OTHER TECH

HIGH ANXIETY Altitude is another potential hazard. Most people in the U.S. probably aren't aware of the problems it can cause, but those of us in the mountain states know them only too well. Since plasma TVs tend to blow power supplies and buzz like neon signs at locations over 6,500 feet, they're rated for different altitudes. (A few "high-altitude" models are rated for heights around 9,100 feet.)

Most of my clients live at between 9,000 and 11,000 feet, and their systems suffer from problems that go well beyond buzzing plasmas. The thinner air up here affects all types of gear that generate heat, causing front projectors, rear-projection TVs, digital-satellite receivers, and even the occasional high-capacity music server to overheat and fail. Several projector manufacturers have introduced a "high-altitude mode" - usually a low lamp-brightness setting coupled with the high cooling-fan setting from the projector's high-brightness mode. (The bright mode is disabled because the fan is already running as fast as it can.)

Ventilation is key when you're using electronics way up in the mountains. Leave as much space as possible around the gear when you're in the high country so the air has plenty of room to circulate.

HOT STUFF While we're on the subject of heat, there are few things you should know about the warmer parts of the country. A projector is very susceptible to overheating in any space without proper ventilation, but as long as there's some kind of system in place to properly exchange the air in the room, it will usually be fine, even on a warm day. The trouble is, most people don't bother to think about heat buildup when they tack on a home-theater addition. Remember: Heat rises. So when the room starts to feel uncomfortable to you, imagine what it's like for a ceiling-mounted projector. Placing an air conditioner or vent directly above the projector is not a solution, since the rapid cooling of the projector's bulb can cause it to distort colors and ultimately fail. Bulbs are designed to run at a certain temperature, and you need to respect that. If you do cool the room with air-conditioning, just remember to allow for the projector's needs.