Video Projector
Ceiling Mounting
Techniques
CinemaSource ,
18 Denbow Rd., Durham, NH 03824
cinemasource.com
800-483-9778
CinemaSource Technical Bulletins. Copyright 2002 by CinemaSource, Inc.
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
No part of this bulletin may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission,
except in brief quotations embodied in critical reviews.
CinemaSource is a registered federal trademark.
For information contact: The CinemaSource Press, 18 Denbow Rd. Durham, NH 03824
Video Projector Ceiling Mounting Techniques
Video Projector
Ceiling Mounting
Techniques
n this section we discuss some of the basic principles
involved when mounting front video projectors. Most of
the advice we give comes from what we learned in the
installation of hundreds of home theaters. We hope you
find it useful.
I
Below we illustrate one of the most important principles
involved in the installation of a video projector; the
physical alignment of the projector and screen. Simply, the
screen and projector need to be aligned to each other
properly. If they are not aligned so they are “square” to
each other, or the dimensions significantly deviate from
the manufacturers recommendations, you may have a
difficult time adjusting the projector and getting a good
picture on the screen. As a rule of thumb, always preplan
the location of the screen and projector and double check
your numbers before you start up the power tools. As our
diagram below illustrates, you can verify proper alignment
of the projector/screen system with a tape measure.
3
Checking the X and Y dimensions will tell you if your
installation is square. The C dimension is equally
important and comes from the projector manufacturer’s
installation manual. On the next page we illustrate the
installation diagram for the Dwin HDP-700 CRT front
projector.
Note: If you are installing a ceiling mount projector and are
wondering how exact the X1 = X2 and Y1 = Y2
relationships should be, don’t fret. Plus or minus 1” to 2” is
fine. This works because the manufacturers generally
build in flexibility in the ceiling mount bracket so that the
projector can be twisted a few degrees left and right. In
the diagram above, we show the ceiling mount bracket
supplied by Dwin. Note that the mounting holes are
oblong. This allows one to rotate the projector slightly so
the image projected is easily centered on the screen.
An old installer’ s
trick to locate the
point on the ceiling
where the ceiling
mount bracket
should be hung is to
“layout” the
dimensions on the
floor and use a
plumb bob to find
where the bracket
should be hung
X1 = X2
Y1 = Y2
The Geometry of Front Projector Installation
When a projector and screen are installed “square” to each other the system can be
aligned for the best video image. In this diagram, when the two are properly installed ,
X1 = X2 and Y1 = Y2
Video Projector Ceiling Mounting Techniques
4
Converting Factory 4:3 Installation Charts
For Use With 16:9 Screens
elow is the ceiling mounting dimensional chart from
Sony for their VPH-D50Q projector. Unfortunately
Sony only supplies the charts for installation on 4:3
aspect ratio screens. If you are installing a 16:9 screen
you can not use the 4:3 charts, you need to convert the
charts to 16:9 screens. This sounds difficult but is easier
than you think. Here is a procedure that we use:
B
1) Calculate the “Equivalent 4:3 Height” for the 16:9
screen. For example, if you plan on using a 92” 16:9
screen (H=45”, W=80”), multiply the width by .75 to obtain
the “Equivalent 4:3 Height”. In our example, the result is
80 x .75 is 60”.
2) Find on the chart the column for a 4:3 screen with
the same height. In our example, this would be a 4:3
screen with a height of 60”. The remainder of the chart will
give you the correct installation dimensions for a 92” 16:9
screen.
Note: For 16:9 screens that have Equivalent 4:3 heights
that are not on the chart you will have to interpolate
between numbers that are on the chart. On the next page
we have done these calculations for several popular
screen sizes.
Video Projector Ceiling Mounting Techniques
5
Video Projector Ceiling Mounting Techniques
TYPICAL CEILING CONSTRUCTION
IN WOOD FRAME HOUSES
T
his illustration shows the typical ceiling construction of a wood framed house. The 1”x 3” strapping is
generally inferior stock and is not capable of load bearing (builders use it so that all four edges of the
ceiling sheet rock can be secured). Use the joists themselves as load bearing members.
