recommended projector and screen size

[locustd]

I want to convert my finished basement into a home theatre. I would like recommendations on screen size and projectors. My basement is very dark with one small window located 30 feet back behind a wall. My concern is my drop ceiling. My ceiling height is only 6 feet 6 inches. my recliners are located a little over 11 feet from the wall , i plan on putting up a fixed screen. I was interested in the optoma hd72, optoma hd70 or mitsubishi 3000u. will any of these projectors work for me? my budget for the projector is about 1500. oh and if i ceiling moount the lens will be over the recliners about 11'10" from wall. so what screen size do you recommend and what projector? thankyou

 

[BMXTRIX]

The lwo ceiling does not bode well for your choices in projectors. While all that you listed are good, they simple have to much lens offset to accomodate your ceiling height without forcing you into digital keystone correction which degrades the image quality.

Instead, I would go with the Panasonic AX-100U (or 200U now?)

That projector can be flush mounted against your 6'6" ceiling and put the projected image perfectly where you want it on your wall. Not to low, not to high. The price also should be very close to your budget, yet you may have to wait on a rebate.

If you have problems finding that one at a great price, the Sanyo PLV-Z5 can be had for about $1K on VisualApex which is a site sponsor and just one of the best stores you can possibly deal with.

For that distance (about 12' viewing) I would use anywhere from a 106" to 120" diagonal screen depending on what the projector allowed for and where I liked to sit in the theater.

 

[mtrycrafts]

... My ceiling height is only 6 feet 6 inches.

Just curious. Does building code allow such a low ceiling in living space?

 

[locustd]

well the beams are only 7 feet. then there was piping under the beams.