Dataton WATCHOUT User's Guide

Maintenance
Display Degradation
Projector Alignment
A WATCHOUT system is 100% digital, which means it requires little or no
maintenance once installed. There are, however, a few details to keep in mind,
depending on the chosen display technology.
Most display technologies degrade over time. For example, projector lamps
eventually burn out and LCD displays with fluorescent back-lighting fade. The
anticipated lifetime is usually available from the manufacturer. Some displays
and projectors have built-in meters that can tell you the number of hours of use.
Analog technologies, such as CRT-based monitors and projectors, often
require re-calibration at regular intervals to maintain image quality. Especially
when used side by side or overlapping, with the same image split across
several display areas.
Projector alignment also tends to deteriorate over time. This largely depends on
how or where the projectors are mounted. If your WATCHOUT system is to run
for an extended period of time, it usually pays to ensure that all projectors are
mounted firmly and out of reach.
Even so, it’s advisable to check the alignment using an alignment image at
regular intervals. This will also alert you to any color shift or similar degradation
that needs to be adjusted.
Chapter 4: Configuration 47