Sony VPL-DX131 User manual

4-576-549-01 (1)
© 2015 Sony Corporation
Data
Projector
Operating Instructions
Before operating the unit, please read this manual and supplied Quick Reference Manual
thoroughly and retain it for future reference.
VPL-DX131/DX111
Not all models are available in all countries and area. Please check
with your local Sony Authorized Dealer.

2
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric
shock, do not expose this apparatus
to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not
open the cabinet. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel only.
WARNING
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE
EARTHED.
WARNING
When installing the unit, incorporate a
readily accessible disconnect device in the
fixed wiring, or connect the power plug to an
easily accessible socket-outlet near the unit.
If a fault should occur during operation of
the unit, operate the disconnect device to
switch the power supply off, or disconnect
the power plug.
WARNING
1Use the approved Power Cord (3-core
mains lead) / Appliance Connector / Plug
with earthing-contacts that conforms to
the safety regulations of each country if
applicable.
2Use the Power Cord (3-core mains lead) /
Appliance Connector / Plug conforming
to the proper ratings (Voltage, Ampere).
If you have questions on the use of the above
Power Cord / Appliance Connector / Plug,
please consult a qualified service personnel.
IMPORTANT
The nameplate is located on the bottom.
For the customers in Taiwan only

3
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Precautions .........................................4
On safety .......................................4
Safety precautions for installing
the unit on a ceiling ...................5
On Installation ..............................5
On cleaning the lens and the
cabinet .......................................6
On Illumination ............................6
On Heat Dissipation .....................6
On Screen .....................................6
On Fan ..........................................6
On Lamp .......................................6
For carrying ..................................6
On LCD Projector ........................7
On Condensation ..........................7
Checking the Supplied Accessories ...8
Installing Batteries ........................8
Overview
Location and Function of Controls ....9
Main Unit .....................................9
Terminals ....................................10
Remote Commander and Control
Panel Keys ...............................11
Preparation
Connecting the Projector ..................13
Connecting a Computer ..............13
Connecting a Video
equipment ................................14
Projecting/Adjusting an
Image
Projecting an Image ......................... 15
Adjusting the Projected
image ...................................... 16
Turning Off the Power ............... 19
Adjustments and Settings
Using a Menu
Using a MENU ................................ 20
The Picture Menu ............................ 21
The Screen Menu ............................. 22
The Function Menu ......................... 24
The Operation Menu ........................ 25
The Connection/Power Menu .......... 26
The Installation Menu ...................... 27
The Information Menu .................... 28
Others
Indicators ......................................... 29
Messages List .................................. 30
Troubleshooting ............................... 31
Replacing the Lamp ......................... 33
Cleaning the Air Filter ..................... 35
Specifications ................................... 36
Projection Distance .......................... 40
Dimensions ...................................... 43
Index ................................................ 46

4Precautions
Precautions
• Check that the operating voltage of your
unit is identical with the voltage of your
local power supply. If voltage adaptation
is required, consult with qualified Sony
personnel.
• Should any liquid or solid object fall into
the cabinet, unplug the unit and have it
checked by qualified Sony personnel
before operating it further.
• Unplug the unit from the wall outlet if it is
not to be used for several days.
• To disconnect the cord, pull it out by the
plug. Never pull the cord itself.
• The wall outlet should be near the unit and
easily accessible.
• The unit is not disconnected from the AC
power source (mains) as long as it is
connected to the wall outlet, even if the
unit itself has been turned off.
• Do not look into the lens while the lamp is
on.
• Do not place your hand or objects near the
ventilation holes — the air coming out is
hot.
• Be careful not to catch your fingers by the
front foot when you adjust the height of
the unit. Do not push hard on the top of the
unit with the front foot out.
• Avoid using an extension cord with a low
voltage limited since it may cause the
short-circuit and physical incidents.
• Do not catch your finger between the unit
and surface of the floor when moving the
projector installed on the floor.
• Do not carry the projector with the cabinet
on and with its cover open.
• Do not install the unit in a location near
heat sources such as radiators or air ducts,
or in a place subject to direct sunlight,
excessive dust or humidity, mechanical
vibration or shock.
• Never mount the projector on the ceiling
or move it by yourself. Be sure to consult
with qualified Sony personnel (charged).
• If the ventilation holes are blocked,
internal heat builds up, and it may cause a
fire or damage the unit. To allow adequate
air circulation and prevent internal heat
build-up, follow the items below:
• Leave space around the unit (page 5).
• Avoid using something to cover the
ventilation holes (exhaust/intake).
• Do not place the unit on surfaces such as
an original packing sheet, soft cloth,
papers, rugs, or scraps of paper. The
ventilation holes may take in such
materials.
• Do not place any object just in front of the
lens that may block the light during
projection. Heat from the light may
damage the object. Use the picture muting
function to cut off the picture.
On safety

