So I think I'm about to plunge into the projector world.

[KeithTalent]

I've been discussing with a friend back East who loves his projector and after doing a lot of reading, and finally having a place which should be appropriate to set one up, I am about to take the plunge on an Epson 5020 UBe: http://www.epson.ca/cgi-bin/ceStore/jsp/Product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&sku=V11H529020-F

I have some questions:

1. The room is about 15'4" in length, but with the couch in there it leaves about 13' between the wall and where I would be viewing from. I assume that is adequate for a relatively large projection? If not, then I may just need to look at a slightly larger TV in stead of a projector.

2. Mounting. I don't really want to hang anything from the ceiling; would placing a shelf behind the couch work, or is that not flexible enough to maneuver around should I need to adjust the picture? Any other thoughts?

3. The wall where the image would be projected is a blank, flat wall about 8'3" in height and 8'5" wide so I am considering just projecting directly on the wall. Has anyone done this? I'd rather not have a screen to pull down, but if it works so much better, then I will consider it.

I think that's everything for now, but any other tips or information would be welcomed and appreciated as I have absolutely zero experience with this stuff.

Thanks in advance!

KT

 

[purbeast0]

1. my room is bigger than yours, not height wise but LxW, but i have a 120" screen and sit about 13-14 feet back. to be honest, if i could go bigger, i probably would. it is extremely immersive watching a movie on a 10' screen with surround sound. so you definitely have enough room.

2. many people mount shelves on the wall and place the projector on it. after you have the projector in place and pointing the direction/angle you want it, you won't be touching it. all of the zooming/focusing is all digital through the remote.

3. don't project on a wall. well if you do, "paint" a screen on the wall with the specific paint that is for that. and then you want to add a black velvet border around it so that it can absorb any of the spillage. but projecting flat out on the wall will look like crap and reflect to all hell as well, unless you have the special "screen" paint on the wall. i opted for a stationary screen and it looks awesome. i'm not a fan of screens that roll up personally.

not sure if you are a gamer or not, but if you are you may want to look into the input lag on projectors because most of them have pretty poor input lag, and it was a huge reason i decided on the projector i ended up with (panasonic ae8000).

here's a couple pics for reference of the distance and size.

http://i.imgur.com/iWMVojA.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/TFwtNZo.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/V2b9mtj.jpg

 

[KeithTalent]

1. my room is bigger than yours, not height wise but LxW, but i have a 120" screen and sit about 13-14 feet back. to be honest, if i could go bigger, i probably would. it is extremely immersive watching a movie on a 10' screen with surround sound. so you definitely have enough room.

2. many people mount shelves on the wall and place the projector on it. after you have the projector in place and pointing the direction/angle you want it, you won't be touching it. all of the zooming/focusing is all digital through the remote.

3. don't project on a wall. well if you do, "paint" a screen on the wall with the specific paint that is for that. and then you want to add a black velvet border around it so that it can absorb any of the spillage. but projecting flat out on the wall will look like crap and reflect to all hell as well, unless you have the special "screen" paint on the wall. i opted for a stationary screen and it looks awesome. i'm not a fan of screens that roll up personally.

not sure if you are a gamer or not, but if you are you may want to look into the input lag on projectors because most of them have pretty poor input lag, and it was a huge reason i decided on the projector i ended up with (panasonic ae8000).

here's a couple pics for reference of the distance and size.

http://i.imgur.com/iWMVojA.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/TFwtNZo.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/V2b9mtj.jpg

Very helpful, thanks. Your set-up looks great!

1. Ok, ticked that worry off the list. Thanks.

2. Good to know. There really are not a lot of places to look at projectors in person around here, but I guess there will be some sort of adjusting knobs and whatnot for fine tuning on the thing once I find a stable place to sit it.

3. Yeah I saw the Behr Silver Screen paint out there; guess I can't get away without it. I'll have to look at that a little closer. I really would prefer not to have a screen.

Not really a console gamer, though I do have a 360 and one game my buddy wants me to play (an RPG of some sort) so I may play that and maybe a sports game or two if I ever feel like getting around to that. I assume this is only a concern for FPS' and fast-paced games like that? If so, no worries as I will not play any of those on a console. Not sure how I find out the input lag on these things anyway...

KT

 

[Kaido]

1. my room is bigger than yours, not height wise but LxW, but i have a 120" screen and sit about 13-14 feet back. to be honest, if i could go bigger, i probably would. it is extremely immersive watching a movie on a 10' screen with surround sound. so you definitely have enough room.

