Sony VPL-DX271 User manual

4-698-369-11 (1)
© 2017 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-DX271/DX241/DX221
VPL-DW241
Not all models are available in all countries and area. Please check
with your local Sony Authorized Dealer.

2Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Overview
Location and Function of Controls .... 3
Main Unit ..................................... 3
Terminal Panel .............................. 4
Remote Commander and Control
Panel Keys ................................. 5
Preparation
Connecting the Projector ................... 7
Connecting a Computer ................ 7
Connecting a Video equipment .... 8
Connecting to an external
device ........................................ 9
Supplying the power to the external
device ........................................ 9
Projecting an Image
Projecting an Image ......................... 10
Adjusting the Projected image ... 11
Turning Off the Power ................ 15
Adjustments and Settings
Using a Menu
Using a MENU ................................ 17
The Picture Menu ............................. 18
The Screen Menu ............................. 19
The Function Menu .......................... 23
The Operation Menu ........................ 24
The Connection/Power Menu .......... 25
The Installation Menu ...................... 27
The Information Menu ..................... 28
Others
Indicators ..........................................29
Messages List ...................................31
Troubleshooting ................................32
Replacing the Lamp ..........................34
Cleaning the Air Filter ......................36
When Using the Projector by Mounting
It to a Ceiling ................................37
Removing the lens cap ................37
Attaching the dust cover .............37
Cleaning the air filter and its
surroundings ............................38
Carrying the unit ...............................38
Specifications ...................................39
Projection Distance ...........................44
Dimensions .......................................49
Index .................................................52

3
Location and Function of Controls
Overview
BOverview
Location and Function of Controls
aFocus ring (page 11)
bZoom ring (page 11)
cLens
dRemote control detector
eLens cap
fFoot adjust button (page 13)
gFront foot (adjustable) (page 13)
hAir filter cover/Ventilation holes
(intake) (page 36)
iRear feet (page 13)
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.
kLamp cover (page 34)
lTerminal panel (page 4)
mSecurity bar
Connects to a commercially available
security chain or wire.
nSecurity lock
Connects to an optional security cable
manufactured by Kensington.
For details, visit Kensington’s web site.
http://www.kensington.com/
oControl panel keys (page 5)
pVentilation holes (intake)
qSpeaker
rWARNING indicator (page 29)
sON/STANDBY indicator
(page 29)
Main Unit
6
5
qh
4
3
2
1
qh
7
8
9
0
qj
qs
qd
qa
qf
q
g
qk
ql
qh
Caution

4Location and Function of Controls
VPL-DX221
VPL-DX271/DX241/DW241
Input (pages 7, 8)
aINPUT A
Video: RGB/YPBPRinput terminal
bINPUT B
Video: HDMI input terminal
Audio: HDMI input terminal
cINPUT C*
Video: HDMI input terminal
Audio: HDMI input terminal
* VPL-DX271/DX241/DW241 only
dVIDEO IN
Video: Video input terminal
Output
ePower Supply*
USB terminal (Type A)(5V/2A)
* VPL-DX271/DX241/DW241 only
If you use the power supply terminal, set
“Power Supply” to “On” in the
Connection/Power menu (page 25).
fAUDIO OUTPUT
Audio: Audio output terminal (AUDIO)
The audio is output only when the INPUT B
terminal or the INPUT C terminal is selected.
Others
gAC IN (∼) socket
Connects the supplied AC power cord.
Terminal Panel
4 126
7
42 1356
7
Note

5
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 10)
INPUT key
cOperating a menu (page 17)
MENU key
RESET key
ENTER /V/v/B/b(arrow) keys
RETURN key
dAdjusting the image (page 11)
ASPECT key (page 19)
KEYSTONE key (page 14)
PATTERN key (page 12)
APA (Auto Pixel Alignment) key*
(page 14)
*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.
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.
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
Note
Notes

6Location and Function of Controls
*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.” For example, “With No
Input” is a mode that automatically
enters the power saving status if a signal
is not input into the unit for about
10 minutes.
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 25).
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.
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

7
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/INPUT C
• Only VPL-DX271/DX241/DW241 has the INPUT C terminal.
• 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.
• The resolutions of the projected image may vary depending on the input terminals.
• It is recommended that you set the resolution of your computer to 1024 × 768 pixels (VPL-DX271/
DX241/DX221) or 1280 × 800 pixels (VPL-DW241) for the external monitor.
Notes
Connecting a Computer
For connecting a computer with an RGB output terminal.
RGB output
terminal
Mini D-sub 15-pin cable (supplied)
Computer
Notes
For connecting a computer with an HDMI output terminal.
HDMI output
terminal
HDMI
cable (not
supplied)
Computer

8Connecting 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/INPUT C
• Only VPL-DX271/DX241/DW241 has the INPUT C terminal.
• 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.
• Use a high speed HDMI cable(s) on which the cable type logo is specified. (Sony products are
recommended.)
• The maximum resolution of the INPUT C terminal is set to 720p.
Connecting a Video equipment
Notes
Video cable (not supplied)
Video output
terminal
Video equipment
Component – Mini D-sub 15-pin cable (not supplied)
Video equipment
YPBPRoutput
terminal
Video equipment
HDMI
cable
(not
supplied)
HDMI output
terminal
For connecting video equipment with an HDMI output terminal.

