So, you have gone through the projector purchasing process, and you are now using your new equipment in your worship facility. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding problems or issues with operating projectors.

Why doesn't my projector turn on?
Make sure your projector is getting power. A power indicator light is located on the unit.  This light will indicate the unit is getting power, (It will light up red if the unit is getting power; green if it is turned on.) If there is no power, there are three things to check: 

* Make sure the unit is plugged in.

* Check to ensure the power cord is plugged into the projector properly.

* Check your breakers. Your breaker box may have been tripped (due to too much power running through it; call an electrician) or have been deliberately turned off.

My projector turns on, but then turns off again. Why?
This can be caused by one of several things. It may be that a lamp that has "gone out."  The remedy to this will be to get a new lamp. If you have recently installed a new lamp into the projector, it may be that you need to reset the lamp timer.

Why don't I get a signal when I turn my system on?
It may be that your projector is on the wrong "input." A button will be on both the remote control and the projector to cycle through the inputs available. Confirm that all of the cables are connected properly and in the correct ports. If everything is connected properly, you will need to troubleshoot the problem. 

I'm getting (really) weird screen scrolling or only a partial image. What's the deal?
This problem may have to do with signal resolution. Your projector has a "native" resolution. If your projector receives a signal that is a different resolution than the "native" resolution, then display issues can occur. These are usually poor image quality, screen scrolling, or only a partial image. 

Look in the "specifications" page of your manual to find out what the native resolution of your projector is. Once you find out the native resolution of your projector, set the resolution of your signal to the projector's native resolution (if you have a switcher/scaler, you may have to change the resolution that the unit is sending out to the projector).

My projected image does not look very good.  Why?
There are several issues that will cause a projected image to look bad.

Check the projectors native resolution and set the resolution of your signal to the projector's native resolution (if you have a switcher/scaler, you may have to change the resolution that the unit is sending out to the projector).

Ensure that the unit is in focus. Your unit is focused when you can see little "pixels" on the image when you are extremely close to it (four feet).  

Make sure that there is as little ambient light as possible hitting the screen surface. Any other light besides what is coming from the projector will cause the projected image to appear dimmer.

Sometimes a poor image is the result of lamps getting progressively dimmer. This is normal, and when you start to notice the image dimming, it might be time to look at lamp replacement. We will typically see a year to a year and a half of usable life out of a lamp. We generally recommend that churches budget for lamp replacement every year. 

My infrared remote does not work/works occasionally. Why?
First, replace your batteries. You will also need to ensure you are not trying to send the infrared signal farther than it is capable of going (if you are trying to shoot the remote over 15 feet, that is too long to work reliably). Infrared remotes can also experience interference from fluorescent lights. For these reasons, we recommend having a hard-wired remote. If your projector had a hard-wired remote, you will need to unplug the mini-stereo cable from the projector before the infrared receiver will activate.

My hard-wired remote doesn't work. What's going on?
First, replace your batteries. Check that the mini-stereo cable is plugged into the port of the remote properly. Go to the projector and ensure that the mini-stereo is plugged into the "Control IN" port and that it is plugged in properly.

My projected image has a yellow stain on it. Where did that come from?
This problem can be caused by overheating of an LCD panel inside your projector. This problem will require an authorized technician to repair. 

Why are there little dots on my screen?
If the little dots are brightly colored (think purple and magenta), it may be that dust has settled onto the LCD panel inside the projector. To confirm this, adjust the focus of the projector to try to bring the dots into focus. If you can get the dots to focus, then you will need to contact an authorized technician to clean the unit. 

Why is my projector powering down at seemingly random times?
Sometimes projectors will shut down if they get too hot. Make sure there is enough room (8"-12") of "breathing room" around the projector so that air can circulate on all sides.  Also make sure that the air filter in the unit is clean and free of obstructions.

This issue may also be caused if you have replaced the lamp in the projector, but have not reset the lamp timer, or if the lamp of the projector is not seated improperly. If that is not the problem, the issue will require an authorized technician to repair. 

What kind of maintenance does my projector need?
You have three things to do that will keep your projector maintained. One, clean the filters about every three months. Two, change the lamp. And, three, ensure that the projector is completely powered down before switching off power to the unit (i.e., the fan shuts off).

How do you clean the filters?
Each projector will have different steps to clean the filters. Most units will allow easy cleaning of removable filters with either a vacuum hose or compressed air. Check your service manual for step-by-step instructions.

I have a new lamp. How do I put it in?
This is another thing that will be different on each projector. Most units will have a panel that needs to be removed to access the lamp. The lamp itself will usually be screwed in, and it is as simple and taking the old lamp out and putting the new lamp in. However, check your service manual for step-by-step instructions.

How can I tell if I need a new lamp?
You may notice that your image is no longer as bright as it was when the unit was first installed. This is your cue to get a new lamp.

This article is courtesy of Fowler Productions, which provides projection multimedia equipment and services to churches, www.fowlerinc.com.