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

[KeithTalent]

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.

I had not really thought about it to be honest, but I was assuming I would do a 16:9 screen since that is what my current TV is. Is there any benefit do going with a scope screen?

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.

Well it is unlikely that I will be able to fully blackout the room, so you're saying this projector should be bright enough to deal with some light coming in? If so, that is great news.

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.

So the 8 feet is far enough away for viewing that large of a screen?

KT

 

[KeithTalent]

Well, just placed the order for the projector. Now, to figure out everything else.

I'm sure I'll be back with more questions and pictures soon but if anyone else has tips, I'd be happy to take them. :whiste:

KT

 

[purbeast0]

benefit of a scope screen is that your 2.35:1 movies will fit the whole screen and you won't have bars on the top/bottom. it can be REALLY engulfing watching a movie in that way. but it also adds bars to the side of 16:9 movies.

when you go to an actual movie theater and watch a 2.35:1 movie, they have their screen adjusted for that so you don't have any bars above/below.

it's all just personal preference though.

 

[KeithTalent]

benefit of a scope screen is that your 2.35:1 movies will fit the whole screen and you won't have bars on the top/bottom. it can be REALLY engulfing watching a movie in that way. but it also adds bars to the side of 16:9 movies.

when you go to an actual movie theater and watch a 2.35:1 movie, they have their screen adjusted for that so you don't have any bars above/below.

it's all just personal preference though.

Ok, thanks. I just read a piece on Projector Central on it; I think 16:9 should be fine for me since I do watch a fair amount of TV these days and everything there seems to be 16:9...I think. I also looked at my projector online and it seems it is 16:9 only, so it's kind of decided for me already anyway.

Anyone have any recommendations on mounts? They all kind of look the same and I can't tell what would work best in my room. :hmm:

KT

 

[BurnItDwn]

So the 8 feet is far enough away for viewing that large of a screen?
KT

My eyes are semi decent (20/20 in left, 20/40 in right).
I don't notice "screen door" effect or anything else.

If I stand closer than 6 feet, the screen door effect is noticeable and bothersom.

Also, I may have not measured right. I meant to say, the seat is 8 feet from the screen, when sitting down, the eyes are another 2 feet or so back. Also, I have recliners, and usually I sit partially reclined, so it's safe to say the eyes are usually about 10-11 feet from the screen.

 

[KeithTalent]

My eyes are semi decent (20/20 in left, 20/40 in right).
I don't notice "screen door" effect or anything else.

If I stand closer than 6 feet, the screen door effect is noticeable and bothersom.

Also, I may have not measured right. I meant to say, the seat is 8 feet from the screen, when sitting down, the eyes are another 2 feet or so back. Also, I have recliners, and usually I sit partially reclined, so it's safe to say the eyes are usually about 10-11 feet from the screen.

OK, then I should be fine as I think I will be about 13' from the screen since the room is 15'4" long. Though I guess that depends on how big I make the screen...

KT

 

[BurnItDwn]

OK, then I should be fine as I think I will be about 13' from the screen since the room is 15'4" long. Though I guess that depends on how big I make the screen...

KT

For 13 feet betweeen the eyes and the screen, I would probably look at 120 inch size range.

105 wouldn't feel big enougt, it simply wouldn't fill enough of the viewable range of the eyes IMO.

 

[Fingolfin269]

I'm glad you brought up this discussion. I'm wrestling with this myself. Currently have a 58" plasma and am debating between going all in on a 120" or so projector or just upgrading to a 64" Samsung F8500 or 65" Panasonic V-series.

PB, I like the updated pics you have earlier in this thread. Looking good man. Definitely some inspiration towards choosing the projector route.

 

[Excelsior]

Ok, lets get things straight here. Using a HD projector on the wall isn't like viewing SD content on a brand new HDTV. It is quite good actually, provided your wall is painted even semi-appropriately and finished well. Don't think it won't work. It provides flexibility in its own way, since you can maximize screen size without relying on a fixed screen.

Experience: HC1500 on gray wall, love it. Looks gorgeous.

 

[slayer202]

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[KeithTalent]

Ok, lets get things straight here. Using a HD projector on the wall isn't like viewing SD content on a brand new HDTV. It is quite good actually, provided your wall is painted even semi-appropriately and finished well. Don't think it won't work. It provides flexibility in its own way, since you can maximize screen size without relying on a fixed screen.

