Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does LCD stand for? 
A1: LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. It is a display component most often found on notebook computers.

LCD is a technology that uses rod-shaped molecules (liquid crystals) that flow like liquid and bend light. Unenergized the crystals direct light through two polarizing filters, allowing a natural background color to show. When energized, they redirect the light to be absorbed in one of the polarizes to show. The more the molecules are twisted the better the contrast and viewing angle.

Q2: What are VGA, SVGA, XGA and SXGA?
A2: These are computer resolution standards defined by Video Electronic Standard Association (VESA). It is an industry standard for resolutions of personal computers. VGA is 640 x 480, SVGA is 800 x 600, XGA is 1024 x 768 and SXGA is 1280 x 1024.

Q3: What is DLP™ and DMD™?
A3: DLP™ stands for Digital Light Processing and DMD™ stands for Digital Micro-mirror Device. 

This system is based on thousands of tiny mirrors move to reflect the light and create the image on a projection screen. In electromagnetic, we call it DMD™ (Digital Micro-mirror Device) and in optics, we call it DLP™ (Digital Light Processing). Our EzPro700 uses this DLP™ technology, which gives it true colors, a compact size, and high performance. For more information on DLP™ technology, please refer to Texas Instruments web site www.ti.com 

Q4: What is single panel LCD projector?
A4: This is one kind of LCD technology which projects light through a single amorphous liquid crystal panel containing red, green and blue pixels. It usually makes the projector more compact and lighter. Our EzPro 550, and 585 uses this single TFT LCD panel which makes our projectors ultra portable and more affordable.

Q5: What is three-panel LCD projector?
A5: This is one kind of LCD technology which projects light through three polysilicon LCD panels, one each of red, green and blue, to achieve the final projected image. These panels are the size of
a quarter ( There are three kinds in the market including 0.9", 1.3" and 1.8"). Since each panel displays only its primary color, better color saturation and a larger color palette can be achieved. Also, the three-panel design provides a much greater contrast ratio.

Q6: Can I lease an EzPro projector?
A6: Yes, most OPTOMA dealers have programs set up for leasing a projector. We can refer you to the nearest dealer in your location.

Q7: How does Oversizing and Compression work?
A7: The EzPro projector family allows you to view a lower resolution setting with the oversizing function and lets you view a higher resolution setting with compression.

Q8: Can the "Oversizing" or "Compression" function be turned off?
A8: Some of our EzPro projectors allow you to turn off these functions by using the on screen display menu. Some EzPro projectors can detect a lower/higher resolution and will automatically match the computer's display image.

Q9: How does the projector connect to the computer?
A9: It's very simple; a VGA cable (that is included with each projector) connects directly from the video port of a computer to any of the EzPro units. This means it's true plug and play!

For more information on setting-up your projector, please refer to the quick start card or user's manual (included with your projector).

Q10: What projection distance do I need to get the right image size?
A10: The projection distance is related to the image size and the projector's minimum and maximum zoom ratio (if applicable). You can find the right projection distance or the right image size by following a simple calculation method. For example, if your projection distance is 14 feet (using the EzPro 615H as an example), the maximum diagonal size will be 100" and the minimum diagonal size will be 76". You can calculate detail size/distance using our Screen Size Guide online at http://www.optomausa.com/public/calculator_index.htm

Q11: How many people can I present to? What is the audience size?
A11: 2 to more than 1,000 people. It depends on the application, lighting and ambience of the location. Also, it depends on how large of a screen size you will need.

Q12: What is the difference between the EzPro 550, and EzPro 585?
A12: All these projectors have the same form factor. The EzPro 550, and 585 are SVGA, 800 x 600 resolution.
The EzPro 550 is more affordable and the EzPro 585 is brighter with higher contrast ratio. Also, the EzPro 585 comes standard with an IR remote mouse, which adjusts both the projector and computer. The EzPro 585 is the newest addition to the EzPro 5XX series with 500 ANSI lumens.

Q13: What is the difference between the EzPro 600 series and the EzPro 500 series of projectors?
A13: The EzPro 600 series is a 3- panel Polysilicon high performance LCD projector with motorized zoom lens, great video quality and high brightness. The EzPro 500 series projectors are single panel LCD projectors that are extremely lightweight (all under 10 pounds) and are extremely affordable.

