Front Projector or Rear Projection

[Shamrock]

I have a question regarding which type of display would be better suited
from a viewing distance of 12 ft. I presently am using a direct 35" TV., which I
find too small a display for this distance. I am seriously considering a Panasonic
PT-AE900 Front Projector as a replacement, along with either a
61" DLP or 62" DLP Rear Projection TV. Any comments regarding this equipment
would be greatly appreciated. I have two friends using front projectors but
the viewing distance is about 16 ft. in both cases. I find a 92 in. screen
overwelming at 12 ft., maybe a smaller screen size could be a possible
solution. I prefer the film like picture and size of a front projector, but am torn
between the two types of projectors due to my distance restriction. I am open
to suggestions from the more experienced .
Thank you

 

[Hi Ho]

If you have a light controlled room I see no reason not to go with front projection. You can make the screen just about any size you want. You also get a lot more screen for your money.

If you like to watch TV and such with the lights on then a rear projection would definetly be a better option, though more expensive for the screen size.

 

[AVRat]

A 92” dia. screen with a viewing distance of 16’ has a viewing angle of about 24 degrees. This is relatively small for HT viewing, but if that’s what you’re comfortable with, so be it. For viewing distance of 12’, you’d be looking for a roughly 72” dia. screen. A front projection system would be less expensive than rear for this size display.

 

[westcott]

I would go for front projection just because it gives you a better quality picture from almost any seating or standing position than rear projection, less expensive per inch diagonal, and you can adjust the picture size to your comfort level.