5
Precautions
• Do not use the Security bar for the purpose
of preventing theft for transporting or
installing the unit. If you lift the unit by the
Security bar or hang the unit by this bar, it
may cause the unit to fall and be damaged,
and may result in personal injury.
For dealers
• Be sure to secure the cabinet cover firmly
when installing to the ceiling firmly.
• Never mount the projector on the ceiling
or move it by yourself. Be sure to consult
the store where you purchased the
projector or a dedicated installer.
• When installing the unit on a ceiling, be
sure to use a safety wire, etc., to prevent
the unit from falling. For the installation,
be sure to consult the store where you
purchased the projector or a dedicated
installer.
• When installing the unit, leave space
between any walls, etc. and the unit as
illustrated.
• Avoid using if the unit is tilted more than
15 degrees horizontally.
• Avoid using the unit in a location where
the temperature or humidity is very high,
or temperature is very low.
• Avoid installing the unit in a location
subject to direct cool or warm air from an
air-conditioner. Installing in such a
location may cause malfunction of the unit
due to moisture condensation or rise in
temperature.
• Avoid installing the unit in a location near
a heat or smoke sensor. Installing in such a
location may cause malfunction of the
sensor.
• Avoid installing the unit in a very dusty or
extremely smoky environment.
Otherwise, the air filter will become
obstructed, and this may cause a
malfunction of the unit or damage it.
Safety precautions for
installing the unit on a ceiling
On Installation
More than 10 cm
(4 inches)
More than
30 cm
(11 7/8
inches)
More than
30 cm
(
11
7/8
inches)
15°
15°

6Precautions
• When using the unit at an altitude of 1,500
m or higher, set “High Altitude Mode” to
“On” in the Installation menu. Failing to
set this mode when using the unit at high
altitudes could have adverse effects, such
as reducing the reliability of certain
components.
• Be sure to disconnect the AC power cord
from the AC outlet before cleaning.
• If you rub on the unit with a stained cloth,
the cabinet may be scratched.
• If the unit is exposed to volatile materials
such as insecticide, or the unit is in contact
with a rubber or vinyl resin product for a
long period of time, the unit may
deteriorate or the coating may come off.
• Do not touch the lens with bare hands.
• On cleaning the lens surface:
Wipe the lens gently with a soft cloth, such
as a glass cleaning cloth. Stubborn stains
may be removed with a soft cloth lightly
dampened with water. Never use solvent
such as alcohol, benzene or thinner, or
acid, alkaline or abrasive detergent, or a
chemical cleaning cloth.
• On cleaning the cabinet:
Clean the cabinet gently with a soft cloth.
Stubborn stains may be removed with a
soft cloth lightly dampened with mild
detergent solution and wrung, followed by
wiping with a soft dry cloth. Never use
solvent such as alcohol, benzene or
thinner, or acid, alkaline or abrasive
detergent, or a chemical cleaning cloth.
To obtain the best picture, the front of the
screen should not be exposed to direct
lighting or sunlight.
The temperature of the projector’s cabinet
may increase during or immediately after
use; however, this is not a malfunction.
When using a screen with an uneven surface,
stripes pattern may rarely appear on the
screen depending on the distance between
the screen and the unit or the zooming
magnifications. This is not a malfunction of
the unit.
Since the projector is equipped with a fan
inside to prevent internal temperature from
rising, there may be some noise. This is a
normal result of the manufacturing process
and does not indicate a malfunction. If,
however, in a case of abnormal noise,
consult with qualified Sony personnel.
The lamp used as a light source contains
mercury that has high internal pressure. A
high-pressure mercury lamp has the
following characteristics:
• Brightness of the lamp will be lowered as
the elapse of time used.
• The lamp may break with a loud noise as a
result of shock, damage, or deterioration
caused by the elapse of time. The lamp
may become unlit and may burn out.
• The lamp life varies with individual
differences or usage conditions of each
lamp. Therefore, it may break or will not
light even before the specified
replacement time.
• It may possibly break after the
replacement time has elapsed. Replace the
lamp with a new one as soon as possible if
a message displayed on the projected
image, even if the lamp normally lights.
This unit is precision equipment. When
carrying the unit, do not subject the unit to
shocks, or fall. It may damage the unit.
On cleaning the lens and the
cabinet
On Illumination
On Heat Dissipation
On Screen
On Fan
On Lamp
For carrying

