If you are using one of our projection-based products, like the classic MultiBall, then you - or the one installing the system - have to fit the projection inside the given screen area.
For MultiBall systems that area is the one that is bounded by the metal frame (that protects the sensors from ball impacts).
Where to place the projector?
There are two things to consider when finding the right spot to install the projector: Height and Distance.
Distance
A projector closer to the screen results in fewer shadows of people playing and also a better projection. On the other hand, the projection gets smaller.
Angle
A higher installation, or one where the projector is more to one side, leads to fewer shadows, but if the angle is too high then the projector might not be able anymore to correct the distortion.
To find a suitable position for a permanent installation of the projector we recommend the following procedure:
- Zoom out on the projector as far as possible. If you use one of our Panasonic projectors: rotate the inner ring on the projector fully and focus afterwards by turning the outer ring.
- Turn the system on and start a game via the PickGame section.
- Place the projector temporarily on the ceiling and adjust the projector in a way that the projection is centered on the wall.
- Have a look at how big the projection is
- If the projection is way bigger than the physical screen size:
bring the projector closer to the wall.
Alternatively, zoom in a bit (we recommend moving the projector because of the downsides of zooming in mentioned earlier). Repeat step 4.
- If the projection is smaller than the physical screen size:
move back the projector. Repeat step 4.
- If the projection is just about fully covering the whole screen area:
proceed with the next step.
- If the projection is way bigger than the physical screen size:
- Use the setting corner correction of your projector to move the corners of the projection to where the corners of the physical screen are. For Panasonic projectors bought from us, you will find that option inside the [POSITION] menu.
Most projectors that offer corner correction only allow you to move the corners towards the center, that's why you had to fully cover the area in the first place.
Instead of corner correction, you could also use the keystone settings if the projection is distorted as a trapezoid. However, some projectors do only support vertical keystone, so using the keystone feature is only possible if you place the projector horizontally centered to the screen in that case. Moreover using corner-correction is, most of the time, easier to use.
How to configure the Projector
Please set your Projector to an Aspect Ratio of 16:10 if possible.
Troubleshooting
Linear distorted projection
Some more advanced projectors do offer a setting called linearity. In case that is activated, it may lead to either horizontally or vertically distorted projections, i.e. one side is stretched while the other is compressed. You will most probably notice that at most when looking at circles on the screen.
For Panasonic Projectors you will find that Option inside the [POSITION] menu, for others please thoroughly read your projector's manual to reset the linearity settings. E.g. for the VZ580 the setting is inside the Corner Correction menu, see here (p.67). It is advisable to use the projector test pattern (MENU > PROJECTOR_SETUP > TEST PATTERN).
The projector does ignore the corner correction
Sometimes projectors do offer an automatic keystone option, like the Panasonic VMZ-71, it is called realtime keystone there. Please make sure this option is disabled in order to prevent an automatic adjustment of the projector.
For our projectors, like the VMZ-71, you will find it in the [POSITION] menu.