Mitsubishi projector: HC3800 mounting and viewing distance for a 106" Screen?

Car Audio~

Hello

I am planning to get the HC3800 along with a 106" project screen. However, I would like to know what mounting distance should be and what the viewing distance should be for such a big screen? I want to make sure the screen is not too big, as my room is only a little longer 12' feet long. The projector will be ceiling mounted and I will be sitting against the 12 feet wall.

If 106" is too big, then I will consider a small screen...

thank you!

Answer
The distance varies among projector models because of the lenses used.

This projection calculator says that for your projector you could place the projector as close as 10' 8" or as far as 15' 11" and still fill a 106" screen: http://www.projectorcentral.com/Mitsubishi-HC3800-projection-calculator-pro.htm .

Projector Purchase Help?

broge15

hi guys broge15 here and i was looking fo some help on buying a projector, here is what im looking for:
computer connectable (well duhh!)
xbox 360 connectable
tv antenna imput (optional)
budget: AU$600-800 max
and it just needs to be average quallity nothing too spify is necisary but as long as the quality is decent
thanks in advance
broge15
btw because im projecting in my bedroom i can only have my throw distance max 4.1m back so that may mean that cheaper alternitives are available because they dont need a very long range throw distance and i found this projector on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HD-Home-Theatre-LCD-Projector-TV-HDMI-DVB-T-USB-SD_W0QQitemZ200230415483QQihZ010QQcategoryZ22610QQcmdZViewItem
does it look like it could do the job??

Answer
A projector will work fine in a bedroom, as long as you can get the room dark/dim, the fan noise doesn't bother you (some are quieter than others) and it can project a large enough picture for you.

The maximum image size will be limited by the optics. That said, at a viewing distance of 3-3.5 m you probably don't want an image larger than about 2-2.25 m (diagonal) anyway, and many projectors will do that.

The projector you found is one I'm not familiar with, but it looks like an OK model (and unlike most it appears to have a TV tuner). The weakness is the contrast ratio -- which is a bit low, BUT typical of projectors in the price range. For your budget you can't expect to find much but "business projectors" (vs "home theatre") which means they will be a little weak on video processing and contrast ... but they will work fine for games.

I'd query the seller re fan noise level (I may have missed it, but you want a level of 30 dB or less ... and all I saw was something about a 3 fan design), confirm the image size capability at whatever viewing distance you intend to use ... and ask about replacement lamps (cost, where to get, etc ... you will need one every 3000 hrs or so).

Remember when talking about throw distance it is measured to the front of the lens from the screen surface.

The link another respondent sent re projectorcentral.com is a good one for info, reviews, etc on projectors.

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WHAT IS meant by optimum screen size for a home projector?

Miskit

I've been looking at some of the screen size calculators for home projectors that are online and at 18 feet viewing distance I'm getting a suggested screen size of 56" x 100". I'd like to know WHAT determines the optimum screen size. Not HOW to get it, but rather WHAT it is. Why wouldn't 60" x 107" be better at the same distance?

I'm using a Sony BRAVIA VPL-AW15 LCD Projector 16:9

I'd like someone to define what it is. What determines it?

Answer
In your context, optimum screen size relates to the aspect ratio, viewing distance, image resolution, and to a lesser degree secondary factors such as screen gain, projector brightness. and screen door effect. It's actually a balancing act. Read on.

First, recognize there is no absolute standard for determining screen size (after all different people have different preferences), BUT there are guidelines for the viewing angle (angle subtended from the viewing position by width of the screen) such as those defined by THX (1st link. Horizontal viewing angle of 40 degrees or less, 15 degree max angle to top of screen) and SMPTE (minimum horizontal viewing angle of 30 degrees).

An obvious result of this is that the perceived screen size (i.e. viewing angle) will vary with distance, and for a constant viewing angle at differing viewing distances the screen size must vary. So for example, a 100" screen at 12 ft would give the same viewing angle as a 50" screen at 6 ft. This is the fundamental reason that there is an optimum screen size for any viewing distance (or more accurately a size range, since personal preference must be allowed for).

