Identify the lumen number for your unit. Some projectors may have the number written on the side of the unit, while others may have the lumen number located in the user manual. Most projectors have a lumen rating between 500 and 4000. Projectors with lumens less than 1000 are considered low-quality projectors.
Space the projector between 5 to 30 feet from the area where you want the image to appear. Most projectors have a target space range listed in the manual. In general, the lower the lumen rating, the closer it will have to be to the projection area.
Locate the filters in your projector and remove them. Often the filters are located just in front of the back side of the unit, behind the motor cooling fans. Open the top of the projector to remove the filters. You may need a screwdriver to remove the cover. Blow out the dust with compressed air. Clean the filters every 100 to 300 hours.
Clean the projector lens once a month. Spray the surface with lens cleaning solution. Wipe the lens with a soft cloth.
Replace the projector bulb every one to two years. The bulb’s lumens will gradually decline with frequent use, making the projector less effective.
Plug in the projector and put in a test video. The video should have several high-contrast scenes. Adjust the sharpness wheel until the image is clear and crisp. Experiment with the position of the projector to find the best location for the projector in that room.
Adjust the light level in the room so the projected image is clearly visible. This could include adding shades or curtains to windows, turning down lights or moving the projector to a new position in the room.