Runco Video Xtreme VX-40d Operation manual

OWNER’S OPERATING MANUAL
VX-40d / VX-50d / VX-60d / VX-80d
Digital Cinema Projectors

Table of Contents
Limited Warranty ..................................................................................................................... v
Preface .................................................................................................................................. viii
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Projector overview ................................................................................................1
1.2 Components ........................................................................................................1
Installation and Setup ............................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Quick Setup .........................................................................................................3
2.2 Installation Considerations ....................................................................................5
2.3 Connecting Sources ...........................................................................................15
2.4 Connecting Communications ..............................................................................18
2.5 Power Connection ..............................................................................................19
Operation ............................................................................................................................... 21
3.1 About the Projector ............................................................................................21
3.2 Using the Remote or Built-in Keypad ...................................................................23
3.3 Navigating the Menus .........................................................................................30
3.4 Using Inputs and Channels .................................................................................34
3.5 Adjusting the Image ............................................................................................39
3.6 Adjusting System Parameters and Advanced Controls .........................................53
3.7 Working with the Lamp .......................................................................................62
3.8 Status Menu ......................................................................................................66
3.9 Error Conditions .................................................................................................67
Maintenance .......................................................................................................................... 71
4.1 Warnings and Safety Guidelines ..........................................................................71
4.2 Cleaning and Maintenance Guide ........................................................................74
4.3 Replacing Remote Batteries ................................................................................75
4.4 Lamp and Filter Replacement .............................................................................75
4.5 Replacing the Projection Lens .............................................................................78
5.1 Displays .............................................................................................................81
5.2 Lamp .................................................................................................................83
Specifications ........................................................................................................................ 85
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Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual

Table of Contents (continued)
Glossary ................................................................................................................................. 93
Serial Communications Cables ............................................................................................ 99
Throw Distance .................................................................................................................... 101
Optional Input Modules ...................................................................................................... 103
iv Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual

TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
For Projectors, Video Processors and Controllers
Congratulations on your purchase of a Runco video product and welcome to the Runco family! We believe
Runco produces “The World’s Finest Home Theater Products”. With proper installation, setup and care, you
should enjoy many years of unparalleled video performance.
This is a LIMITED WARRANTY as defined in the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Please read it carefully and
retain it with your other important documents.
SERVICE LABOR: Runco will pay for service labor by a Runco Authorized Service Center when needed as
a result of manufacturing defect for a period of two (2) years from the effective date of delivery to the end
user (excluding the lamp).
PARTS: (Not including the lamp) Runco will provide new or rebuilt replacement parts for the parts that fail
due to defects in materials or workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the effective date of delivery
to the end user. Such replacement parts are then subsequently warranted for the remaining portion (if any)
of the original warranty period.
PROJECTOR LAMP: Runco will pay for service labor by a Runco Authorized Service Center when needed as
a result of a manufacturing defect for a period of six (6) months or 1000 hours, which ever comes first, from
the effective date of delivery to the end user. In addition, Runco will provide a new or rebuilt replacement lamp
for the lamp that fails due to defects in materials or workmanship for a period of six (6) months or 1000 hours,
which ever comes first, from the effective date of delivery to the end user. Such replacement lamps are then
subsequently warranted for the remaining portion (if any) of the original warranty period.
This Limited Warranty only covers failure due to defects in materials and workmanship that occur during
normal use and does not cover normal maintenance. This Limited Warranty does not cover cabinets or any
appearance items; failure resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, mishandling, misapplication,
faulty or improper installation or setup adjustments; improper maintenance, alteration, improper use of any
input signal; damage due to lightning or power line surges, spikes and brownouts; damage that occurs
during shipping or transit; or damage that is attributed to acts of God. In the case of remote control units,
damage resulting from leaking, old, damaged or improper batteries is also excluded from coverage under
this Limited Warranty.
CAUTION: THIS LIMITED WARRANTY ONLY COVERS RUNCO PRODUCTS PURCHASED FROM RUNCO
AUTHORIZED DEALERS. ALL OTHER PRODUCTS ARE SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED FROM COVERAGE
UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. MOREOVER, DAMAGE RESULTING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM
IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR SETUP IS SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED FROM COVERAGE UNDER THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY:
WHAT IS COVERED UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY:
v
Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual v