Aspect ratio comes into this since screen size is often defined based on the diagonal size of a screen and aspect ratio impacts on this dimension. See the 2nd link for a calculator that takes this into account.

Finally, of the 3 primary factors, image resolution matters because the human eye can resolve detail atfor 20/20 vision) about 1/60 degree of arc. For any image resolution (e.g. 720 or 1080) there will be a distance range where higher resolution can be perceived. See the article at the 3rd link for the full discussion, but as a projector user the important point is that at THX (or SMPTE) optimum distances / screen size the highest resolution possible is recommended ... and these days that means 1920x1080.

Secondary considerations also bear on this question as follows. Projector brightness impact on how bright the image will be at a certain distance. Since image brightness has a recommended minimum and maximum (12-22 ft-lamberts, see 4th link) you don't want to be too far back (brightness drops off with distance) or project on too big a screen (brightness drops with larger screen size). Projectorcentral.com's projector calculator (5th link) is useful here since it shows (caution: based on manu published specs) brightness level as a function of throw distance, screen gain and screen size ... but don't confuse this with optimum screen size.

Higher screen gain can be used to componsate somewhat for low brightness but at the risk of adversely impacting the image through hot-spotting, limited viewing angle and colour shifts).

Finally, "screen door effect" (SDE) must be taken into account when considering minimum viewing distance for any screen size. SDE is visible at close viewing distances as black or dark grey lines around the individual pixels of the image. Different projectors vary in their tendency to show SDE ... with LCOS being the least and LCD and DLP being the most suceptible. Your projector has a recommended (See last link) minimum viewing distance of 1.8x screen width to avoid seeing SDE.

So, bottom line ... there is no single optimum screen size, but there is a minimum and maximum based on viewing angle, SDE effect, projector brightness, etc. Within this range it comes down to personal preference (and physical limitations such as room size).

Hope this helps clarify the interrelationships.

projector question?

lionsroar2

i want to get a projector but i can only put it 6-7 feet away from the wall. how big would the screen projection be: width*height if possible.

also if i do get it and i get a ceiling mount will i be able to point the picture down so it doesnt have to be in the middle of the room?

Answer
Hi there. Projectors with short throw lenses are available with minimum projection distances from 1.1 up to 2.3. 1-2 : 1 means the projector needs to be one to two meters back from the screen for a one metre image .2-3 : 1 means the projector needs to be 2 to 3 metres back from the screen to view a one metre image.Special lenses are available to attach to your projector lens to increase the image from the same distance. If you have the projector mounted on the ceiling make sure you get one with a "lens shift "feature. Which means you dont have to angle the projector down.The projector should be perpendicular to the screen to avoid a distorted image.The lens shift feature moves the image up or down while the projector is pointing straight ahead.

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WHAT IS meant by optimum screen size for a home projector?

Miskit

I've been looking at some of the screen size calculators for home projectors that are online and at 18 feet viewing distance I'm getting a suggested screen size of 56" x 100". I'd like to know WHAT determines the optimum screen size. Not HOW to get it, but rather WHAT it is. Why wouldn't 60" x 107" be better at the same distance?

I'm using a Sony BRAVIA VPL-AW15 LCD Projector 16:9

I'd like someone to define what it is. What determines it?

Answer
In your context, optimum screen size relates to the aspect ratio, viewing distance, image resolution, and to a lesser degree secondary factors such as screen gain, projector brightness. and screen door effect. It's actually a balancing act. Read on.

First, recognize there is no absolute standard for determining screen size (after all different people have different preferences), BUT there are guidelines for the viewing angle (angle subtended from the viewing position by width of the screen) such as those defined by THX (1st link. Horizontal viewing angle of 40 degrees or less, 15 degree max angle to top of screen) and SMPTE (minimum horizontal viewing angle of 30 degrees).

