Epson PowerLite Cinema 550 Product Information Guide

Epson PowerLite Cinema 550

Projector Parts

Control panel

Horizontal lens shift dial

Vertical lens shift dial

Zoom ring

Focus ring

Adjustable foot

Ventilation slots

Infrared receiver

Lens cover

Input A port

(component)

D4 port (used mainly in Japan)

Input B port

(RGB)

Trigger out port

Infrared receiver

Video port S-Video port

Power switch

AC power inlet lock port

Control (RS-232C) port

Menu button

(displays on-screen menu)

Source button

(switches input source)

Esc button

(exits current menu item)

Power light

Power button

Warning light

Aspect button

(switches aspect ratio)

Keystone correction buttons

(correct shape of non-rectangular images)

Select button

(selects menu options)

Projector Specifications

General

Type of display Poly-silicon Thin Film Transistor (TFT) active matrix

Size of LCD panels Wide: 0.7 inches (18 mm)

Lens F=2.1 to 2.8, f=21.4 to 31.7 mm

Zoom ratio

Resolution

1:1.5

1280 × 720 pixels (720p)

Brightness 1400 ANSI lumens max.

Dynamic contrast 3000:1 ratio

Image size 30 to 300 inches (0.76 to 7.6 m)

Projection distance 2.9 to 44.8 feet (0.9 to 13.7 m) 16:9

3.5 to 54.8 feet (1.1 to 16.7 m) 4:3

Optical aspect ratio 16:9 or 4:3

Keystone correction ± 15° vertical angle

Noise level 32 dB (Dynamic color mode);

26 dB (Theater Black color mode)

Lamp

Type UHE (Ultra High Efficiency), E-TORL

Power consumption 170 W

Lamp life

Part number

1700 to 3000 hours, depending on usage

V13H010L35

Remote Control

Range

Battery

30 feet (10 meters)

AA × 2

Dimensions

Height

Width

Depth

Weight

4.9 inches (124 mm)

16 inches (406 mm)

12.2 inches (309 mm)

11.5 lb (5.2 kg)

11/05 Epson PowerLite Cinema 550 - 1

Epson PowerLite Cinema 550

Electrical

Rated frequency

Power supply

50/60 Hz

100 to 120 V: 2.7 A

200 to 240 V: 1.2 A

Power consumption Operating: 245 W max.

Standby: 4 W

Environmental

Temperature Operating: 41 to 95 °F (5 to 35 °C)

(non-condensing) Storage: 14 to 140 °F (–10 to 60 °C)

Humidity Operating: 20 to 80% RH, non-condensing

Storage: 10 to 90% RH, non-condensing

Operating altitude 7500 feet (2280 meters)

Safety

United States

Canada

Positioning the Projector

You can install the projector for these viewing setups:

Center

FCC Part 15B Class B (DoC)

UL60950 Third Edition

ICES-003 Class B

CSA C22.2 No. 60950 )

Side

Ceiling

When projecting from an overhead position, reorient the image by selecting the Front/Ceiling Projection option.

Image Size and Projection Distance

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.

16:9 Aspect ratio

Projection distance

(wide to tele)

2.9 to 4.4 feet

3.9 to 5.9 feet

5.9 to 8.9 feet

7.9 to 11.8 feet

9.9 to 14.8 feet

20 to 29.8 feet

30.1 to 44.8 feet

Maximum diagonal image size

30 inches (26

× 15 inches)

40 inches (35

× 20 inches)

60 inches (51

× 28 inches)

80 inches (71

× 39 inches)

100 inches (87

× 47 inches)

200 inches (173

× 98 inches)

300 inches (260

× 146 inches)

4:3 Aspect ratio

Projection distance

(wide to tele)

3.5 to 5.3 feet

4.8 to 7.2 feet

7.2 to 10.8 feet

9.7 to 14.5 feet

12.1 to 18.2 feet

24.5 to 36.5 feet

36.8 to 54.8 feet

Maximum diagonal image size

30 inches (26

× 14 inches)

40 inches (34

× 19 inches)

60 inches (52

× 29 inches)

80 inches (69

× 39 inches)

100 inches (87

× 49 inches)

200 inches (174

× 98 inches)

300 inches (261

× 147 inches)

To determine the exact image size when you know the projection distance (or the exact projection distance when you know the desired image size), you can use the Projection

Distance Calculator. You can download this program from the

Epson website at http://support.epson.com.

Projecting a Square Image

For best image quality, place the projector at a height where its lens is between the top and bottom of the screen. This lets you keep the projector level and use the vertical lens shift dial to position the image.

