Barco FAQ

Tom.W

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The original document appears to be gone or at least I couldn't find it ?
So here is the just of it...



Barco FAQ
Q: Barco Digital chassis projector adjustment blocks have me in a spin. How do they work?
A: Here's the basic rules for digital chassis Barco's:
1) The projector will detect a video signal at a certain frequency and automatically create a new block. Creating a block requires the projector to detect the source so the source must be connected and active.
2) Blocks belong to inputs, but one input can have multiple blocks. Feed the projector S-Video from a PAL source and it will create a block with 15.6Khz horizontal frequency and at a 50Hz refresh rate. Feed an NTSC source to the same physical input and the projector will create another block with 15.6 horizontal frequency and at a 60Kz refresh rate. Now using the same physical input yet again feed a line doubled PAL source and the projector will create a block with 31.2Khz horizontal frequency and 50Hz refresh rate. Etc Etc Etc!
3) ALL settings from geometry / convergence to contrast / brightness are stored to the block and automatically loaded when the projector detects a source at a matching frequency. This means all your calibration belongs to that block. No more having to re-set colour and contrast for differing video standards. The projector will automatically store all setting that are changed when in that block.
4) Each physical input has in effect a virtual input as well, allowing yet more source and geometry variations per input. Connect S-Video to port 2 on the projector, feed PAL then NTSC to that input and 2 blocks will be created. Now for the cleaver part, pressing 92 (instead of 2) on the remote creates 2 more blocks still on the same physical input. Now you can have both PAL and NTSC going to an input and Anamorphic PAL and NTSC on the same input, keeping in mind all settings are remembered per source detected. From that point, pressing 2 on the remote will auto load either the PAL or the NTSC block depending on what the projector detects. Pressing 92 on the remote will auto load your Anamorphic geometry blocks.
5) Blocks can be manually deleted or copied for another source. If for example you have composite video set-up, and feed the projector S-Video at the same frequency, with the new signal connected and active go into service mode and down to copy a block. Find the same frequency on input 1 from the block list and press enter, a warning will say all settings in the current block will be over written, if you are sure you are copying the correct block press enter. Once done the picture can be tweaked as required and a new block has been created for that frequency on input 2 i.e. S-Video.
6) Once one block exists the projector will guess geometry etc given another source (either on the same input or another input). This is done by linear digital interpolation (LDI) and the projector effectively learns as more blocks are created. Eventually the result of LDI is very close to perfect, requiring only a few tweaks to bring geometry and convergence spot on for a new source.
7) The maximum number of Blocks varies between models, but is between 32 and 38 (48 on Cine 9). This allows a vast range of configurations and is one of many reasons we love Barco projectors for Home Cinema. Once you understand fully how adjustment blocks work you will find them invaluable for setting up for multiple source's, with and without Anamorphic geometry for example, and have the projector do most of the work.
8) When you first install the projector its worth going into the service menu and selecting either copy a block or delete a block then scrolling through what's in the memories, if anything. We suggest its better long term to delete all external source blocks before initial installation. This frees all blocks for your use and increases the chances of LDI becoming more useful because existing blocks might be for a ceiling install and you are now table installing thus rendering all that block information useless. It's also just possible to start calibration only to find all is lost once you switch inputs, caused by all blocks being used so while you can calibrate for a source, that information cannot not be automatically stored.
Also check how memory banks work on later projectors, and later versions of control software, in the Q & A below. This affects how you can use the projectors memory system.
Q: How do you close or seal a block?
A: Once the projector creates a new adjustment block it remains in temporary memory, if for example you try a new input frequency the projector will interpolate a picture from existing block information, however it is not stored till you make one change to any parameter. To close or seal a block change anything, contrast by one point, blanking by one point, anything will do it, the information is stored and will be visible in the source list. This is handy if you want to try several frequencies to see what looks to have potential, switching frequencies from your scaler or HTPC will cause the picture to be displayed, it won't be perfect but it should be good enough to see if your getting the look your after, once you find what you want proceed with normal tweaking to automatically store the information.
Q: How does the Barco memory bank system work on later projectors?