An obvious result of this is that the perceived screen size (i.e. viewing angle) will vary with distance, and for a constant viewing angle at differing viewing distances the screen size must vary. So for example, a 100" screen at 12 ft would give the same viewing angle as a 50" screen at 6 ft. This is the fundamental reason that there is an optimum screen size for any viewing distance (or more accurately a size range, since personal preference must be allowed for).

Aspect ratio comes into this since screen size is often defined based on the diagonal size of a screen and aspect ratio impacts on this dimension. See the 2nd link for a calculator that takes this into account.

Finally, of the 3 primary factors, image resolution matters because the human eye can resolve detail atfor 20/20 vision) about 1/60 degree of arc. For any image resolution (e.g. 720 or 1080) there will be a distance range where higher resolution can be perceived. See the article at the 3rd link for the full discussion, but as a projector user the important point is that at THX (or SMPTE) optimum distances / screen size the highest resolution possible is recommended ... and these days that means 1920x1080.

Secondary considerations also bear on this question as follows. Projector brightness impact on how bright the image will be at a certain distance. Since image brightness has a recommended minimum and maximum (12-22 ft-lamberts, see 4th link) you don't want to be too far back (brightness drops off with distance) or project on too big a screen (brightness drops with larger screen size). Projectorcentral.com's projector calculator (5th link) is useful here since it shows (caution: based on manu published specs) brightness level as a function of throw distance, screen gain and screen size ... but don't confuse this with optimum screen size.

Higher screen gain can be used to componsate somewhat for low brightness but at the risk of adversely impacting the image through hot-spotting, limited viewing angle and colour shifts).

Finally, "screen door effect" (SDE) must be taken into account when considering minimum viewing distance for any screen size. SDE is visible at close viewing distances as black or dark grey lines around the individual pixels of the image. Different projectors vary in their tendency to show SDE ... with LCOS being the least and LCD and DLP being the most suceptible. Your projector has a recommended (See last link) minimum viewing distance of 1.8x screen width to avoid seeing SDE.

So, bottom line ... there is no single optimum screen size, but there is a minimum and maximum based on viewing angle, SDE effect, projector brightness, etc. Within this range it comes down to personal preference (and physical limitations such as room size).

Hope this helps clarify the interrelationships.

projector question?

lionsroar2

i want to get a projector but i can only put it 6-7 feet away from the wall. how big would the screen projection be: width*height if possible.

also if i do get it and i get a ceiling mount will i be able to point the picture down so it doesnt have to be in the middle of the room?

Answer
Hi there. Projectors with short throw lenses are available with minimum projection distances from 1.1 up to 2.3. 1-2 : 1 means the projector needs to be one to two meters back from the screen for a one metre image .2-3 : 1 means the projector needs to be 2 to 3 metres back from the screen to view a one metre image.Special lenses are available to attach to your projector lens to increase the image from the same distance. If you have the projector mounted on the ceiling make sure you get one with a "lens shift "feature. Which means you dont have to angle the projector down.The projector should be perpendicular to the screen to avoid a distorted image.The lens shift feature moves the image up or down while the projector is pointing straight ahead.

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Should I get a projector or tv for my home theater?

best projector viewing distance image

the man

I'm building a home theater with surround sound and whatnot, I just need the main part now. I can't decide whether to buy a HD projector or TV. I've heard that the display qualities of the projectors are lower than that of TV's in general, but others say that it's just because the screen is so large. I want to be able to mount the screen in front of a TV so I can watch the news without feeling like I need to get popcorn, so is there a way to mount it from a stand or something? I've also heard that the bulbs need replacing every few years for like 400 bucks...

The main question though, is quality. Compared to, say, and LED set, does a projector's color and 1080p look as good? Or better?

And which company/price range/model should I stick to?
Thanks @Alex, I have the couch about 15 feet away, and there is a window in the room but I'm probably going to be watching movies at night anyways. I'm mounting the screen in front of the TV so I can retract it when I want to watch other things, thanks a lot!

Answer
The answer does depend on factors like the layout of your room.

