If throw distance is short, should I bother with projection?

[filmbuddy]

I've recently had an itch to upgrade to a projection system for my home theater room. I've done a little bit of research and looked at the projectorcentral.com website and experimented with their projection calculator. Based on the calculations, if I can only have a throw distance of about 10' give or take (I would ceiling mount the projector), the image size of a 16:9 screen will range from 75" to 85" depending on the projector.

I currently have a 60" Sony SXRD , but I like the idea of recreating a movie theater environment with the projector and, of course, having a bigger screen. But if it's only going up to 85", I'm not sure it's worth the upgrade.

Any opinions, suggestions?

[frogmort]

You also have your zoom adjustment on the projector. I have my projector about 12' away with a 130" 16x9 image.

I love it!

[filmbuddy]

How does zoom adjustment factor into the calculator projections?

I'd like the get the biggest screen size possible. Here are my rough measurements of the space:

Ceiling is approximately 7 ft. high but there is a horizontal beam I would be mounting the projector to so it is closer to 6ft high. As I said the throw distance would be probably between 10 or 11 ft. Viewing distance would only be about 9 or 10 ft. The width of the room is about 15 ft (home theater seats take up a little under 11 feet).

It's in a basement, controlled lighting. Would mainly be used for watching movies (rarely do any gaming) and tv. I would like it to be a 3D capable projector. If I were to upgrade, I'd probably set my budget around $2000.

Doable? Or should I not even bother with the space I have?

[AlaskaDon]

It sounds like you have enough room to get at least a 100" diagonal with no problems. It all depends on the zoom capability of the projector. I have a PT-AE7000 with not very much more throw distance than you have an I fill a 120" no problem. First is to make a list of projectors that you might be interested in, then head over to projector central and use their calculator.

[roar]

Originally Posted by filmbuddy

How does zoom adjustment factor into the calculator projections?

I'd like the get the biggest screen size possible. Here are my rough measurements of the space:

Ceiling is approximately 7 ft. high but there is a horizontal beam I would be mounting the projector to so it is closer to 6ft high. As I said the throw distance would be probably between 10 or 11 ft. Viewing distance would only be about 9 or 10 ft. The width of the room is about 15 ft (home theater seats take up a little under 11 feet).

It's in a basement, controlled lighting. Would mainly be used for watching movies (rarely do any gaming) and tv. I would like it to be a 3D capable projector. If I were to upgrade, I'd probably set my budget around $2000.

Doable? Or should I not even bother with the space I have?

Doable? Yes. Not a lot in your budget 3D wise.

I believe the Epson 3010 would be the top of the list. A 10ft throw on that says it'll do 91" wide, 104" diagonal. I don't believe the new 'cheap' LCD's >70" are 3D so if that is a deal break projection may be your only open.

People do say FPS gaming is pretty much a non-starter with this projector so you would be crossing that off that list.

Remember the calculators are from the end of the lens on the projector so don't forget to take into the account the actual depth of the projector itself and any clearance you may need for internconnects.

Top 10 3D projectors at projectorcentral:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/top-3d-projectors.htm

[AlaskaDon]

Keep an eye out for prices to fall on the PT-AE7000. The new 8000 is out so the 7000 is down around $2400 now. Great 3D PJ. I love mine.

[frogmort]

My projector turned out to be much more flexible than I expected it to be. With the vertical and horizontal lens shift, I can project it up near the ceiling, down near the floor, on the left wall, on the right wall, or anywhere in between within a matter of seconds, and with the zoom function, I can go from a tiny image to almost covering the whole wall in seconds too.

If the wall you will be projecting to is free from obstructions and painted relatively white, I would recommend getting the projector you want before buying a screen so you can play around with the picture size to see what works best for you, then get the appropriate screen. In my opinion, bigger is better.

[crazyBLUE]

As roar said ~ Definitely doable.

My throw is 13 feet to a 96" x 52" (106 dia.) screen. I sit about 9 feet away.

With my Epson I could go with a screen that is 2 feet wider & taller put my front 3 would be in the way of the picture.

The Frogman Joe has a great idea as well

[filmbuddy]

Thanks guys! So there is hope after all . When I was using the calculator, I didn't take into account the zoom bar, so I didn't think I could get a screen size upwards of a 100" diagonal.

It looks as if the Epson 3010e (I like the fact that the "e" model allows wireless HDMI -- one less cable to run) or the Panasonic PT-AE7000 (if I can find a good deal on it) would be my best options.

[MrFattBill]

http://www.avsforum.com/t/989932/2-3...ed-set-up/0_50

May be worth investigating

Bill

[ImPulSive]

Originally Posted by filmbuddy

It looks as if the Epson 3010e (I like the fact that the "e" model allows wireless HDMI -- one less cable to run) or the Panasonic PT-AE7000 (if I can find a good deal on it) would be my best options.

Not sure what qualifies as a good deal on a AE7000 but you can get one for $2399 at VisualApex and while it does come with 2 pair of glasses, you get them via mail in rebate 8 weeks later, so you would need to buy extra glasses with the PJ if you'd want to use 3D before then...

