Need some install help!

[Brain Sturgeon]

Originally Posted by zachd73

I have someone who is going to help install my new projector and screen.

However, I am going to go buy the cables needed where possible.

It is a mits hc3000 projector
Dalite manual pull down screen 106"
Samsung Blu-Ray Projector (HDMI)
Marantz AV (NO HDMI, 7.1 analog inputs in use)

Room is 16.5 by 10 by 8 high.

I am going to get a 35 foot HDMI cable (1.3 compliant) - (RIGHT?)

I am not sure if I really need to run component cables. But I suspect it would not hurt. I do have a ps2 which I don't play often but maybe I will want to and it uses component.

Rule of thumb: always run more cables than you think you need. If you're going to run HDMI, I would also run component to your PJ. Make sure the cable you are running is rated for in-wall use, by the way (CL2 or better)

Power cable - is there a special cable for long install runs or is a heavy duty extension cord basically what is often used?

I have a panamax surge protector/regulator so it seems I would want to run out to that (and not tie directly in to house power - do people do this sometimes?)

Do not-- I repeat-- Do not run a normal power cable through your wall from a wall socket to your projector. It is unsafe and is definitely not code. If your house gets set on fire from it, your insurer will not cover you.

Panamax does have a product that is fairly easy to install that will fit your needs: http://panamax.com/Products/In-Wall/...ERKIT-PRO.aspx
You basically run Romex between the power "inlet" to the "outlet" and then plug the "inlet" into your power conditioner. It's like extending a socket from your conditioner, through the wall, to your projector:

Is there any other cable I should consider running? I have also read maybe an IR trigger for things in the future like an automatic screen that can be controlled with one remote? That is a possibility, but I do not think I will run this cable at this time though.

Yes, I would definitely run an IR repeater to your projector so that if/when you set up a universal remote, you will be ready. It is much easier to run them all at once, than to have to keep running new cable from time to time.

I have no idea what all these wires will look like coming out of the wall near my A/V equipment?? I know that running them down the wall will not be that difficult, I recently ran a network cable and there was an old vent in the wall so it was simple... however that installer used an unused electrical box and put a network jack on the wall.

Do most people get different wall jacks for all these different cables or do they just come out of the wall together through a big hole??! I have not seen an HDMI wall jack, a component cable wall jack, etc. and have no idea how the power is going to come out to plug in to the surge protector.

You can do it any way you want. There are recessed, open hole faceplates that will let you run low voltage cables all the way through, and then there are terminal faceplates with HDMI, 2.0 single ended, 5.1 single ended, 7.1 single ended, etc. Monoprice has a lot of these: http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...09&cp_id=10425

I'm also curious about the basics of hanging the screen -

Is a ceiling mount the most logical versus a wall mount? The screen has holes for hooks at either end. I don't see how these would line up with studs in the wall but they would easily line up with studs in the ceiling since they run cross ways appropriately... however I had not really anticipated the screen hanging out from the wall much at all or any. If it does hang from ceiling it will be out from the wall however far the stud is located right?
Do you need anything more than the studs in the ceiling such as reinforcement?

I am not familiar with your screen, but most screens are not particularly heavy. If you mount it to studs, you shouldn't have any problems. You can mount nearly anything to studs with some good wood screws. If the screen is light enough, you could probably mount it to drywall alone with the proper anchors. Whether you would be better off mounting to the ceiling or wall is dependent on your setup. I think I would prefer wall mounting myself if I had a manual pulldown to get it as close to the wall as possible.

Projector - I have an omni mount. The projector has no lens shift. I have to line it up exactly with the screen right? Also same thing with studs in ceiling - will the stud location dictate the distance from the back wall that I can place it?

I am not familiar with your projector, but I would be surprised if there is no lens shift. If so, it will make it very hard to install the projector as it will need to be dead center to the screen horizontally and vertically. There is no way a projector with no lens shift can be mounted to a ceiling, as the upper half of your screen would need to be mounted above projector (i.e. the screen would be above your ceiling). The projector will either have a fixed lens shift, or an adjustable one. Check the projector's manual for guidance.

I would definitely mount your projector to studs, as you don't want an expensive and heavy object over your head mounted in an unstable fashion. You will need to choose a throw distance based upon your screen width and your projector's zoom range. Here is a calculator that should work for you:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Mits...ulator-pro.htm

Check the manual too:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/pdf/...anual_3026.pdf

Thanks for any help. If there is an install guide or document out there I can read up on, please send a link!

Thanks again, this is a great forum, I've gotten some great help so far.
I'm crossing my fingers this installer is good and I definately want to know what he should be doing before he does it!

Good luck!