I just picked up a Sony 1271 CRT, Faroudja LD100 line doubler, ceiling winch and 48 x 88 1.3 screen all for $150. The tubes have 2500 hours and the unit is very clean. I think this will be a great little system but I have a question before I start drilling holes in my ceiling. Sony Projector Calculator says to fill this screen I need to mount the Pj 120 inches from the screen. At such a distance will the image be acceptable in a 95% darkened room or should I consider making the screen smaller? I know this is a subjective thing but would love to get your opinions. Also, what do you all do to accommodate all the different aspect ratios projecting on the screen? My wife and I only watch movies but our children are already begging to play video games on it. Should I make the screen something other than 48 x 88? Thanks in advance.

Big Fish Lover

You're fine at that size. What I'd do is read the manual and flip the set to floor mount temporarily. Get used to the setup of the unit, and judge the image. Here's the manuals if you don't have them:

http://www.curtpalme.com/Sony125x_Downloads.shtm

Get an HDFury and run 1080i HD on the set. That will kick the butt of the Faroudja which will become obsolete once you run HD sources into the 1271.

Cheers!