Will you be viewing from over 12 feet away?
Can you keep out all external light even during daylight hours?
If the answer to both of these is yes, then a projector may be right for you.

I want the best picture quality I can afford.
I can put furnature wherever gives me the best viewing position.
The answer is probably a TV.

To get a cinematic experience from a TV, you need a very big TV and to sit very close to it.
I've got a 60" plasma and a viewing distance of about 8 feet.
If I view it from 18 feet, you can't tell the difference between HD and SD.
From 8 foot, SD looks rubbish. 1080p looks fantastic though.
From 12 feet both SD and HD are watchable, but it's not as cinematic.

I've painted the wall behind the TV black, so when the lights are out there's no light wash from the wall behind, the picture just floats.

Some projectors are very poor, even the HD ones. You get what you pay for. By the time the bulb goes once or twice you'll probably be considering buying your next upgrade anyway, so don't worry too much about that, just factor it in to the purchase cost decision.

Some 50 inch TVs are very good for a sensible price, but make sure to do your research because there are still a few howlers out there, not all of them the cheapest ones.

What size screen will I need for a 15x10x7 room using a NEC vt580 projector?

A_Grove

Trying to create a media room in my home. I already have the furniture and projector, now I am trying to figure out what size screen to purchase. I will like to mount the projector on the ceiling in the back of the room. Not sure if you need more info, but any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

Answer
There are a few things to consider when chosing the right projector screen, when trying to get the best image. There is a huge difference in the quality of image you will get by the choice in screens. First is the type of projector, its light output, preferred aspect ratio, the viewing distances, viewing angles, and overall image quality you like.

Stewart film screens makes the best consumer screens but are pretty expensive, probably more than your wanting to spend. Although you can find some used on like Videogon.com if you choose carefully.

Dalite comes in a close second.

Your projector will output and display a 16:9 image, which would be the recommended aspect ratio, which will give you the "theater" experience. but keep in mind you will have black bars on the top of some movies (which are shot in different aspect ratios) and also black bars on the sides for 4;3 shows or movies, unless you use masking.

To be honest you may not be really excited with the image your going to get from your projector even with a good screen, there are much better home projectors on the market. The best buy in projectors is the Panasonic PT-AE7000 and it will display 2:35 to 1 aspect ratio and has been reviewed as a excellent 3d projector as well.

Ive included a very handy calculator guide just choose the aspect ratio screen you want, and it will help you determine the size screen you can have. Choosing the right size screen for the viewing distances is vital, so choose carefully. To small a screen and it will not give you the theater experience, and to big a screen will amplify the flaws in the image quality, and projector.

Kevin
40 years high end audio video specialist

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How to determine BEST screen size for home theatre projector viewing?

best projector viewing distance image

Miskit

I have a new projector and I'm looking to play HD dvd's on it. Given distance X how would I determine the optimum screen size and dimensions?

Answer
Lacking the necessary information it would be nearly impossible for anyone to specify the âbestâ screen size for your specific application. There are numerous, often interrelated factorsâsome obvious, some not so obviousâthat are involved in selecting the proper projection screen. If your projector has less than 1080p âFull HDâ capability and/or lacks sufficient light output for your viewing environment, you may experience difficulty in obtaining the optimum (or âbestâ) screen size for your specific application.

Nevertheless, I suggest that if you prefer the simplest (though not necessarily the âbestâ) solution then you should skip to the bottom of my answer and use one or more of the projection calculators that Iâve listed below in order to quickly determine the best screen size for your specific application. Otherwise, if you are interested in the details behind selecting the optimal projection screen please read on and take the opportunity to read some of the resources that Iâve provided.

(Note: if you are using a 1080p projector then a 120-inch wide, 137.7-inch diagonal, 16:9 screen, as recommended above, will require that the closest viewer sit no closer than approximately 208 inches or roughly 17 ft. from the screen; and this distance will be even greater for a lower resolution projector! Furthermore, in a typical residential viewing environment most consumer grade projectors, under nominal operating conditions, are unable to produce sufficient light output to properly illuminate a high performance screen as large as 120 inches wide.)