Runco limits its obligations under any implied warranties under state laws to a period not to exceed the warranty
period. There are no express warranties. Runco also excludes any obligation on its part for incidental or consequential
damages related to the failure of this product to function properly. Some states do not allow limitations on how long
an implied warranty lasts, and some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages. So the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.
This warranty begins on the effective date of delivery to the end user. For your convenience, keep the original bill of
sale as evidence of the purchase date.
Please fill out and mail your warranty registration card. It is imperative that Runco knows how to reach you promptly
if we should discover a safety problem or product update for which you must be notified.
Repairs made under the terms of this Limited Warranty covering your Runco video product will be performed at the
location of the product, during usual working hours, providing location of product is within normal operating distance
from a Runco Authorized Service Center. In some instances it may be necessary for the product to be returned to the
Runco factory for repairs. If, solely in Runco’s judgment, location of product to be repaired is beyond normal operating
distance of the closest Runco Authorized Service Center, or the repair requires the unit be returned to the Runco factory,
it is the owner’s responsibility to arrange for shipment of the product for repair. These arrangements must be made
through the selling Runco Dealer. If this is not possible, contact Runco directly for a Return Authorization number and
shipping instructions. Runco will return product transportation prepaid in the United States, unless no product defect is
discovered. In that instance, shipping costs will be the responsibility of the owner.
COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARKS
© Copyright 2005 Runco International. This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright.
All rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced by any mechanical, electronic or other
means, in any form, without prior written permission of the manufacturer.
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
RIGHTS, LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS:
EFFECTIVE WARRANTY DATE:
IMPORTANT: WARRANTY REGISTRATION:
CONTACT A RUNCO AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER TO OBTAIN SERVICE:
vi

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
To locate the name and address of the nearest Runco Authorized Service Center, or for additional information about
this Limited Warranty, please call or write:
RUNCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Attn: Customer Service Department
2900 Faber Street
Union City, CA 94587
Ph: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Toll Free: (800) 23-RUNCO
RUNCO VIDEO PRODUCT INFORMATION
RETAIN THIS INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS
Model Purchased Date
Serial Number
Runco Authorized Dealer Name
Address
City State/Province Postal Code
Phone Fax
vii

viii Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Preface
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This manual is designed for use with the VX-40d, VX-50d, VX-60d and VX-80d
projectors. Information in this document has been carefully checked for accuracy;
however, no guarantee is given to the correctness of the contents. The information
in this document is subject to change without notice.
COPYRIGHT
© Copyright 2005 Runco International
This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. All rights are
reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced by any mechanical, electronic or
other means, in any form, with out prior written permission of the manufacturer
TRADEMARKS
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
FCC COMPLIANCE
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Introduction
The Runco VX-40d, VX-50d, VX-60d and VX-80d Video Xtreme™ projectors are
professional 3-chip projectors based on next-generation Digital Light Processing™
(DLP™) technology by Texas Instruments™. These projectors are compatible with
standard international video formats and can interface with IBM®-compatible PC,
Macintosh® computers and workstations. All models deliver high-brightness, high-
resolution and high-quality images. Runco Video Xtreme™ projectors are an ideal choice
for most exclusive home theaters.
Key Features
• Native SXGA+ resolution (1400 x 1050,
fully scaleable)
• 10-bit video processing
• Built-in multi-standard video decoder
• Replaceable Xenon lamp
• Motorized lens mount
• Auto-setup feature
• Status LED display on built-in keypad for easy projector status monitoring
• Control with IR or built-in keypad
Refer to Section 6 for a complete list of specifications including brightness and
contrast.
How the Projector Works
The projector accepts video input signals for projection onto front or rear flat screens.
High-brightness light is generated by an internal Xenon lamp then modulated by
three Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) panels that provide digitized red, green or blue
color information. Light from the “on” pixels of each panel is reflected, converged
and then projected to the screen through a single front lens, where all pixels are
perfectly superimposed as a sharp full-color image.
The following listed items are shipped with your projector. Ensure you have received all
these items before using your projector.
• Owner’s Operating Manual (this document)
• Programmable theater master remote (includes four, 1.5V AAA batteries)
• Power cord
• Warranty Card
1.1 Projector overview
1.2 Components
SECTION 1

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Section 1: Introduction
This page is intentionally left blank.

