As far as I know you cannot control a projector through an Avant. You need a BV7-40 or something else with a beosystem3. A separate beosystem 3 could possibly work, but it is quite expensive.

Good luck!

You absolutely can control a projector through a US Avant. Using the "Option 0" command on the Beo 4 will turn off the Avant's screen and transfer the video signal to a connected projector. In fact, you can even have the Avant change the center channel to an external center channel speaker when using the projector. This feature was added in case the projector's screen dropped down to cover the Avant's built-in speaker. All of the other surround speakers will still be used.

I have a Runco projector connected to my Avant in the master bedroom. Using the projector, I can have the video image visible from a jacuzzi in the bedroom. Makes for a very nice cinema experience - especially with champagne!

You are rather limited in the projectors you can use. I know that both the Runco and the Sim2 HT250 are perfectly compatible. Only 1080i is compatible (not 1080p) and you can find some pretty good deals on used Runco and Sim2 projectors on eBay.

Something to keep in mind is that the Avant's internal video is 480i or 480p and not 1080i. However, when the signal is sent to the projector, the image IS 1080i from the projector. In many cases, because of the Avant's video processing, the 480i signal on the Avant is actually superior to the 480p signal. Therefore, it is actually best to use TWO connections when connecting, for example, a blu-ray player to the Avant. You want to use a component cable connection to the Avant (or to a Zektor switch box connected to the Avant - the Avant can control the Zektor switch box if the software and computer chips are adequately updated) and also use an s-video connection to the Avant. Set the blu-ray or other device to 1080i output. By doing this, the Avant will send a 1080i signal to the projector and a 480i signal to the Avant's screen. This works beautifully.

beojeff wrote:

You are rather limited in the projectors you can use.

What are the limitations: Functionality/control using a Beo4? ...or something more? I have an available projector, but not Runco nor Sim2.

I believe that the SIM2 and Runco may be the only projectors supported in the US Avant/BeoSystem 1 PUC. 

The SIM2 is controlled for "on" and "off." Also the Sim2 HT250 has a 12V trigger to lower and raise the projector screen.

The Runco is turned "on" by the PUC but it is not turned "off." You can get around this by setting the Runco to turn itself off after 5 minutes of no signal. The Runco does not have a 12V trigger to control the screen. Therefore, you need a separate trigger box for screen control. B&O tech support has documentation on how to do this.

Also, your projector must have a 15-Pin VGA input and support 1080i via the VGA input. 1080p is not supported and would therefore be a waste.

Curveball: I use a Logitech Harmony *GASP - I know* remote w/ my Avant. I plugged the Runco, SIM2, and my projector into the compatibility check. All came back as fully supported. Might this bypass the issues w/ the PUC... opening up the door to ANY projector using a programmable remote to include Beo5?

I will go ahead and experiment when I get a chance, and let you know what I find.

Curveball response:

Yes, in theory.  Set up the projector in the Avant/US as either a Runco or a Sim2 and have at it.  One thing I'd be curious about though...it is implied that in supporting these projectors B&O took into account the internal video processing being done by the projectors themselves and when doing so, the Avant/US modifies what processing it does so as not to conflict.  So I'd like to know if you see any visible differences on screen between the 2 selections.

BeoJeff's initial anserw is pretty well spot-on.  I would add that later software/firmware versions of the Avant/US are also compatible with Sim2 HT-300's and 350's as well.

Solving other issues...with a few pieces from Lutron, the Avant can directly control the screen itself, if needed, and can also trigger automated lighting and drapery while making the transition from video to cinema and back again.

beojeff wrote:

Also, your projector must have a 15-Pin VGA input and support 1080i via the VGA input. 1080p is not supported and would therefore be a waste.

Actually this will depend on the projector...true with the Sim2's and the Runco, because the VGA input is the one called up when the Avant turns the projector on.  In the 'experimental' cases being discussed here it would also be possible to use a Component Video input as well.  You will need a VGA to RGB/H-V cable set though.

I assume the Avant would have to go the dealer to get these software updates?  Or I wonder if they could come to my house? 

Chris