I have been reading these forums religiously. They have been a huge help in me deciding what equipment to buy, etc. Now I have bought my projector and need to start setting everything up. I am totally confused as to the best way to start setting everything up.

Here is some important info:

1. My basement is large and open. It is fairly dark, especially at night when I will be doing most of my viewing.
2. I am building my own laminate screen (WilsonArt Designer White). I think it is going to be between 110" and 120".
3. Just received my Sanyo Z2000 projector.

I want to start building my screen...but I am unsure if I need to do that first, or hang the projector first. I looked at the calculator on Projector Central and it states that a throw distance of 14' will give me my recommended image brightness and an image of 112". (this with a 1.0 gain which I believe the DW does). It also has a default setting of 1.60x zoom.

The calculator states that if I want a 120" screen, I need to move the projector back to 15'...but it says that image brightness should be higher.

How correct is this calculator? Can I build my screen at 120" and hang my projector at 14' and zoom it out? I know that there is a possibility of losing some quality. Are the settings in this calculator designed to give you the best possible picture with the distance and the least amount of zoom??

Before I hang my projector, I will need an electrician to come over and put a plug in the ceiling. So that may take awhile. I am anxious to get started on building my screen. But I don't want to build a screen and then find out that my distance is screwed up and I have to start over.

I am a total newbie at this and really need some direction on how to properly start. I am probably making a bigger deal about this than I need to...but I just want to do it right the first time.

I know I have asked a lot of questions here...I hope someone will be patient with me and help.

Thanks,
Troy

I'd put the projector as close to the screen to get the desired screen size as possible. (max zoom) This maximizes brightness.

Here's what I would do...

- Figure out measurements using the calculator to get a general idea of where your PJ should be mounted. Outline the screen size on the wall with blue tape.

- Plug the PJ into an extension cord and hold it up to the ceiling at the approximate calculated mounting point and project a test image on wall.

- Adjust position and zoom setting as desired. If it's acceptable, start building the screen with the confidence of using measurements that have been both calculated AND tested.

Who knows, maybe after seeing the outline on your wall you'll decide to go bigger...or smaller (like that ever happens). Just take your time. Good Luck!

I'd put the projector as close to the screen to get the desired screen size as possible. (max zoom) This maximizes brightness.

Or you could go with a little smaller screen, use minimum zoom and maximize contrast ratio. (My preference)

Or you could go with a little smaller screen, use minimum zoom and maximize contrast ratio. (My preference)

So I am confused by those two different statements about zoom. The one poster said to use max zoom for brightness...you say use minimum zoom.

In the calculator, the zoom is hard set at 1.60x...is that a standard? The user guide that came with the projector is useless for this.

Here's what I would do...

- Figure out measurements using the calculator to get a general idea of where your PJ should be mounted. Outline the screen size on the wall with blue tape.

- Plug the PJ into an extension cord and hold it up to the ceiling at the approximate calculated mounting point and project a test image on wall.

- Adjust position and zoom setting as desired. If it's acceptable, start building the screen with the confidence of using measurements that have been both calculated AND tested.

Who knows, maybe after seeing the outline on your wall you'll decide to go bigger...or smaller (like that ever happens). Just take your time. Good Luck!


I totally agree with you, rather safe than sorry. 120" can be gotten with a min throw of 12 feet with the sanyo, so 13 to 14 feet is perfect if you ask me. I'm 11 feet back on a 106" screen.

So I am confused by those two different statements about zoom. The one poster said to use max zoom for brightness...you say use minimum zoom.

In the calculator, the zoom is hard set at 1.60x...is that a standard? The user guide that came with the projector is useless for this.The zoom ratio is hard set, the zoom is not. You can adjust the zoom dial and set your PJ back farther to try to get a little better contrast and a slightly sharper image or you can move your PJ up closer and turn your zoom dial the other way to get more brightness and maybe a slightly less sharp image. At 13 feet, your range of screen size is 65" to 130" and the fL at 130" is 12. If you think 120" is as big as you will ever go, mount the PJ at 12 feet and turn your zoom dial all the way out. You will mazimize your brightness but that number at 120" is still only 14fL for a 1.0 gain screen so you are not going to blow out your contrast.

The zoom ratio is hard set, the zoom is not. You can adjust the zoom dial and set your PJ back farther to try to get a little better contrast and a slightly sharper image or you can move your PJ up closer and turn your zoom dial the other way to get more brightness and maybe a slightly less sharp image. At 13 feet, your range of screen size is 65" to 130" and the fL at 130" is 12. If you think 120" is as big as you will ever go, mount the PJ at 12 feet and turn your zoom dial all the way out. You will mazimize your brightness but that number at 120" is still only 14fL for a 1.0 gain screen so you are not going to blow out your contrast.

Thank you...this is the type of feedback I am looking for.

You will get different preferences on where to put your proijector within it's throw / zoom range for any given screen size.

8 years ago when contrast ratio's were truely poor, I was a position the projector as far back as possible. (min zoom) I feel the specs have come far enough now, to just go a ahead and take the brigtness benefits of mvoing it as close as possible. (Max zoom for the given screen size)

Well at least I have a bit of direction to follow. I appreciate everyone's input on this. I may come back later with more questions! (actually...I am sure of it)