Experience: HC1500 on gray wall, love it. Looks gorgeous.

Did you just paint with regular paint, or did you use something special like the Behr Silver Screen?

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Welcome friend.

KT

 

[Excelsior]

Did you just paint with regular paint, or did you use something special like the Behr Silver Screen?

KT

Since I am lazy and have solid light control, regular paint. I happened to paint the entire room in a nice flat gray color anyhow so it works well. Would silver screen or something else work better? Yes. Would framing the projected image with something help? Yes, but I appreciate the wall being clean. No one knows my living room has a 108" screen on the wall..it just looks empty.

 

[KeithTalent]

So the projector and the paint are both sitting at home, now I need to figure out the mounting.

I've decided a ceiling mount is the best way to go. I was looking at something like this: http://www.amazon.ca/Atdec-TH-WH-PJ-...dp/B000BSFY48/

I think that one should work, but the only concern I have is the concrete ceilings in my place. I think I should be able to get a 3" screw in there (once I find someone who can drill concrete for me); does have any experience with this or can think of any concerns?

I think if I mount it about 10' away from the wall, I should be able to get a 80+" screen going with decent brightness and not too much worry about ambient light.

KT

 

[purbeast0]

while i don't know anything about that projector mount, or a lot about them in general, when i was doing my research on them like 99% of the people pointed me to the peerless brand, which is what i ended up going with and have had no issues with it. the one you linked is probably just fine too but i am just saying what my experience has been.

i know my mount came with the right screws for both a concrete installation or wood installation. if it were me i'd mount it further away because you are going to want bigger than 80" trust me lol. if i could go bigger than 120" i would for sure.

EDIT:

this is the mount i got and the ceiling plate.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TXNS6G/ref=oh_details_o04_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BITSTA/ref=oh_details_o04_s01_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

i then went and bought the extension pipe i needed in the correct length from a plumbing store for $8 and spray painted it to match the other parts.

 

[KeithTalent]

while i don't know anything about that projector mount, or a lot about them in general, when i was doing my research on them like 99% of the people pointed me to the peerless brand, which is what i ended up going with and have had no issues with it. the one you linked is probably just fine too but i am just saying what my experience has been.

i know my mount came with the right screws for both a concrete installation or wood installation. if it were me i'd mount it further away because you are going to want bigger than 80" trust me lol. if i could go bigger than 120" i would for sure.

EDIT:

this is the mount i got and the ceiling plate.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

i then went and bought the extension pipe i needed in the correct length from a plumbing store for $8 and spray painted it to match the other parts.

That looks good, though it's over a $100 more than the one I linked. I don't mind paying more if I need to, but I'm just not sure I need to in this case.

Unfortunately I'm not sure the wall I'll be using can accommodate anything much larger than say 84" or so. We'll see once I have the wall painted and can test out the projector prior to mounting it.

KT

 

[Rio Rebel]

105" at 13 feet away is just fine. I sit 12.5' away, and I had a 96" screen for years and loved it. Just moved to a 110" screen and like it better, and am not at all interested in going bigger. PLUS, the bigger the screen, the more light needed and the more defects are visible. Bigger is better, but at a price.

 

[purbeast0]

That looks good, though it's over a $100 more than the one I linked. I don't mind paying more if I need to, but I'm just not sure I need to in this case.

Unfortunately I'm not sure the wall I'll be using can accommodate anything much larger than say 84" or so. We'll see once I have the wall painted and can test out the projector prior to mounting it.

KT

yeah i hear you about the mount. me personally i wanted to go with something that is guaranteed quality since it's hanging a $3k piece of equipment from my ceiling heh. it's just not something i wanted to cheap out on.

 

[KeithTalent]

105" at 13 feet away is just fine. I sit 12.5' away, and I had a 96" screen for years and loved it. Just moved to a 110" screen and like it better, and am not at all interested in going bigger. PLUS, the bigger the screen, the more light needed and the more defects are visible. Bigger is better, but at a price.

Good point. I was just using the Projector Pros calculator and to get the brightness needed for my room I think I need to be around 10' away, which gives me around a 90" screen (assuming that fits on my wall).

yeah i hear you about the mount. me personally i wanted to go with something that is guaranteed quality since it's hanging a $3k piece of equipment from my ceiling heh. it's just not something i wanted to cheap out on.

