Lying back and watching a film on the ceiling is one of the most comfortable ways to use a mini projector — no propping up pillows or craning your neck. Here's how to set it up properly.
What you need
- A projector that can point upwards. The Cavon HY300 PRO+ has a 180° rotating stand, so it can turn from the wall to the ceiling on its own.
- A flat, light-coloured ceiling. White or off-white works best.
- A stable surface beside or behind the bed, such as a bedside table, chest of drawers or the floor.
Step 1: Choose the spot
Place the projector so the picture lands on the part of the ceiling directly above your eye line when you're lying down. A bedside table next to the head of the bed usually works well. The distance between the lens and the ceiling decides the picture size: the HY300 PRO+ works from about 0.6 to 2.5 metres, and in most bedrooms the ceiling is around 2 to 2.4 metres above the floor.
Step 2: Rotate the projector upwards
Turn the projector on its stand until it points at the ceiling. Keep the base on a flat, stable surface and make sure the vents aren't blocked by pillows or bedding.
Safety tip: Never put the projector on the bed or a soft surface. It needs air flow to stay cool, and a hard, open surface also stops it tipping over.
Step 3: Straighten and focus the picture
Auto keystone straightens the picture when the projector is tilted. If the image still isn't quite square, move the projector slightly or adjust the keystone in the settings. Then use the manual focus control until text looks sharp. Use the picture flip or rotation option in the projector's settings if the image appears upside down or mirrored.
Step 4: Sort the sound
When the projector points up, its speaker is further from your ears. For a better experience, pair a Bluetooth speaker or headphones. The HY300 PRO+ supports Bluetooth 5.2.
Step 5: Make the room dark
Ceiling projection looks best in a dark room. Close the curtains and switch off overhead lights. A small lamp on the far side of the room is fine.
Common problems
- Picture too small: move the projector further from the ceiling, for example onto the floor.
- Picture too big or blurry at the edges: move it closer, then refocus.
- Image upside down: change the projection mode in settings.
- Projector switches off: check the vents are clear and the surface is hard and level.