A: Later projectors and later versions of projector control software implement a new memory system to enable up to 8 different geometry set-up's per frequency block. To enable the system go to service mode and highlight Memory Banks then press enter so it reads On (7 series projectors: The setting is under memory management). There are still 32 memory blocks in total but now one frequency can have up to 8 different set-up's like 4:3 and Anamorphic geometry or differing contrast and brightness settings. An active existing block automatically becomes memory bank 1, to create or access another memory bank press enter followed by any number from 1 to 8. Once more than one memory bank exists press enter once to see what bank is in use, pressing enter repeatedly will cycle through all banks that match the incoming frequency. Pressing 9 in front of an input number still works the same, for example using 5 for port 5 and 4:3 geometry then 95 for port 5 and anamorphic geometry.
Barco technical paper on memory banks (20kb)
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Q: I set my Barco up with the internal test pattern but the actual picture has not changed. Why?
A: You have used the internal test pattern and you should have connected the video source, selected the input its connected to and used the genlocked test pattern. You could use an internal pattern to set geometry etc, then go to copy a block mode and copy that block to your source input but that will not be very accurate. To set-up a new source, connect the source equipment and make sure its turned on. Select the input its connected to and the projector should briefly display the source frequency on screen, like 15.6 KHz / 50Hz for a PAL input. Now press adjust to access the main menu and scroll down to random access and press enter. Then scroll to genlocked pattern, press enter and perform all required adjustments to bring geometry and convergence right for the source, using the test pattern generated. Final blanking adjustment is best performed with the source playing video. Press exit to go back one menu page and scroll to selected source, press enter and set your source playing. Now set final blanking so the picture edges are very slightly over the screen black boarders. You may have to adjust the actual picture size before final blanking and possibly move the picture up/down left/right to get it just so. Its best to have the picture slightly off to the left as the left side will require more blanking to cover various things in the input signal. VHS video tapes will have a sync pulse running across the bottom of the picture so you need to set image size so as to allow blanking adjustment to cover them and finish on the screen boarders. UK TV broadcasts with Teletext will have a mass of rubbish at the top of the picture, again you need to size the picture so blanking gets rid of it and finishes the picture on the screen boarder. Finally set contrast, brightness, colour etc for that source and exit the menu system. All information will be saved in a block that will auto load when the projector detects a source at a matching frequency on the same input. Last thing to do (preferably after a break from the job, but leaving the projector playing video to keep it warmed up) is go back into the main menu and select random access then genlocked pattern (with source connected, switched on and that input selected) then check geometry and convergence once more, especially if you moved or re-sized the picture to do final blanking. Convergence is best done at least twice, and better still, three times for both red and blue. Each change in one adjustment zone will slightly pull the adjoining zones so its a case of going round and round till all errors are eliminated. Now what ever you change in that adjustment block will stick, in other words any changes are automatically stored by the projector and applied for that source. By now you probably need to make a eye test appointment or take a couple of aspirin for that head ache!
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Q: I have a Barco projector but no remote control, what can I do?
A: Download Barco projector control software (1.5Mb) *
* Use your PC or lap top to control the projector via an RS232 cable from the PC's COM port to the projectors control port (All digital chassis Barco's). This is a self extracting zip file. Double click it and it will extract to your C:\ drive, locate the Barco Control folder it generates and double click Setup.exe to install the software. You will need a regular RS232 / 9 pin sub D cable with one male and one female plug, any computer shop will have them, or order longer ones from somewhere like Maplins
OR remove the remote built into the projector and extend the wiring to use it as a wired remote. This works well on the 800 / 801 as the internal remote is the same as the hand held version but without the IR transmitter. There are 4 wires and all are yellow so be very sure not to cross any! Un-plug the mini connector from the main board and remove the whole remote from the case. Mark each wire at both ends, say 1, 2. 3, and 4, then cut in the middle and extend with miniature 4 core cable. Make sure the wire numbers match before joining then you can be sure none are cross connected. You now have a wired full function remote control unit! Keep the extension wiring as short as possible, but it should work fine at 10 or maybe 15 meters length.
Q: Will Barco Port 3 input provide improved performance over Port 4 / 5?
