Epson L-Series Familiarisation Guide (9k thru 30k)

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by

Joe Hicks
in

L-Series (9k thru 30k)
EB-L149x, L150xx, L17xx, L12000q L20000u, L25000, L30000

Rental & Staging Prep Tips

See below highlighted suggested settings to change on your Epson projector that may work best for live event or theatre environments.

It is highly recommended that the projector is operating on the latest firmware release to ensure all settings and functionality are available.

*Please consult your rental provider before making changes as these settings may have already been changed for you.

Communication Mode for LAN connectivity whilst in standby

Menu – > Extended -> Standby Mode -> Communication ON

Remove any splash screen logos on start-up and change ‘no signal’ background to black

Menu -> Extended -> Display -> Start-up Screen -> OFF
Menu -> Extended -> Display -> Display Background -> Black
*When HDBaseT is selected as the input, the background color will always be blue.

Change internal test patterns from 16:10 (default) to 16:9.

Menu -> Extended -> Display -> Screen -> Screen Type -> 16:9

Turn off setting which allow for automatic shutdown of the projector

Menu -> Extended -> Operation -> Sleep Mode -> OFF
Menu -> Extended -> Operation -> AV Mute Settings -> AV Mute Time -> OFF

Disable the beep sound when the projector turns on or off

Menu -> Extended -> Operation -> Advanced -> Beep -> OFF

Turn off the indicator lights on the projector

Menu -> Extended -> Operation -> Advanced -> Indicators -> OFF

*If an error occurs the relevant indicators will still illuminate

Remove any on screen messages from being output

Menu -> Extended -> Display ->Messages -> OFF

*OSD can only be turned off via a remote control. For rental applications it is recommended to set the IP of the projector first and turn off the OSD via Epson Projector Professional Tool software.

Setup Art-Net address

Menu -> Network -> Network Configuration -> Other -> Art-Net

Ensure fast switching from ‘Main’ & ‘Backup’ SDI source when using media servers and matrices.

*Applies only to L20000 operating via SDI

Menu -> Extended -> SDI Settings -> Link Type -> Manual

In manual, select your SDI resolution, refresh rate, colour sampling and colour depth. The projectors SDI input will now only recognise this SDI signal. It will bypas the need for the projector to read the payload ID for the input signal, which can result in longer than desired switching times when changing to a ‘Backup’ input source. }

Epson Terminology

Color Modes (Menu -> Image -> Color Mode)

Epson Mode Application Panasonic Barco Christie
Dynamic This is the brightest mode. Ideal for use in a bright room. Dynamic n/a Bright
Presentation The images are vivid and brought to life. Ideal for making presentations Graphic Standard n/a
Natural Reproduces colors faithfully. Ideal for projecting still pictures such as photos. Standard Native n/a
Cinema Gives images a natural tone. Ideal for watching films in a dark room. Cinema DCI-P3 Video
BT.709 Produces images that conform to the ITU-R BT.709. Natural Rec.709 REC709
DICOM SIM DICOM SIM This produces images with clear shadows. Ideal for projecting X-ray photographs and other medical images. DICOM SIM n/a DICOM SIM
Multi- Projection Minimize the color tone difference between each projected image. Ideal for projecting from multiple projectors. n/a n/a Blending

Dynamic Contrast (Menu -> Image -> Dynamic Contrast)

Dynamic contrast will automatically adjust the laser brightness of the projector depending on the brightness of the input signal being displaying. This can enhance contrast ratio’s and improve black levels when projecting darker content.

  • Dynamic contrast mode is only available when using ‘Dynamic’ or ‘Cinema’ color mode (*Except L20000 where it is available in any color mode).
  • L20000 has extended settings to adjust how low the black level (laser brightness) will drop (0% or 20%)
  • Not recommended for multi projector / edge blend setups.

Lens Calibration

(Menu -> Extended -> Operation -> Lens Calibration)
Lens calibration is the process of acquiring the lens adjustment range and position information. When a lens that is different to the last used is installed, the projector will prompt you to run the calibration on start-up via an on-screen prompt. When prompted for lens calibration (or any message on screen) at first start-up, the image can be out of focus and dialogue boxes cannot be read. With the latest firmware using the arrows up/down, lens focus can be adjusted to read messages on screen. Lens Calibration takes up to 100 seconds to complete and will run each lens parameter to its min and max position. When it is complete, the lens position returns to the position before the calibration (ELPLX02 returns to the standard position). To ensure that a newly installed lens works correctly through its complete adjustment range a lens calibration must be performed unless the lens parameters may operate incorrectly. If a Len’s calibration fails, the projector will still operate. However, the parameter that has caused the calibration to fail may operate incorrectly for that lens. You can manually trigger a calibration via the OSD, webpage or Professional Tools. (Menu -> Extended -> Operation)

4k Enhancement

(Menu -> Image -> Image Enhancement)

The 4k enhancement is a technique which makes it possible to project an image that is of 4K resolution on a screen, using a projection chipset with a lower resolution (1080 or 1200)

This technique is called pixel shift. Many projector brands are using this solution, such as; Panasonic, Barco, NEC etc.

