Important safety instructions Your projector is designed and tested to meet the latest standards for safety of information technology equipment. However, to ensure safe use of this product, it is important that you follow the instructions mentioned in this manual and marked on the product. Safety Instructions Please read this manual before you operate your projector.
Page 4
Safety Instructions (Continued) The lamp becomes extremely hot during operation. Allow the projector to cool for approximately 45 minutes prior to removing the lamp assembly for replacement. Do not operate lamps beyond the rated lamp life. Excessive operation of lamps beyond the rated life could cause them to break on rare occasions.
Page 5
Safety Instructions (Continued) Do not place this projector in any of the following environments. - Space that is poorly ventilated or confined. Allow at least 50 cm clearance from walls and free flow of air around the projector. - Locations where temperatures may become excessively high, such as the inside of a car with all windows rolled - Locations where excessive humidity,...
Page 6
Liquids spilled into the projector may cause it to fail. If the projector does become wet, disconnect it from the power supply's power outlet and call BenQ to have the projector serviced. This product is capable of displaying inverted images for ceiling mount installation.
Introduction Projector features The projector integrates high-performance optical engine projection and a user-friendly design to deliver high reliability and ease of use. The projector offers the following features. • 3D function to enjoy the 3D movies, videos, and sporting events in a more realistic way by presenting the depth of the images •...
Shipping contents Carefully unpack and verify that you have all of the items shown below. If any of these items are missing, please contact your place of purchase. Standard accessories The supplied accessories will be suitable for your region, and may differ from those illustrated.
Projector exterior view Front/upper side Rear/lower side External control panel (See for details.) Lamp cover Vent (heated air exhaust) Quick-release button Focus and Zoom ring Vent (cool air intake) Speaker grill Front IR remote sensor Projection lens AC power jack USB port RGB signal output jack RGB (PC)/Component Video (YPbPr/...
Controls and functions Projector Focus ring Adjusts the focus of the projected image. Zoom ring Adjusts the size of the image. LAMP indicator light Indicates the status of the lamp. Lights up or flashes when the lamp has developed a problem.
Remote control POWER Toggles the projector between standby mode and on. Freeze Freezes the projected image. Left BLANK Used to hide the screen picture. Digital Zoom (+, -) Magnifies or reduces the projected picture size. Volume +/- Adjusts the sound level. MENU/EXIT Turns on the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu.
Remote control effective range Infra-Red (IR) remote control sensor is located on the front of the projector. The remote control must be held at an angle within 30 degrees perpendicular to the projector's IR remote control sensor to function correctly. The distance between the remote control and the sensor should not exceed 8 meters (~ 26 feet).
Note that a special rear projection screen and the BenQ Projector Ceiling Mount Kit are required for this installation location. Set Rear Ceiling in the SYSTEM SETUP: Basic > Projector Position menu after you turn the projector on.
There is 3% tolerance among these numbers due to optical component variations. BenQ recommends that if you intend to permanently install the projector, you should physically test the projection size and distance using the actual projector in situ before you permanently install it, so as to make allowance for this projector's optical characteristics.
Connection When connecting a signal source to the projector, be sure to: Turn all equipment off before making any connections. Use the correct signal cables for each source. Ensure the cables are firmly inserted. • In the connections shown below, some cables may not be included with the projector (see "Shipping contents"...
• The D-Sub output only works when an appropriate D-Sub input is made to the COMPUTER 1 jack. • If you wish to use this connection method when the projector is in standby mode, make sure the Monitor Out function is turned on in the SYSTEM SETUP: Advanced menu. See "Standby Settings"...
Operation Starting up the projector Plug the power cord into the projector and into a power outlet. Turn on the power outlet switch (where fitted). Check that the POWER indicator light on the projector lights orange after power has been applied. Please use the original accessories (e.g.
Adjusting the projected image Adjusting the projection angle The projector is equipped with 1 quick-release adjuster foot and 1 rear adjuster foot. These adjusters change the image height and projection angle. To adjust the projector: Press the quick-release button and lift the front of the projector.
Correcting keystone Keystoning refers to the situation where the projected image is noticeably wider at either the top or bottom. It occurs when the projector is not perpendicular to the screen. To correct this, you will need to manually correct it following ONE of these steps. •...
Digital Zoom 3D Sync 3D Sync Invert Teaching Template Analog RGB SYSTEM SETUP: Basic Auto Disable MENU Exit English Front Table Front+Top BenQ BenQ MENU Exit Auto Status ENTER Press MENU/ Disable EXIT to the previous page or to exit.
Securing the projector Using a security cable lock The projector has to be installed in a safe place to prevent theft. Otherwise, purchase a lock, such as the Kensington lock, to secure the projector. You can locate a Kensington lock slot on the rear side of the projector.