A: In theory no, but in practise often yes. Port 3 generally provides a noticeably sharper picture with lower noise and higher colour saturation (Earlier non "S" projectors will show bigger gains than later "S" projectors with the new input board). Port 3 will accept RGsB, RGBS and RGBHV, sync is auto detected The limitation of Port 3 is having to use small RGBHV / RGBS cable's that can be terminated with a D9 at the projector. Use only the highest quality cable or the results may not match Port 4 / 5 with large low loss cable and BNC's. Port 3 should accept both negative and positive sync, scalers and line doublers / quadruplers are negative, computer graphics cards are generally positive. Use Power Strip to switch to negative sync if required. We also stock very high quality HD15 to D9 port 3 video cables and various other useful cables for hooking up scalers or HTPC's.
Note: The only exception to the above is at very high resolutions, there comes a point where the pixel clock is getting too high for the largest video cable that can be fitted into a D9 connector. At this point port 5 should be considered since it allows use of extremely high quality video cable like Liberty Interflex-SD.
Q: Should I use port 3 or port 4/5 for an HTPC?
A: Port 3 on Barco projectors is specifically designed for connection to a computer. Always use it where possible for both computers and scalers. Port 3 can be more tolerant of low sync voltage levels and has sync auto detect, the projector will automatically find the sync signal in RGsB, RGBS and RGBHV. See note above.
Q: Will port 3 accept Component video on S projectors?
A: No. While all S projectors (excluding 801s) accept component video this is only possible via port 4/5 using input 6 (Or input 8 with HDTV decoder). Port 3 is for RGB only as while the sync signals go via the input board, the actual red, green and blue signals go directly to the RGB amplifier output board.
Q: What is the correct pin assignment for port 3?
A: Click here for a diagram. Connect the H & V grounds at the HD15 end but not at the D9 end.
Q: Certain resolutions cause problems, why?
A: If you are running an HTPC either to port 3 or port 5 certain resolutions may produce an unstable picture or no picture at all, even though they are well within the horizontal scan capability of your projector. Also certain resolutions may require extreme horizontal phase correction to centre the image. While port 3 on all projectors, and port 5 on later S projectors, accepts positive sync polarity, this may cause problems. Assuming you are using PowerStrip, change the vertical and horizontal sync polarity to negative, this should clear the problem (Un-check real time adjust before changing both H and V sync then click apply). Barco's do not like positive sync polarity. For example you may find 1280 x 720 is fine positive but 1440 x 960 is unstable, switch sync to negative and the problem goes away. Any resolution that requires extreme phase correction suddenly springs back nearer the mid point with negative sync. You may also find on some projectors certain convergence problems evaporate with negative sync. If you have had convergence problems make sure you go to the service menu with the problem block active then select the convergence off or R & B convergence mid option and press enter twice. This will delete convergence settings for only that block, geometry is un-affected. Now re-converge the block.
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Q: Do I need to update the operating system software on a digital chassis Barco?
A: Most software updates are to accommodate new or improved hardware. Updating your software to a level that adds a function you want will have no effect if the relevant hardware is not installed as well, when the projector starts up and the controller does it's system check the thing you want will not appear in the menu because the controller does not detect the hardware required. One thing a controller software update will add to some projectors with Iris 2 is the functions of Iris 3 (The actual Iris control board is the same), this will include full auto geometry known as Auto Install. On some projectors the new memory bank system will be implemented with a software update, see this question for details. The same projectors will also gain the small text late style menu structure. Some early 800 series projectors may require an update to fix certain bugs. As Barco dealers we can supply software updates if required, cost is normally £49.00 including VAT and UK delivery. The software is on a plug-in EPROM so it just plugs into the main controller board. No projector set-up is lost or altered. Note: The Cine Max / 9 has to be updated with special dealer software and a PC. We offer this service if required. Latest version is V2.21
Q: Your Barco Graphics 808s projectors have V7.61 software, what's this?
A: Version 7.61 software for the Graphics 808s updates Iris 2 to Iris 3 and changes the large text earlier menu system to the small text modern version. There are also changes to how the projector operates on a day to day basis and the new memory bank system is implemented in full, see this question for details. We keep this software EPROM in stock if you wish to add these features to your Graphics 808s. We also stock V7.41 for Data 808s projectors, this is the latest version which implements all the same changes that V7.61 does for the graphics models, cost for either EPROM is £49.00 including VAT and UK delivery.
Q: Will a re-set to midpoint actually set everything to midpoint on a Barco?