2 - Epson PowerLite Cinema 550 11/05

Epson PowerLite Cinema 550

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 (or “keystones”) the shape of the image, but you can

correct it using the projector’s Keystone function (see page 6).

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 dial 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.

Caution: To adjust the lens position, make sure you use the lens shift dials. Do not try to move the lens manually, or you may strip the gears.

Horizontal lens shift dial Vertical lens shift dial

12.17 in.

11.81 in.

3 in.

6.3 in.

Tip: You can display a test pattern to help you center the image on the screen. Press the Pattern button on the remote control, then select Display Position . You can use the feet to correct the angle of the image if it’s tilted.

To mount the projector on the wall or ceiling, you will need the optional projector mount designed for the projector. See

page 11 for ordering information.

Follow the instructions included with the mount to install the projector, which weighs 11.5 pounds. The wall or ceiling where you install it must be capable of supporting a weight of

58 pounds.

If you are planning to use an AV controller with the projector, refer to the table of ESC/VP21 command codes below.

Installing the Projector

The illustrations below and in the next column show the dimensions of the projector:

0.45 in.

4.33 in.

15.98 in.

2.32 in.

0.75 in.

ESC/VP21 Command Codes

You can use an AV controller with a 9-pin null modem serial cable to control the projector. You can download the complete

ESC/VP 21 Communication Manual for home theater projectors from the Epson website at http://support.epson.com. Following are some of the available codes:

Item

Power ON/OFF

A/V Mute ON/OFF

A/V Mute selection

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

Black

Blue

User’s Logo

Command

PWR ON

PWR OFF

MUTE ON

MUTE OFF

MSEL 00

MSEL 01

MSEL 02

11/05 Epson PowerLite Cinema 550 - 3

Epson PowerLite Cinema 550

Item

Source change

Color Mode

Aspect ratio

Terminal

Input A

Input B

Input 3

(HDMI)

Command

Signal name

Input A

YCbCr

YPbPr

Auto

Input B

RGB

HDMI

SOURCE 10

SOURCE 14

SOURCE 15

SOURCE 1F

SOURCE 20

SOURCE 21

SOURCE 30

Input 5

SOURCE 4X

Video (RCA)

S-Video

D4

YCbCr

YPbPr

Auto sRGB

Squeeze

Zoom

Through

Squeeze

Through

Wide

SOURCE 41

SOURCE 42

SOURCE C0

SOURCE C4

SOURCE C5

SOURCE CF

CMODE 01

Theatre

Living Room

Natural

Dynamic

CMODE 05

CMODE 06

CMODE 07

CMODE 08

Theatre Black 1 CMODE 09

Theatre Black 2 CMODE 0A

Auto

Normal

ASPECT 00

ASPECT 20

ASPECT 21

ASPECT 22

ASPECT 23

ASPECT 24

ASPECT 25

Cable Connections

You can connect up to five pieces of video equipment to the projector, using the ports listed below (cables are not included):

Port

Video

Required Cable

RCA video cable

S-Video S-video cable

Input A Use a 3-connector component video cable.

Select YCbCr (NTSC) or

YPbPr (HDTV) as the

Input Signal setting (see

page 6)

Input B Mini D-sub, 15-pin monitor cable

HDMI HDMI cable

Supported video formats

Analog TV (NTSC, PAL, SECAM)

Analog TV (NTSC, PAL, SECAM)

Digital TV (SDTV and HDTV)

Analog TV (NTSC, PAL, SECAM)

RGB

Digital TV (SDTV and HDTV)

For best results, connect your video equipment to the

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port. If your equipment doesn’t support HDMI, connect it to one of the following ports (highest quality listed first): Input A (for component video), S-Video, or Video (composite video).

Making Other Connections

Depending on how you plan to use the projector, you may need to connect these additional cables:

❏ Control (RS-232C)

Connect a computer or AV controller to this port.

❏ Trigger out port

This port outputs a 12-volt DC signal when the projector is turned on, and can be used to raise or lower a projection screen automatically.

❏ Connect a 3.5-mm mini jack to the port, as shown.

4 - Epson PowerLite Cinema 550 11/05

Compatible Video Formats

The projector supports NTSC, PAL, and SECAM, as well as the digital video formats listed below.

