Harman Kardon VPM500 Owners Manual - Page 5

SECTION II: SETTI NG UP THE VPM500 The Home Theater Concept The Role of the QualifiedInstaller Viewing Considerations PhysicalPlacement Considerations Think of the last time you were in a theater which had a good sound system and 70 millimeter projector. It was the combination of good sight AND sound that made the experience enjoyable. Properly set up, the VPM500 and good stereo speakers can provide you with an equally exciting experience, including the same gigantic picture (since you are closer to the screen). Not to mention being able to make your own popcorn and take time out to answer the phone if necessary. However, it takes careful advance planning to get the full Home Theater experience. If you choose to place your VPM500 on the floor, you should be able to set up your VPM500 without the assistance of an installer by following the simple instructions in this manual. On the other hand, if you're not a do-ityourselfer, you may wish the whole job (including cable connections) to be handled by someone else. You must also use a qualified installer if you choose to ceiling mount your VPM500. Your Harman Kardon dealer can provide or recommend sources for this service. If an installer is setting up your VPM500, you can skip ahead to Section IV. First consider where you want to sit while watching the VPM500. You'll probably want to invite friends over to share the enjoyment of movies and sporting events, so consider provisions for more viewers than you would a normal TV set. Depending on how much of the rest of your audio/ video system is remote control, you should also consider proximity to VCR and stereo system controls so that it is easy to operate them while watching the VPM500. Also consider proximity to a 3-prong electrical outlet. At the same time, decide on the wall and screen size on which the VPM500 will project. This may vary from 57.6"H x 43.2"W (6-foot diagonal measurement) to 9'x 12' (15-foot diagonal measurement), and also affects distance from the VPM500 to the screen. This is covered in depth farther on in this section. Lighting. Room light levels have a direct effect on the perceived brightness of the projected picture, especially if you want a large picture size, such as ten feet diagonal measurement. As in a theater, low lighting will create a more effective viewing environment. If your viewing room has windows behind or to the side of the viewers' position, they should be equipped with blinds or light-blocking drapes to allow good daytime viewing. You should also avoid very light colored floor surfaces which can reflect light up into the screen and back toward the viewer. Floor or ceiling? The VPM500 comes ready for use on the floor. Floor mounting gives more flexibility and allows you to experiment with placement. Once you are satisfied with its location, you may consider permanent ceiling mounting using the special bracket supplied with your VPM500. Overhead installation is a job for a qualified professional, and you should consult with your Harman Kardon dealer before undertaking this type of mounting. Appendix 3 in this manual discusses ceiling mounting further.