9
Connecting the Projector
Preparation
INPUT C
For connecting an external device with an HDMI output terminal. Connect the external device
to INPUT C.
The unit supplies power (5V/2A maximum) via the USB cable to the external device (stick type
PC, etc.).
1Connect the unit to the external device using the USB cable (with type A USB
terminal).
• Use external devices with the appropriate specification for using this unit.
• If you connect the unit in wrong ways, the external device may cause a malfunction. In this
case, Sony assumes no responsibility.
2Set “Power Supply” to “On” in the Connection/Power menu (page 25).
The unit supplies power to the external device through the USB cable.
• Only VPL-DX271/DX241/DW241 has the INPUT C terminal.
• 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.
• Use a high speed HDMI cable(s) on which the cable type logo is specified. (Sony products are
recommended.)
• The maximum resolution of the INPUT C terminal is set to 720p.
Connecting to an external device
Supplying the power to the external device
Notes
Notes
External
device
HDMI cable
(not supplied)
HDMI output
terminal
Stick type external devices with HDMI
output terminal, such as wireless devices,
small-sized PC, etc. (not supplied)
USB terminal
(Type A) USB cable
(type A USB terminal)
Power supply
terminal

10 Projecting an Image
BProjecting 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 44).
1Plug the AC power cord into the wall
outlet.
2Connect all equipment to the projector
(page 7).
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 11).
Video
Input-A
Input-B
Input-C
Input
Sel
Computer
Video equipment
Projector
Wall outlet
1
2
5
4
3
6
+

11
Projecting an Image
Projecting an Image
Adjusting the Projected image
Focus Size (Zoom) Position
Focus ring
Zoom ring Foot adjust
button
Front foot
(adjustable)
Rear feet

12 Projecting an Image
Display the patterns for adjusting an image
Press the PATTERN key of the remote control to display the patterns for adjusting an image on
the projected image. Press the PATTERN button again to return to the previous image.
Pattern for adjusting an image

13
Projecting an Image
Projecting an Image
Adjusting with the foot adjust button
You can adjust the position of the projected image by tilting the projector with the foot adjust
button.
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.
• 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.
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 19, 21).
Notes

14 Projecting an Image
Correcting trapezoidal distortion of the projected image (Keystone feature)
* 1
Keystone feature may not work automatically*2 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-DX271/DX241/DW241 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 20). If Smart APA in the Function menu is set
to “On”, executes APA automatically when a signal is input (page 23).
Notes
Increase the number
towards plus
Increase the number
towards minus

15
Projecting an Image
Projecting 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.
When “Power Supply” on “ECO” in the Connection/Power menu is set to “On,” press start
to display the message (page 25). After about ten seconds, the lamp will turn off, and the
unit continues to supply power. Select “Select 'Power Off' to shutdown.” to stop supplying
power.
Press the power button while the message is displayed to light the lamp again.
• Do not turn off the projector soon after the lamp lights. It may cause a malfunction of the
lamp (does not light ,etc.).
• “Power Supply” is VPL-DX271/DX241/DW241 only.
2Unplug the AC power cord from the wall outlet.
Turning off without displaying the confirmation message
Press and hold the ?/1key on the unit for a few seconds (page 31).
If you turn off the unit soon after the lamp is turned on, the confirmation message will be
displayed and may take a longer time for the unit to turn off.
Turning Off the Power
Note
Note

16 Projecting an Image
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 6) and “ECO” (page 25).)
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.
ECO gauge

17
Using a MENU
Adjustments and Settings 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
Vivid
Standard
:Back
:Sel
Cinema
Whiteboard
Blackboard
Presentation
AdjustBack
Contrast