Digital video formats

Format Signal name

SDTV

HDTV

480i

480p

576i

576p

720p

1080i

Resolution

960

×

720

960

×

720

960

×

720

960

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

Aspect ratio

4:3

4:3

4:3

4:3

16:9

16:9

Turning the Projector On and Off

1. Connect the power cord to the projector and a grounded electrical outlet.

2. Remove the lens cap.

3. Turn on any connected equipment you plan to use.

4. Turn on the power switch on the back of the projector.

Epson PowerLite Cinema 550

Turning Off the Projector

1. Turn off any equipment connected to the projector.

2. Press the Off button on the remote control (or press the

P Power button on the projector twice).

3. Let the projector cool for about 30 seconds.

4. Once the light stops flashing and stays on, turn off the power switch on the back.

Caution: Turn the projector off when not in use. Continuous

24-hour-a-day use may reduce its overall life. Never unplug the projector without pressing the Off button and letting it cool, or you could damage it and reduce lamp life.

Locking the Projector

You can lock the projector to prevent the image from being accidentally changed once it’s adjusted, and to keep children from using the projector without adult supervision.

1. Press the Menu button on the projector or remote control.

2. Use the menu navigation buttons to open the Setting menu, then open the Operation menu.

3. Choose from these options:

❏

Child Lock to disable the P Power button on the projector’s control panel unless it is pressed for about 3 seconds.

❏

Operation Lock to disable all the buttons on the projector’s control panel. To operate the projector, you have to use the remote control.

4. Press Menu to exit the menu system. Turn off the projector to activate the Child Lock.

Power switch

5. Press the On button on the remote control, or press the

P Power button on the projector.

The projector takes about 10 seconds to warm up. If you don’t see an image, you may need to select the image source

(see the next column).

[]

Basic Image Adjustments

Once the projector is turned on, use these functions to adjust the image.

Selecting the Image Source

If you don’t see the image you want, press the Source button on the projector or the button on the remote control that corresponds to the port to which your video equipment is connected.

11/05 Epson PowerLite Cinema 550 - 5

Epson PowerLite Cinema 550

If you press the Source button on the projector, you see a menu of available sources. Press the u or d button to highlight a source and press the Select button.

If you select the Input A source using either the remote control or the menu above, you may see the Input A menu:

Press the u or d button to highlight

YCbCr (for component video with an NTSC signal) or YPbPr

(for component video with an HDTV signal), or select Auto so the projector can automatically detect the Input A source type.

Then press the Select button.

Focusing and Zooming the Image

Sharpen or reduce the focus using the focus ring.

Zoom into or out of the picture using the zoom ring.

Focus ring Zoom ring

Wide

Tele

Correcting the Image Shape

If the projected image looks like function to correct its shape. or , use the Keystone

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 dial to center the image.

To perform keystone correction, press the u or d button on the projector, or access the menu system as follows:

1. Press the Menu button on the projector or remote control.

2. Use the menu navigation buttons to open the Settings menu, then select Keystone .

3. Use the arrow buttons to adjust the shape of the image.

4. Press the Menu button when done.

Choosing the Color Mode

You can change the Color Mode to adjust the brightness, contrast, and color, letting you quickly optimize the image for various lighting environments.

1. Select the image source you want to adjust (a different Color

Mode can be saved with each image source).

2. Press the Color Mode button on the remote control. Then choose from these settings:

❏

Dynamic for projecting images with vivid color in brightly lit rooms.

❏

Living Room for projecting images with vivid color under ordinary room lighting.

❏

Natural for projecting in subdued lighting; increases contrast and makes flesh tones appear more natural.

❏

Theatre for projecting in subdued lighting; enhances the appearance of movies with dark scenes.

❏

Theatre Black 1 or 2 for projecting in fully darkened rooms.

❏ sRGB for projecting computer images that conform to the sRGB color standard.

Choosing the Aspect Ratio

Depending on the port to which your equipment is connected, your image can be automatically sized to fit on the screen when

Auto is selected as the Aspect setting. If the image doesn’t fit the way you like, you may need to set the aspect ratio yourself.

Press the Aspect button, then choose from these settings:

❏

Normal for standard TV broadcasts, computer images, or images having a 4:3 aspect ratio.

❏

Zoom for images recorded in 16:9 (wide-screen) format.

❏

Wide if you want to expand a 4:3 image to 16:9 so it fills the whole screen. This stretches only the right and left sides of the image; the central part is unchanged.

❏

Squeeze for recordings made in a compressed (anamorphic)

16:9 format, sometimes called “Squeeze Mode.”

❏

Through if your image is smaller than 1280 × 720 pixels and you want to display it at its original pixel size without resizing it to fit on the screen.

