation
buttons

20 Displaying and Adjusting the Image
Positioning the Image
If the image is not centered on the screen, use the horizontal and vertical lens shift knobs to
adjust its position.
Note: You can display a test pattern to facilitate adjustment. Press the Pattern button on the
remote control, then select Cross-hatching.
If you still needto raise the height of the image after using the vertical lens shift knob, lift the
front of the projector and rotate the adjustable feet until the image is positioned correctly.
You can also use the feet to correct the angle of the image if it’s tilted.
Performing Keystone Correction
If the projected image looks like or , use the Keystone function to correct its shape.
Note: If the image is shaped like or , the projector has been placed off to the side of the
screen and angled toward it. Face the projector straight ahead (instead of at the center of the
screen), then use the horizontal lens shift knob to center the image.
To perform keystone correction, press the arrow buttons
on the projector, or access the menu system as follows:
1. Press the Menu button on the remote control.
2. Use the menu navigation buttons to open the Setting
menu, then open the Screen menu, and then select
Keystone.
3. Use the arrow buttons to adjust the shape of the
image.
4. Press the Menu button when done.
Adjustable feet
Vertical lens shift knob
Horizontal lens shift knob
Menu
button
Menu
navigation
buttons