A: All parameters will be set to 49 except Dynamic Astigmatism (Electromagnetic focus projectors only), this should manually be set to 49 in all zones for all colours, both axial and diagonal. If this is not done adjustments like Scheimpflug, optical lens edge focus and electrical zone focus maybe set incorrectly. It's possible to get into a situation where you are making an adjustment to correct an error in another adjustment, however if you are not able to correctly adjust Dynamic Astigmatism it maybe better to leave it set as it is.
Q: Setting to mid point causes a problem on my Data 808s
A: Control software version 7.22 has a bug, setting to midpoint should retract blanking completely. In version 7.22 the lower blanking is set to maximum instead of fully retracted. Simply lower the blanking all the way before doing any set-up work. Also consider a software update to version 7.41, this has several new additions including implementation of the memory bank system, updating Iris 2 to Iris 3 and the new small text menus. We stock this update at £49.00 including VAT and UK delivery.
Q: What do Barco R & B convergence mid and convergence off options do?
A: Either option maybe in the service menu, depending on year. Both do the same thing, when used with an active input the convergence settings for all zones of that block are set to 49. Geometry and all other blocks are un-affected, only the active block at the time is reset. This can be useful if you make a mess of convergence and want to start again without manually going round 50 zones resetting each one.
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Q: My Barco remote has stopped working, what has happened?
A: If it happened after you changed the battery (or removed the battery), the remote needs to be set-up to control the projector. The Barco remotes can control multiple projectors in a chain using addresses. The projector can be set to respond to a certain address only, using the dip switch's on the controller, what has been set does not matter as all projectors will respond to address 000. On the remote between the Adjust and Standby buttons is a recessed button you can press with a pen, press it and then press the 0 digit on the remote. The remote is now set to projector address 000 and the projector will now respond regardless to the actual address its set to. Alternately you can press the recessed button on the remote while aimed at the projector or screen and the projector will display its address (or bring up the Barco information screen from the menu to view the address), then proceed by pressing those numbers in sequence on the remote i.e. if the projector displays address 025 press 0 then 2 then 5 on the remote and it will be set to control a projector with that address, either way the remote will work again.
Q: My "S" model Barco will not accept HDTV format Component video, why?
A: While all Barco 8 / 12 & 16 series "S" projectors (Excluding 801S) accept component video directly using input 6, they do not accept HDTV format component video at either 1080i or 720p.
Q: What tubes do Barco 808 series projectors use?
A: With only one exception all Barco 808 projectors use tubes from MEC (Matsushita Electric Company, more commonly known as Panasonic). The exception to this is the Graphics 808s which uses Sony tubes. The MEC tube type is 180DVB22 and the Sony tube type is 07MFP2, these are not the same as earlier Sony tubes, the tube neck is longer to accommodate the electromagnetic focus yolk used in the 808 series. MEC tubes are available rebuilt or new, Sony tubes can't currently be rebuilt. From March 2003 the Cine 8 uses MEC tubes due to there 15% smaller spot size (prior to March 2003 the Cine 8 used Sony 07MFP2 tubes).
Q: What is the Limo Pro option on new Barco projectors?
A: Limo Pro is Barco's proprietary line multiplier / internal scaler. It features 3:2 pull down for film based NTSC video and 2:2 pull down for film based PAL video. Limo Pro operates on all incoming video formats including Composite, S-Video, Component and RGB. Depending on the model of projector it offers line double, line triple, line quadruple and frame doubling on both PAL and NTSC. Limo Pro's output is progressive. All setting are remembered by adjustment block and it can be switched in or out as required. Limo Pro includes a considerable number of picture tweaks which are user adjustable including sharpness profiles, colour transient improvement, colour saturation and much more. It is standard on all Barco Cine series projectors.
Limo Pro Basic Specs
Q: How do I set-up Limo Pro for best performance?
A: Here's some suggestions to assist with correct Limo Pro calibration, the pdf includes a list of all Limo Pro output modes. If you are interested to know more about Limo Pro contact us for a copy of the Factory technical manual which details exactly how Limo Pro works and how to get the best results.
Limo Pro Calibration
Q: Is the LiMo line multiplier the same as LiMo Pro?
