Offset describes the projected light path after light exits the projection lens. A 0% offset means the light is evenly distributed above and below the lens axis after exiting the projection lens. A 100% offset keeps the top of the image aligned with the lens axis keeping the bottom of the image coincident with the projection lens axis. A 100% or higher offset (for example, tilted up) is most common in order to avoid sending the bottom part of a projected image into the surface on which the product is resting. However, some applications prefer a 0% offset, allowing for thinner optical modules. For more information regarding lens offset, refer to slide 70 of the DLP Optical Design Guidelines presentation.

Figure 2-4 0% Offset and 100% Offset