How to Mount Your X3100i/X3000i Gaming Projector to the Ceiling

Mounting a gaming projector to the ceiling may seem daunting at first, but we are here to help make it less intimidating! The projector that we will be mounting today are the X3100i/X3000i gaming projector which is perfect for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. 

If you are currently shopping gaming projectors and seeking guidance on how to choose the right model, consult our Gaming Projector 101 guide for 2022. 

1.  Everything You Need to Start

2.  Which Ceiling Mount Kit Should You Use?

3.  Where Should You Place Your Projector?

4.  Deciding on a Projector Screen

5.  How to Mount Your Projector

6.  Already Have an Existing Setup?

Before we get started, there are a few things we need to prepare first: 

Tools:

·         Drill and drill bit

·         Hammer

·         Spanner

·         Cross screwdriver

·         Tape measure or laser level meter

·         Ceiling mount

It’s vital to take accurate measurements so that the projector and screen can fit your room perfectly! The most important measurements to take are:

Prepare your room for the projector. First, you want to make sure any objects, such as bookshelves, cabinets, AC units, etc. are not in your way during the process. Be careful to not drill the ceiling mount into any existing utility cables or wires.  Double check to make sure that the location of the screen won’t have any constraints, or if you should move furniture to make room for the screen.

 

Having the right ceiling mount is important so you can support the weight of the intended projector. However, we helped take out all the guesswork for you! Our universal ceiling mount was designed to work with most BenQ projectors under 33 lbs. 

The best viewing distance is based on how comfortable you can see without moving your head.  Therefore, it is important to place your projector in a spot that will provide the most comfortable view. Calculate the perfect projection distance and ceiling position by using these:

1. Minimum projector-to-screen distance, the minimum throw ratio is 1.15 x screen width.Maximum projector-to-screen distance or maximum throw ratio is 1.5 x screen width (This information is also available in the user manual installation chart) Remember, the X3100i/X3000i throw ratio range is 1.15-1.50.
2. Screen height – based on your preference
3. Ceiling to top of screen clearance, which equals ceiling mount height (C1) plus projector height (C2) plus offset height (H)
4. Bottom of screen to floor clearance, which equals ceiling height minus B and minus C (you can use this space for an entertainment center or other furniture on which to put consoles and other items)

Something that you should keep in mind of when deciding where to place your projector:

Throw distance and Offset. The design of the projector’s lens and overall optical capabilities determines the ideal throw distance, or projection distance. It also determines the offset height or how much higher the top of the screen lens needs to be. Terms you need to know:

• Throw ratio: determines the distance (A) from the screen to the front edge of the projector. Note that this means the very front of the lens, and not the ceiling mount axis.

o   The X3100i/X3000i has a typical throw ratio of 1.15-1.50.

o   Throw ratio = Projection distance (A)/screen width

• Projector offset: indicates the distance (H) from the projector’s lens assuming a direct line to the top edge of the screen. It is the percentage of the screen height that will be projected above the projection lens optical axis.

o   The X3100i/X3000i has an offset of 110%.

o   Lens offset = (Screen height + Offset height)/ Screen height

See how to calculate the best seat-to-screen distance for your projector, here!

*Note: the ceiling mount height (C1) plus height from the projector’s underside to the center of lens (C2) plus distance from ceiling to center of the lens or offset height (H) may equal ceiling to top of screen clearance.

Next decide on the screen size for your projector. To decide on a gaming projector screen size, accurately measure your room’s ceiling height. Then consider the following factors:

1. Clearance from bottom edge of screen to floor.
2. Ceiling mount minimum height (see adjustable height of ceiling mount, use minimum height to get maximum screen size).
3. Distance from bottom of projector case to the center of the projector’s lens. You find this information in your user manual, but for the X3100i/X3000i they are 5.78”.
4. Offset height, which means the height from lens center to the top edge of the screen. For the X3100i/X3000i, the screen height is 0.1 or screen height plus 10%

Now let’s choose a screen for your projector. We helped compile a list of recommended projector screens from our trusted partners, Elite Screens, that would be perfect with the X3100i/X3000i in different ambient light conditions.

Learn more tips on how to choose projector screen.

Now we are ready to get started. Here are the main steps to mounting your projector using our universal ceiling mount:

1. Assemble the support brackets on the projector itself (X3100i/X3000i only needs three brackets).
2. Decide where the center of the mounting will be using the plated-hinge module. *Tip: Align the center of the mount with the center of the lens because that usually is the center of the screen.
3. Assemble the mounting cylinders based on the ceiling height you calculated before.
4. Route cables into the cylinders, then mount the cylinders on the ceiling.
5. Attach the X3100i/X3000i projector to the cylinder assembly and use the locking mechanism to secure the connection.

Adjust the tilt or rotation angle if needed, and you’re all set!

If you already have a screen in place and an existing projector setup, compare the throw ratio of your old projector with that of the X3100i/X3000i. Also, compare the distance between each projector’s lens center and center of weight, which is 3 inches for the X3100i/X3000i. Based on these figures, you can determine whether your current ceiling mount and screen needs to be repositioned.

And find more info about our partners at Elite Screens.