Any experienced Projector users?

Thanks for the tips!
Do LCD projector's in the budget arena offer easier placement with lense shift and zoom?, thats what I see when I look.
The room will be in basement so light isnt an issue but I would like to be able to use some lamps for ambient light for casual sprts and daytime events so I dont want a super dim dark-only unit.
Another concern is that the ceiling is low so the unit if mounted on ceiling would be around 6ft which I could pace aboive my sweet spot which will be about 12-13 ft from screen,otherwise on a table a few feet in front of me would be next ideal position, I am going to run 80in screen due to ceiling height and placement of center channel under screen. Thanks guys!

I setup a budget projector for someone a few months back...the picture was outstanding, and lens shift was outstanding also. I needed a 19ft throw distance for this setup...ceiling mount.

Sanyo Plv-Z5:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sanyo-PLV-Z5.htm

Dave

Thanks Dave, the Sanyo is on my short list and I have it saved in my favorites but what is the farthest distance you can throw the image for an 80 in screen without a major drop in performance? thanks

Most budget projectors are in the 1000-1100 ansi lumens range which means they really need to be in a dark room. Turning on a lamp or accent lighting will kill the picture. If you want to have accent lighting, then you need to be looking at projectors in the 2000 ansi lumens range. Panasonic makes the PT-AX200u or PT-AX100u which both do 2000 lumens and run around $1700 street price.

I think that a better alternitive would be a Samsung slimfit rear projection set. Only about 10" deep, up to 71" and 1080P verses 720P on the projectors. In addition, you don't have to worry about lighting.

I have a PT-AX100u and a 100"+ screen in a completely dark room. The picture is really nice on HD. But, when you factor in two bulbs a year at almost $400 a pop, it's becoming a real drag. I'm about this close to putting it on ebay and picking up a 60" Plasma.

I would like to just get a rear Pro unit but there is a Fireplace on that wall I dont wish to conceal, plus the major point is audio and the soundstage which a rear projector no matter how slim will be a sonic compromise I want to avoid. With a simple screen either manual or power I can quickly close it up and let the music play to its best potential, thanks for all the thoughts and keep bringing them on!