7
Precautions
The LCD projector is manufactured using
high-precision technology. You may,
however, see tiny black points and/or bright
points (red, blue, or green) that continuously
appear on the LCD projector. This is a
normal result of the manufacturing process
and does not indicate a malfunction.
Also, when you use multiple LCD projectors
to project onto a screen, even if they are of
the same model, the color reproduction
among projectors may vary, since color
balance may be set differently from one
projector to the next.
If the room temperature where the projector
is installed changes rapidly, or if the
projector is moved suddenly from a cold to a
warm place, condensation in the projector
may occur. As the condensation may cause
malfunction, be careful in adjusting
temperature settings of the air conditioner. If
condensation occurs, leave the projector
turned on for about two hours before use.
On LCD Projector
On Condensation
• Always verify that the unit is operating
properly before use. SONY WILL NOT
BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES OF ANY
KIND INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, COMPENSATION OR
REIMBURSEMENT ON ACCOUNT
OF THE LOSS OF PRESENT OR
PROSPECTIVE PROFITS DUE TO
FAILURE OF THIS UNIT, EITHER
DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD
OR AFTER EXPIRATION OF THE
WARRANTY, OR FOR ANY OTHER
REASON WHATSOEVER.
• SONY WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
CLAIMS OF ANY KIND MADE BY
USERS OF THIS UNIT OR MADE BY
THIRD PARTIES.
• SONY WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
THE TERMINATION OR
DISCONTINUATION OF ANY
SERVICES RELATED TO THIS UNIT
THAT MAY RESULT DUE TO
CIRCUMSTANCES OF ANY KIND.
Notes

8Checking the Supplied Accessories
Checking the Supplied Accessories
RM-PJ8 Remote Commander (1)
Lithium battery (CR2025) (1)
The battery is already installed. Before
using the remote commander, remove the
insulation film.
AC power cord (1)
Mini D-sub 15 pin cable (1.8 m) (1)
(1-970-584-11/Sony)
Lens cap (1)
Carrying case (1)
Operating Instructions (this manual) (1)
1Pull out the lithium battery
compartment.
Pull out the battery compartment with a
stick as shown in the illustration.
2Insert a lithium battery.
3Close the lithium battery
compartment.
CAUTION
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly
replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent
type recommended by the manufacturer.
When you dispose of the battery, you must
obey the law in the relative area or country.
Installing batteries
One lithium battery (CR2025) is supplied
for the RM-PJ8 Remote Commander. To
avoid risk of explosion, use a lithium battery
(CR2025).
Installing Batteries
With the 3(plus)
side facing up.

9
Location and Function of Controls
Overview
BOverview
Location and Function of Controls
aFocus ring (page 16)
bZoom ring (page 16)
cLens
dRemote control receiver
eFoot adjust button (page 17)
fFront foot (adjustable) (page 17)
gAir filter cover/Ventilation holes
(intake) (page 35)
hLamp cover (page 33)
iRear feet (adjustable) (page 17)
jVentilation holes (exhaust)
Do not place anything near the ventilation
holes as this may cause internal heat
buildup. Do not place your hand near the
ventilation holes and the circumference as
this may cause injury.
kTerminals (page 10)
lSecurity bar
Connects to a commercially available
security chain or wire.
mSecurity lock
Connects to an optional security cable
manufactured by Kensington.
For details, visit Kensington’s web site.
http://www.kensington.com/
nControl panel keys (page 11)
oVentilation holes (intake)
pSpeaker
qLAMP/COVER indicator
(page 29)
rON/STANDBY indicator
(page 29)
Main Unit
Caution
54
3
2
1
8
6
7
9
0
qh
qa
qs
qd
q
f
qj
qk
qg