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Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Installation and Setup
SECTION 2
The instructions provided here are for those that are familiar with the projector and wish
to quickly set it up and use it temporarily. Refer to the remaining subsections of this
manual for a more complete setup.
Install the Projection Lens
The projection lens is shipped separately from the projector and must be installed prior to
setting up the projector. Install the projection lens as described in Section 4.5, Replacing
the Projection Lens.
Remove the lens plug from the lens opening in the projector before installing the
lens.
Remove the lens when shipping the projector and reuse the lens plug to prevent
dust and debris from entering and settling on critical optical components.
Position the Projector
Place the projector on a sturdy, level surface and position it so that it is perpendicular to
the screen at a suitable distance. In general, the further back the projector is positioned
from the screen, the larger the image will be.
If required, you can level the projector by adjusting its three feet. With the projector
positioned perpendicular to the screen the image will appear rectangular and not
keystoned.
For more detailed instructions on positioning the projector, refer to Projector Position and
Mounting later in this section.
Connect a Source
Located at the back of the projector is the input panel where all source connections are
made. Each input is clearly labeled for easy identification. Using the appropriate cable(s),
connect your source. Connect RGB and YPbPr sources to INPUT 1 located in the upper
right corner of the input panel. Use the DVI-I connector at INPUT 2 to connect analog
or digital display signals. INPUTS 3 and 4 (Composite and S-Video) are available but
generally not used since these signals would be input to the included DHD Controller.
NOTE: One of the available optional input modules can be installed at INPUT 5 or
INPUT 6 for additional connections.
Refer to Section 2.3, Connecting Sources, for more details on connecting a specific
source.
2.1 Quick Setup
➤
Step 1
➤
Step 2
➤
Step 3

4Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Section 2: Installation and Setup
Connect the Power Cord
NOTE: The North American rated power cord is provided with each projector.
Plug the power cord to the AC receptacle located on the right hand side of the projector
and the 3-pronged end into a grounded AC outlet. The input voltage to the projector must
be between 100 and 240 VAC in 1000W models (VX-40d and VX-60d) and between 200
and 240VAC in 1200W models (VX-50d and VX-80d). Refer to Section 6, Specifications,
for complete details on all power requirements.
Use the approved North American-rated power cord supplied with the projector. If you are
connecting to an area outside of North America make sure you are using an appropriately
rated power cord.
Turn the Projector ON
Press the POWER button on either the remote or built-in keypad to turn the projector
on, or turn the power on the DHD Controller (after fully connecting it to the projector),
which will also turn on the projector. Wait a few minutes to allow the projector to warm up.
The LED status window displays an active pattern of segments to indicate the projector is
changing its state from powered down to powered up. The message “On” appears in the
display when the projector has completed its initialization and is ready for use.
Select a Source
Press one of the input keys on the remote or built-in keypad to select and display the
image for the source. With the DHD Controller, this would be either RGB (Input 1) or DVI
(Input 2).
Adjust Image
To perform an “Auto-setup,” press FUNCS, then AUTO followed by Enter to initiate an
automated process in which the projector optimizes critical display parameters such as
size, position, pixel tracking etc. for the selected source. Press Enter again to keep the
new settings.
NOTE: You can also access the menu system and adjust these and other image settings
by pressing MENU on the remote.
Step 4 ➤
Step 5 ➤
Step 6 ➤
Step 7 ➤

