Projector

[jared555]

Question about using a projector in an apartment.... This is not planned to be in the next few months (probably even years), just wondering...

The living room area has a window at the end of the long wall.... Would it be possible to put a manual/electronic screen in front of the window (with the blinds closed of course), or would even that be enough light to show through most of the cheap(er) screens?

 

[ivseenbetter]

I would imagine you can do it. You may want to cover the window with some kind of blackout curtain as well. Sometimes light from behind the screen can leak through the material and wash out your picture in some of the cheaper screens. Normal blinds might be enough to keep this from happening but a simple blackout curtain will ensure it isn’t a problem.

 

[jostenmeat]

In my very limited experiences, its a non-issue. (Though Im sure it depends on the actual screen tech, for example perforated AT screen..).

The highly-unwanted ambient light during the day will make anything coming from behind the screen a moot point. Totally speculative, but that's my guess. I have my screen covering a window, and its zero issue, but OTOH I only watch at night. I have very good light control, but only at night.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I've done that in 3 different rooms. Not a problem. Do it.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Just to add...

I ran a projector in an apartment, and before installing, I asked the managing office about me putting some holes in the wall to hang stuff. They said that they always send a crew in to spackle and paint between people moving out and the next people moving in, so I could hang things without concern.

So, up went the projector into the ceiling with lag bolts, and the screen got hung on the wall with wall anchors. There was no added charge or anything else upon my move out because it was a normal part of the move out charge.

I recommend you check first, but you may be able to do a nice 'permanent' style installation in your apartment for not a lot of cash, and no penalty for drilling a few holes into the drywall.

For the original question, I think the answer is clear: As long as you have a decent screen, then you should be pretty good to go. Some of the cheapest screens might let some light through, but if you are using heavy curtains (light blocking) then this should be minimized drastically and the screen itself will really help to get the room dark.

IMO, in front of the windows is one of the best places in a room you can put a screen since it then requires light to enter the room and bounce off something before it can fall on the front of the screen.