advice on projectors and screens

Thanks Chad, I threw out 20 feet because that is the distance from the rear wall to where the screen will be and would be the easiest place to put the projector. I hadn't done any research at that point and now see that is too far. It looks like a ceiling mount is the only option. I've also done a bunch of googling on DIY screens and that looks very doable. I'll look into the 720P models.

Thanks to everyone so far.

Also Depending on what you mean for budget, also look at the JVC HD250 which is for the money is fantastic. you can find them on the street around 2500 and sometimes less and throws a great picture.

I had a Epson 8350 and the auto iris bugged me so I prefer something without. The JVC line is a great product and even some of the older models if you go used are great. The RS1 and 2 are still good PJ's and can be found in the 1-2K range used.

For a screen you want something that can match up well to the projector. IE some can increase brightness with a higher gain, others will help your contrast and black levels such as grey screens. Personally I use a 1.1 gain screen and enjoy it but there are others I've been looking at doing as well.

AVS does have a lot of good info regarding PJ's and can normally be a big help once you narrow down models that you are looking at. As said before the darker the room the better as light kills the image.

Unless you want to do a black dimond screen from Screen Inovations which is nice but your looking at 2500 bucks or so for a 92".

Best of luck! It makes a world of difference going from a 42" TV to a 100" screen. Even with 2 channel it can be lots of fun.

Herman,

20 feet is not too far if your projector has enough light. My throw is 30 feet and I get a stunning picture. My projector's brightness is 3,000 lumens. You will probably need about 2,000 lumens to throw a good picture 20 feet.
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Try Imaging Science Foundations Web Site--Joe Kane is the Video guru on this planet...has been for many years.
The 'throw rates' as to what's acceptable are published for each tv as part of their specs.

Good listening, (er ah, viewing)

Larry

Hey Larry, will do.

Good to hear you are still around. I just bought that Barry Manilow 2:00 am album, couple of bucks sealed on Amazon. haven't played it yet but I was surprised to see the lineup of jazz guys in the band. Looking forward to it.

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