Projector Positioning

Aruffell · 28 Mar 2009 at 14:14

Currently got a Sony VPL-X1000 projector.

Currently built some new wardrobes in the bedroom and want to put the projector on top of them and have it output onto a 72" projector screen which we bought.

Due to the throw distance the projector will only output about 42" but am possibly looking at getting a BenQ MP512ST short throw projector soon (hopefully).

Firstly, i have no clue about projectors and what a CRT or DLP projector is but the image coming from the projector is being outputted on the ceiling at the moment and not on the wall.

If i extend the back feet of the projector it is not much better and i have had to resort to putting some dvd cases undearneath it, sadly this makes the output image a trapezium shape so how would we go about fitting this all together so it works?

Secondly, i'm guessing that it's better to get the positioning of the projector right and then put the screen into place after.

I've attached a picture to show you where the projector is sitting.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also the new projector we are looking at (BenQ MP512ST shows an image of 72" from 4ft4 whereas our projector is going to be situated at 8ft6 so how would we get the same size image, as otherwise it would give us a 143" image instead, will the zoom sort this out?

Thanks,

Andy

Chris1712 · 28 Mar 2009 at 14:25

In a setup like that, i would look at LCD projectors with good lens shift. You might want to try with the PJ upside down in that position, but you will still need tonnes of keystone adjustment (and therefore lost picture quality). I'm surprised you get such a small picture from that distance, i can throw over 100" from my sanyo plv-z3, which only has 1.3x zoom.

Aruffell · 28 Mar 2009 at 14:28

What about the BenQ being a DLP projector, is that what i want?

Specs of it:

Projector Type DLP Display Technology DLP technology by Texas Instruments Resolution (Maximum) SXGA ( 1280 x 1024 dpi) Resolution (Native) SVGA ( 800 x 600 dpi) Picture format 4:3 (Native) • 16:9 Picture size 1.7 - 7.62 m (Diagonal) Throw Ratio 0.9 : 1 Brightness 2200 Lumens Contrast Ratio 2500:1 Lens F = 2.5 / f = 10mm Lens Type Fixed Projection Lamp 185W Lamp Life 3000/4000 Hours Colours 16.7 Million Colours Horizontal Frequency 31 to 82 KHz Vertical Frequency 48 to 85 Hz
It has keystone adjustment by the way.

Andy

Chris1712 · 28 Mar 2009 at 14:40

Unless your getting that BenQ for free/really cheap i wouldnt bother. Get a decent 720p second hand machine, sanyo plv range/optoma hd65/planars etc. The benq is a educational style projector, the type lecturers carry to lessons and setup to throw a wonky picture onto a whiteboard from a desk, not a proper home cinema machine.

Aruffell · 28 Mar 2009 at 14:44

What would you recommend for around £400 or less that will do what we want.

Brand new ideally.

Andy

Chris1712 · 28 Mar 2009 at 14:59

Theres nothing really new for that money, Optoma HD700X occasionally turns up around 400-450 but not in the current economy!

Second hand is really a great idea. What you need to realise is, the kind of people which own these products, are generally enthusiasts who really look after their gear. Its like buying a classic car from an owners club.

For 300-400 you could easily pick up something like....

Sanyo PLV-Z3/Z4 - I have a Z3 (cost me £330 with 300 hours on it about 18 months ago) and its real strength is its positioning. It has horz/vert lens shift which means i can put it anywhere, aslong as its square with i want to be projecting and not have to sacrifice PQ with keystone.

Optoma HD65/700
InFocus X9
Panasonic AX200

Errrm, thats all i can think of at the moment, get googling

.