Projector Setup

Averick · 2 Oct 2007 at 14:15

Hi Guys,

I'm looking into getting a projector for the first time and have set my eyes on the EMP-TW1000. This will be used primarily for playing games, watching movies and such.

I've never had or used a projector before and am just looking for some advice on the actual physical setup. Is there an optimal distance away from the wall it should be placed? Is a blank wall sufficient or would you recommend a projector screen? Also what's this about having to replace the bulb!? :confused:

As I said, I'm very new to this so if anyone has any general advice for a potential first time user then I'd appreciate it.

Thanks.

Capt Doufos · 2 Oct 2007 at 14:17

The big downside of projectors is the relativley short bulb lifespan, This can be approx 2000-3000 hours depending on the settings used. It could go sooner could go later. For home mainstream market they also cost between £200-£400 each depending on the projector. You can import them cheaper, but I am not sure where you stand if a week later it goes pop.

surreal · 3 Oct 2007 at 13:56

I've had a projector for 5 years now (Sony VPL-HS1), but its only used occasionally for watching movies. If I remember correctly a good rule of thumb is that the throw distance is about 1.5 times the screen width (I have a 5ft screen and an 8.5ft throw), but this does vary obviously. Some of the projector retailer sites have distance calulators on them, but I can't link as they might be competitors.

The bulb issue is an important one, constant use will wear them out quickly - I've had mine 5 years but never had to change it due to limited use. Wear and tear can be avoided by making sure you shut the pj down properly - follow the instructions to the letter.

Mr Latte · 3 Oct 2007 at 23:42

Bulbs work out about the price of a choccie bar for every hour.

Err so 3000 hours is a lot of chocolate...

Panasonic offer one of the widest throws, i currently have a 6 month old AX100 and you can pick these up new if shopping around for £700.
Excellent for gaming and movies with 10280 24 support, hell it even makes a decent PC monitor with its VGA. Worth looking into perhaps

badbob · 3 Oct 2007 at 23:47

Setup is easy. You don't want to use digital correction, place it manually so the image is exactly a rectangle without using pincushion adjustment (you lose picture quality that way)

A UPS is worthwhile too, if the power fails with the PJ on hot air will stay inside the unit, baking the optics.

Also a bulb can shatter if used way way past it's lifespan, usually it'll knacker the projector. A replacement bulb isn't a 40W 99p jobbie, they're quite expensive. You really want to project onto a screen, either pre-made or DIY with screen goo.