Hi All,

New to the forum. My girlfriend's house has a rear projection screen with a projector and a mirror that is way outdated and so blurry that it hurts my eyes to watch. I have read some of the posts on hear about it and have some questions for everyone. I am considering replacing the projector AND the screen as both are from the late 80's early 90's. Thanks in advance for the help.

1. I have read that all front projectors can be "flipped" to a rear projector mode is this really true?
2. If #1 is true, then can I just purchase a suitable front projector and have a short/long throw lens attached to allow for proper focus?
3. Are there any forums or sites that rank rear projection projectors and rear projection screens?
4. If #1 is true is there any reason I should not buy the best front projection projector (that I can afford) over a made for rear projection projector?

I do not want to have to tear thru walls and rewire the house for a front projection unit unless it is necessary. But the TV is so big and nice and all I want is some HD action on this thing ASAP.

Thanks!!!! :)

In the order you asked:

1. Yup...virtually all digital projectors can be used as rear projection so that leaves most units open to possibility.
2. Not so easy...you have to get into some complex math to figure out throw. Usually best lenses for RP are short, but they are more limited in choice. Mirror systems (1 way or 2 way) will allow longer throw projectors to be used in tighter spaces, but they are not cheap.
3. Unfortunately none on the AVSForums...not sure of others.
4. Not really relevant as they are the same for both.

Wow! Your girlfriend has a rear projection set-up in her house. What are the odds of that? I would hazard a guess that she use to be married to a AV nut.

I suggest you get professional help for updating the rear projection unit. You need a projector with a fixed short throw lens. That cuts down your options to just a handful of projectors. Have a pro do it so you won't buy a projector that will not fit your small, broken light path.

IB

I have no idea who/where to purchase a projector and its short throw lense.

:(

"You need a projector with a fixed short throw lens."

Doesn't need to be fixed.

The tricky part may be that most pj's now have offset, even if they have lens shift within the range, whereas most RP shoots the image straight at the center of the screen.

Could still work though, maybe even give better uniformity depending on the particulars of pj/screen/viewer heights.

Short throw is very likely; I think most CRT's were in the range of 1.5:1.

Let's do it this way. What is the height and width of the screen you want, and what is the size of the projection room (height and depth)?

If at all possible, get professional help with the conversion! I have done several of these types of systems and would not attempt to coach someone through the process via a forum or any other similar medium, especially someone who has no experience with such equipment. Do it right and get someone to inspect the system, evaluate what can be retained, and make recommendations for replacement parts and updated components.

Best regards and beautiful pictures,
G. Alan Brown, President
CinemaQuest, Inc.
A Lion AV Consultants Affiliate

"Advancing the art and science of electronic imaging"

Let's do it this way. What is the height and width of the screen you want, and what is the size of the projection room (height and depth)?

I will measure the screen and projector room tonight. It is a fixed screen meaning, it is already built into the wall so unless I refurbish the wall I cannot make it bigger. Smaller would be no problem though.

Sounds good. Let me know the screen size and room specs when you can.