How to Calibrate a Projector GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Home Theater & Entertainment > TV & Displays

How to Calibrate a Projector

Get the best picture on your projector

By Briley S. Kenney Briley S. Kenney Writer Hillsborough Community College Briley Kenney has 10+ years' experience writing about technology. His work is featured at Ideaing, Smartwatches.org, Tech Cocktail, CMSCritic, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 25, 2022 Reviewed by Kayla Dube Reviewed by Kayla Dube J. Everette Light Career Center Kayla Dube has 4+ years' experience in videography and filmmaking. She frequently works in production with indie film companies. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email TV & Displays Projectors Samsung Antennas HDMI & Connections Remote Controls

What to Know

Optimize screen size by physically moving the projector and using Keystone or Lens Shift.Adjust the hardware focus until the picture is clear and sharp.Use the software settings to optimize contrast, color, temperature, brightness, and more. This article takes you through the different steps needed to calibrate a project and get the best picture.

How Do I Calibrate My Projector

To calibrate your projector and optimize the picture, do the following:
It's best to have someone sitting down, where they'll be watching, to let you know when the picture is clear. Ask for feedback after changing each setting, especially if you are not looking at the display yourself or a strange viewing angle. Optimize the size of the display to match your projector screen or the projection area. Move the projector physically forward or backward until your projector creates the desired screen size. Adjust the Keystone or Lens Shift—Lens Shift is available on more expensive projectors—to optimize the shape and location of the projected image. It's most important when the projector is resting on an uneven surface. If you are happy with the screen size and location, this may not be necessary after moving the projector in step 1. Adjust the focus, usually a hardware dial, to optimize the sharpness and clarity of the picture. Using the software settings on the projector, fine-tune the additional video options. Be sure to review the following: Brightness, contrast, black levels, color, tint, temperature, sharpness, and screen ratio. Your projector may or may not be missing some of the software video options, or they may be called something different — like Dynamic Blacks versus black levels. Refer to your projector’s user manual if you don’t understand what a setting is or changes. Your projector should now be calibrated as-is. Remember, if you move your projector to another location, change the projection screen, or go a long time between uses, you will probably need to recalibrate your device! Some people like to recalibrate based on what they’re watching or doing, like playing video games.

How Do I Get the Best Picture on My Projector

Whether you've paid thousands of dollars for a high-end projector or grabbed a relatively inexpensive, generic brand from a major retailer, you'll need to calibrate it before use. When we mention calibrating before use, we mean it. Projectors are expensive, and you deserve a great image. However, to get that, you need to take the time to set it up correctly, or else you'll be disappointed.

Should I Calibrate My Projector

If this is the first time using your projector, you must calibrate it. If it’s only been a few days to a couple of weeks since you last used your projector, check the picture. If you’re satisfied with the clarity, color, and settings, then you can skip another round of calibration.

How Much Does It Cost to Calibrate a Projector

It costs nothing if you calibrate the projector yourself. Undoubtedly, you can hire AV professionals to do it for you, but there’s almost no reason for doing so. At some point, even if you previously calibrated the projector, you will have to do it again.

How Do I Optimize My Projector

Optimize and calibrate are often used interchangeably. That's not wrong, but it's not exactly right. Optimizing your projector to produce the best picture possible is essentially a balancing act. You must calibrate the device before using it, which involves hardware and software adjustments. You must continually change those settings until the picture quality is to your liking. Since every projector is different, and everyone has a different preference for video settings, you'll need to use your eyes to find what works best for your setup. There are some guidelines to follow before calibration: Always calibrate in the darkest setting possible.Install or place the projector precisely as you will use it—don't calibrate it and then move it.The walls beside or around the image area will determine the darkness of the projector's blacks.If you are not using a projector screen, make sure the image area is clean, unobstructed, and is as bright as possible (try not to choose a dark wall). FAQ How do I manually calibrate an Epson projector? Press the Menu button on the remote control, select Extended > Easy Interactive Function, and press Enter. Select Manual Calibration and press Enter. If necessary, adjust the focus, select Yes to confirm the calibration, and then follow the prompts using a pen to complete the calibration process. How do I calibrate a Smartboard projector? To calibrate a SMART Board 6000 or 6000 Pro projector, open SMART Settings on the connected computer and select SMART Hardware Settings. Choose your display, select Advanced Settings, and then select Calibrate. Follow the on-screen prompts; when the calibration screen appears, use the pen to press the targets until the progress bar is complete and you see the Calibration Successful message. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What to Look for When Buying a Projector How to Fix Overscan in Windows 10 to Fit to Screen How to Make a Projector Screen How to Calibrate the Touchscreen on Your Android The 9 Best Projectors, Tested by Lifewire The Best Picture Settings for Samsung 4K TV Do I Need a Projector Screen? How to Test and Calibrate a Monitor's Settings How Far From the Screen a Projector Should Be The 9 Best Mini Projectors of 2022 How to Calibrate the Compass for Android How to Set Up a Projector and Laptop for Presentations How to Set Up a Video Projector for Home Theater Viewing BenQ HT2050A Review: For The Home Cinema and Gaming Experience BenQ HT2150ST Review: Category Leading Gaming Projector The 7 Best Gaming Projectors, Tested by Lifewire Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies