Help with DLP Projector

[AlaskaDon]

Heya All

As I posted yesterday in the 1080P/24 thread, I just picked up one of the new Optoma HD80 DLP projectors, and I could use some good advice on setting it up. This is my first projector so I have zero hands-on experience with this.

I just got it last night, so all I've done so far is read over the users manual, checked out what people had to say about the HD80 over on AVS, and do some preliminary measuring using the calculator on projectorcentral.com. The people at AVS that have played with it basically say that it's a great deal for the price, but there are many comments about the placement being critical. This projector has relatively weak zoom (1.2x I think) and has no lens shift ability.

After using the calculator at projectorcentral, this looks like it's going to be my first problem. In the room where I plan to set it up I have enough ceiling height (8.5') to do a ceiling mount, but I only have 12' of throw to work with, less even when you factor in the projector itself. This looks like it would limit me severely in terms of screen size. The calculator says I need 14.5' to work on a 100" screen and that seems to jive with what I've read at AVS.

Now my big question...
The wall opposite where the screen would go has a smaller room on the other side that is basically unused. Would there be any problems with doing a ceiling mount in the other room and cutting a hole in that wall? How large do you think the hole would have to be in order to not interfere with the projected image? I would like to get another 3 to 4 feet by doing this, but any extra distance would help.

I guess on the bright side, having the projector in a seperate room would negate any noise from the projector, and probably be helpful in terms of heat also. Does this sound like it's workable? It seems like it to me, but I'm a noob at this as I said, so any advice much appreciated.

Don