A: Apart from being interchangeable there are no real similarity's between the older LiMo line multiplier and the new LiMo Pro multiplier. LiMo is perfectly useable but LiMo Pro is a more sophisticated design that addresses most of the problems seen with LiMo. The two line multipliers are more or less completely interchangeable, however LiMo Pro may require a main controller software update for it to be correctly recognised by the controller. When replacing LiMo with LiMo Pro it is best to delete all blocks and set to mid point to avoid any errors with block information that is not converted correctly. Only Cine series projectors can access all of LiMo Pro's advanced functions, when fitted to any other model advanced functions are not available.
Q: What is the difference between Iris 2 and Iris 3?
A: Both systems are the same with the exception of the projectors main control software. Iris 2 can do full auto convergence, Iris 3 extends this to full geometry and convergence, once basic set-up has been done. Projectors fitted with Iris 2 can normally be upgraded to Iris 3 with just a control software update. We can supply a new control software EPROM for £49.00 including VAT and UK postage.
Q: How do you use the Iris system?
A: Here's a basic guide to help you get the best from the Iris system:
Iris User Guide
Q: When did Barco change from PPL to RC5 remote codes?
A: All projectors up till mid 2000 used the PPL remote codes, during 2000 the control codes were changed to the more common RC5 type as used by virtually all electronics now days. Very few learning remotes can deal with the PPL codes as they are in a high frequency band.
Q: Can all learning remotes handle the PPL codes?
A: No, the PPL codes are at an exceptionally high frequency. The only learning remote that can definitely handle them is the Philips Pronto and it's variations. Pronto .ccf files are available at remote central.
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Q: What is the basic difference between Barco 808 and 808s models?
A: The Barco 808s can be considered as a MKII model, they have several electrical enhancements over non S models and include extra's like gamma corrections in software. The Graphics 808 non S uses MEC tubes, the Graphics S uses Sony tubes. Both Data non S and Data S models use the MEC tubes. Non S models do not accept Component video, S models all do. The non S models were made from late 1994 to late 1996 then all 808 projectors became S models. Non S models are cheaper and have similar overall performance, given the price difference they represent a good buy if the tubes are in perfect condition. Graphics S projectors with Sony tubes are generally considered to have a slightly more accurate overall colour balance, but the MEC tubes are often just a little sharper. Both tube types can be as good or as bad as each other, depending on actual condition. As from March 2003 (Black Range models) the Cine 8 uses MEC tubes instead of the Sony ones.
Q: What is the difference between 808s Graphics and Data models?
A: 808s Graphics have:
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Sony 07MFP2 tubes
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120 MHz RGB amplifiers
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Stepless Scheimpflug adjustment
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110 kHz horizontal scan rate
808s Data have:
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MEC Panasonic 180DVB22 tubes
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75 MHz RGB amplifiers
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Scheimpflug adjustment by shims
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75 kHz software limited scan rate
In reality the maximum horizontal scan rate difference is not an issue as the S Data scans to 75 kHz, which is well past 1080p, which is generally to high for an 808s anyway. Both Data and Graphics S projectors can be modified to accept HDTV format component video. Both have the same basic chassis, with the exception of the higher RGB bandwidth and stepless Scheimpflug adjustment the Graphics has no major advantage over the Data. In fact given that S Data projectors cost significantly less second hand they should be given careful consideration.
Q: Will all Barco digital chassis projectors do both 4:3 and 16:9 geometry?
A: Yes, all digital models will do 4:3 and anamorphic geometry with ease. There's two ways to do it, either set-up 4:3 on your normal input, say 5 for RGBHV, then press 95 to create a new block and do anamorphic geometry or on later projectors use the memory bank system to set-up anamorphic in the same block but with a different memory bank number. See this question for details. Projectors fitted with the optional convergence on green module may not be able to lower vertical amplitude far enough to reach anamorphic (problem normally occurs on 808s models). Remove the convergence sub board to solve the problem, if you must keep the convergence on green module set the 2 green zones above and below the central one to lower vertical height as far as possible, this may get you to true anamorphic height but is not the ideal way to have the projector set-up.
Q: What are the RS232 commands for a Barco projector?
