Off axis

[AudioArcher]

Can I project a decent pic from a PJ off axis horizontally by about 15 to 20 degrees? The throw would be 12 to 13 feet onto roughly a 84" wide screen. How is this done if possible? Am I resticted to certain projectors to perform this?

 

[AVRat]

Yes you can. You'll need a projector with the capable horizontal lens shift.

 

[AudioArcher]

Great. Any recommendations on which ones can handle that much off-axis projection?

 

[BMXTRIX]

What's your budget? What type of projector are you looking for?

The JVCs might handle it, as well as some DLP models, and some of the lesser expensive LCD models might handle it.

I would take a look at the lens shift available on many models to see what you can get. Specifically, the Panasonic AE3000, the Sanyo 700, the Epson 1080UB, and the JVC RS1/RS2 - or their newer versions.

 

[AudioArcher]

Although I would really love the Panny 3000, it and the others you mention are a bit out of my price range at this time. I reckon I will have to go with a 720P for the time being. Are there any in that catagory you would recommend that can handle that lens shift?
So far you have been very helpful and I appreciate that.

 

[BMXTRIX]

You will need to actually give some very specific information on what you want your setup to be to be able to be accurate with any response.

Most lens shift works in a circular fashion - if you raise the projector higher, then you can move it side-to-side less and less. So, you may be stuck with a projector that has to be mounted lower to get more side-to-side placement flexibility.

Unfortunately, getting EXACT information on this totally sucks, but most reviews of projectors do include some information on this. But, this information is usually the MAXIMUM lens shfit from a neutral position.

So if a projector can be moved 50% of the screen width left/right, and a full screen height up/down, then if you move the projector a full screen width up, you will not be able to move it 1" off of center.

Gotta get more information to know if you will have success or not.

That said...
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Panasonic_Home-PT-AX200U.htm
and (far more likely...)
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sanyo-PLV-Z60.htm

 

[AudioArcher]

Thanks. Well because of clearance problems (ceiling fan) the PJ will probably have to be shelf mounted at about 4 foot off of the floor. Throw as said before would be ~ 12.5'. and I'm guessing 15 to 20 degrees off axis to the right when looking at the screen. So that puts it close to perpendicular to the right side of the screen or just inside of that edge.
I have been eyeballing that Sanyo PLV-Z60 and the Panny also. I am leaning toward the Sanyo because of the great horizontal lens shift and it is very quiet. That is important since the machine would be within 405 feet of my head.

 

[jostenmeat]

AA,

I once heard someone say that money does not grow on trees, but I would seriously consider saving up some more for 1080p, even if that means buying used. In my own setup, I could actually use better than 1440p.

Also... can we be SURE that you have to have it placed so far off to the side? It cannot be in front of viewers? It cannot be behind, on some sort of shelf/bookshelf?

After all, if you are up against the back wall, audiophiles would immediately recommend that you get away from it to escape quick reflections and muddy bass.

just want to make sure. ya might post a pic for others to see... particularly for BMX ?

 

[AudioArcher]

The seating is in a 8 foot wide and 4 foot deep cubby with a 5 foot window, less than a foot, directly behind.
And that was 4 to 5 foot from my head not 405.

 

[jostenmeat]

The seating is in a 8 foot wide and 4 foot deep cubby with a 5 foot window, less than a foot, directly behind.
And that was 4 to 5 foot from my head not 405.

Then how about ceiling mount, but with an inexpensive longer pipe (to clear fan). Not only would you be more on axis in side-to-side aspect, but in height as well.

I suspect it would be well worth it to do.

 

[AudioArcher]

Then it would literally be about 1 to 1.5 feet over my head. I don't know 'bout dat.

 

[jostenmeat]

I still submit its much better than the alternative.

Mine is also 1-1.5 ft above the 2nd row's heads. And JVC projectors are louder than the Panny's that I've researched. Fan noise is noticeable every now and then during quiet scenes, but my AC is louder. However, its pretty rare when I hear it, and when I do, its not ever for extended periods of time.

I like low noise floors as much as the next guy . . . but for HT, I give the display top priority.

You might even research making a hush box, though surely quite involved, and just a larger thing overall.

The incremental increase in perceived fan noise (if any at all) will be an easy compromise, IMO, to be able to fire the PJ on axis as possible. YMMV. And FWIW, all of my advanced education is in classical music performance; I like low noise floors too.

I will defer to BMX, per usual.

 

[AudioArcher]

Thanks JM. I appreciate your perspective and POV. You've been very helpful. I also await BMX's perspective and insight.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Projectors are generally recommended to be out of the room - or directly overhead. The noise from projectors comes mainly from the vents which are on the front and sides of the projectors. This means that sound is directed, in nearly a straight line, out of the sides and the front. A projector overhead, no matter how close it is, typically is far quieter than a projector that is further away, but to the side and you get a straight shot at the vents/fans inside.

Still, going with the Sanyo offers you this choice which the Panasonic most certainly does not.

Most ceiling fans drop about 1' from the ceiling, and the lens just needs to be low enough to project under it to hit the screen. This may put it low over the seating, but low and just behind the seating, but in front of the window, would be my first recommendation... without seeing the room. Off to the side would be a last alternative.

 

[AudioArcher]

Thanks BMX. At the moment I am considering reversing the seating and screen. The screen would be in front of the blacked-out window. I could then mount the PJ on a shelf at a height of ~4' on the wall behind the seating. I'd hang it from the ceiling but I am in a ROTG and have a slanted ceiling on that side. Throw would be 14-15'.

 

[AudioArcher]

BMX, do you know anything on this screen. http://www.mountsfactory.com/.sc/ms/dd/Projection Screen-Electric16:9/56/Electric Projection Screen - 108" ( 16:9 ) MES-108HD

 

[BMXTRIX]

BMX, do you know anything on this screen. http://www.mountsfactory.com/.sc/ms/dd/Projection Screen-Electric16:9/56/Electric Projection Screen - 108" ( 16:9 ) MES-108HD

I know nothing about the company, but that particular screen is just a normal electric screen. Not tensioned, so it will develop waves. Far better to get a manual screen than a non-tensioned motorized screen.

 

[mjg100]

Projector mounting

In my family room set up, I have a window that is centered on my back wall so rear shelf was out. I have 17' ceiling so realistically ceiling mount was out. I at first was going to offset the projector half a screen width, but I came up with another idea. I took a tube ceiling mount and used it as a pedestal mount. It sits on the floor in front of the window, bolted to the wall. A table sits in front of it. I installed a couple of air springs in the tube to offset the weight of the projector. This allows me to raise or lower the projector with one finger. When not in use I lower it down and it is just above the table top at window sill height. When raised it can be as high as 72" (lens height). I use it with a retro reflective screen so this mount is a perfect set up for that screen.

 

[AudioArcher]

Do you have a picture?

 

[Sherardp]

Chief makes mounts with variable down extensions, some even adjustable. Pair it up with the RPA-U ceiling mount and you should not have to buy another mount for awhile. As for which PJ offers the offset, I know the JVC should Epson 1080UB, and maybe even the Panny 3000( worth it to ask here).

For 720p Epson 720, Mitsubishi HC5500(full 1080), Panny 200U are all under 2k and should work also. Check out projectorpeople and read the full specs and go from there.