Q14: QUESTION 14: Why do I need to pay more for SVGA resolution?
A14:
1) You don't need to sacrifice a cut off image or black frame around the image when using an SVGA projector with an SVGA notebook.
2) You can simultaneously view your SVGA notebook and SVGA projected images.
3) There's no resolution configuration required.
4) Directly connects and is compatible with today's advanced notebook computers. If you are using a computer with 800 x 600 SVGA resolution, you want a 800 x 600 SVGA projector.

Q15: Why do I need to pay more for an XGA resolution?
A15:
1) You don't need to sacrifice a cut off image or black frame around the image when using an XGA projector with an XGA notebook.
2) You can simultaneously view your XGA notebook and XGA projected images.
3) There's no resolution configuration required.
4) Directly connects and is compatible with today's advanced notebook computers. If you are using a computer with 1024 x 768 XGA resolution, you want a 1024 x 768 XGA projector

Q16: What is the difference between halogen and metal halide lamp technologies?
A16:
1) Halogen bulbs last approximately 70 hours (per bulb). Metal halide lamps last approximately 1000 hours.
2) Halogen lamps are affordable and cost around $49 while metal halide lamps are about $300. Specific lamp models can easily be purchased from audio/visual dealers or through OPTOMA.
3) Halogen lamps give off a yellowish image and metal halide lamps have a whiter image.
4) A halogen lamp burns at a steady rate and has a consistent brightness throughout its 70 hrs. lamp life. The brightness of the metal halide lamps decreases during its 1000 hrs. lamp life.

Q17: What is the difference between metal halide and UHP lamp technologies?
A17:
A UHP (Ultra High Performance) lamp is a proprietary design of Metal Halide lamp manufactured by Philips that requires lower wattage for equivalent brightness, resulting in:
1) A smaller and lighter projector, because the power supply is smaller and lighter.
2) A cooler running, quieter, and less expensive-to-operate projector because of the lower wattage
3) A longer lamp life, because the stresses on the lamp (wattage, temperature change) are reduced.
4) UHP lamps last approximately 4000 hours whereas metal halide lamps last approximately 1000 hours.

Q18: Are the EzPro lamps user replaceable?
A18: Yes, all the EzPro lamps are user replaceable. Please read all warnings and follow the instructions in the user's manual first before changing lamps.

Q19: Where can I purchase lamps for the EzPro projectors?
A19: These lamps can be purchased through audio-visual dealers or OPTOMA. No other metal halide lamps can be used with the EzPro because the lamps were specially designed for EzPro.

Q20: Can the EzPro projectors be ceiling mounted?
A20: Yes, all of our EzPro projectors can be ceiling mounted. OPTOMA provides our own ceiling mount for EzPro 500, 600, 700 series. You can also contact "Progressive Marketing" for ceiling mount information and installation at 800-368-9700.

The OSD (On Screen Display) menu will easily allow you to adjust the display function to allow for ceiling mount applications. The adjustments can be made with the remote control/remote mouse or on the projector's panel control.

Q21: Can the EzPro projectors be used for rear projection?
A21: Yes, all of our EzPro projectors can be used for rear projection.
The OSD (On Screen Display) menu will easily allow you to adjust the display function to allow for rear projection. The adjustments can be made with the remote control/remote mouse or on the projector's panel control.

Q22: Why should I choose OPTOMA projectors and not the competition?
A22:
1) OPTOMA is the price performance leader in the industry, with reliability you can count on.
2) EzPro projectors are easy to set up with true "Plug and Play" compatibility with your PC, MAC, and Video Sources.
3) OPTOMA projectors all have 3 years warranty and excellent after sales service.
4) OPTOMA EzPro projectors are lightweight and affordable with a full range of products for all your presentation needs.
5) Most EzPro projectors comes standard with a "Total solution package", complete with carrying case, remote control/remote mouse and accessories for one low, affordable price.

Q23: Are the EzPro Projectors compatible VHS tapes, laser disks or DVDs?
A23: Yes, all the EzPro projectors are compatible with all these video sources.

Q24: Which EzPro Projectors supports HDTV?
A24: EzPro 730, 750, and H series are HDTV compatible.

Q25: What video sources do the EzPro Projectors take?
A25: They support worldwide video standards such as NTSC, PAL and SECAM.