If you could afford it, I would get the newer PT-AE8000U but that is another $600 ish more. The specs on it look good however.

[EMAGDNIM]

I'm just taking a break from painting my basement, and I was on Videogon. There's a person selling their AE7000U with a pair of glasses for $2K or best offer. Hit him up with an offer of $1700-1800 since VA is selling them new for $2400 with glasses.

The sales thread is right here!

[filmbuddy]

I'd rather not buy a used projector unless it was ridiculously low. Since the PT-AE8000U is brand new, how long do you think unopened AE7000Us will be around. I'm patient enough to wait for closeout deals or are the prices that I'm seeing now as good as it gets ie. $2399?

Does the Epson 3010 even compare with the AE7000U? Like I said, I'm not much of a gamer, so that isn't a factor.

[EMAGDNIM]

Originally Posted by filmbuddy

I'd rather not buy a used projector unless it was ridiculously low. Since the PT-AE8000U is brand new, how long do you think unopened AE7000Us will be around. I'm patient enough to wait for closeout deals or are the prices that I'm seeing now as good as it gets ie. $2399?

Does the Epson 3010 even compare with the AE7000U? Like I said, I'm not much of a gamer, so that isn't a factor.

That's cool, no worries. I'd imagine that venders would not be dropping it lower then $1999 since there is currently a promotion with Panasonic for free 3D glasses. That's just a guess though. The price drop of the AE4000U when the 7000U was released was not more then a few hundred dollars for the longest time.

And no, the 3010 is not on the same level as the 7000U.

Back to work for me

[roar]

Originally Posted by filmbuddy

I'd rather not buy a used projector unless it was ridiculously low. Since the PT-AE8000U is brand new, how long do you think unopened AE7000Us will be around. I'm patient enough to wait for closeout deals or are the prices that I'm seeing now as good as it gets ie. $2399?

Does the Epson 3010 even compare with the AE7000U? Like I said, I'm not much of a gamer, so that isn't a factor.

I agree with EMAGDNIM, I haven't seen projector prices drop a whole lot between model years, certainly not at the outset, it could take years before you see the 7000 drop below 2k retail... of course I have nothing to do with anything so who knows if it might show up tomorrow for $1999

[AlaskaDon]

Filmbuddy, if you're semi-serious about an AE7000, something you might want to consider for saving a little more money is to go with a package deal from Visual Apex. You can get it with a fixed frame screen, ceiling mount, 35' 1.4 HDMI cable, Disney calibration disk, and some other stuff thrown in, and be looking at about $2900 total. It's more money up front, but you need all that stuff eventually anyway. I have that screen in 120" Cine-white and it's pretty decent. It looks good, assembles really easy, and does a good job for 3D. When you add in the free glasses, it's a good deal IMHO.

[i007spectre]

I get a 104" image from about 11 feet away.

[filmbuddy]

AlaskaDon, thanks for the suggestion.

I'm no longer worried about my throw distance since all you guys have told me about your success stories.

Is 100" screen (16x9) too big if I'm only 9-10 feet away?

I think I've discounted the Epson in favor of the Panasonic. The BenQ7000 seems to be pretty popular around here as well.

Are there ever any Black Friday deals on projectors? Like I said, I can be patient if I know a good deal is around the corner.

[Mr.Twinks]

Originally Posted by filmbuddy

AlaskaDon, thanks for the suggestion.

I'm no longer worried about my throw distance since all you guys have told me about your success stories.

Is 100" screen (16x9) too big if I'm only 9-10 feet away?

I think I've discounted the Epson in favor of the Panasonic. The BenQ7000 seems to be pretty popular around here as well.

Are there ever any Black Friday deals on projectors? Like I said, I can be patient if I know a good deal is around the corner.

Never too big! I have a 100" dia screen and I sit 10 feet away and wouldn't change a thing! Good luck on your decision!

Also give AVS a call ( Mike @ AVS sales 5) because they have some JVC B stock for low prices. Also consider the Sony Hw30 if you want a good all around projector (3D, 2D, gaming).

[roar]

Originally Posted by filmbuddy

AlaskaDon, thanks for the suggestion.

I'm no longer worried about my throw distance since all you guys have told me about your success stories.

Is 100" screen (16x9) too big if I'm only 9-10 feet away?

I think I've discounted the Epson in favor of the Panasonic. The BenQ7000 seems to be pretty popular around here as well.

Are there ever any Black Friday deals on projectors? Like I said, I can be patient if I know a good deal is around the corner.

I just pulled out a tape measure the front of my seat sits 11ft from my 140" diagonal screen and that works great for me. Seating distance is a personal thing though, what works for me may not work for you. Where do you sit when you go to the movies? If you are a back row kind of guy that may be a little close for you at 9ft. If you are a middle of the theatre kind of guy then I think you'd be good... if you are a front row person it is likely too small.