NOTES:
• A ceiling mount bracket must be securely attached to the floor joists. We recommend SIX 3/8” lag screws. It
is best if you pre-drill the joists so that the beams do not split when you screw the lag screws into them.
• The height of your standard ceiling floor is 7’6”. but you may find heights of 7’ 8” and up in some houses.
Older Victorian houses can be found with ceiling heights of 9’ and higher. If you are dealing with a ceiling that
is higher than standard, you may have to hang the ceiling mount from threaded rod or 2” pipe (See the
diagrams that follow).
• In the South and Southwest strapping is not always used. The construction technique used in these areas is
to lay the ceiling drywall directly on the floor joists and tape all seams.
6
Video Projector Ceiling Mounting Techniques
CEILING MOUNTING
USING AN EXTERNAL
PLYWOOD PANEL
This method of installation is one of the
easiest in your typical woodframed house.
All that is required is to open an exploration
hole (see illustration) to find the placement
of the ceiling joists. Once you know their
exact location you can fasten a 3/4”
plywood support panel to the floor joists
with 6”-3/8” lag screws and hang the
projector from the panel.
Notes:
• We recommend SIX 6”-3/8” lag screws. It is best if you predrill the joists so that the beams do not split
when you screw the lag screws into them
• When finished, a plywood sheet can be “rough” looking. It can be made to look more finished via the
following methods:
a) Rout the edges of the plywood panel with a router and rounding bit.
b) Paint the plywood panel with multiple coats of latex ceiling white paint.
c) Texture the plywood panel to match the rest of the ceiling (if it has been painted with texture paint).
CEILING MOUNTING
USING INTERNAL
A RECESSED
PLYWOOD PANEL
This method of installation is one of the best for formal rooms because the projector’s ceiling mount
appears directly mounted to the ceiling without bolt heads or plywood visible. No exploration hole is
necessary because a large section of drywall must be removed to fit the plywood up against the floor joists.
7
Video Projector Ceiling Mounting Techniques
CEILING MOUNTING THROUGH AN UPSTAIRS FLOOR
(ATTIC) USING THREADED ROD
MOUNTING TO A
CONCRETE
CEILING
Attaching a ceiling mount
bracket to a concrete ceiling
is easy using sleeve anchor
bolts. (We do not recommend
using the “lead expansion”
type of fasteners). Use SIX
1/2” sleeve anchors and you
can rest assured that the
bracket will never become
loose.
8
Video Projector Ceiling Mounting Techniques
CEILING MOUNTING
THROUGH A
SUSPENDED
CEILING
USING AN APM-2446
POLE MOUNT
MOUNTING T O
CATHEDRAL CEILINGS
USING 2” PLUMBERS PIPE
A pipe drop is one of the best methods to use
when a projector must be dropped a distance
from the ceiling.
The Progressive Marketing APM-2446 is a
slotted pipe that easily adjusts from 12” to 46”.
Another popular method is to use PP-6 Adapter
Plates with a custom cut section of 2” threaded
plumbers pipe.
9
Video Projector Ceiling Mounting Techniques
CEILING MOUNTING
THROUGH A
SUSPENDED
CEILING
USING THREADED
ROD
Hanging LCD P rojectors
From Suspended Ceilings
Progressive Marketing’s PP-FCSS
manufactures a mounting device designed to
fit into the metal T bar grid constructed for
standard 24”x24” ceiling tiles. For safety it is
recommended that the T bar grid be secured
with additional hanging wires around thew
PP-FCSS adapter. Two electrical box
knockouts (see rear of photo) are provided to
provide clean power and signal outlet points
near the projector.
10
Video Projector Ceiling Mounting Techniques
Lowering Projectors
From Ceilings
Via Pipe Mounts
Peerless:
To suspend the Peerless PJR series of projector
brackets from a ceiling can be accomplished with
the addition of a DCS 400 Ceiling Plate and an
Extension Column.
The DCS 400 Structural Ceiling Plate is constructed
with heavy gauge sheet metal and includes an
integral decoupler to dampen building vibrations
from seismec activity and other sources. It has a
stub fitting for attachment to extension poles. The
attachment is secured via a 2.75” long hex head bolt
and nylock nut. The DC 400 is painted black and the
retail is $73
The Adjustable Extension Columns consist of two
pieces that can be adjusted via through bolts. They
are supplied painted black.