A: Here are all the commands digital chassis Barco's will respond to:
Barco RS232 Commands
Q: I am confused by raster shift and horizontal phase
A: Most people are, including some who allegedly set projectors up for a living! Raster shift moves the active scan area on the tube face, horizontal phase moves the video signal on the raster area. Once you have done raster centring during installation do not use raster shift left / right again, use up / down if required. When the actual picture is offset left or right use horizontal phase to shift it, not raster shift. By all means use raster shift to move the picture up or down the tube face as required, but do not shift it left or right. Taking errors to the extreme, if you shift the active raster off to the left followed by shifting the picture off to the right with horizontal phase, part of the picture will disappear as the active video is shifted off the active raster area. Note: We are talking about global raster shift in geometry set-up, not moving red and blue during convergence. (There are circumstances where raster shift may have to be used left / right but they are to complicated to detail accurately here, so stick to the above rule unless your in a muddle, or raster shift must obviously be used).
The projectors menu is locked to the raster, in other words the active scan area of the tube face. You will notice horizontal phase slides the actual picture left / right under the menu which does not move. A good indication that things are correct is that the main menu is central on the screen and that dialogue boxes like size bar graphs do not go off the screen. If your menu is off to one side and some dialogue boxes are partly off the screen your raster versus phase setting maybe wrong.
Q: How can I see the raster area?
A: To see exactly where the raster is play video and withdraw all image blanking, now increase brightness to 70 or so, and reduce contrast to 10-20. Look in the tube face and the raster will be plainly visible as a bright area that's bigger than the actual picture. The raster should be more or less dead central on the tube face. Move the active image area on the raster using horizontal phase.
Q: What is the Cine 8 Onyx?
A: The Cine 8 Onyx is a very special limited edition version of the Cine 8, the Onyx has liquid coupled optics, no other 8" Barco has ever had this important feature (With the exception of some retro projectors). The Onyx also has contrast modulation, custom colour filtered and corrected lenses and ultra high bandwidth RGB amplifiers. The total Onyx production run was 40 projectors. We have a Cine 8 Onyx on permanent demonstration and an extremely limited number are still available for sale (Below 10 projectors at the time of writing).
Q: My Barco won't treat 72Hz and 75Hz vertical refresh as different
A: A change of over 5Hz is required for the projector to automatically create a new geometry block (Assuming the horizontal scan rate remains the same). If you want to run a 72Hz refresh for NTSC and a 75Hz refresh for PAL either use the memory bank system on later projectors or software levels or force a new block by pressing 9 in front of your current input number, in other words if your using 5 for RGBHV press 9 then 5 to force a new block then set up one for 72Hz NTSC and the other for 75Hz PAL. From that point you can access either block by using input 5 or 95.
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Q: The LiDo line doubler in my projector is not giving a good picture
A: Early LiDo firmware versions will not tolerate the Macrovision timing of some DVD players. The result is a serious bend to the right at the top of the picture and major motion artefacts mainly showing as "jaggies" on diagonal edges. This problem is especially bad with some Sony DVD players. Look at the LiDo board in your projector, you will see a very small 6 legged EPROM with a version number on a white label, V1.04 is particularly bad, V1.09 or V1.10 is required to fix the problem. We have V1.10 in stock at £49.00 including VAT and UK delivery.
In extreme cases it maybe necessary to change the LiDo interface board for the latest version which includes a Macrovision stripper circuit, contact us for details.
Q: We had a power cut and now my projector starts to the information screen
A: All digital chassis Barco's start to the last used video source if there has been no power interruption, so pressing standby will normally bring up the video you want. If there has been a power cut or the projector has been disconnected from the mains it may start to it's information screen. Press the source number you want to bring up the picture, better still always start the projector by pressing the source number on the remote.
Q: My Barco Cine series projector reacts to one of my other remotes
A: One known interaction is with SKY box's, another is with some Panasonic VCR's. The projector may turn on or off or possibly display an error message, this can be corrected by changing the projectors common address. Contact us for details of how to do this on your model.
Q: What distance should my projector be from the screen?
A: Click HERE to open a new browser window with the distance formula for all common Barco projector and lens combinations, including older models. PD is the distance from the screen surface to the projectors front mounting point. A is the distance above (negative amount) or below (positive amount) the top of the image (Holds true for 4:3 or 16:9 image). This distance is measured from the top (ceiling mounted) of the highest point of the projector, normally the actual projector mount. Note: Distances are metric. Screen range is the maximum and minimum image width for the lens type, in other words the image width it is possible to focus up or down to. Beyond the stated sizes correct edge focus may not be possible.
