Guide on proper projector and screen install?

[Savage40]

Originally Posted by gmichael

Probably. Do you have good control of your lighting? What color are your walls?

Congrats on the projector. You picked a nice one. I'm sure you'll love it.

A projector won't give you the same black levels as a plasma, but I think that you'll be very happy with what this will give you.

I have 100% light control in my media room. I can get it so dark you can't even see the whites of their eyes.

My walls are a deep maroon color, pretty dark actually, but the ceiling is a flat white, I may end up changing that.

[Savage40]

Originally Posted by majorloser

23 feet seems a bit far for me. I like to be closer to the low end on a projector's throw distance. Gives you a brighter image. No matter how dark you can make the room, there's always a time when you'd like to have a little ambient light in the room. Like watching sports or entertaining guests with food and drinks.

The one thing I don't see mentioned is the screen. What brand and what material? The screen gain and color make a difference.

The screen is: VApex 120" Tensioned Electric Projector Screen Review — Reviews and News from Audioholics

It is the 120" version.

[Savage40]

Originally Posted by BMXTRIX

The projector ideally should be mounted between 1/4 and 1/3 back from the closest possible range in the zoom. With this projector it is a 12' to 25' throw for 120" diagonal, so I would be at about 14-15 feet from lens to screen if possible.

I can easily mount it at this distance.

The height of the projector should be just a few inches above the top of the screen if possible to minimize the amount of lens shift used which will help eliminate any possibilities of lens aberations.

Do you mean the center of the lens should be at the same level as the top of the viewing part of the screen? Thought I saw that somewhere, but not sure.

The screen, I am guessing is a tab-tensioned version as you hopefully did not completely waste your money on a non-tab-tensioned motorized screen.

Yes, it is a tab-tensioned screen, I do not want to deal with a wavy screen down the road.

The room, if it is not painted dark, really should be for best results. This includes walls and ceiling.

My walls are all set, although I used a Satin, I will probably go over them again with the same deep maroon in a flat to reduce light reflections. My ceiling on the other hand needs to be repainted I see now.

Likewise the carpet should be as dark as possible.

Sadly, when I had new carpet installed a week or so ago, I did not think about that and the whole upstairs has the same carpet, it is a darkish tan, but still not what I would call a dark color. Too late to change that, but I have had the lights off and it isn't bad at all actually.

[lsiberian]

Originally Posted by Savage40

Sadly, when I had new carpet installed a week or so ago, I did not think about that and the whole upstairs has the same carpet, it is a darkish tan, but still not what I would call a dark color. Too late to change that, but I have had the lights off and it isn't bad at all actually.

I use a projector in an all tan room. Keeping windows covered and having a good screen really helps. Of course I don't have the option of painting where I live.

[BMXTRIX]

Sounds like you are pretty much set.

Yes, the center of the lens should be at or within a few inches of the top of the screen. When referring to a screen the discussion is ALWAYS about the projected image on screen - the 'viewing area' - not the screen itself.

The satin paint may be okay, but the ceiling is something that I would recommend you take care of first.

Beatings will be handed out for your choice of carpet color.

Of course, I won't hand those beatings out as it just wouldn't be successful.

Sounds like a pretty solid space and you should have years of good movie viewing time in there!