Write down the number and turn off your projector. Seek help from the local BenQ service center to decode the number. You may be required to provide proof of purchase documentation to verify that you are an authorized user of the projector.
Changing the password Open the OSD menu and go to the SYSTEM SETUP: Advanced> Security Settings > Change Password menu. Press MODE/ENTER. The message “INPUT CURRENT PASSWORD” appears. Enter the old password. i. If the password is correct, another message “INPUT NEW PASSWORD” displays. ii.
To select the source: Press SOURCE on the projector or remote control. A source selection bar displays. Press until your desired signal is selected and press MODE/ENTER. Once detected, the selected source information will display at the corner of the screen for seconds.
Page 25
With the advent of digital signal processing, digital display devices like this projector can dynamically stretch and scale the image output to a different aspect than that of the image input signal. To change the projected picture ratio (no matter what aspect the source is): Press MENU/EXIT and then press Press to highlight Aspect Ratio.
Page 26
4:3: Scales an image so that it is displayed in the center of the screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio. This is most suitable for 4:3 images like some computer monitors, standard definition TV and 4:3 aspect DVD movies, as it displays them without aspect alteration.
Optimizing the image Using Wall Color In the situation where you are projecting onto a colored surface such as a painted wall which may not be white, the Wall Color feature can help correct the projected picture’s colors to prevent possible color difference between the source and projected pictures. To use this function, go to the DISPLAY >...
The confirmation message “Setting Saved” displays. Fine-tuning the image quality in user modes According to the detected signal type, there are some user-definable functions available when User 1 or User 2 is selected. Based on your needs, you can make adjustments to these functions by highlighting them and pressing Adjusting Brightness The higher the value, the brighter the image.
Page 29
3D Color Management In most installation situations, color management will not be necessary, such as in classroom, meeting room, or lounge room situations where lights remain on, or where building external windows allow daylight into the room. Only in permanent installations with controlled lighting levels such as boardrooms, lecture theaters, or home theaters, should color management be considered.
Repeat steps 3 to 6 for other color adjustments. Make sure you have made all of the desired adjustments. Press MENU/EXIT to exit and save the settings. Setting the presentation timer Presentation timer can indicate the presentation time on the screen to help you achieve better time management when giving presentations.
Remote paging operations Connect the projector to your PC or notebook with a USB cable prior to using the paging "Connection" on page 15 function. You can operate your display software program (on a connected PC) which responds to page up/down commands (like Microsoft PowerPoint) by pressing PAGE UP/PAGE DOWN on the remote control.
Creating your own startup screen (only for MX501/ MX501-V) In addition to selecting the projector preset startup screen from among BenQ logo, Black or Blue screen, you can make your own startup screen that is a picture projected from your computer or video source.
Adjusting the sound The sound adjustments made as below will have an effect on the projector speakers. Be sure you have made a correct connection to the projector audio input. See for how the audio input is connected. Muting the sound To temporarily turn off the sound: Press MENU/EXIT and then press is highlighted.
Once the cooling process finishes, a "Power Off Ring Tone" will be heard. The POWER indicator light is a steady orange and fans stop. Disconnect the power cord from the power outlet. • To turn off the power ring tone, see Power On/Off Ring Tone"...
Menu operation Menu system Please note that the on-screen display (OSD) menus vary according to the signal type selected and the projector model you are using. Main menu Sub-menu Wall Color Aspect Ratio Keystone Position Phase H. Size DISPLAY Digital Zoom 3D Sync 3D Sync Invert Teaching...
Background Color Splash Screen MyScreen (only for MX501) Operation Options MX501/MX501-V: MS500/MS500-V: The supplied languages in MS500/MS500-V may differ by region. Please contact your dealer for further information. Front Table/Rear Table/Rear Ceiling/Front Ceiling Menu Display 5 sec/10 sec/15 sec/20 sec/25...
Page 37
Main menu Sub-menu High Altitude Mode Audio Settings Lamp Settings Security SYSTEM Settings SETUP: Advanced Baud Rate Test Pattern Closed Caption Standby Settings Reset All Settings Current System Status INFORMATION Note that the menu items are available when the projector detects at least one valid signal. If there is no equipment connected to the projector or no signal detected, limited menu items are accessible.
Description of each menu Function Wall Color Aspect Ratio Keystone Position Phase H. Size Digital Zoom 3D Sync 3D Sync Invert Operation Description Corrects the projected picture’s color when the projection surface is not white. See "Using Wall Color" on page 27 There are several options to set the image's aspect ratio depending on your input signal source.
Function Teaching Provides several preset patterns for various teaching purposes. Template (only for Choose Blackboard or Whiteboard first by pressing to choose the pattern you need. Press MODE/ENTER to activate MX501/ the pattern. MX501-V) Pre-defined picture modes are provided so you can optimize your Picture Mode projector image set-up to suit your program type.