Download the Barco Lens program which will generate install diagrams for most common CRT models (4.81Mb Zip file. Version 10.00 which covers most popular CRT models).
Q: How do I check the software level of a Barco projector?
A: On any digital chassis model press Adjust on the remote then highlight Service and press enter. Highlight Information and press enter, the software level will be displayed along with the controllers serial number and the projectors current configuration (FT = Front table FC = Front ceiling Etc).
Q: How do I check the run time of a Barco?
A: On any digital chassis projector go to the service menu and highlight run time then press enter. On some models run time will be located in a sub menu under projector set-up, but the run timer is always in the service section.
New projectors will show a run time of 100-105 hours. All new projectors are tested for about 100 hours at the factory. Any projector with a lower run time than 100 hours has probably had a replacement controller and will not have a serial number, see the Q & A below. Any new projector bought from us will show a run time of up to 140 hours as we also test run every projector and do considerable precision calibration of raster widths, voltages, deflection coil angles, astigmatism and mag focus yolk position (electromagnetic focus models).
Q: How do I confirm the identity and run time of a Barco?
A: On any digital chassis model go to the service menu, highlight Information and press enter. This screen shows various information including the controllers serial number that is permanently burned into it. This serial number should match the projectors chassis number and the serial number on all primary parts of that projector. If it does not the controller does not belong to the projector, so the run time is not valid. Unlike most other makes Barco run timers cannot be altered or re-set. Barco correctly consider there is no point in having a run timer that can be re-set, so any serial number perfect projector should be genuine. If your controller shows no serial number, only xxxxxxxx or ----------, it is a replacement unit so the run time it shows is not the projectors total run time. Replacement controllers are not issued by Barco with a serial number.
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Q: I have an odd horizontal line visible at times, what is it?
A: At times you may see a horizontal line that fades in the middle of the picture but it quite visible at one end (often the right side), it will be most visible on bright scenes, all white fields or light blues. This is called the horizontal line of coincidence, to some extent it's natural on some models of projector but careful adjustment can remove or at least minimise it. Pause a scene where the line is plainly visible, note which side it shows the most, go to a genlocked pattern and adjust horizontal skew to lower the horizontal centre line on the opposite side to the worst one. Do this by only a small amount, say 4-5 clicks. Now adjust top and bottom keystone to correct the error the skew change introduced. Go back to the picture, is the line less? If it's worse you skewed the wrong way, if it's better carry on tweaking the skew and keystone to minimise or remove the line. You may end up with a horizontal skew error that's plainly visible on the test pattern, it should not be obvious on actual video. Excessive use of horizontal bow may also make the line worse, again it should be possible to reduce the effect by adjusting horizontal bow and correcting the resulting top / bottom bow errors. Removing the line completely may not be possible but you should be able to reduce it to an acceptable level. The line is caused by the projector set-up making several scan line converge as they cross the tube face, result: one large visible scan line.
If deflection coil angles are set wrong or the projector is not mounted flat it will not be possible to remove the line. To check deflection coil angles check the projector is flat with a spirit level, check the screen is flat with a spirit level, sent horizontal skew to 49, delete convergence settings for that block (see this answer). Go to convergence and exactly centre red and blue on green using only the middle zone (actually raster shift). Now check the green horizontal line is parallel with the ground and that both red and blue exactly match green. If anything is wrong you have deflection coil angle problems. Correcting this will require all blocks to be deleted and the projector set to mid point in the service menu. At this point also check raster widths at approximately the scan frequency you intend to use (do this on an internal test pattern), this may save you a lot of convergence problems, including instability.
If you bought your projector from us deflection coil angles are definitely right, we do all projectors on an engineers table. If you seem to have a problem make sure the projector is mounted level. If deflection coil angle was set for a ceiling install and the projector is floor mounted there will be some error, and vice versa.
Q: Just how do I get convergence right?
