Can I do 135" screen? Projector placement? newb

[jnboone]

Have just about decided to go with a Epson 5030UBE. I'm renting a house and have a big room where they finished out the old 2 car garage. It does have some windows on 2 sides, but I'll just make do with black out shades. My room is kinda weird in that my tv sits in a very large cut-out in the wall (think shop space in front of where you would have parked your car). The opening is 119" wide from the outside edge of the trim moldings. I don't want to spend a ton on a screen (sub $800), and it seems a 135" screen would cover the entire opening from a width perspective. Given the large "hole" I'm trying to cover fixed screen seems to be a no brainer. My nearest seat sits at an angle that would put it 12' from the center of the screen. Questions:

1. Will my seating be too close to use a 135" screen?
2. I don't want to pay for a ceiling mount (renting) so I will probably have to just elevate the projector and place it on the back wall which is approx 21' from the screen. Is that projector placement too far from the screen?
3. As there will be some light entering the room should I go grey or white screen? Suggested gain?
4. If I have to come up with a way to move the projector closer to the screen, is there a way to determine the minimum distance where I can project a 135" image?
5. Other things I need to consider?

THANK YOU!!!!!

 

[TheWarrior]

You need a mount! It doesn't need any special features, its just needs to fasten securely. But that is cheap insurance for your new PJ. In addition get a small surge protector like this:
http://www.amazon.com/APC-2-Outlet-Mount-Power-Filter/dp/B000OF4R8C

I've got one of those on my plasma!

For that seating distance I'd drop to 120". You don't want your eyes having to wonder that much across the screen to see everything. A 10 foot diagonal screen will not leave you wanting more like 55" display, lol!

 

[TheWarrior]

Oh and the more knowledgeable PJ folk will chime in, but I've seen many positive reviews of the fixed frame Silver Ticket and Elite Screens brands sold on Amazon.

There's not much to a fixed frame screen, so paying top dollar (even $800) should be reserved for the 5-figure projectors...

 

[fuzz092888]

You could do that size screen, but my advice is to go to the movies and do a little quick and dirty math to see if that's the size you really want. It works much better if you have a range finder, but you can do it by pacing it off as well.

Get there early and pace off the screen. Make sure you take an extra big first step to compensate for your natural gate, which always makes your first step shorter than your natural stride length. Don't look down at your feet, pick a spot on the opposite wall and focus on that. This helps keep your stride natural and more consistent. When you get home have someone help you to measure your stride length, most people are in the 2-3ft range IIRC.

Also, pick your ideal perfect seat in the theater. Once you have done that, count how many foot lengths it is from the front of the screen. you can use strides from the front of the screen, to the stairs and then foot lengths (the length of your foot) for the steps.

The point of all this is to get a ratio of screen width to seating distance. Your seating distance at home is fixed and this should allow you to approximate what size screen will give you a similar experience at home.

Personally I have a 135" screen that's about 10-12ft and I love it, but it's definitely not for everyone. Especially if you're not used to being aware of things happening out towards your peripherals, but you can't beat a 5+ft tall AT-ST

 

[BMXTRIX]

Typically you want about 10" to 12" of diagonal for each foot of viewing distance. This means that for a 12' viewing distance a 120" to 144" diagonal is very typical. Certainly, as stated above, checking at your local theater is a good choice, but I wouldn't think twice about 135" from 12'. I have someone sitting 9' away from that size screen with the Sony HW40ES, and they are very happy.

Remember that all throw distances are measured lens to screen, so if your back wall is 21 feet away, your throw distance is about 20' or maybe a bit less.

Now, we head over to Projector Central and look things up...
http://www.projectorcentral.com/projectors.cfm?g=1&hide=0&st=1&mfg=&p=300&p=3000&w=&r=13&br=&ll=&ltg=&t=&db=&dt=&c=&ar=&dvi=&wr=&pjl=&pjw=&pjh=&td=20&is=135&i=d&tr=&oop=1&sort=pop&sz=15

All projectors are under $3,000, can hit a 135" diagonal from 20' lens to screen, and are 1920x1080 native resolution.

You really don't need a mount with most of these, but can shelf mount on the rear wall just fine. Make sure whatever you get has lens shift on it to accommodate this.

I would recommend the HW40ES over the Epson, as I typically do.

I would get a white screen. Probably the Silver Ticket from Amazon for about $300, then spend your savings on GOOD shades that really do control light. Maybe paint the room a bit darker if you can. Controlling light is the single biggest improvement you can make to a front projection setup.

 

[TheWarrior]

"HW40ES over the Epson"

Noted!

I keep going back and forth on a PJ in my living room, and those dimensions would be similar to mine.

 

[fuzz092888]

"HW40ES over the Epson"

Noted!

I keep going back and forth on a PJ in my living room, and those dimensions would be similar to mine.

As long as you can get good light control, PJ all the way. With my JVC (couple years old, bought used) the picture is amazing. Got a great deal on it too, still on the original bulb, only had like 350hrs on it and came with a spare. Before that I had an Epson. If I can help it, I'll never not have a PJ. They're too much fun and saves me money at the theater.