Your home theater projector is a valuable piece of equipment. It’s also fragile and vulnerable to damage. If you want to keep it in good condition for an extended period of time, and ensure that it performs at a level that consistently impresses you and your guests at home, it’s recommended that you maintain it properly and regularly, giving it the attention and care it deserves. Here are a number of excellent tips to do just that.
Think carefully about location
Projector protection starts at installation. You can choose to mount your projector to a ceiling or a wall (creating an elegant look that will also save you time spent on setting the projector up for use), or you can place it on a tabletop (making it easy to transport your projector for operation outside of your home theater). If you prefer mounting it, get help from installation professionals; projector mounting (ceiling or wall) isn’t ideally a DIY project. At the very least, read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and secure the correct mounts for your specific projector model. If you’re determined to install your own projector howsoever you want it, do remember to create free space around it – at least two to three feet – so that the projector is always properly ventilated.
Ensure ventilation
One of the most important factors that determine the performance and lifespan of your home theater projector is ventilation. Is it getting enough of it or not? A well-ventilated location or home theater room will help heat escape from the projector during and after operation. Insufficient ventilation, on the other hand, will continue to let heat build up inside your unit very fast, and can potentially damage internal components and optics and affect performance. Trust us: projectors – LCD, DLP, L-COS – generate a lot of heat. So if you think the space in your home theater doesn’t allow for a good exchange of air, install a ceiling or desk fan.
Avoid moisture, dust, and smoke
These can adversely affect the image being projected onto your screen; dust particles, in particular, the notorious electronic equipment destroyer, can get into your projector and damage its components. If the screen image gets fuzzy or blurry or “dotty” it’s probably because of dust. Make sure you always keep your projector in a dry and clean place, even if you’re moving it around. You can also use a projector cover to protect the home theater component from the evil elements whenever not in use.
Clean the projector regularly
Like every other kind of home theater equipment, your projector needs to be cleaned regularly. A photographic lens cleaning solution and a soft, microfiber cloth should do the trick. Also make sure that you clean the projector filters, which gather up more dust as you spend more hours watching your favorite movies.
Let the lamp cool
Most of the heat generated by your projector comes from the lamp. To properly cool the lamp down after use, your projector has fans. However, if you turn the projector off immediately after use and unplug it, the fans won’t have the power to cool down the projector lamps. That’s why it’s a good idea to wait several minutes before unplugging your projector.
I like that you said that projector protection starts when you are installing it. You might want to hire a professional when you are trying to install it. If I was going to get a new projector I would want to know that it would last so I could get my money’s worth of use out of it.
Many people owns a projector. I am sure this maintenance tips will provide a great benefit.