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Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Section 2: Installation and Setup
Proper installation of your projector will ensure the quality of your display. Whether you
are installing a projector temporarily or permanently you should take the following into
account to ensure your projector performs optimally.
Choose the installation type that best suits your needs: front or rear screen, floor mount
or inverted mount.
Front Screen, Floor Mount Installation
Advantages Considerations
• Easy to set up
• Can be moved or changed quickly
• Easy to access
• Shares floor space with audience
Front Screen, Inverted Mount (ceiling) Installation
Advantages Considerations
• Does not take up audience space
• Projector is unobtrusive
• Projector cannot be accidentally moved
• Installation is more permanent
• It is more difficult to access the projector
Rear Screen, Floor Mount Installation
Advantages Considerations
• Projector is completely hidden
• Projector is easily accessed
• Usually good ambient light rejection
• Requires separate room
• Installation cost is usually higher
Rear Screen, Inverted Mount (ceiling) Installation
Advantages Considerations
• Projector is completely hidden
• Usually good ambient light rejection
• Requires separate room
• Installation cost is usually higher
Rear Screen, Floor Mount with Mirror
Advantages Considerations
• Projector is completely hidden
• Usually good ambient light rejection
• Requires less space behind screen than other
rear screen installations
• Requires separate room
• Installation cost is usually higher
Front Screen Installations
In front-screen installations, the projector and audience are positioned in front of the
screen, which can be flat or curved.
Flat screens are recommended with this projector. They offer a gain of about 1 with
a viewing angle just less than 180°. This type of screen reflects incident light equally
in all directions so the audience can see the display from various angles.
Curved screens have a gain greater than 1 with a viewing angle much less than 180°.
This type of screen does not reflect incident light equally in all directions; instead,
it is concentrated in a viewing cone. The audience sitting within the viewing cone
area sees a brighter image than those sitting just outside this area. Runco generally
does not recommend use of curved screens with the Video Xtreme series, due to
excessive brightness and uncorrectable geometrical distortion.
2.2 Installation
Considerations
➤
Screen Type

6Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Section 2: Installation and Setup
Rear screen installations
There are two basic types of rear screens: diffused and optical.
A diffusion screen has a surface which spreads the light striking it. Purely diffused screens
have a gain of less than 1. The main advantage of the diffused screen is its wide viewing
angle, similar to that of a flat screen for front screen projection. This type of screen is
suitable when a wide viewing angle is required but there is low ambient room lighting.
Optical screens take light from the projector and redirect it to increase the light intensity at
the front of the screen. This reduces it in other areas. A viewing cone similar to that of a
curved, front-screen installation is created. This type of screen is better suited for brightly
lit rooms where the audience is situated within the viewing cone.
Screen size
Choose a screen size that is appropriate for your lens and application. The size of the
room and viewing distance are the defining factors; a rule of thumb is that the primary
viewing distance be 1.5 times the screen width.
To fill a screen with an image, the aspect ratio of the screen should be equal to the aspect
ratio of the image (expressed as the ratio of its width to its height). Standard video from
a VCR has a 4:3 or 1.33:1 aspect ratio. For example, to display a VCR output with a 4:3
aspect ratio onto a 10-foot (3m) high screen, the width of the screen must be at least 13.3
feet (4m).

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Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Section 2: Installation and Setup
The high brightness of this projector is well suited for locations where ambient lighting
might be considered less than ideal for projection. A typical room with ceiling lights and
windows rarely requires special attention. Contrast ratio in your images will be noticeably
reduced only if light directly strikes the screen, such as when a shaft of light from a
window or floodlight falls on the image. Images may then appear washed out and less
vibrant.
In general, avoid or eliminate light sources directed at the screen.
Other considerations and tips that can help improve your installation:
• Keep the ambient temperature constant and below 35°C (95°F). Keep the projector
away from heating and/or air conditioning vents. Changes in temperature may
cause drifts in the projector circuitry, which may affect performance.
• Keep the projector away from devices that radiate electromagnetic energy such
as motors and transformers. Common sources of these include slide projectors,
speakers, power amplifiers, elevators, etc.
Throw distance
Throw distance is the distance measured from the projector’s lens to the screen. This
is an important calculation in any projector installation, as it determines whether or
not you have enough room to install your projector with a desired screen size and if
your image will be of the right size for your screen.
You can quickly estimate the throw distance by taking the width of the screen and
multiplying it by the lens throw ratio. See Figure 2.1. The result of this calculation tells
you roughly how far back the projector should be positioned from the screen in order to
project a focused image large enough to fill the screen. For example, using a 0.75:1 lens,
throw distance would roughly be 0.75 x screen width.
➤
Ambient Light
➤
Other Considerations
➤
Projector Position
and Mounting
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
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
Figure 2.1 Estimating Throw Distance

8Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Section 2: Installation and Setup
Vertical and horizontal position
The correct vertical and horizontal position of the projector in relation to the screen
depends on the lens type and the screen size. Ideally, the projector should be positioned
perpendicular to the screen. This way, the image will appear rectangular instead of
keystoned (trapezoidal).
The vertical position of the image can be offset – that is, moved above or below
the optical axis (lens center) – by adjusting the fully motorized lens mount using the
keypad. The amount of vertical offset available depends directly on the lens installed
in the projector and can be slightly limited if horizontal offset has been applied.
Vertical offset can also be expressed as the percent of half the image height OR the
number of pixels of shift from lens center. See Figure 2.2 for some illustrated examples
of vertical offset.
Figure 2.2 Examples of Vertical Offset

9
Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Section 2: Installation and Setup
Table 2.1, Table 2.2 and Figure 2.3 show the maximum vertical offset of a lens or
alternatively, how much of your projected image will appear above or below lens center if
the maximum vertical offset is applied using that lens.
Table 2.1 Lens Offsets for the VX-40d / VX-50d
% Offset = # pixels of offset / half panel resolution x 100.
Lens Type
Vertical Offset
(% of Half Height)
Maximum amount of
projected image above
or below lens center
Horizontal Offset
(% of Half Width)
Maximum amount of
projected image to one
side of lens center
% Pixels % Pixels % Pixels % Pixels
0.8:1 fixed 37% +/-196 69% +/-721 22% +/-153 61% +/-853
1.6 - 2.0:1 zoom 100% +/-525 100% +/-1050 50% +/-350 75% +/-1050
2.0 - 2.7:1 zoom 100% +/-525 100% +/-1050 50% +/-350 75% +/-1050
2.7 - 5.0:1 zoom 100% +/-525 100% +/-1050 50% +/-350 75% +/-1050
5.0 - 8.0:1 zoom 100% +/-525 100% +/-1050 50% +/-350 75% +/-1050
Table 2.2 Lens Offsets for the VX-60d / VX-80d
% Offset = # pixels of offset / half panel resolution x 100.
Lens Type
Vertical Offset
(% of Half Height)
Maximum amount of
projected image above
or below lens center
Horizontal Offset
(% of Half Width)
Maximum amount of
projected image to one
side of lens center
% Pixels % Pixels % Pixels % Pixels
0.73:1 fixed 37% +/-196 69% +/-721 22% +/-153 61% +/-853
1.45 - 1.8:1 zoom 100% +/-525 100% +/-1050 50% +/-350 75% +/-1050
1.8 - 2.5:1 zoom 100% +/-525 100% +/-1050 50% +/-350 75% +/-1050
2.5 - 4.5:1 zoom 100% +/-525 100% +/-1050 50% +/-350 75% +/-1050
4.5 - 7.3:1 zoom 100% +/-525 100% +/-1050 50% +/-350 75% +/-1050

10 Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Section 2: Installation and Setup
Vertical Offset for 0.73:1 Fixed Lens
Vertical Offset for 1.6 - 2.0:1, 2.0 - 2.7:1, 2.7 - 5.0:1, 5.0 - 8.0:1 Zoom Lens
Figure 2.3 Lens Vertical Offsets

11
Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Section 2: Installation and Setup
The horizontal position of the image can be offset – that is, moved to the left or right of
lens center – by adjusting the fully motorized lens mount. The amount of horizontal offset
available depends on the lens installed and if the image has already been vertically offset.
Horizontal offset can also be expressed as the percent of half the image width – the
number of pixels of shift to one side of lens center. See Figure 2.4 for some illustrated
examples of horizontal offset.
Also refer to Tables 2.1, Table 2.2 and Figure 2.5, which shows the maximum horizontal
offset of a lens or alternatively, how much of your projected image will appear to one side
of lens center if the maximum horizontal offset is applied using that lens.
Figure 2.4 Horizontal Offset Examples

12 Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Section 2: Installation and Setup
Figure 2.5 Horizontal Offset Examples
Horizontal Offset for 0.73:1 Fixed Lens
Horizontal Offset for 1.6 - 2.0:1, 2.0 - 2.7:1, 2.7 - 5.0:1, 5.0 - 8.0:1 Zoom Lens
horizontal
Horizontal