In determining the optimal screen size (and projector) you would start with the more limiting factors such as the viewing environment - which includes room size, ambient lighting, and the maximum anticipated audience size and seating arrangement, as well as the horizontal and vertical offset of the projector.

Another important part of the process that plays a role in determining screen size is the field of view relative to one or more observers. The field of view is the angle that subtends the left and right edges of the screen relative to an observer (seated in a viewing position through which an imaginary perpendicular centerline extends from the center of the screen.) Assuming normal human visual acuity¹ the absolute minimum field of view for the FARTHEST seated observer is 20° (which requires not less than a 720p projected image); and ideally should be at least 30° (which requires not less than a 1080p projected image.) It is important to note that in an effort to minimize fatigue and discomfort the maximum field of view should not exceed 60° for the CLOSEST seated observer regardless of the projected image resolution. The basic rule of thumb is that the higher the image resolution the greater the flexibility youâll have when it comes to laying-out your audience seating. Furthermore, if a person wishes to achieve the most immersive viewing experience the recommended field of view between the viewer(s) and the screen should be between 30 and 40 degrees approximately. Again, this requires a high definition display system that is capable of reproducing a full 1920Ã1080 or higher video image without exposing viewers to discernable picture structure when viewers are seated at the proper viewing distance.

Other important factors include: the source material (not all source material is filmed, mastered and/or encoded equally); the accuracy and effectiveness of video and image processing, whether from the projector, an outboard video processor, or a disc player; the lens throw of the projector; and of course your budget.

Also, when calculating the minimum and maximum fields of view you will need to start by choosing a screen aspect ratio that best matches the video content that you will be viewing. For example there is no point in purchasing a 1.33:1 AR screen if the majority of the content you intend to watch is encoded in the 35 mm âscopeâ or anamorphic (2.35:1 or 2.40:1 AR) format. So if youâre watching mostly movies from any of the optical disc formats then you may be best served by choosing a 1.85:1 âletterboxâ projection screen. If you will be watching a mix of video source material then I recommend that you get either the widest AR screen (2.35:1) or the tallest AR screen (1.33:1) and use a âmaskingâ system for those occasions where you will be watching content framed in alternate aspect ratios.

Once youâve decided on the optimal screen aspect ratio then youâll need to choose a screen type. You will want the best contrast ratio performance for your viewing environment and projector, along with the desired viewing angle specification and screen gain. In general the higher the screen gain the narrower the viewing angle. That said, I highly recommend that you avoid any screen gain greater than 1.3 otherwise you will begin to compromise the projected image fidelity. To quote the well-respected industry expert Joe Kane: âthe ideal contribution of the screen to the display of information should be neutrality and uniformity.â

Da-Lite recommends a home theater viewing distance of six (6) screen heights for the last row of seating and two (2) screen heights for the first row of seating. (Note: two screen heights will likely result in visible picture structure to the closest viewer. Regardless of the viewing conditions a viewing distance of only two screen heights will require an image resolution of 2560Ã1600 or greater in order to avoid the annoyance of visible picture structure.) Nevertheless, once you know your seating arrangement, which is dictated in part by the room dimensions combined with the light output and resolution of your projector, you can derive the approximate height of your desired projection screen. At this point, depending on your choice of screen aspect ratio, you can quickly determine the desired width.

Also keep in mind that light obeys the inverse power law andâall things being equalâthe longer the throw, as is required to produce an image on a larger size screen, the lower the screen illuminance. For the sake of comparison, the target white screen illuminance for âdigital cinemaâ applications, as recommended by SMPTE 431-1, should be 14 fL (or 48 cd/m² = 48 nits) ±7% as measured at the center of the screen and not less than 80% of the center value at the corners and sides.

Since you already own a projector please be aware that, given the complexity involved in properly choosing an optimal screen and projector combination for a given viewing environment, you may very well require the assistance of a professional with expertise in projection screens or systems.

