There are numerous different elements that can affect the quality of your projection image during your presentation that is out of your LCD or DLP projector’s control. Most of these are human errors or environmental intrusions that can be easily rectified.
The number one thing you have to remember before your presentation is to make absolutely sure you remove the lens cap before you begin setting up your PowerPoint presentation. As humorous and obvious as this sounds, this happens all the time. The presenter will be so concerned about the setup process of their projector, laptop and presentation that they forget this very important and simple step.
Always make sure that all of your connections are securely tightened and are connected where they belong. Even if you have to bring along a small screwdriver or pair of pliers, it is much better than having to watch as a loose connection pops off of your projector or laptop during the middle of your PowerPoint presentation and you have to stop your presentation in front of your audience to reconnect your equipment.
After you have all of your connections secured and you have powered on all of your devices, take a minute to analyze the projection image before you start digging into your Microsoft or MAC office programs. If the image appears distorted or out-of-focus, first make sure again you have removed the lens cap, and then go to your manual focus and zoom adjustment ring. These adjustment rings are very delicate and can shift quite easily, so chances are if your image is distorted right from the start, your manual focus and zoom adjustment ring just needs to be tinkered with a bit until your image appears crystal clear.
If you have gone through these steps and your image is still not as clear as you were hoping, analyze your presentation environment for a minute or two. How many of the lights are on? Can you turn them all off? Are the shades open on the windows? Can you close them?
Ambient light intrusion is arguably the most frustrating enemy to the PowerPoint presentation. Luckily, if you rented one of our 3000 lumen projectors, ambient light will not be a serious problem. But for those who didn’t, do whatever you can within reason to darken your presentation environment. If possible, turn off all of the interior lighting and make sure all of the shades and curtains are drawn on the windows and/or glass doors. The more lighting that you can decrease in your presentation venue, the more your projection image will increase in quality and clarity.
These are just some suggestions of many on how to correct or enhance the quality and clarity of your projection image before and during your presentation (preferably before you begin your presentation).
