Project an alignment image - HD Video Projector Wall

Project an alignment image - HD Video Projector Wall

An alignment image, like what's shown above, can help you make sure you've got everything lined up. Spears and Munsell has a good pattern available on its site if you want. It also has a good setup disc, which will help with several of the steps here. Alternatively, you could turn off the lights and just see where the edges of the image are. Make sure you use actual video content, though.

If the image isn't rectangular, it's likely because it's not exactly perpendicular to the screen. Measuring the exact distances for everything will likely make aligning the projector easier. Don't, unless you absolutely have to, use any kind of keystone adjustments on the projector. These electronically manipulate the image so it's rectangular. It does this at the expense of resolution and image quality -- best avoided. Lens shift, on the other hand, mechanically angles or moves the lens, and are fine to use with minimal, if any, effect on the image.

Geoffrey Morrison/CNET

Adjust focus until details are sharp (walk closer to the screen if you can't tell). If the center is in focus but the corners aren't, it could be an indication that the projector and screen aren't quite perpendicular.

If the projector is on a table, usually one or more of the feet are adjustable to level it out. 

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