Yeah, I do 190" in my living room (13 x 19'). It's awesome sitting with a screen that large in front of you!

 

[SearchMaster]

1. Projector Central is your friend - you can select the projector and it will tell you the maximum screen size for the entered distance. http://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-PowerLite_Home_Cinema_5020UB-projection-calculator-pro.htm

So according to their calculator, to get a 100" diagonal image (49" x 87"), you'd need to have the lens 13' 4" from the screen. If you're projecting onto a wall then you don't HAVE to have any exact diagonal size but if you're using a screen it will need to match exactly.

2. You can put the projector on a table or shelf, but keep in mind if the table/shelf gets bumped you'll have to readjust the projector. If there's much traffic it could be a PITA. Also, if the projector is on a coffee table near your seating area, they are pretty loud and will be distracting, so you'll want to keep it as far as you can from where you sit.

3. Ditto what purbeast0 said - if you're going to go through the trouble of painting, I'd go ahead and get a screen. You can use the blank wall but it won't be the optimum experience...it'd be like using only SD content on your nice new HDTV. I personally have an electric retractable screen because there are occasions I need it out of the way (it blocks a storage room).

I'm on my second projector and I've never noticed a problem with lag while gaming. Gaming on a projector is a fantastic experience and I have trouble going back to a normal large HDTV. But I'm not a hardcore gamer and not a big FPS guy.

The only other tip I have is to make sure the room is as dark as possible. I have one window in my basement. I don't have blackout shades (just regular blinds), and the difference between image quality in the day versus the night is very noticeable.

My first projector was a $400 480p Woot special that lasted a couple of years before the bulb blew. Rather than spend $300 on a new one, I spent $600 on a 720p replacement. My brother-in-law has a high end Sony projector and frankly I can't tell a huge difference in image quality, and I'm sure his cost at least 5x as much. Projectors are awesome though and I know you'll love it and wonder why you didn't do it earlier, especially since you are a huge movie buff.

 

[Kaido]

3. Yeah I saw the Behr Silver Screen paint out there; guess I can't get away without it. I'll have to look at that a little closer. I really would prefer not to have a screen.

Check out the Silver Fire DIY paint mix thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/t/752415/silver-fire-mix

Some screenshots:

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1296359/new-basement-epson-8350-and-silver-fire-3-0/90

Just make a frame out of wood and wrap it in black velvet to absorb stray light:

http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii457/jdevelvi/DSC05962.jpg

Voila, amazing giant screen!

 

[Rio Rebel]

I built my own screen at first, but prices have dropped. Hard to beat something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Mustang-SC-F10...9249304&sr=1-2

 

[KeithTalent]

Great stuff, thanks guys.

Couple of follow ups:

I have read that light is a big concern with projectors. The room is covered completely by West-facing windows on one side, so I definitely plan on getting blackout blinds to cover that while I'm watching or will any bleeding through of sunshine screw things up? This is the room:

The shelf should not be a problem from being bumped, but the noise thing concerns me. I was planning on putting it right behind the couch, just a bit above the head so I would not get in the way. I may need to take some more measurements to see if something else can be done as the last thing I want a fan whirring in my ears as I'm watching a quiet movie.

I guess I will look into screens, though I'm not happy about it!

KT

 

[KeithTalent]

I built my own screen at first, but prices have dropped. Hard to beat something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Mustang-SC-F10...9249304&sr=1-2

Is it a problem if you project a smaller image onto a screen like that?

KT

 

[Kaido]

I built my own screen at first, but prices have dropped. Hard to beat something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Mustang-SC-F10...9249304&sr=1-2

Yeah, even the electrics are cheap now:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10829

 

[Kaido]

Is it a problem if you project a smaller image onto a screen like that?

KT

Going smaller is never really an issue. If you want a 60" image, you'll still get a great picture!

 

[alkemyst]

Great stuff, thanks guys.

Couple of follow ups:

I have read that light is a big concern with projectors. The room is covered completely by West-facing windows on one side, so I definitely plan on getting blackout blinds to cover that while I'm watching or will any bleeding through of sunshine screw things up? This is the room:

The shelf should not be a problem from being bumped, but the noise thing concerns me. I was planning on putting it right behind the couch, just a bit above the head so I would not get in the way. I may need to take some more measurements to see if something else can be done as the last thing I want a fan whirring in my ears as I'm watching a quiet movie.

I guess I will look into screens, though I'm not happy about it!