NTSC stands for National Television Standards Committee, and is used in North America, parts of South America, and Asia. PAL (Phase Alternating Line) is a standard used in Europe, Australia, China, and some South American and African countries. 

SECAM (Sequential Couloirs a Memoir) is a standard similar to PAL and used in France, Eastern Europe, and some African and Middle Eastern countries. PAL and SECAM differ in the way color information is encoded on the broadcast signal

Q26: What is "ANSI"?
A26: "ANSI" stands for the American National Standards Institute. This is used to measure the brightness of a display device.

Q27: What is a "Keystone Correction"?
A27: It is used to make the projected image square. Keystone correction is the device that will correct an image of the distortion (usually of a wide-top narrow-bottom effect) of a projected image caused by improper projector to screen angle.

Q28: What is "Power Zoom?
A28: The "Power Zoom" for EzPro 600 and EzPro 680 are used to adjust the image size by remote control and is motorized through the projector to get a desired image. 

Q29: What is "Power Focus?"
A29: The "Power Focus" for the EzPro 600 and EzPro 680 allows you to make your image clear and focused by remote control and motorized adjustments through the projector.

Q30: Can my television be hooked up to the projectors?
A30: Yes, your television can be hooked up to the projectors with a TV tuner adapter. This can be purchased through a computer retailer or electronic store. Another way of doing it is to go through composite Video Output. You can link the composite video output from you TV or VHS to the projector.

Q31: Can I view my computer monitor and the projected image at the same time?
A31: Yes, you can view your image on the computer monitor as well as the projected image at the same 
time. This is called the monitor loop-through function or simultaneous viewing.

Q32: How bright does the projector have to be to present with the lights on?
A32: Any projector with at least 300 ANSI lumens will allow you to have lights-on presentations. 

Depending on the size of the room and screen size, each EzPro projector can meet your different application needs.

Q33: Does EzPro have a Universal Power Supply?
A33: Yes, all EzPro family products have universal power supply. (Click here to see the detail) You can use them at different power voltage country without pushing any button. The only thing you may need is to purchase a local power cord from an electronic store. 

Q34: What is "Hertz" in reference to how the "Refresh rate" affects the displayed image?
A34: "Hertz" is a measure of frequency in cycles per second ("Hz" abbreviation for "Hertz"). The "Refresh rate" is the number of times per second during which a displayed image is regenerated, expressed in Hz. For example, a refresh rate is 60 Hz means that a displayed image is regenerated 60 times per second. The higher the refresh rate, the more stable (less flickering) the picture appears.

Q35: Why does the computer display adapter affect simultaneous viewing (being able to view your notebook display and the projector at the same time)? Or what component in the computer display adapter sends a signal that allows for simultaneous viewing?
A35: The display adapter is also called the graphics card and is known by many other names. Each display adapter has a different driver. Those drivers give directions to the signal transmitted to the external image, which decides on simultaneous viewing. Right now, only the notebook computers can do simultaneous viewing. The display adapter's mother/control board controls that function along with maximum resolution, maximum refresh rate and the number of colors that can be sent to the monitor.

Q36: Why do I need a video amplifier when using a VGA cable that's more than 30 feet? What will happen if I do not use one?
A36: A video amplifier will strengthen the RGB analog signal that is transmitted from the display adapter otherwise the control circuitry in the product cannot tell what kind of signal it is, especially sync signals. If a video amplifier is not used any image distortion (poor image, lack of colors) or sync problems may occur. 

Q37: Why is the Mac pixel count and refresh rate sometimes different from the PC?
A37: Due to the different designs between the Mac and PC operating system, the pixel count and refresh rate will sometimes be slightly different.

Q38: What is the working distance of the remote mouse?
A38: The typical range is 80 feet. 

Q39: Will the remote control functions for the EzPro still work if I do not have the remote mouse cable connected to my laptop computer?
A39: Yes. The remote will function with the EzPro 585, EzPro 615H, and the EzPro 718 even if the remote cable is not connected. The remote mouse needs to connect with the PC to function as a computer mouse but to control the projector; there is no extra cable or connection required.

Q40: What are the advantages of EzPro remote mouse to others?
A40: The EzPro remote mouse conserves battery life allowing it to last longer. It is a very accurate pointing device and does not need any kind of driver installation. The remote has a range of 80 feet and back-lite buttons to adapt to any presentation lighting environment. 

Q41: What is the warranty for the EzPro projectors?
A41: EzPro projectors come with a standard 3 years limited parts and labor. 

Q42: Are EzPro series projectors compliant Year 2000 problem?
A42: All OPTOMA projectors are Year 2000 compliant. There are no date codes in the software of the projector that will be affected. Any presentation software or third party products that are used with OPTOMA projector are not guaranteed.

Q43: How do I connect HDTV signal to EP755/EP753?
A43: Optoma provides an optional VGA-to-Component cable for connection.

Q44: Why remote mouse control doesn't work on EP735/EP755/EP753?
A44: Clip on remote control need to open when it acts as remote control. On the other hand, chip on remote needs to close when it acts as a remote mouse.

Q45: Why project screen shows abnormal color?
A45: Please try replacement with another VGA cable.

Q46: Why the menu automatic pop up all the time?
A46: There might be environment interference with IR receiver. Some of the later lighting system/bulbs would interfere with the frequencies of the remote control. This would some time occur on the older version of EzPro projectors such as EP700 series. This problem has been solved for the EP730 and EP750 series.

Q47: How many segments is the color wheel on the EP750 series?
A47: There are 4 segments in the color wheel, red, green, blue and white. The color wheel is running at 120 Hz.

Q48: What is the video processing chip is built-in in the EP750 series and H55?
A48: Optoma uses progressive video chip by Silicon Image DVDO Si504.

Q49: In 16:9 mode, can the image be digitally moved up and down across the unused pixels? Or is the 16:9 image fixed in the vertical center of the 4:3 format?
A49: No, 16x9 is fixed at center. However, we will incorporate this function in the new product.
 

Attachment A: Product Specifications
 

Model	EzPro 730	EzPro 735	EzPro 737	EzPro 750	EzPro 753	EzPro 755
Weight (lbs)	3 lbs	3 lbs	3.5 lbs	6.4 lbs	6.4 lbs	6.4 lbs
ANSI lumens	1,100	1,100	1,500	1,600	1,600	2,000
Contrast	500:1	500:1	1800:1	600:1	600:1	600:1
Ceiling mountable	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Image Source	0.7" DLP	0.7" DLP	0.7" DDR	0.7" DLP	0.7" DLP	0.7" DLP
Size, (W x L x H inches)	8.9" x 6.9" x 2.4"	8.9" x 6.9" x 2.4"	9.68" x 8.27" x 2.8"	10.9" x 8.9" x 3.3"	10.9" x 8.9" x 3.3"	10.9" x 8.9" x 3.3"
Light source	130W P-VIP	130W P-VIP	150W P-VIP	200 W UHP lamp	200 W UHP lamp	200 W UHP lamp
Lamp lift	2000 hours	2000 hours	2000 hours	2000 hours	2000 hours	2000 hours
HDTV	HDTV Ready	HDTV Ready	HDTV Ready	HDTV Ready	HDTV Ready	HDTV Ready
Native Resolution	800 x 600	1024 x 768	1024 x 768	800 x 600	1024 x 768	1024 x 768
Max. Resolution (Compressed)	1024 x 768	1280 x 1024	1280 x 1024	1024 x 768	1280 x 1024	1280 x 1024
Zoom lens	Manual zoom lens	Manual zoom lens	Manual zoom lens	Manual zoom lens	Manual zoom lens	Manual zoom lens
RGB Inputs	1	1	1	1	1	1
RGB (Data) Loop Through	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Remote control	Yes	Yes, w / mouse	Yes, w / mouse	Yes, w / mouse	Yes, w / mouse	Yes, w / mouse
Carrying Case	Soft	Soft	Soft	Soft	Soft	Soft
Features	Built in 2 watt speaker, 16:9 compatible	Built in 2 watt speaker, 16:9 compatible	Built in 2 watt speaker, 16:9 compatible	Built in 3 watt stereo speaker, 16:9 compatible	Built in 2 watt stereo speaker, 16:9 compatible	Built in 2 watt stereo speaker, 16:9 compatible
Warranty	3 Years	3 Years	3 Years	3 Years	3 Years	3 Years