A: Be gentle! Firstly, do not attempt any convergence set-up till the projector has been displaying video for at least an hour. Start by deleting convergence for that block (see this answer). You now have a clean start, on later projectors start by going to fine convergence and exactly centring red and blue on green just at the centre point of a genlocked test pattern. On earlier projectors without coarse and fine convergence do the same thing. On projectors with coarse convergence back out to coarse red, adjust horizontal sides, adjust vertical corners, both adjustments should be balanced to make errors equal. Repeat for blue. Now on all projectors go to fine convergence, keep in mind each adjustment zone affects the one's round it to some extent. Do not attempt to correct 100% of an error in one zone, except for the four corner zones. Follow the route round the zones the projector provides when enter is pressed repeatedly, adjust > press enter to move > press enter to adjust etc. Make sure the 5 horizontal zones and 5 vertical zones are exactly right before proceeding, if you need to back up press enter to move then move the adjustment zone with the left / up /down arrow keys. Go back into the sequence if you have altered it, be gentle, do not try to correct all errors in one zone or you will make new errors in adjoining zones. Feel your way along, if in doubt back up and change the previous zone. If you make a mess of a zone set vertical and horizontal to 49 and start again.
The core zones are 5 horizontal, 5 vertical and 4 diagonally in from the corners. These 14 zones do most of the work, so get them right. Once you have done both red and blue back out to an all white genlocked pattern to see how you did. Now go back and do it again with the exception of coarse convergence on later projectors, do not alter this once fine zone convergence has been done. Let the projector run on video again and have a rest, now go back to a genlocked pattern and run round the 25 zone per colour convergence to fine tune it. Pat yourself on the back, then watch a movie.
Number one convergence mistake: Tweaking it when the projector is cold, especially on electrostatic focus models. If you do this you will end up converging for ever more.
Q: How do I invert the scan of my Barco?
A: DISCONNECT THE MAINS and wait 30 minutes before proceeding:
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Barco 7 series (700 / 701 / 708 / Cine 7) have a total of 9 plugs that need to be removed and rotated 180 degrees before replacing them. Open the projectors top cover and fold back, locate two 7mm bolts at top rear of main circuit board, loosen both, lift the main circuit board at the rear, it will fold up on hinges at the front. Refer to this photograph to invert scan. Each plug has either a coloured label (RGB) or dots of paint. Dots up and visible is ceiling mount, dots not visible is table mount.
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Barco 800 / 801 series: Use instructions for 808 series, boards are in the same location.
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Barco 808 series (808 / 808s / Cine 8) have 4 scan inversion switches, 3 located under the horizontal deflection board and 1 located under the vertical deflection board. See this photograph for there position in the rear section of the projector. Lift the retaining latches and remove the boards, find the switches and press all 4 to invert the scan. Carefully replace the boards making sure they locate in the guide runners and press firmly into place, retaining latches will drop into place, press latches fully home.
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Barco 1208 / 1209 series have 4 switches to invert the scan. Lift the outer cover then undo the front cover section with the cooling fan on top. The lid hinges forward, on the lid you will see the raster width board with the scan inversion switches. Press all 4 so all are in (ceiling mounted) or all are out (table top mount).
Note: Scan inversion will require complete set-up of the projector. Any set-up performed before becomes invalid once the scan is in the other direction. Delete all blocks and set to mid point before proceeding.
Q: I have no on screen bar graphs, why?
A: Locate the Text button on the remote, press it once, an on screen massage will say Text on, now you will see bar graphs for all settings. Pressing Text again will turn them off.
Q: The LiDo line doubler in my 808s shows a vertical line with S-Video
A: An un-modified 808s fitted with a LiDo line doubler will show a vertical bright line in the centre of the picture with an S-Video input. Removal of this requires modification of the main motherboard, which should only be attempted by qualified service personnel.
LiDo Info-T vertical line
Q: What exactly is the correct specification for 9" projector glass lenses?
A: Some confusion and miss-information exists on these lenses, here are the correct details:
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HD120 are the most desirable lens for the 9" liquid coupled projectors, they are optimised for image widths from 2 to 3 meters and have 12 line per mm resolution.
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HD180 are also 12 line per mm resolution but are optimised for image widths from 3 to 4.2 meters. HD180 will not focus correctly on the average 2.5 meter wide image.
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HD300 are general purpose lenses able to focus on image widths from 2 to 8.8 meters wide. They are 10 line per mm resolution. HD300 will work fine for home cinema but HD120 are a little more desirable.
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HD10 are the older general purpose 10 line per mm lens, focus range is 2 to 8.8 meter wide image size. HD10 lenses will sometimes focus down to smaller screen sizes better than HD300.
 
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By the way download as much as you can to your hard drive related to CRT's as it is going away fast !!! Please.......
 
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