KT

The 5020UBe is intended for very low light environments. It almost screams for a full black treatment and all windows blocked.

ProjectorCentral should be where you hash this out with the expert and experienced.

I have known a lot of people that bought expensive projectors and even real screens (DaLite and the like as opposed to the DIY paint) and were disappointed.

 

[Kaido]

Great stuff, thanks guys.

Couple of follow ups:

I have read that light is a big concern with projectors. The room is covered completely by West-facing windows on one side, so I definitely plan on getting blackout blinds to cover that while I'm watching or will any bleeding through of sunshine screw things up? This is the room:

The shelf should not be a problem from being bumped, but the noise thing concerns me. I was planning on putting it right behind the couch, just a bit above the head so I would not get in the way. I may need to take some more measurements to see if something else can be done as the last thing I want a fan whirring in my ears as I'm watching a quiet movie.

I guess I will look into screens, though I'm not happy about it!

KT

The one key thing to remember is this:

Projectors are flashlights.

The more light you have in the room, the worse the image will look. A projector can't shoot black, so whatever the ambient light level of the room is, will be what your "black" is. That's why most screens use a gray or silver color instead of white - contrast. Definitely check out those DIY Silver Fire & Light Fusion screens if you want to have a bit of ambient light in the room, since they do help the gain a bit.

Also, Target sells nice blackout blinds, I believe the brand is "Eclipse". If you want motorized stuff, check out Somfy:

http://www.somfysystems.com/

 

[KeithTalent]

Going smaller is never really an issue. If you want a 60" image, you'll still get a great picture!

Ok, cool.

The 5020UBe is intended for very low light environments. It almost screams for a full black treatment and all windows blocked.

ProjectorCentral should be where you hash this out with the expert and experienced.

I have known a lot of people that bought expensive projectors and even real screens (DaLite and the like as opposed to the DIY paint) and were disappointed.

Well I don't mind paying for a screen, that's not the issue, I just don't like the look of them so don't want one hanging around the house all of the time. I guess I'll head over to that other place, I just thought I would check in with people I kind of know. ^_^

KT

 

[KeithTalent]

The one key thing to remember is this:

Projectors are flashlights.

The more light you have in the room, the worse the image will look. A projector can't shoot black, so whatever the ambient light level of the room is, will be what your "black" is. That's why most screens use a gray or silver color instead of white - contrast. Definitely check out those DIY Silver Fire & Light Fusion screens if you want to have a bit of ambient light in the room, since they do help the gain a bit.

Also, Target sells nice blackout blinds, I believe the brand is "Eclipse". If you want motorized stuff, check out Somfy:

http://www.somfysystems.com/

Perfect, thanks. Very helpful. I will see if I can get my blackouts up soon and then maybe run some tests with the ambient light to see how things play before I go ahead and take the plunge.

KT

 

[alkemyst]

Well I don't mind paying for a screen, that's not the issue, I just don't like the look of them so don't want one hanging around the house all of the time. I guess I'll head over to that other place, I just thought I would check in with people I kind of know. ^_^

KT

I have seen DIY screens just painted on a wall that were better than real screens.

My biggest issue is too many have projectors in rooms that really would suit a large screen TV better.

 

[KeithTalent]

I have seen DIY screens just painted on a wall that were better than real screens.

My biggest issue is too many have projectors in rooms that really would suit a large screen TV better.

Right, which is why I'm posting here first, just to see what makes the most sense. Appreciate the help.

KT

 

[KeithTalent]

So I'll do some light testing this weekend to how things may work with that room and the light coming in.

Since I'll be out and about, I will look at TVs as well. Does something like this: http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/prod...4c70868b24d59496902604den02&SearchPageIndex=1 seem like a good one for the room I pictured above?

I'm not giving up on the projector yet, because I love the idea of getting one, just exploring my options. I am currently using a Sony Bravia 46" LCD so one way or another I will be upgrading.

KT

 

[Phanuel]

You'll also want a large rug of some kind in front of the screen so that it doesn't reflect off of that marble/tile.

Added benefit of a rug of some kind is a sound absorption material as well because of the reflective properties of stone and tile.

 

[KeithTalent]

You'll also want a large rug of some kind in front of the screen so that it doesn't reflect off of that marble/tile.