Hopefully whichever screen you choose will provide a good match for your projector and your viewing environment. As mentioned above you may find any of the projection calculators that Iâve listed below to be helpful.


############ RESOURCES #############

Digital Cinema Resolution
http://www.etconsult.com/papers/Technical%20Issues%20in%20Cinema%20Resolution.pdf
Image Quality for Home Theatre - Matt Cowan
http://www.etconsult.com/papers/Image%20Quality%20for%20Home%20Theatre%20Matt%20Cowan.pdf

Da-Lite Screen Company - Education
http://www.da-lite.com/education/

Interview with Joe Kane:
Display Screens - Revealing the Standards
http://www.da-lite.com/education/angles_of_view.php?action=details&issueid=36
Four Steps to Selecting the Right Screen
http://www.da-lite.com/dalitehometheater/products/selecting2.php
Angles of View - Resolution
http://www.da-lite.com/education/angles_of_view.php?action=details&issueid=34
Da-Lite Screen Company Multi-Mask Imager
http://www.da-lite.com/products/product.php?cID=20&pID=326

Home Theater Seating Guide
http://www.cinemasource.com/articles/seating_guide.pdf
Specifying Projection Screens in Six Easy Steps
http://www.cinemasource.com/articles/screens_six_steps.pdf
Types of Home Theater Projection Screens
http://www.cinemasource.com/articles/screen_types.pdf

THX Certified Cinema Design - Screen Placement
http://www.thx.com/cinema/builtTHX/screen.html
THX Home Theater Display Setup
http://www.thx.com/home/setup/display.html

THX Theatre Alignment Program Guidelines
http://www.film-tech.com/warehouse/manuals/TAPGUIDELINES.pdf

SMPTE Recommended Practice RP 166-1995, Critical Viewing Conditions for Evaluation of Color Television Pictures (Archived 2004)
http://www.in24p.com/in24p%20info%20files/SMPTE%20RP166-1995.pdf

SMPTE RP 98-1995 Measurement of Screen Luminance in Theaters

SMPTE Engineering Guideline EG 18-1994, Design of Effective Cine Theaters (Withdrawn in 2003)

SMPTE 196M-2003 Motion-Picture Film â Indoor Theater and Review Room Projection â Screen Luminance and Viewing Conditions

SMPTE 431-1-2006 D-Cinema Quality â Screen Luminance Level, Chromaticity and Uniformity

SMPTE RP 431-2-2007 D-Cinema Quality â Reference Projector and Environment

Digital Cinema System Specification, Version 1.1
http://www.dcimovies.com/specification/

Pytlakâs Practical Projection Pointers
http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/newsletters/pytlak/
To access the HTML versions of the documents use this link:
http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/newsletters/pytlak/oct2001.shtml

Screen size versus Optimum Viewing Distance
http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/Tv-viewing-distance.html

The right size (inches) TV for the room?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070830200739AANnIrU

Screen Size vs. Viewing Distance vs. Resolution
http://www.carltonbale.com/2006/11/1080p-does-matter/

Imaging Science Theatre 2000
http://www.widescreenreview.com/WSR_issue_ist.php

âHigh Definition Surround Sound with Accompanying HD Pictureâ
Relations of Listening and Viewing Configurations
http://www.tonmeister.de/symposium/2005/np_pdf/F04.pdf

About the âIdeal Viewing Environmentâ
http://www.cinemaquestinc.com/ideal_viewing.htm

Charles A. Poynton, âHigh Definition Television and Desktop Computingâ
http://www.multimedia.edu.pl/invocom/MultimediaPL/txt/Poynton.pdf

High Definition 1080p TV: Why You Should Be Concerned
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_14_1/feature-article-1080p-3-2007-part-1.html
________________________

¹Based on empirical data derived from extensive research on human visual performance the accepted norm for human visual acuity for a person with normal vision is approximately 1 minute of arc (or MOA or arcminute.) Since no viewer should be sitting so close as to see the picture structure (such as individual picture elements, i.e. pixels or horizontal scan lines) then it is relatively straightforward to calculate a âno closer thanâ limit for viewing distance.