❏

Squeeze Through if your image is recorded in Squeeze

Mode, is smaller than 1280 × 720 pixels, and you want to display it at its original pixel size.

6 - Epson PowerLite Cinema 550 11/05

Epson PowerLite Cinema 550

When you select an Aspect setting, the resolution at which the image displays depends on the currently active picture source. The resolutions for all video formats and aspect ratio settings are listed below.

Analog TV, composite video, or S-video

Format

NTSC

PAL or SECAM

Normal (4:3)

960

×

720

960

×

720

Digital component video

Format

SDTV

HDTV

Signal name

480i

480p

576i

576p

720p

1080i

Normal

(4:3)

960

×

720

960

×

720

960

×

720

960

×

720

(16:9)

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

Digital RGB video

Format

SDTV

HDTV

Signal name

480i

480p

576i

576p

720p

1080i

Normal

960

×

720

960

×

720

960

×

720

960

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

Computer monitor formats (analog RGB)

Zoom (16:9)

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

Zoom

(16:9)

1280

1280

1280

1280

×

720

×

720

×

720

×

720

—

—

Zoom

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

—

—

Aspect setting

Squeeze/Wide

(16:9)

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

Through (4:3)

596

×

446

708

×

528

Squeeze

(16:9)

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

—

—

Aspect setting

Wide

(16:9)

1280

×

760

1280

×

760

1280

×

760

1280

×

760

Aspect setting

Squeeze

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

—

—

Wide

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

—

—

Through

(4:3)

596

×

446

596

×

446

708

×

528

708

×

528

(16:9)

1176

×

664

—

Through

640

×

480

640

×

480

768

×

576

768

×

576

1280

×

720

—

Format (4:3)

VGA

VESA

SVGA

XGA

SXGA

WXGA

MAC13 inch

MAC16 inch

MAC19 inch

Normal

960

×

720

960

×

720

960

×

720

960

×

720

960

×

720

1280

×

720

960

×

720

960

×

720

960

×

720

Zoom

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

Aspect setting

Squeeze

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

Wide

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

—

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

1280

×

720

Through

640

×

480

640

×

480

800

×

600

—

—

—

640

×

480

832

×

624

—

Squeeze

Through (16:9)

794

×

446

944

×

528

Squeeze

Through

(16:9)

794

×

446

794

×

446

944

×

528

944

×

528

—

—

Squeeze

Through

853

×

480

853

×

480

1024

×

576

1024

×

576

—

—

Squeeze

Through

853

×

480

853

×

480

1066

×

600

—

—

—

853

×

480

1109

×

624

—

11/05 Epson PowerLite Cinema 550 - 7

Epson PowerLite Cinema 550

Projector Status Lights

If your projector isn’t working correctly, first turn it off, wait for the warning light to turn a steady orange, turn off the power switch on the back, and unplug it. Then plug the power cord back in and turn on the projector. If this doesn’t solve the problem, check the lights on top of the projector. They alert you to possible problems.

Power light

Warning light

Light Status

P

P

P

P

P off orange flashing green green

Action

Make sure the power switch on the back of the projector is turned on and the power cable is connected securely at both ends.

The projector is in standby mode. You can turn off the power switch on the back to turn off the projector or press the P Power button to turn it on.

The projector is warming up. Wait about

30 seconds for a picture to appear.

The projector is operating normally.

flashing orange flashing orange

You’ve turned off the projector and it’s cooling down. Wait until the light stops flashing, then turn off the power switch in back (or press the

P Power button to turn it back on).

High-speed cooling is in progress. If the projector gets too hot again, projection stops automatically. Make sure there is plenty of space around and under the projector and nothing is blocking the air filter. If it continues to overheat, clean the air filter; see instructions at right.

red The projector is too hot and the lamp has turned off. Wait 5 minutes, then turn it back on. Make sure there is plenty of space around and under the projector and nothing is blocking the air filter. Clean or replace the air filter if necessary.

If you are using the projector at an altitude above 4900 feet, turn on High Altitude Mode.

flashing red

(half-second intervals)

The lamp needs to be replaced. Make sure you have a spare lamp handy. flashing red at 1-second intervals

There is an internal problem. Turn off the power switch on the back of the projector and unplug it. Then conatct Epson for assistance.

Remote Control and IR Codes

Following is an illustration of the remote control, along with the IR codes that correspond to the remote control buttons:

Down

Left

Right

Enter

Esc

HDMI

D4/scart

Input A

Function

Power on

Power off

Memory

Color Mode

Menu

Aspect

Up

Input B

S-Video

Video

Contrast

Color Temp.