10 Location and Function of Controls
Input (pages 13, 14)
aINPUT A
Video: RGB/YPBPRinput terminal
Audio: Audio input terminal
bINPUT B
Video: HDMI input terminal
Audio: HDMI input terminal
cVIDEO
Video: Video input terminal
Audio: Audio input terminal
The audio inputs of INPUT A and VIDEO are
shared.
Others
dAC IN (∼) socket
Connects the supplied AC power cord.
Terminals
1213
43
Note

11
Location and Function of Controls
Overview
Remote Commander
Control Panel Keys
aTurning on the power/Going to
standby mode
?/1(On/Standby) key
bSelecting an input signal
(page 15)
INPUT key
cOperating a menu (page 20)
MENU key
RESET key
ENTER /V/v/B/b(arrow) keys
RETURN key
dAdjusting the image (page 16)
ASPECT key (page 22)
KEYSTONE key (page 18)
PATTERN key (page 16)
APA (Auto Pixel Alignment) key*
(page 18)
*Use this key when inputting a computer
signal via the RGB input terminal
(INPUT A).
eUsing various functions during
projecting
D ZOOM (Digital Zoom) +/– key*1
Enlarges the image with the center of it
as a starting point while projecting.
1Press the D ZOOM + key to display
the digital zoom icon on the projected
image.
2Press the D ZOOM + key or the D
ZOOM – key repeatedly to change the
enlargement ratio. The image can be
enlarged up to 4 times.
Press the RESET key to restore the
previous image.
Remote Commander and Control Panel Keys
2
3
4
5
6
1
4
7
INPUT
MENU
APA ECO MODE
RETURN
ASPECT
D ZOOM
KEYSTONE
ENTER
VOLUME
PATTERN
FREEZE
BLANK
MUTING
RESET
36
12
Note

12 Location and Function of Controls
BLANK key
Cuts off the projected image
temporarily. Press again to restore the
previous image. Picture muting helps
reduce power consumption.
MUTING key
Mutes the audio output temporarily.
Press again to restore the previous
volume.
VOLUME +/– key
Adjusts the volume output.
FREEZE key*2
Pauses a projected image. Press again to
restore the image.
*1: Use this key when inputting a
computer signal. But it may not be
used depending on the resolution of
the input signal.
*2: Use this key when inputting a
computer signal.
fSetting the energy–saving mode
easily
ECO MODE key
Energy-saving mode can be set easily.
Energy-saving mode consists of “Lamp
Mode,” “With No Input,” and “With
Static Signal.”
1Press the ECO MODE key to display
the ECO Mode menu.
2Press the V/vkey or ECO MODE key
to select “ECO” or “User” mode.
ECO: Sets each mode to the optimum
energy-saving value.
Lamp Mode: Low
With No Input: Standby
With Static Signal: Lamp
Dimming
User: Sets each item of the ECO
mode menu as you desire (go to
step 3).
3Select “User” then press the bkey.
The setting items appear.
4Press the V/vkey to select the item
then press the ENTER key.
5Press the V/vkey to select the setting
value.
6Press the ENTER key.
The screen returns to the previous
menu.
For details on ECO Mode settings, see
“Lamp Mode”, “With No Input” and
“With Static Signal” on the Connection/
Power menu (page 26).
Others
gInfrared transmitter
About remote commander operation
• Direct the remote commander toward the
remote control detector.
• The shorter the distance between the
remote commander and the projector is,
the wider the angle within which the
remote commander can control the
projector becomes.
• Make sure that nothing obstructs the
infrared beam between the remote
commander and the remote control
detector on the projector.
Notes
RETURN
ECO
User
ECO Mode
:Sel :Back
ECO Mode Menu
RETURN
Lamp Mode High
Auto Power Saving
Off
With No Input
Lamp Dimming
With Static Signal
User
:Sel :Set :Back

13
Connecting the Projector
Preparation
BPreparation
Connecting the Projector
• Make sure all the equipment is powered off when connecting the projector.
• Use the proper cables for each connection.
• Insert the cable plugs firmly; Loose connections may reduce performance of picture signals or
cause a malfunction. When pulling out a cable, be sure to grip it by the plug, not the cable itself.
• For more information, refer also to the instruction manuals of the equipment you are connecting.
• Use a no-resistance audio cable.
Connection with a computer is explained for each input signal.
INPUT A
INPUT B
• Use HDMI-compatible equipment and cable(s) that have an HDMI logo on them.
• Use a high speed HDMI cable(s) on which the cable type logo is specified. (Sony products are
recommended.)
• The HDMI terminal of this projector is not compatible with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) Signal
or CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) Signal.
• It is recommended that you set the resolution of your computer to 1024 × 768 pixels for the
external monitor.
Notes
Connecting a Computer
For connecting a computer with an RGB output terminal.
RGB output
terminal
Audio output
terminal
Mini D-sub 15-pin cable (supplied)
Computer
Audio cable (Stereo mini plug)
(not supplied)
Notes
For connecting a computer with an HDMI output terminal.
HDMI output
terminal
HDMI cable
(not supplied)
Computer

14 Connecting the Projector
Connections with a DVD player or BD player are explained for each input signal.
VIDEO
For connecting video equipment with a video output terminal.
INPUT A
For connecting video equipment with a YPBPRoutput terminal.
INPUT B
• Use HDMI-compatible equipment and cable(s) that have an HDMI logo on them.
• The HDMI terminal of this projector is not compatible with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) Signal
or CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) Signal.
Connecting a Video equipment
Notes
Video cable (not supplied)
Audio cable (Phono plug × 2 – stereo mini plug) (not supplied)
Video output
terminal
Audio output
terminal
Video equipment
Component – Mini D-sub 15-pin cable (not supplied)
Audio cable (Phono plug × 2 – stereo mini plug) (not supplied)
Video equipment
YPBPRoutput
terminal
Audio output
terminal
Video equipment
HDMI cable
(not supplied)
HDMI output
terminal
For connecting video equipment with an HDMI output terminal.

15
Projecting an Image
Projecting/Adjusting an Image
BProjecting/Adjusting an Image
Projecting an Image
The size of a projected image depends on the distance between the projector and screen. Install
the projector so that the projected image fits the screen size. For details on projection distances
and projected image sizes, see “Projection Distance” (page 40).
1Plug the AC power cord into the wall
outlet.
2Connect all equipment to the projector
(page 13).
3Press the ?/1key to turn on the unit.
4Turn on the connected equipment.
5Select the input source.
Press the INPUT key on the projector to
display the menu for switching input
signal on the screen. Press the INPUT
key repeatedly, or press the V/vkey to
select an image to be projected.
6When projecting a computer image,
switch your computer’s output to
external display.
The method to switch the output varies
depending on the type of computer.
(Example)
7Adjust the focus, size and position of
the projected image (page 16).
Video
Input-A
Input-B
Input
Sel
Computer
Video equipment
Projector
Wall outlet
1
2
5
4
3
6
+

16 Projecting an Image
Displaying a pattern for adjusting an image
You can display a pattern for adjusting the projected image with the PATTERN key on the
remote commander. Press the PATTERN key again to restore the previous image.
Adjusting the Projected image
Focus Size (Zoom) Position
Focus ring
Zoom ring Foot adjust
button
Front foot
(adjustable)
Rear feet
(adjustable)

17
Projecting an Image
Projecting/Adjusting an Image
Adjusting the tilt of the projector with the foot adjust button/rear feet
(adjustable)
By changing the tilt of the projector with the foot adjust button/rear feet (adjustable), you can
adjust the position of the projected image.
1Press and hold the foot adjust button,
then lift up the front of the projector to
adjust the angle.
2When the desired angle is achieved,
release the foot adjust button to lock the
position.
3Set the angle of the projector precisely
by turning the rear feet (adjustable).
• Be careful not to let the projector down on your fingers.
• Do not push hard on the top of the projector with the front foot (adjustable) extended.
• Do not forcedly turn the rear feet (adjustable) more than they should be adjusted. Doing so may
break them.
Changing the aspect ratio of the projected image
Press the ASPECT key on the remote commander to change the aspect ratio of the projected
image. You can also change the setting in Aspect of the Screen menu (pages 22, 23).
Notes

