OK, so based on the advice of the AVS folks, I just purchased my first projector, a Planar PD7060. I've started to do some research on screens, and it looks like I'd like to do a Wilsonart screen. My question is, what's the next step? I need a mount, but not sure if I'll need to drop it. I need a screen, but not sure what size and color, I need something to handle the various inputs (DVD, HD Cable, Wii) for video and audio out.

What should I determine first, screen size or projector location?

Should I post a photo of my living room for advice on screen colors? Its got a good amount of ambient light I think.

I'd like to do a bit of research and parts collecting before my projector arrives, since my 65" Mitsu is down for the count so I'm relegated to the 27" tube TV in my bedroom.

Sorry for all of the noob questions. I post on quite a few car forums so I know how tiresome noobs can be, but I promise I learn fast and follow advice :D

Here are a few more questions to answers. Trust me- it will help you tremendously.
Budget?
Room Size?
Screen size?
Distance from seating to screen location?
Projector mounting- ceiling or tabletop?
Surround sound- you have existing or will upgrade?
Location of a/v equipment in room- on side? closet?
Video equipment- dvd? bluray? ps3? xbox? dvr/hd/sat???
Sound control? Specialized panels or heavy fabric/curtains?

Remember, the more information you give us, the better we can answer you

Victor

Here are a few more questions to answers. Trust me- it will help you tremendously.
1 Budget?
2 Room Size?
3 Screen size?
4 Distance from seating to screen location?
5 Projector mounting- ceiling or tabletop?
6 Surround sound- you have existing or will upgrade?
7 Location of a/v equipment in room- on side? closet?
8 Video equipment- dvd? bluray? ps3? xbox? dvr/hd/sat???
9 Sound control? Specialized panels or heavy fabric/curtains?

Remember, the more information you give us, the better we can answer you

Victor

1. I'd like to keep it to about $500 without the cost of the projector
2. See attached PDF. The width of the room is tough to say because its an odd shape. The main seating is directly aimed at the projector. Secondary seating will be off-axis but about 15' wide.
3. This is where I need some help. I have 120" of width on the wall, I guess I need to convert this to a diagonal size. Any help there?
4. See attached PDF. I can move the seating closer if it helps, but not further (wall in the way)
5. Probably ceiling, I don't even mind a drop. As you can see, the projector will back up to a ceiling fan. Ceilings are 10ft high.
6. No existing surround sound. I'll probably do a room in a box setup though.
7. See attached PDF. I'm pretty much stuck there since that is where my cable and surround speaker wiring terminate.
8. SD DVD, HD DVR, Wii
9. No sound control. This is my living room, and I still want it to look like a house, not a movie theater.

Another question I thought of, for the connection from my "video switcher" (not sure what they are called) to the projector, do I just buy a cable that's 50' long or do I just buy it in bulk and terminate the ends?

Thanks for the help.

From a 13ft throw, your pj can do between 102" (89" width) and 117" (102" width) 16:9 diagonal. see projectorcentral for more help. Your seating is 22ft away. Experiment with the max size and see which combination of size/seating distance works best for you.

You'll need a fairly long (perhaps 2-2.5ft) projector mount for a 10' ceiling. I don't know the offset so someone might be able to chime in on this one.

For cables, check monoprice or bluejeanscable or even partsexpress for best selection/prices

Hope this helps

Victor

You could buy a component video switcher for now
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10112&cs_id=1011201&p_id=3027&seq=1&format=2
and run a set of component cables to the pj. Once you buy a htib, you could use this for video switching (no audio, though).

However, I would still run a hdmi cable to the pj for future use (ie bluray). Note: you canb still run blueray through component but you cannot upconvert dvd unless you buy a dvd that can upconvert through component, like the oppo

http://www.projectorcentral.com/OPPO_DV-981HD_DVD_Player_Review.htm

Thanks for the help so far!

I was able to get on Projectorcentral and figure out a 114" diagonal will fit on the wall and puts the projector in its sweet spot as far as zoom and throw.

Where can I find input on how much drop I'll need for the projector? A friend has a spare mount he is giving me, but it won't do 2'. I need get my mount squared away soon as my wife wants her living room TV back HAHA

Thanks for the help so far!

I was able to get on Projectorcentral and figure out a 114" diagonal will fit on the wall and puts the projector in its sweet spot as far as zoom and throw.

Where can I find input on how much drop I'll need for the projector? A friend has a spare mount he is giving me, but it won't do 2'. I need get my mount squared away soon as my wife wants her living room TV back HAHA

Projectorcentral will give you the drop information as well. You need to determine what your eye level will be in normal viewing conditions and the rule of thumb is that at eye level you should be looking 1/3 of the way up the screen so from that you can determine where the top of the screen will be. I'm in the process of learning all of this stuff also. :)