How to Calibrate a Projector

This article takes you through the different steps needed to calibrate a project and get the best picture.

How Do I Calibrate My Projector?

To calibrate your projector and optimize the picture, do the following:

1. Optimize the size of the display to match your projector screen or the projection area. Move the projector physically forward or backward until your projector creates the desired screen size.

2. Adjust the Keystone or Lens Shift—Lens Shift is available on more expensive projectors—to optimize the shape and location of the projected image. It's most important when the projector is resting on an uneven surface. If you are happy with the screen size and location, this may not be necessary after moving the projector in step 1.

3. Adjust the focus, usually a hardware dial, to optimize the sharpness and clarity of the picture.

4. Using the software settings on the projector, fine-tune the additional video options. Be sure to review the following: Brightness, contrast, black levels, color, tint, temperature, sharpness, and screen ratio.

   Your projector may or may not be missing some of the software video options, or they may be called something different — like Dynamic Blacks versus black levels. Refer to your projector’s user manual if you don’t understand what a setting is or changes.

Your projector should now be calibrated as-is. Remember, if you move your projector to another location, change the projection screen, or go a long time between uses, you will probably need to recalibrate your device! Some people like to recalibrate based on what they’re watching or doing, like playing video games.

How Do I Get the Best Picture on My Projector?

Whether you've paid thousands of dollars for a high-end projector or grabbed a relatively inexpensive, generic brand from a major retailer, you'll need to calibrate it before use.

Should I Calibrate My Projector?

If this is the first time using your projector, you must calibrate it. If it’s only been a few days to a couple of weeks since you last used your projector, check the picture. If you’re satisfied with the clarity, color, and settings, then you can skip another round of calibration.

How Much Does It Cost to Calibrate a Projector?

It costs nothing if you calibrate the projector yourself. Undoubtedly, you can hire AV professionals to do it for you, but there’s almost no reason for doing so. At some point, even if you previously calibrated the projector, you will have to do it again.

How Do I Optimize My Projector?

Optimize and calibrate are often used interchangeably. That's not wrong, but it's not exactly right.

Optimizing your projector to produce the best picture possible is essentially a balancing act. You must calibrate the device before using it, which involves hardware and software adjustments. You must continually change those settings until the picture quality is to your liking.

Since every projector is different, and everyone has a different preference for video settings, you'll need to use your eyes to find what works best for your setup.

There are some guidelines to follow before calibration:

• Always calibrate in the darkest setting possible.
• Install or place the projector precisely as you will use it—don't calibrate it and then move it.
• The walls beside or around the image area will determine the darkness of the projector's blacks.
• If you are not using a projector screen, make sure the image area is clean, unobstructed, and is as bright as possible (try not to choose a dark wall).