DC1
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Panamorph DC1 lens work with my projector?
In all likelihood, yes. The Panamorph DC1 lens was designed with a very large aperture so that it would even accommodate projectors with very large lenses or beam spots. Having a large aperture also means that the DC1 will work through the entire zoom range of most projectors, which greatly eases installation concerns.
My projector has lens shift - is it OK to use it with a DC1 lens?
Use of vertical lens shift (shifting the image up and down) will generally not cause any image problems, but use of horizontal lens shift (shifting the image side to side) is NOT recommended because it will create "keystone" distortion.
How far from the screen does the projector and DC1 lens assembly need to be mounted?
This question needs to be answered in two parts:
First, there is the issue of focus. The DC1 lens is engineered to give optimum sharpness and full graphics level performance when mounted between about 14.5’ to 17.5’ feet from the screen. This was a deliberate design choice, as experience has shown us that the vast majority of projectors are installed within that mounting distance. Mounting the lens within those limits will reveal full 1080P pixel level sharpness even with critical test patterns. Practically, however, the DC1 lens can be used from about 12 to 22 feet without any noticeable loss of sharpness with even high definition movies. For those wanting "pixel level" performance at distances greater than 17.5’, we offer optional DC1 Long Throw Conversion Kits at an additional cost.
The second part of the answer has to do with throw ratios. Note that here we are recommending throw ratios based on screen height, not width (this eliminates confusion on whether or not we are discussing 16:9, 2.35:1, or 2.40:1 ratio images). We recommend a minimum throw ratio of 2.85 times the screen height. If you mount the DC1 at shorter than a 2.85 throw ratio, you will have more pincushion distortion and a greater need for masking or a curved screen (pincushion is a type of optical distortion where the middle portions of the image bend inward). It is also important to point out that the shorter the throw ratio, the wider the aspect ratio. As an extreme example, if your throw ratio is 2.36 x screen height you should expect an aspect ratio even greater than 2.50:1!
How do I clean my lens?
Use a soft, lint-free cloth and photographic lens cleaning solution. Use of other cleaning products, especially anything abrasive, may damage the special coatings on the lens and void the warranty.
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