It consists of a special glass component positioned after the prism block and before the lens which shakes at a very high speed. It can shift the projection on the screen diagonally 0.5 pixels.

If a 4K signal input is detected, automatically the video processor splits the 4K signal in 2 parts and it will double the vertical scanning frequencies. The splits will be projected onto the screen once at a time with double speed.

As a result, the picture on the screen will have 4K pixels and original vertical frequencies. This useful function can be used even with Full HD signals.

AV Mute

(Menu -> Extended -> Operation -> AV Mute Settings)

*Not available on L20000 / L30000. See ‘Shutter Settings’ later in this document

AV Mute is Epson’s term for fading video brightness over a pre-defined time to hide the projector output.

AV Mute can be activated via remote control, software or via control command. When activated the projector will remain powered on, however the laser light source will turn off. This results in the operating sound of the projector going silent.

Please note that if the laser light source is off, the internal temperature of the laser phosphor wheel will cool down. This will cause a shift in colour temperature to the output image when AV Mute is deactivated. The colour temperature returns to normal within 30-45 seconds. When used in conjunction with a media server it is recommended to deactivate AV Mute 30 seconds before playing back video to allow the colour temperature to stabilise.

Shutter Settings

(Menu -> Extended -> Operation -> Shutter Settings)

*L20000 & L30000 Only

The L20000 & L30000 features a mechanical shutter to protect the LCD panels from laser strikes and to aid in discreetly removing the projector black level in dark environments when video playback is not required.

To achieve an image fade with the shutter you need to specify a ‘fade in’ & ‘fade out’ time within the ‘Shutter Settings’ menu.

The fade is achieved by dimming the laser light source brightness over the pre-defined fade time. Then the mechanical shutter will close. Once the shutter closes the laser brightness restores to 100% to maintain laser temperature and will snap off once the ‘shutter open’ command is sent.

*Due to limitations in laser diode hardware the laser can only be dimmed to a lowest brightness of 10%

Brightness Settings

(Menu -> Settings -> Brightness Settings)

Epson laser projectors offer four light source control modes to suit the installation environment ▪ Normal – Laser brightness 100%. Light source operation time is 20,000 hours.
▪ Quiet – Laser brightness drops to 70% of the projectors maximum brightness and fan noise is reduced. Light source operation time is 20,000 hours.

▪ Extended – Select this to extend the life expectancy of the light source. This sets the brightness at 70% and fans remain at normal. This makes the light source operation time approximately 30,000 hours.

▪ Custom – Select this to set the laser brightness level within a range of 30 to 100%.

*Note – Some lens will limit the maximum laser brightness when installed due to manufacturing limitations. Please consult the user manual for lens specifications.

Constant Brightness: (Only available when Light Source Mode is set to Custom)
When set to On, the brightness of the light source set in ‘Brightness Level’ is maintained.

Within the menu under ‘Estimated Remains’ will tell you how many hours the projector will maintain that brightness level before starting a linear decrease over its lifespan.

Light Source Calibration

(Menu -> Reset -> Light Source Calibration)

*Menu location requires firmware v2.0+

Light Source Calibration is a function that corrects for the degradation in performance of the laser diodes that will occur over its 20,000-hour lifespan. It uses a sensor within the optical engine to measure parameters such as laser and LCD panel driver voltage. It will compare measurements with data recorded during calibration at manufacture to adjust parameters and ensure the laser operates at specification.

The Light Source Calibration function by default will run every 100 hours of laser operation time. However, if using projectors within an edge blend installation. It is recommended to either manually run Light Source Calibration and then disable the periodic run setting. Or set a schedule to periodically run the calibration across multiple units at the same time.

Onboard Geometry Correction

(Menu -> Settings -> Geometry)

The Epson L-series offer 5 types of onboard geometry correction for you to use at no extra cost.