Page 40
Function Quick Auto Search Presentation Reminds the presenter to finish the presentation within a certain time Timer frame. See Sets the language for the On-Screen Display (OSD) menus. See Language the menus" on page 20 Projector The projector can be installed on a ceiling or behind a screen, or with Position one or more mirrors.
Page 41
Sets the background color for the projector. Color Allows you to select which logo screen will display during projector Splash start-up. The following options are available: BenQ logo, My Screen, Screen Black screen, Blue screen. Captures and stores the projected picture as My Screen. See MyScreen your own startup screen (only for MX501/MX501-V)"...
Page 42
Function Selects a baud rate that is identical with your computer’s so that you can connect the projector using a suitable RS-232 cable and update or Baud Rate download the projector’s firmware. This function is intended for qualified service personnel. Selecting On enables the function and the projector displays the grid test Test Pattern pattern.
Page 43
Function Source Shows the current signal source. Picture Mode Shows the selected mode in the PICTURE menu. Resolution Current Shows the native resolution of the input signal. System Color System Status Shows input system format: NTSC, PAL, SECAM, YUV, or RGB. Equivalent Lamp Hour Displays the number of hours the lamp has been used.
Maintenance Care of the projector Your projector needs little maintenance. The only thing you need to do on a regular basis is to keep the lens and case clean. Never remove any parts of the projector except the lamp. Contact your dealer if other parts need replacing.
Lamp information Getting to know the lamp hour When the projector is in operation, the duration (in hours) of lamp usage is automatically calculated by the built-in timer. "Setting Lamp Mode as Economic" To obtain the lamp hour information: Press MENU/EXIT and then press menu.
Status 45), "Indicators" on Message Notice Order Replacement Lamp Lamp>XXXX Hours Order a new lamp at lamp.benq.com Notice Replace Lamp Soon Lamp>XXXX Hours Order a new lamp at lamp.benq.com Notice Replace Lamp Now Lamp>XXXX Hours Order a new lamp at lamp.benq.com...
Replacing the lamp • To reduce the risk of electrical shock, always turn the projector off and disconnect the power cord before changing the lamp. • To reduce the risk of severe burns, allow the projector to cool for at least 45 minutes before replacing the lamp.
Page 48
Use the handle to slowly pull the lamp out of the projector. • Pulling it too quickly may cause the lamp to break and scatter broken glass in the projector. • Do not place the lamp in locations where water might splash on it, children can reach it, or near flammable materials.
Page 49
Connect the power and restart the projector. Do not turn the power on with the lamp cover removed. Resetting the lamp timer After the startup logo, open the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu. Go to the SYSTEM SETUP: Advanced > Lamp Settings menu. Press MODE/ENTER. The Lamp Settings page displays.
Page 50
Indicators Light Orange Green Flashing Green Orange Flashing Orange Flashing Green Orange Green Orange Green Green Green Orange Green Orange Green Orange Orange Orange Green Green Green Maintenance Status & Description Power events Stand-by mode. Powering up. Normal operation. • The projector needs 90 seconds to cool down as it was abnormally shut down without the normal cooling down process.
Troubleshooting The projector does not turn on. Cause There is no power from the power cord. Attempting to turn the projector on again during the cooling process. No picture Cause The video source is not turned on or connected correctly. The projector is not correctly connected to the input signal device.
Specifications Projector specifications All specifications are subject to change without notice. Optical Resolution (MX501/MX501-V) 1024 x 768 XGA (MS500/MS500-V) 800 x 600 SVGA Display system 1-CHIP DMD Lens F/Number F = 2.56-2.8 Lamp 220 W lamp Electrical Power supply AC100–240V, 3.2 A, 50-60 Hz (Automatic) Power consumption 322 W (Max);...
Dimensions 287.3 mm (W) x 100.4 mm (H) x 232.6 mm (D) Ceiling mount installation Ceiling Mount screw: M4 x 8 (Max L = 8 mm) 83.38 232.6 100.4 207.6 199.6 Unit: mm 141.88 287.3 287.3 123.0 232.6 Specifications...
Page 55
Supported timing for Component-YP Timing Resolution 480i 720 x 480 480p 720 x 480 576i 720 x 576 576p 720 x 576 720/50p 1280 x 720 720/60p 1280 x 720 1080/50i 1920 x 1080 1080/60i 1920 x 1080 1080/24P 1920 x 1080 1080/25P 1920 x 1080 1080/30P...
Proof of purchase date will be required with any warranty claim. In the event this product is found to be defective within the warranty period, BenQ's only obligation and your exclusive remedy shall be replacement of any defective parts (labor included). To obtain warranty service, immediately notify the dealer from which you purchased the product of any defects.