ADD 0203 2’-3’ - Retail: $100
ADD 0305 3’-5’ - Retail: $100
Progressive Marketing:
PP-T Angled Ceiling Adapter
The PP-T adapter manufactured by Progressive Marketing
and is adjustable from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. It mates
directly with all the PBM series mounts, PP-5 and PP-6
adapter plates, and APM adjustable suspension mounts.
PP-T, Retail: $159.00
11
Video Projector Ceiling Mounting Techniques
The ASA-2446 is a suspension adapter manufactured by Progressive Marketing and is
adjustable from 24” to 46” in 1.25” intervals. It can be modified via cutting (hacksaw) to lower
the drop from 12” to 24”. The top plate of the ASA-2446 is coupled to the Top Pole via 1.5”
NTP (National Tapered Pipe) threads. If additional length beyond 46” is needed, you only
need add the desired length of 1.5” NTP pipe. The bottom Plate is designed to mate directly
with all Progressive Marketing projector ceiling mount brackets. ASA-2446, Retail: $250.00
APM-2446
APM-2446-W T
The APM-2446 and APM-2446-WT
are suspension adapters
manufactured by Progressive
Marketing and are adjustable from 24”
to 46” in 1.25” intervals. They can
both be modified via cutting (hacksaw)
to lower the drop from 12” to 24”. Both
mounts are designed to mate directly
with all Progressive Marketing
projector ceiling mount brackets.
APM-2446, Retail: $300.00
APM-2446-WT, Retail: $330.00
12
Video Projector Ceiling Mounting Techniques
PP Series Adapter Plates
The PP series adapter plates
allow one to use inexpensive 1.5”
or 2” NTP threaded pipe to
suspend a video projector. PP-5
and PP-6 adapter plates will
mount directly to the PBM series
mounts
PP-5, Retail: $69.00
PP-6, Retail: $79.00
PP-12, Retail: $107.00
APM-2446/2
Dual Post Adjustable
Suspension Adapter
The APM-2446/2 adapter is designed for
large projectors and mates directly with all
the PBM series mounts.
APM-2446/2, Retail: $450.00
13
Video Projector Ceiling Mounting Techniques
Know Your
Electrical
Outlets
ny power management device that is
connected to a wall outlet relies on a solid
reliable connection to the house's hot, neutral
and ground power circuits in order to work properly.
In many houses, particularly older ones, you may find
switched hot and neutral lines, switched ground and
neutral lines, or the ground connection missing
entirely. Obviously any kind miswiring seriously
compromises the safety of your entire system and
can be a safety hazard. We recommend that all
home theater owners test your wall outlets for these
anomalies, as matter of fact, test all the outlets in
your house. The device to do this is cheap and easy
to use. Radio Shack sells a good outlet tester, part
number 22-101 for $6.95. It tells you if there any
problems with the wiring of your outlets via three
diagnostic LEDs (See chart below). If you do find
anything odd, call an electrician. Usually problems
like this are simple to fix and won't end up costing a
ton of money.
A
Radio Shack 22-101
Outlet Tester
14
Video Projector Ceiling Mounting Techniques
About Isolated
Ground
Receptacles
here’s a lot of talk about using Isolated ground
receptacles in high-end home theater installations
these days.Isolated ground outlets are common in
commercial installations where critical measuring or
diagnostic equipment are used. The main difference between
them and standard receptacles is that their ground
connections are not bonded to the metallic conduit that they
are installed in. As the diagram below illustrates, a
completely separate ground connection travels through the
conduit back to the power system ground. The result of this
construction is that the power wires, hot, neutral and ground
are shielded back all the way to the power company
transformer. If one has a lot of noise sources in the building
or locally, using isolated receptacles is a good method to
keep interference to a minimum. For most home applications,
though, isolated ground receptacles are overkill. There simply
aren’t the noise sources in a home to warrant their use. This
doesn’t stop some installers from putting them in. however.
They are becoming more common in full construction highend home theaters.
T
Isolated ground receptacles
have grounds that ar e
separated from the body of the
receptacles
15
Video Projector Ceiling Mounting Techniques
NOTES:
16