18 The Picture Menu
The Picture Menu
The Picture menu is used to adjust the picture for each input signal.
*1: The settings in the Picture menu return to their factory defaults, except for “Picture Mode”.
*2: When the signal without color burst signal is input, this option is unavailable.
*3: When an analog TV signal is input, this option may not available, depending on the color system.
*4: When “Picture Mode” is set to the item other than “Presentation” or “Blackboard,” this option
is available.
*5: When “Picture Mode” is set to “Blackboard,” this option is unavailable.
Items Item descriptions
Picture Mode Vivid: Projects the image with a bright, explicit, and vivid picture.
Dynamic: Emphasizes the contrast to produce a dynamic and vivid picture.
Standard: Provides an image which is natural and well balanced.
Presentation: Provides a bright image, suitable for presentations.
Blackboard: Provides an image suitable for displaying on a blackboard.
Whiteboard: Provides an image suitable for displaying on a whiteboard.
Cinema: Provides an image suitable for viewing movies.
Reset*1 Resets to the factory setting.
Contrast The higher the value, the greater the contrast. The lower the value, the lower
the contrast.
Brightness The higher the value, the brighter the picture. The lower the value, the darker
the picture.
Color*2 The higher the value, the greater the intensity. The lower the value, the lower
the intensity.
Hue*2 *3 The higher the value, the more greenish the picture becomes. The lower the
value, the more reddish the picture becomes.
Color Temp.*4 High/Middle 1/Middle 2/Low: The higher the value, the more bluish the
picture becomes. The lower the value, the more reddish the picture becomes.
Sharpness The higher the value, the sharper the picture becomes. The lower the value, the
softer the picture becomes.
Expert Setting
Gamma
Mode*5 Graphics 1: Gamma correction to make halftones brighter. This setting is
suitable when projecting highly colorful images, such as photos, in a bright
place.
Graphics 2: Gamma correction to improve the reproduction of halftones.
Highly colorful images, such as photos, can be reproduced in natural tones.
Graphics 3: Selects gamma correction to emphasize bright parts. Projects
images explicitly.
Notes

19
The Screen Menu
Adjustments and Settings Using a Menu
The Screen Menu
The Screen menu is used to adjust the size, position and aspect ratio of the projected image for
each input signal.
Items Item descriptions
Aspect*1 Changes the aspect ratio of the projected image (page 21).
VPL-DX271/DX241/
DX221: When the
computer signal is
input
4:3: Displays the image to fit the maximum projected image size
with an aspect ratio fixed to 4:3.
16:9: Displays the image to fit the maximum projected image size
with an aspect ratio fixed to 16:9.
Full 1: Displays the image to fit the maximum projected image
size without changing the aspect ratio of the input signal.
Normal: Displays the image on the center position of the
projected image without changing the resolution of the input
signal or enlarging the image.
VPL-DX271/DX241/
DX221: When the
video signal is input
4:3: Displays the image to fit the maximum projected image size
with an aspect ratio fixed to 4:3.
16:9: Displays the image to fit the maximum projected image size
with an aspect ratio fixed to 16:9.
Zoom: Zooms the center area of a projected image.
VPL-DW241: When
the computer signal is
input
4:3: Displays the image to fit the maximum projected image size
with an aspect ratio fixed to 4:3.
16:9: Displays the image to fit the maximum projected image size
with an aspect ratio fixed to 16:9.
Full 1: Displays the image to fit the maximum projected image
size without changing the aspect ratio of the input signal.
Full 2: Displays the image to fit the maximum projected image
size changing the aspect ratio of the input signal.
Full 3: Displays the image to fit the maximum width or height, up
to 1280 × 720 pixels, without changing the aspect ratio of the
input signal.
Normal: Displays the image on the center position of the
projected image without changing the resolution of the input
signal or enlarging the image.
VPL-DW241: When
the video signal is
input
4:3: Displays the image to fit the maximum projected image size
with an aspect ratio fixed to 4:3.
16:9: Displays the image to fit the maximum projected image size
with an aspect ratio fixed to 16:9.
Full: Displays the image to fit the maximum projected image size
changing the aspect ratio of the input signal.
Zoom: Zooms the center area of a projected image.

20 The Screen Menu
*1: • Note that if the projector is used for profit or for public viewing, modifying the original picture
by switching to the aspect mode may constitute an infringement of the rights of authors or
producers, which are legally protected.
• Depending on the input signal, setting items for aspect ratio or some other setting items cannot
be set in some cases, or changing the aspect ratio setting may have no effect.
• A part of the image may be displayed in black, depending on the setting item.
*2: Available when a computer signal is input from the RGB input terminal (INPUT A).
*3: If the projected image includes large amount of black portion around it, the APA function will
not work properly and a part of the image may not be displayed on the screen and also optimum
image cannot be obtained, depending on the type of input signal. In this case, adjust the “Phase,”
“Pitch,” and “Shift” items manually.
Adjust Signal Adjusts the image of a computer signal. Use this item if the edge
of the image is cut, or is not displayed properly.
APA*2 *3 Automatically adjusts the projected image to an optimum quality
when you press the ENTER key (page 5).
Phase*2 Adjusts the dot phase of the display pixel and the input signal. Set
to the value where looks clearest.
Pitch*2 The higher the value, the wider the horizontal image elements
(pitch). The lower the value, the narrower the horizontal image
elements (pitch).
Shift*2 H (Horizontal): The higher the value, the farther right the image
is projected on the screen. The lower the value, the image farther
left.
V (Vertical): The higher the value, the farther up the image is
projected on the screen. The lower the value, the image farther
down.
Notes
Items Item descriptions