When using a dVision projector in a high ambient light environment, the proper setting for the aperture is its maximum open position. The reason is that projected imagery in high ambient light venues will not benefit from a projector with high contrast (low black level), but will benefit from maximum lumens. Indeed, in high ambient light environments, the only way to increase the environmental dynamic range of the image is to either turn out the lights, or bring as many lumens to the table as you can possibly muster. Thus, for high ambient light environments, beyond assuring the aperture is fully open, you may also want to run both of the dVision's lamps at full power. Depending on the content being displayed, you may even want to add some white boost and select one of the more dynamic gamma presets.

However, in venues with high control over ambient light, the benefits of the adjustable aperture really come into play. The darker the venue, the more an image with ultra low black level and high contrast can be appreciated. In theatrically dark venues, once a minimum threshold of projector lumens is achieved (enough to produce 12-16 Ft. Lamberts of light as reflected by the screen), screen black level and contrast ratio become a dominant factor in creating superior image quality.

Follow the simple procedure below in venues with low or theatrically dark ambient lighting:

•  Set up the dVision as you normally would, starting with both lamps on "High" and white boost "Off" or set to a minimal level.

•  With the room lighting set to typical viewing conditions, display a test pattern or a static source that exhibits both 100% white and 100% black content, as well as a range of intermediate shades. Select the projector gamma and set colorimetry to your preference. Adjust projector brightness and contrast accordingly.

•  If the image is far too bright for the venue, reduce lamp power on both lamps, or turn one lamp off. Adjust lamp brightness until the image is still somewhat brighter than you need it to be. Re-check colorimetry and gamma if necessary.

•  Finally, start closing the aperture while carefully watching the black level in the 100% black content area of the image. Optimally, you want to achieve zero black level (no visible illumination in the black content) while still projecting enough lumens to produce the target Ft. Lamberts required for the venue. If in your search for “perfect black” the projector brightness drops too low and you can't achieve your target Ft. Lamberts, re-adjust lamp power and/or turn on both lamps.

You may need to go through the cycle a couple of times before you strike the perfect balance between screen brightness and black level. The goal is to produce perfect black and your target Ft. Lamberts while running one or both lamps (as necessary) at the lowest possible power. Lower lamp power equals longer lamp life, so by following this process, you not only achieve the optimum balance between contrast and brightness for the venue, but you are further rewarded with the lowest possible operating cost.