It's polished concrete! But yeah, good point. :hmm:

KT

 

[purbeast0]

couple things...

i have my projector above my main seating area a foot or so back. i can hear the fan when it's dead quiet in the room, but very VERY rarely are you watching a movie where it is dead silent. also my projector has an eco mode that makes the fan spin less but isn't as bright, but i keep it in normal mode. after over 450 hours on my projector, i can't once say that i've been distracted or even noticed the fan noise. personally, i wouldn't be too concerned about the fan noise, UNLESS your specific model has a loud fan and people actually complain about it in the research you've done. but i'd say not to worry about the average projector fan.

the other thing i noticed is your walls are white. i STRONGLY recommend painting them a darker color. my room was initially yellow wall with white ceiling (same yellow as you see the rest of the room in the pics). the difference in the picture from before/after the paint was night and day. it really does make a huge difference in the contrast of the picture.

 

[KeithTalent]

couple things...

i have my projector above my main seating area a foot or so back. i can hear the fan when it's dead quiet in the room, but very VERY rarely are you watching a movie where it is dead silent. also my projector has an eco mode that makes the fan spin less but isn't as bright, but i keep it in normal mode. after over 450 hours on my projector, i can't once say that i've been distracted or even noticed the fan noise. personally, i wouldn't be too concerned about the fan noise, UNLESS your specific model has a loud fan and people actually complain about it in the research you've done. but i'd say not to worry about the average projector fan.

the other thing i noticed is your walls are white. i STRONGLY recommend painting them a darker color. my room was initially yellow wall with white ceiling (same yellow as you see the rest of the room in the pics). the difference in the picture from before/after the paint was night and day. it really does make a huge difference in the contrast of the picture.

Heh, well I probably do watch quite a few more old, quiet films than you, but point and experience noted. Thanks.

I have someone coming to paint the walls a darker grey (one wall will be a different colour) in a few weeks, so that should help.

KT

Edit: I should say I watch a lot of movies with my wireless headphones, so the noise is probably even less of a concern.

 

[purbeast0]

one other thing i would also recommend, if you are thinking of doing a scope (2.35:1) screen...

go watch something in 16:9 on a scope screen before you make the purchase. i have only seen 1 scope screen in person, and it was before i got my projector. watching a 16:9 movie with black bars on the side messes with your head. to me, it made me feel as though the picture is being squeezed in on the sides and just messes with me. i guess it is because i'm just so used to bars on the top/bottom. when i watch a scope movie on my screen the bars don't bother me at all, neither did they when watching that stuff on my smaller tvs though. and i've been used to it for years.

i was debating getting one before i ended up with my screen, but that sealed the deal for sure. and even so, the guy who's house i was at told me that if he did it all over again, he would go with a 16:9 screen instead, partially for the same reason.

 

[NAC]

I've got a Optoma HD66 – it is 720p and 2500 lumens. I wanted something bright because I planned to sometimes use it in the backyard, but I haven't yet. It is mounted on the ceiling above the couch. My room is 14' * 14'. My screen is a pull down 120" screen. I LOVE it. The only bad side is – why didn't I get it sooner.

My projector is a bit bright – even on the lower power setting, if the room is black then the image is too bright for me to comfortably watch. So at night I'll still have a small lamp on in the room. Or, during the day, I can close my white shades and still watch comfortably. My projector can't quite fill the screen – I can't move it back far enough. I used on online calculator to figure out dimensions but was overly optimistic as to how close to the wall the projector could be, and how close the screen could be. So the image doesn't go up to the black border as it should. Some people may dislike the black levels for those two reasons - but to be honest it doesn't bother me at all. It just looks great to me. I'll watch football mid-day and the room is bright enough to comfortably read in. I still much prefer that to watching on a smaller screen. Movies are nicer at night – but still with a small lamp on.

But in summary – if you want to black out the room fully and desire better black levels – you might want a lower powered projector than the 2400 lumens Epson you linked to.

 

[BurnItDwn]

My theater room is only 10 feet wide (but 27 feet long.)

I went with a costco deal a few of years back and got a Mitsubishi HC3800 + mounting kit for ceiling + 106 inch electric controlled retractable screen (there is a door 3 feet behind the screen to a basement bedroom )


1. MY "front" row is a dual recliner couch which is about 8 feet from the screen.
My 2nd row (sofa) is about 14 feet back from the screen, and then I've got a bar table with a couple of stools behind the sofa (about 19 feet back.) In the very very back of the room I set up some cabinet bases with dravers for snacks/popcorn maker etc.

2. Others have answered and I don't have anything worthwhile to add.
3. Others have answered and I don't have anything worthwhile to add.