Please consider the below points when selecting which correction to use and consult the user manual and calculation tools for focal range and correction limitations.

H/V Keystone
▪ 4k Enhancement available to use
Quick Corner
▪ 4k Enhancement available to use.
▪ If 4k Enhancement is not required, consider using ‘Curved Wall/Corner Wall/Pont Correction’ (depending on screen’s shape) to give access to all possible geometry corrections.
Curved Wall Correction
▪  4k Enhancement not available ▪  You can adjust; quick corner & point correction ▪  Project onto an arc surface with the same radius. ▪  Please consult the Throw Distance Calculator to verify if the curve correction required is possible and within the lenses focal range.
Corner Wall Correction
▪ 4k Enhancement not available
▪ You can adjust; quick corner & point correction
▪ Project onto a surface with a right angle.
▪ If a large amount of adjustment is used, the focus may not be uniform after adjusting. ▪ Not available when using ELPLX02.
Point Correction
▪ 4k Enhancement not available
▪ You can adjust quick corner.
▪ Point correction grids available: 3×3, 5×5, 9×9, 17×17

Colour Calibration

(Menu -> Extended – > Color Calibration)

Automatic colour calibration uses the built-in camera on the front of the projector to adjust for uneven colours and uniformity over time.

Color Calibration has strict operating conditions to achieve the best results. For live event / rental environments its suggested that this calibration should be performed before the event during prep to ensure you get the best results.

Color Calibration Preparation Workflow

  1. Factory Reset
  2. Power on PJ – Allow 20 mins for temp to stabilise
  3. Light Source Calibration
  4. Set your Color Mode (e.g. Dynamic, Presentation)
  5. Check room / projection surface conditions
  6. Start Color Calibration
The auto adjustment function for Color Calibration works under the following conditions:
▪  The screen surface is flat and not skewed or warped
▪  Using a matte white diffusion screen
▪  The projection size is 80 to 200 inches
▪  The projector is setup parallel to the projection surface
▪  To increase the accuracy of adjustments, we recommend darkening the room while projecting images and then adjusting.
▪  Auto adjustment is performed using the camera built into the front of the projector. Do not block the camera or the projected images.
▪  Auto adjustment takes approximately one minute and 30 seconds.
▪  Auto adjustment is not available when using the following lenses:
9k thru 20k: ELPLX02, ELPLR04, ELPLL08, ELPLL07
25k thru 30k: ELPLR04, ELPLL08, ELPLL07

Screen Matching

(Menu -> Extended – > Multi Projection)

Screen matching is the process which utilises the on-board cameras to further calibrate multiple projectors when used in a multi projection / edge blend set up. It ensures that brightness, tone, colours and black levels across multiple projectors are matched to each other. The process uses a ‘master’ unit to calibrate the other projectors to up to a maximum group size of 9x projectors.

Screen Matching can be performed via two methods:

  • Remote control and 1x cat5e cable connecting both direct
  • Via network utilising EPPT software For live event / theatre installations, it is recommended that the Screen Matching process takes place away from the event at a warehouse where light and screen conditions can be controlled.
Operating Conditions & Limitations for Screen Matching
▪  Perform Screen Matching 20 minutes after turning on the PJ or turning off A/V mute.
▪  It is recommended to darkening the room while Screen Matching
▪  The screen surface is flat and not skewed or warped ▪  Using a matte white diffusion screen
▪  The projection size is 80 to 200 inches (9k through 15k models)
▪  The projection size is 100 to 300 (20k through 30k models)
▪  The projected image after tiling is rectangular
▪  All projected images are lined up with no gaps (We recommend using 15 to 45% as the width of overlapping images)
▪  The projector is setup parallel to the projection surface
▪  Auto adjustment is not available when using the following lenses:
9k thru 20k: ELPLX02, ELPLR04, ELPLL08, ELPLL07
25k thru 30k: ELPLR04, ELPLL08, ELPLL07


FAQs

How to I display the OSD after it’s been hidden, and I don’t know the IP address

Press and hold the ‘Menu’ button for 5 seconds on the remote control or PJ.

*This restore function only works from firmware v2.0 onwards, if you suspect the projector is on an older firmware then please update the firmware via USB to enable restore OSD and use this function in the future.

How can I update the projector firmware?

Projection firmware can be updates via 3 methods; USB Stick, USB cable (service port), LAN via Management software.
For detailed information on each of these steps please consult the product user manual.

Why can’t I access my projection via LAN in standby?