Oh no, I totally hear that. If I need to go more expensive I will. Guess I need to do some more reading...

KT

 

[KeithTalent]

Just to put a bow on this one, I've had the projector up and running for about two weeks now and it's god damn amazing! I just have it sitting at the back of the room (so the 13 or 14 feet away) and projecting up on the drywall for now.

I threw up some temporary blackout curtains on the front windows near the screen, which helps a lot, but I need to get the rest of the windows prepped for proper blackouts.

Since I am just projecting on the wall, I did not really measure the screen size since I just made it as big as looked good. I think it's around 90" or so.

This is the greatest thing ever. I had a friend over about a week or so ago to check it out and once I turned it on, she didn't want to leave my couch; she was completely enthralled by giant-sized home design shows.

Thanks for the tips along the way guys. I am super happy with the results so far.

KT

Edit: I have not played a game yet, but I am very tempted to pick up a FIFA or something to try on the 360. Maybe I can just wait for the next gen stuff though. Sports games look like they would be awesome on this thing.

 

[slayer202]

Sounds awesome man, glad you're happy with your decision! Would love to see some pics

 

[KeithTalent]

Sounds awesome man, glad you're happy with your decision! Would love to see some pics

Will do once I get it fully done. I was actually enjoying watching Baseball on it the other night and I normally find Baseball painful to watch.

KT

 

[Durvelle27]

Just to put a bow on this one, I've had the projector up and running for about two weeks now and it's god damn amazing! I just have it sitting at the back of the room (so the 13 or 14 feet away) and projecting up on the drywall for now.

I threw up some temporary blackout curtains on the front windows near the screen, which helps a lot, but I need to get the rest of the windows prepped for proper blackouts.

Since I am just projecting on the wall, I did not really measure the screen size since I just made it as big as looked good. I think it's around 90" or so.

This is the greatest thing ever. I had a friend over about a week or so ago to check it out and once I turned it on, she didn't want to leave my couch; she was completely enthralled by giant-sized home design shows.

Thanks for the tips along the way guys. I am super happy with the results so far.

KT

Edit: I have not played a game yet, but I am very tempted to pick up a FIFA or something to try on the 360. Maybe I can just wait for the next gen stuff though. Sports games look like they would be awesome on this thing.

What color is your wall and how does the image look. I remember when I projected straight on my white wall images kind of looked washed out but now I use a DIY 110" screen and it looks so much better.

Would also love to see some images

 

[purbeast0]

yup i agree with durvelle 100%. projected on my yellow wall looked like ass compared to when it was on a screen with the real backdrop color, yet it still looked amazing. you are in for a treat when you see it in it's finalized state if you are already excited with the way it looks now.

 

[KeithTalent]

What color is your wall and how does the image look. I remember when I projected straight on my white wall images kind of looked washed out but now I use a DIY 110" screen and it looks so much better.

Would also love to see some images

The wall is sort of a greyish-white. It does look washed out when there is sun coming through, which is why I need to get the blackouts sorted, but with no sun around it looks great. I also played with some of the settings, bumping the gamma and switching between the different modes.

yup i agree with durvelle 100%. projected on my yellow wall looked like ass compared to when it was on a screen with the real backdrop color, yet it still looked amazing. you are in for a treat when you see it in it's finalized state if you are already excited with the way it looks now.

I can't see myself buying a screen at this point. I like just having the wall there as the screen. We'll see though. It would be nice to bring in a screen to test just so I can see if there is a massive difference and then decide from there.

Honestly though, if I never do another thing I will be very happy. I think it can only get better from here!

KT

Edit: I was looking into the MaxxMud stuff, but gathering the components around here seems very difficult. Also, having to mix it together myself seems like a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[Durvelle27]

The wall is sort of a greyish-white. It does look washed out when there is sun coming through, which is why I need to get the blackouts sorted, but with no sun around it looks great. I also played with some of the settings, bumping the gamma and switching between the different modes.



I can't see myself buying a screen at this point. I like just having the wall there as the screen. We'll see though. It would be nice to bring in a screen to test just so I can see if there is a massive difference and then decide from there.

Honestly though, if I never do another thing I will be very happy. I think it can only get better from here!

KT

Edit: I was looking into the MaxxMud stuff, but gathering the components around here seems very difficult. Also, having to mix it together myself seems like a disaster waiting to happen.

I actually didn't buy my screen. I built it myself and it cost about $80 total