Webvision Spatial Resolution - Visual Acuity
http://webvision.med.utah.edu/KallSpatial.html


###### PROJECTION CALCULATORS ######

Home Theater Calculator Version 3.6
http://www.carltonbale.com/home-theater/home-theater-calculator/
http://www.carltonbale.com/2007/07/updates-to-my-home-theater-calculator/

³Projection Calculator Pro - Throw Distance and Screen Size
http://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.cfm

³Projection Calculator
http://www.da-lite.com/products/projection_calculator.php

³Projector Calculator
http://www.draperinc.com/Screen_Pages/ProjectionCalculator.htm

Vertical Viewing Angle
http://www.myhometheater.homestead.com/Verticalviewing.html
Viewing Distance Calculator
http://www.myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html

Planar Systems Projector Calculator
http://www.planar.com/products/projectors/calculator/

Optoma Screen Size Guide
http://www.optomahometheater.com/content/calculator_index.htm

Screen Expert Advanced Wizard
http://www.screenexpert.co.uk/WIZARD/3/WIZARD3_start.asp

ProjectorPoint Screen Size Calculator
http://www.projectorpoint.co.uk/projectorscreensizecalculator.htm

Sony PJCalc!⢠Projection Calculation Software
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/markets/10007/software_download.shtml

³(Note: these are essentially identical Projection Calculators.)
 

How much should i be looking at to spend for a projector?

Alberto

Im looking at using a projector for my PS3. Will it still look good? Is it worth it? How much should i be looking at for the projector, projector screen, and stand to hang projector?

Answer
Ultimately the best choice in choosing the right video display is by determining the viewing distances and angles in which it will be viewed at, and the amount of light that will be on or shinning in on that location, and of course the budget your working with.

In many cases a direct view high quality HD TV is the best choice in picture quality. Not that you cant get a great image from a projection system but to get a good image from a front projector and a good screen (which aren't cheap) they can get very expensive very fast.

So with that said I think if your withing 14 ft a direct view HD TV is a better option. If your sitting farther than that, sure a projection system is a consideration. But lets understand what it takes to get a good image from a front projector.

First you must be able to control lighting, and MUST be able to at the very least keep any light off the projection screen. The more light in the room the more it will diffuse the light coming from the projector and wash out the image. Second the screen plays a HUGE roll in the quality of image you will get, and a good screen is not cheap. Third there are many cheap projectors on the market, and none of these produce a good image. It makes No sense to not buy a 1080p projector, and although there even some lower priced 1080p projectors on the market most of those don't have the light output and resolution to compete in picture quality to a good direct view TV so then what is the point.

Lets not forget that when you create a large image it will show more flaws in the program material, so you'll find yourself only wanting to watch HD material (which is fine) but you'll be very disappointed when its not true HD material.

Personally if you don't have at least $3000 for a projector and screen I wouldn't even consider it. Even that is pretty limiting. My least expensive front projection system I recommend is the Panasonic PT-AE8000 and Dalite or Stewart screen. The two are going to be closer to $4000

Sure watching movies on a big screen is impressive but it quickly becomes boring and annoying when it doesn't provide a good picture from a poor projector and screen.

So if your going to consider a projection system get something good, otherwise buy a good quality direct view 1080p HD TV.

For the other person who loves their $300 projector, hey good for you, but honestly for me and probably the majority of people picture quality is more important than a poor looking big image.

And yes the PS 3 is a fine blu ray player to be used in a good projection system, you just have to know how to go into the settings and set it up correctly to get the best image from it. Which also reminds me, this should apply to any video display you choose but especially with projector, but its really advisable to have the display properly calibrated. This can either be done by a professional preferably a certified ISF technician or at the very least buy the video essentials blu ray disc and take your time and learn to do it yourself.

Kevin
40 years high end audio video specialist

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