I am thinking about putting together my first quality viewing experience, with one of the Planar PD7060 projectors being discussed. However, I am unclear as to whether or not I can make this Planar model, or any other projector, fit in my limited space.

Due to some strange ducting, the room has just 7'2" ceilings, 12'4" back from the wall where I'd like the screen. Seating would be 9'-10' from the wall. I have flexibility on the projection wall with screen size.

However with a 28% offset, and the ceiling at just 7'2", the projected image would be too low for comfortable viewing. So I was wondering what would happen if I tilted the projector up to raise the image (no vertical lens shift in the model I am eyeing). Is it possible to raise a 100' diagonal image (88"x48") up by as much as 12-14" by using tilt? If so, how far off the wall would I need to tilt the top of the screen out? How do folks mount a screen with tilt?

Any pointers on the pros/cons and hows of 'tilt' would be greatly appreciated.

Also, any recommended screen size for this viewing distance, and screen colour/gain, where much of what I watch will be HD sports from TV, with some ambient light, and most of what my wife will watch will be movies and SD TV at night.

Thanks.

Optoma owners have used a tilt for the projector and screen to overcome the limitation of a fixed offset when you have limited ceiling heights. Check this thread starting at post #99: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6884255&highlight=tilt#post6884255

Thank you. If I am reading that correctly, 12' of throw (distance from PJ to screen) will allow me to shift the image up 12", with just a 5 degree screen tilt?

That seems both fairly simple and kind of a nice 'feature' (I like theatres with some screen tilt). If it is as easy as this, do you have any idea why do so many of the threads on this forum treat large offset as a showstopper?

Thank you. If I am reading that correctly, 12' of throw (distance from PJ to screen) will allow me to shift the image up 12", with just a 5 degree screen tilt?

That seems both fairly simple and kind of a nice 'feature' (I like theatres with some screen tilt). If it is as easy as this, do you have any idea why do so many of the threads on this forum treat large offset as a showstopper?

You make think, 'fairly simple...', but I doubt you would say that again AFTER you get your projector and screen tilted in the exact same orientation.

Hanging a screen and projector with no horizontal or vertical lens shift is quite a chore, even with everything at 90 degree angles and parallel. Add to that having to tilt the projector and the screen at precisely the same angle, let alone calculating the exact offset, well... let me assure you, it can be a real pain.

I think the Planar is certainly the steal right now and if you can get it to work in your environment, I would say the aggravation of tilting due to the offset would be worth it in the end.

Be careful though as there are many reports that the Planar's listed offset of 28 degrees is not accurate. Most say it is a bit over 20 degrees. Make sure you shoot onto a wall first before mounting the screen so you know exactly what the offset is in your situation.

Good luck,
George

With 12'-4" of throw, tilting the projector up 12" a 48" image will need to be tilted about 2" to square the image with the screen.