Video for Movie Room

Unfortunatly all front projectors will wash out the picture to some degree;(understated). This refers to your blacks and all dark scenes. While LCD displays have come down in price and up in quality 1800 for a 55" display might make you happy as long as you don't spend any time with a quality 5k display.i.e.There is a reason they cost more.

I have a Sony VPL VW 100 LCD projector. I've seen them on Audiogon for +/- $1500. New I paid $7500 years ago. If you have some type of window covering...like blinds etc. It'll look fine, not it's best, but sufficient. I have mine zoomed out to 100inches, 55 inches will get you a little brighter pic.

Football games etc, during the day, I don't mind it at all...HD looks terrific on this projector...

Do a search for Panasonic AX 100.

I've had an AX100 for a couple months and it is an awesome machine! It will fight through "some" ambient light quite well but you'll find yourself wanting the room darker for better contrast and the full effect.

However you shouldn't use a PJ as your primary display. They are not designed to be turned on and off several times a day. When you fire it up it should be left on for at least 2 hours and when it is shut down, the lamp needs to completely cool off before you strike it again. A new lamp for the AX100 is about $350. Something to consider.

Go to avsforum.com for a ton of info on front projection.

They will all tell you that for a screen under 80" you should go plasma or LCD or such. I watch 88" from 12 feet viewing distance and that is considered small. But I'm a newb at projectors and it looks gorgeous to me.