2Dh

Skin Tone 2Ah

Pattern

Blank

96h

93h

9Dh

9Ch

70h

2Ch

84h

73h

7Eh

71h

B2h

B3h

B1h

85h

8Fh

9Ah

8Ah

B0h

Hex code

90h

91h

8Bh

8 - Epson PowerLite Cinema 550 11/05

Epson PowerLite Cinema 550

Cleaning and Replacing the Air Filter

Clean the air filter on the bottom of the projector once every three months, or more often in dusty environments. If it’s not cleaned periodically, it can become clogged, preventing proper ventilation. This can cause overheating and damage the projector.

1. Press the P Power button and wait for the P power light to stop flashing.

2. Turn off the projector using the power switch on the back.

3. Unplug the power cord and disconnect any cables.

4. Turn the projector over.

5. Then use a small vacuum cleaner designed for computers and other office equipment to clean the filter. If you don’t have one, gently clean the filter using a very soft brush, such as an artist’s paintbrush.

If the dirt is difficult to remove or the filter is broken, replace it. Purchase part number V13H134A09 from an authorized

Epson reseller.

6. If you need to replace the filter, release the tab and lift up the cover.

Replacing the Lamp

The projection lamp lasts from 1700 to 3000 hours, depending on usage. You can use the Info menu to check how long it’s been in use. It’s time to replace the lamp when:

❏ The projected image gets darker or starts to deteriorate.

❏ The projector’s warning light flashes red at half-second intervals.

❏ The message

Replace the lamp appears on the screen when you start projecting.

Note: Lamp life results will vary depending on the selected mode, environmental conditions, and usage.

Purchase lamp part number V13H010L35 from an authorized

Epson reseller.

Warning: Let the lamp cool fully (about an hour) before replacing it. In the unlikely event that the lamp has broken, small glass fragments may be present and should be removed carefully to avoid injury.

Caution: Never touch the lamp with your bare hands; the invisible residue left by the oil on your hands may shorten the lamp life. Use a cloth or glove to handle the new lamp.

Follow these steps to replace the lamp:

1. Press the P Power button and wait for the light to stop flashing.

2. Turn off the power switch on the back of the projector and unplug the power cord and any cables.

3. If the projector has been on, let it cool for about an hour.

4. Press in the latches securing the lamp cover and lift off the cover.

7. Remove the old filter and replace it with a new one.

8. To replace the cover, insert the tabs and press down until the cover clicks into place.

11/05 Epson PowerLite Cinema 550 - 9

Epson PowerLite Cinema 550

5. Loosen the two screws securing the lamp (they don’t come all the way out).

6. Grasp the lamp as shown and pull it straight out.

Optional Accessories

Epson provides the following optional accessories:

Product

Replacement lamp (ELPLP35)

Air filter replacement (ELPAF09)

Projector mount

Kensington security lock

S-video cable

Component video cable

Part number

V13H010L35

V13H134A09

ELPHB550

ELPSL01

ELPSV01

ELPKC19

You can purchase accessories from an authorized Epson reseller. To find the nearest reseller, call 800-GO-EPSON

(800-463-7766).

In the U.S., you can also purchase online at www.epsonstore.com.

In Canada, you can also purchase at www.epson.ca or

(800) 807-7766.

Warning : The lamp(s) in this product contain mercury.

Please consult your state and local regulations regarding disposal or recycling. Do not put in the trash.

7. Gently insert the new lamp and tighten its screws.

Caution: Don’t touch the glass portion of the lamp assembly.

Touching the glass could result in premature lamp failure.

8. Replace the cover. (The projector won’t work if the lamp cover is open or loose.)

9. Reset the lamp usage timer, as described in the next section.

Resetting the Lamp Timer

After installing a new lamp, you need to reset the timer so the projector can keep track of how many hours it has been used.

1. Press the Menu button on the projector or remote control.

2. Use the menu navigation buttons to open the Reset menu, then select Reset Lamp Hours .

3. When you see a confirmation prompt, highlight Yes and press the Select button.

4. When you’re finished, press the Menu button to exit.

The lamp usage timer doesn’t register until you’ve used the lamp for at least 10 hours.

Related Documentation

CPD-20566 Epson PowerLite Cinema 550

User’s Guide

CPD- 20246 warranty

Note: Setup instructions are provided in the User’s Guide. There is no setup sheet.

10 - Epson PowerLite Cinema 550 11/05