Turn ‘Standby Mode’ to ‘Communication On’ (Menu -> Extended -> Standby Mode).

By default, any projector sold within the EU is required to consume as little power in standby as possible. This has the effect of turning off the projector LAN port. Change the standby mode to ‘Communication On’ and the LAN port will remain powered whilst the PJ is in standby and allow for remote control and monitoring.

What is the network username and password?

The default login for projector network access is: Username EPSONWEB Password: admin

*If this does not work it is likely that it has been changed by a previous user. You can reset network settings only via Menu -> Network -> Network Configuration -> Reset

What is the default IP address?

The default IP address is set to DHCP ON – if DHCP turned off, the pre filled IP address is: 192.168.100.100

Where can I find what firmware version my projector is on?

You can view the firmware version of the projector via; OSD menu (Menu -> Info -> Version), Management software or the webpage under a similar menu structure.

In all instances the firmware is listed as ‘Main2: ‘940077738XWWV211’ = FW v2.11

How do I reset my projector?

*Factory default requires firmware v2.10+

There are 2 primary reset options available to you located under Menu -> Reset

– Reset all Config, this will reset all configuration settings within the projector, excluding;
EDID, Memory, User’s Logo, all it Network menus, Language, Date & Time, Panel Alignment, Color Uniformity, Lens Calibration, Color Calibration, PJ Grouping, Screen Matching, Color Matching.

– Reset All (Factory Default) will reset all projector’s settings. Password protected items are not reset. You need to enter a password to perform a reset.
The default password is set “0000”.

How can I view the onboard cameras?

Accessing the onboard camera is described as ‘Remote Camera Access’. This functionality is by default password protected and disabled. To enable this function, follow the below steps.

  • With a remote, press and hold the ‘Freeze’ button for 5 seconds. The ‘Password Protection menu is displayed.
  • Navigate to ‘Remote Camera Access’ and turn the password protection to ‘Off’. Press the ESC button to leave this menu.
  • Go to Menu -> Network -> Remote Camera Access. Change ‘Remote Camera Access’ to ‘On’. If promoted to enter a password, you can either set a password or leave it blank.
  • Remote Camera Access is now enabled and can only be accessed from the webpage home screen via the ‘Remote Camera Access’ menu. You can adjust the camera exposure and then press the ‘Shoot’ button to capture an image still.

Notes:

  • This functionality is only available on L150xUH, L175x, L20000 & L30000(tbc)
  • Not available when using ELPLXO2 lens.
  • AV Mute, Split Screen and OSD are disabled during image capture.
  • This functionality is not suitable for ‘show’ environments as a small on-screen overlay is displayed when capturing an image for privacy reason’s

Can I set the projector EDID?

*Requires firmware v2.10+ If you are having problems with the projector locking with your image source, then you can check and set the EDID via: Menu -> Signal -> Advanced -> EDID.

  • Only available when the source is HDMI, DVI-D or HDBaseT.
  • EDID resolutions available for WUXGA projectors are: o 3840×2160/30Hz,
    1920×1200/60Hz (default),
    1920×1080/60Hz,
    1600×1200/60Hz,
    1400×1050/60Hz.
  • See user manual (‘Supported Resolution’) for list of supported resolutions/refresh rates.

Why is ‘Network Configuration’ greyed out?

When viewing projector internal test patterns, the ‘Network Configuration’ menu will become unavailable. Exit from the internal test patterns to make changes within this menu.

Software

Epson Projector Management Tool

▪ Monitoring and basic control over up to 1000 projectors via LAN (inc PJ Link class 2).
▪ View / Export Service Log
▪ Updating Firmware via LAN (5x projectors simultaneously)
▪ Download projector configuration data for backup
▪ Windows 7.1+ Only
▪ https://www.epson.eu/epson-projector-software#control

Epson Projector Professional Tool

Resources

Advanced Throw Distance Calculator *Upgraded software in development

  • Tool to help you estimate the required projection distance according to the image size required and product you are using
  •  Lens shift calculator
  •  Flash based
  • Not currently available online, ask your rental partner or Epson PD contact.

Epson Pro Displays Specs / CAD’s / User Manuals
▪ http://support.epson.net/setupnavi/
▪ https://epson.com/Support/Projectors/Pro-Series/sh/s325

Latest Firmware (Europe)
▪ https://www.epson.co.uk/support

Firmware Update Guide ▪ https://files.support.epson.com/docid/other/412530500en.pdf

The original Epson document is available here

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