I am considering the Infocus X9 to replace our BenQ PB6100, as the PB6100's bulb is really starting to dim (we have it for five years so it doesn't owe us much).

If we bought a replacement bulb it would cost us up to $400 and we can buy a new X9 at Tigerdirect.ca for $850, and it is a 720p projector as opposed to the SVGA PB6100 (plus the X9 is full HD with the digital HDMI input, the PB6100 is not full HD, with only the analog VGA input, so we hope to get better picture quality).

My question has to do with projection distance, my concern is that the new X9 will work with our present ceiling mount / throw distance & screen size.

Present Throw Distance = 13 feet
16 x 9 screen width = 66"
16 x 9 screen height = 37"
16 x 9 diagonal distance = 75"

using this link: http://www.projectorcentral.com/InFocus-Play_Big_X9-projection-calculator.htm, the throw distance of this projector ranges from 8'6" to 9'4"... It would appear that the X9 will not work with my present setup... what can I do about this? Move the projector to the 9 foot range?

When I switch to 4:3 from 16:9 on the projection calculator, the throw distance on the calculator matches my present throw distance...

Since your screen/projector are 16x9...that should be the aspect ratio selected. When selecting 16x9, you were correct the first time, which is you would need to move your projector into the proper range of 8'6" to 9'4" to acheive screen size.

That is what I thought.. darn!

If I did move the projector to the 8'6" to 9'4" range, we have a heat vent coming out of the ceiling (suspended ceiling) in about that same area...

What to do, what to do.... I don't want to move the heat vent, but I could if necessary...

Since your screen/projector are 16x9...that should be the aspect ratio selected. When selecting 16x9, you were correct the first time, which is you would need to move your projector into the proper range of 8'6" to 9'4" to acheive screen size.

My screen is a pull down screen so I could make it for 4:3 or 16:9... it is 66" wide...

I might still buy the X9, and use it for 4:3 at my present throw distance... comments?

I think what I'm going to do is buy the X9, mount it in my present position, and sell my screen. I think I will just paint a screen on the wall... any advice on painting my own screen? comments?

I think what I'm going to do is buy the X9, mount it in my present position, and sell my screen. I think I will just paint a screen on the wall... any advice on painting my own screen? comments?


Your best bet is to use the DIY screen forum to research this topic


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=110

I'm thinking I am either going to go with a MDF sheet painted white or a "Blackout Cloth" covered frame...

I have read that you can buy a special order 60" x 120" sheet of MDF from Home Depot... comments?