What would be the optimal projector screen size if you would be sitting 10-12' away?

And how far back would the projector need to be mounted?

1. Depends on the person and the projector (and the actual distance, as 10' - 12' is a bit of a difference), but I'd say 110"
2. Depends on the projector.

Thank you. I am looking for a projector for under $1,000, it will be used for watching movies, football, and playing madden and COD, I will build the screen. Any suggestions on a descent projector for $800-$1,000 (I have never seen a projector in action, just heard good things)

Well time to go hunting for some screentime. some possible contenders: Mitsubishi hc1500, epson HC720, Benq w500, Optoma hd65 or hd70, panasonic ax200u etc...

Check out any of the 720p comparison threads for more of the detail-y stuff, and (seriously) get some time in front of a projector. Knowing whether you want an LCD or DLP will cut possible projectors in half, and in your price range, there are options for both types, and of course they have strengths and weaknesses that may be right for you. You may also want to check out http://www.projectorcentral.com and http://www.projectorreviews.com for additional information as to the strengths of any particular unit, as well as assistance for seating distance and projector placement.

Enjoy the hunt

I would also advise against starting another LCD vs. DLP thread in the Projectors forum; they pretty much assume that your trying to start a flame war ;) So here is what www.projectorreviews.com (http://www.projectorreviews.com/advice/dlpvslcd/index.php)had to say on that matter. I think this may be somewhat dated so not all of these might apply in regards to the newest generation of projectors.

As far as seating distance I think the general rule of thumb is to sit 1.5x the width of your screen; not sure how many people actually do this though. I sit 10 feet from my 92" screen and it might be a bit close if you ask me.

I actually just went through the same "budget" projector selection process as you're going through right now and in the end I came home with a Mitsubishi HC1500 and love it to death! Good luck in your search and for PJ specific questions you would probably be best off in this forum :

Digital Projectors - Under $3,000 USD MSRP (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=68)

LCD Projectors: Strengths

Richer color dynamics for better results in rooms with ample ambient light
Draw less power
Throw less heat
No color filter wheel = No "rainbow effect"
Slightly quieter Seemingly sharper image on data


DLP Projectors: Strengths


Smoother video
Smaller box
Pixels far less visible, (although normally not an issue for business use)
More “filmlike” on DVD and HDTV
Generate "blacker" blacks
Higher contrast


LCD Projectors: Disadvantages

More visible pixels
Some screen door effect on certain video images
Physically larger - Even for the same number of lumens
Poorer contrast
Blacks come out lighter gray than DLP prrojectors


DLP Projectors: Disadvantages

Rainbow effect bothers some
More moving parts (color filter wheel)
Color filter wheel often produces soft but audible whine
Poorer reds and yellows at full power
Color saturation
Need more lumens than LCD, for rich colors, when dealing with ambient light