|
 Peerless
Industries, Inc. offers a wide selection of A/V mounting solutions for televisions,
flat panels, projectors, computers, and other technology devices for both consumers
and professionals. Recently, Peerless has introduced the new PRG Precision
Gear Projector Mount with the Spider® Universal Adapter Plate.
The design leverages from the already excellent PRS Projector
mount we reviewed almost three years ago. The new PRG mount has a patent-pending
precision gear design that allows the tilt (side to side) and roll (forward and
backward) of the image to be adjusted using a simple set of knobs. The worm gear
design has a large gear ratio giving the user precise adjustment control. Like
the earlier PRS design, the PRG mount makes it very easy to remove the projector
for routine service such a bulb replacements. The
PRG Series mount is available in three color options (Black, White or Silver)
and can handle projectors weighing as much as 50 pounds.
 Hardware
The PRG Precision Gear projector mounting kit includes a wide variety of hardware.
Unlike many items made overseas, Peerless has a nice instruction manual accompanying
their hardware. Several mounting options are available for the PRG mount including
direct ceiling mounting, a ceiling extension column, or in our case, the Projector
Wall Arm (PWA-14). We were happy to see a good selection of metric screws
that cover the vast majority of projectors on the market. Four each of the most
common sized metric screws are included (M3, M4, M5 and M6). Metric 2mm and 4mm
security Allen wrenches come with the kit, rendering standard Allen wrenches useless
for would-be thieves. Peerless packages each set of parts in individual prelabeled
pouch rather than mixing all of the hardware into a single bag. This makes it
very easy to find the items needed during assembly.
 Attaching
the plate
We bolted all four channels to our Epson PowerLite Home Cinema
1080 LCD projector and to the PRG adapter plate. These mounting holes are evenly
spaced on the projector, making it easy to position the arms symmetrically. Other
projectors such as our Mitsubishi HC5000 have three mounting holes in a very non-symmetric
pattern, which can make set up more difficult. It is always best to find the optimal
position on the projector where the CG (Center of gravity) is at the center of
the adapter plate. This will prevent the projector from tilting when placed on
the mounting plate. This also makes the final adjustments better balanced during
the final installation. The slotted channel design allows the user to position
the adapter plate where desired. Once tightened, the hardware is held firmly into
place and there is no flexing thanks to the rigid beams.
 Wall
Arm
The mount assembly can be installed directly to the ceiling or to
the optional Projector Wall Arm (PWA-14), which is available for $55. The
Projector Wall Arm is designed to accept the PRG mounting plate directly
and uses a single large bolt with washers and a lock-nut. The arm attaches to
a wall stud with two large screws and extends to the mounting plate about 14"
from the wall. This provides adequate room for the cables that exit the rear of
the projector panel. The lightweight arm (5 pounds) is simple to install and easily
supports up to 50 pounds. A plastic end cap is included with the kit and covers
the hole at the end of the extended arm. The wall mount allows the user to determine
the optimal mounting height for the projector and in our case offered the best
solution. Like the PRG mount, the Wall Arm is also available in silver and white.
 As
with any projector installation, it is important to make sure the position of
the mounting hardware is optimized to prevent any geometric distortions of the
projected image. In our case the Epson 1080 projector has a lens shift option
that allows for differences in mounting. We made sure our image could be centered
on the screen before the installation started. Once the Adapter Plate is firmly
attached to the projector and the wall or ceiling mount is installed, the projector
slides onto the mount assembly using opposing angled slots. This design allows
the projector to be easily removed for periodic maintenance. Once in position
the user can quickly tighten the spring-loaded thumb (captive) screw to lock the
projector in place. This prevents the projector from moving once it is seated.
Once the projector is mounted, minor image corrections can be made using the adjustment
knobs. The projector adjustments can be made by using a large screwdriver, or
by pulling the alignment knob out and turning it by hand. Removing the projector
takes less than a minute, with most of the time used for removing the cables.
For us, this is a perfect mount since we constantly have different projectors
with different mounting patterns from various manufacturers.
Conclusion
The PRG Projector Ceiling Mount with the Spider® Universal Adapter
Plate is the most versatile and functional projector mount we have seen. The
design offers amazing flexibility and works with all the modern projectors that
have crossed our path. The universal (reconfigurable) mounting pattern allows
us to use the same hardware for all of the different projectors we review. The
low profile design places the projector close to the ceiling. Optional extension
columns are available from Peerless to customize the ceiling-to-projector distance.
For some, the optional Projector Wall Arm can provide an alternative mounting
solution for the slick PRG design. The new gear drive on the PRG mount made it
easy to dial in a perfect 16:9 image on our 100" Stewart filmscreen. The
quick-release design works great and makes it easy to remove the projector for
periodic service. We have yet to find a better mount for the money and when you
factor in the ability to mount and adjust different projector models, we couldn't
be happier. If you are in the market for a projector mount, you owe it to yourself
to check out the PRG mount from Peerless. With its excellent performance, unmatched
flexibility, reasonable price, and good looks, the PRG Projector Ceiling Mount
is hard to beat. -
Kevin Nakano |
|
