I am not a total newb to AV but I really know nothing about projectors.

I am working with a small local theater group and we would like to use a projector as part of the show. The source will be a DVD player to show some videos I create. The projector will be about 30-40' away from the wall and the projected image need to be about 8'x8'.

I called a local rental company about a projector rental and they were talking something like $300 for two weekends.

I was thinking I could just buy something used. I did see a DLP projector at Sam's for a little over $600 I think. That's still more than I'd like to spend for a one shot deal.

This doesn't have to be high def so I was hoping there would be some older models on the used market. A few years ago I used a Dell projector at a high school play that was fine.

Can anyone recommend a model to look for ? Is that distance to far to get down to 8x8 ?

Is that distance to far to get down to 8x8 ? Yes it's WAY too far.

You can check the projector calculator tool on projectorcentral.com to see what image size is possible for what projector and throw distance.

There are no projectors that have a "square" (ie 8'x8') display however there are many 4:3 projectors. That means for an 8' (96") high image it will be 10.66' wide (128"). This results in a diagonal size of 160". Depending on how much light there is in the theater, you will need a projector capable of putting out a lot of lumens to project a pleasing 160" image.

Doug

Something like the Sharp XR30X you saw at your local (we cant us names here) club will have no problem doing the 160” image but the throw distance is way off from what you suggested. You could build the projector into the set somehow floor or ceiling mounting or you could do a rear projection using a thin cloth as a screen, (king size bed sheet). Rear projection is nice because people can walk in front of the image. You will have to drop the house lights and maybe dim the set a little.

The nice part is when the show is over you can take it home and enjoy a home theater experience until needed again.

Used you always run the chance of the bulb being near gone. And many times the replacement cost is around 300 bucks.

E-bay has some refurbs and used units you can consider look at these,
Item number: 190204015437
or
Item number: 200204205479
these 2 are ok for your needs , but I would purchase a new unit to obtain a warranty.

For your application, bud16415 has the best suggestion - get a PJ and put it behind the screen (rear projection - all PJs, AFIK, have a setting for that use). For your application, this will provide you the brightest picture and you will only need about 12' to 15' of room behind the screen.

EDIT: You can get a new PJ for around $500, or so, that will have low, but sufficient, resolution for your use (as described). Also, LCD PJs are generally brighter than DLP units, but either should work. An Infocus 4805, DLP, would be almost ideal, and can be gotten for a good price, used. As mentioned, check out the lamp life on used units (lamps only last about 2000 hours, average, and they aren't cheap).

I should have mentioned that a rear projection setup is pretty much out of the question. The show is not on a traditional stage like you would find in a auditorium.

I do like your suggestions so far though.