18 Projecting an Image
Correcting trapezoidal distortion of the projected image (Keystone feature)
* 1
Keystone feature*2 may not work automatically when the screen is tilted. In this case, set
keystone manually.
1Press the KEYSTONE key on the remote
commander or select V Keystone in the
Installation menu.
2Use the V/v/B/bthe keys to set the value.
The higher the value, the narrower the top
of the projected image. The lower the
value, the narrower the bottom.
*1: Since the Keystone adjustment is an
electronic correction, the image may be
deteriorated.
*2: VPL-DX131 only.
Automatically adjusts Phase, Pitch and Shift of projected image while a
signal is input from a computer (APA (Auto Pixel Alignment))
Press the APA key on the remote commander. Press again to cancel adjusting during the setting.
You can also set APA in the Screen Menu (page 22). If Smart APA in the Function menu is set
to “On”, executes APA automatically when a signal is input (page 24).
Notes
Increase the number
towards plus
Increase the number
towards minus

19
Projecting an Image
Projecting/Adjusting an Image
1Press the ?/1key on the unit or the remote commander.
The projector starts shutdown and turns off. If you press the ?/1key within 10 seconds of
the message being displayed, shutdown is canceled.
Do not turn off the projector soon after the lamp lights. It may cause a malfunction of the lamp
(does not light ,etc.).
2Unplug the AC power cord from the wall outlet.
To turn off without displaying confirmation message
Press and hold the ?/1key on the unit for a few seconds (page 30).
ECO gauge
This gauge indicates the current effectiveness of the projector’s ECO function.
(For details on the ECO function, see “ECO MODE key” (page 12) and “ECO” (page 26).)
The leaf icons are displayed when the projector is shut down. The number of displayed icons
varies according to how much energy is saved as a result of using the ECO function.
Turning Off the Power
Note
ECO gauge

20 Using a MENU
BAdjustments and Settings Using a Menu
Using a MENU
The menu displays used for the explanation below may be different depending on the model you are
using.
1Press the MENU key to display the
menu.
2Select the setting menu.
Use the V/vkey to select the setting
menu then press the b key or ENTER
key.
3Select the setting item.
Use the V/vkey to select the setting
menu then press the b key or ENTER
key.
To return to the selection screen of the
setting menu, press the Bor RETURN
key.
4Make the setting or adjustment for the
selected item.
The setting method varies, depending on
the setting item.
If the next menu window is displayed,
select the item according to the
operations in step 3and then press the
ENTER key to register the setting.
To return to the selection screen of the
setting items, press the Bor RETURN
key. As an aid to setting or adjusting
items, you can press the RESET key to
return an item to its factory setting.
Using a pop-up menu
Press the V/v/B/bkey to select an item.
A selected item takes effect
immediately, except “Language”, which
will take effect after you press the
ENTER key.
Using the setting menu
Press the V/vkey to select the item.
A selected item takes effect
immediately. The previous screen is
restored.
Using the adjustment menu
To increase the value, press the V/bkey
and to decrease the number, press the
v/Bkey. If you press the ENTER key,
the selected item takes effect
immediately. The previous screen is
restored.
5Press the MENU key to clear the
menu.
The menu disappears automatically if no
operation is performed.
Note
30
Picture Mode Standard
Reset
Contrast
Brightness
Color
Hue
Color Temp.
Sharpness
Expert Setting
:Sel :Set :Back
Picture
Low
Setting menu
80
50
50
50
30
Picture Mode Standard
Reset
Contrast
Brightness
Color
Hue
Color Temp.
Sharpness
Expert Setting
:Sel :Set :Back
Picture
Low
Setting items
RETURN
Picture Mode
Dynamic
Standard
:Back
:Sel
Cinema
Game
Blackboard
Presentation
AdjustBack
Contrast