My wife and I live in a 1 bedroom co-op in NYC (we own it). We have a 12 x 18 living room with a 50 inch plasma currently. I would LOVE a projector and screen but the wife isn't nearly as keen on the idea as I am. So I am looking for some non permanent solutions.

I have looked at pull down and powered screens (I know not ideal but it's all I would be allowed). The plasma is mounted on the wall and I would like the screen to come down from above. I can not mount it in the ceiling but could mount it on. Does anyone here have a decent looking screen they could show me? And when I say decent screen I mean more how it is hanging on the ceiling, not the screen quality itself (although that is certainly important). I See pull down and automatic screens but I was more concerned about hte case surrouning it and I do not have the option to DIY.

As for the projector, our couch and TV are on the opposite sides of the 18' foot wall (so the width is only 12' or so). So there is no room behind the couch to place the PJ on a table or something, it has to go over our heads. Aside from hanging from the ceiling, does anyone have any solutions for a shelf mid wall or some other way to do this? I have a feeling I am out of luck but wanted to give it a shot none the less.

Thanks!

Shelf on the back wall with the wires hidden in conduit would probably be your best bet for the projector. Doesn't have to be anything fancy...or it could be if you choose to make it that way.

Hiding the screen housing could be just about whatever the space and your imagination allow. Could you hang a curtain or other design element to hide it? Perhaps just a wooden box painted to match teh ceiling would do the trick.

What do you mean you don't have the option to DIY?

What do you mean you don't have the option to DIY?

I live in a 1 BR co-op in NYC so I have no tools and no place to do any of the work myself (not to mention the fact you can't do any sawing or hammering or anything like that other then business hours on weekdays). Try having two people live in 700 square feet, of which only about 30 of the sq ft are closets, and you will see what I mean about no space! Most people on here have larger basements! :)

I guess I could hang a short curtain in front of it or something but I am really looking for "off the shelf" solutions as again, I don't have any tools or any space to do anything. Let alone the skill! :)

As for the shelf, I was hoping to not have it actually be mounted to the wall as there is artwork there. Almost like a table at a hospital bed. Something like this actually http://www.comfortchannel.com/level.itml/icOid/3561# but able to raise it higher and possibly fold away.

Actually, how off center could one mount a projector? Isn't that what keystone correction is for? I understand there could be some focus issues but it would be better then nothing.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1172966&highlight=

11th post down

My living room is 12 x 18 as well, I have my TV and Couch setup just like you described. Here's what I did, might not be what you were thinking but its an idea.....if you need more pictures of the valance and screen let me know.....

Actually, how off center could one mount a projector? Isn't that what keystone correction is for? I understand there could be some focus issues but it would be better then nothing.
Len Shift takes care of this, no focus issues, and you can see by my living room how far off to the side it can be......

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1172966&highlight=

11th post down

My living room is 12 x 18 as well, I have my TV and Couch setup just like you described. Here's what I did, might not be what you were thinking but its an idea.....if you need more pictures of the valance and screen let me know.....

I actually came across those pictures earlier. I would like the screen to come down in front of the tv as opposed to the wall on the left for two reasons, the first is we dont have a L shaped couch and there is no seating facing the windowed wall, and secondly the surround is setup for the tv so fronts are on either side of the tv and rears are dipoles on each side of the couch.

But, I will ask, how is your image quality with the way you have it projected? Your screen I assume takes up most of the wall yet your projector is on the far left side of the screen. If it works well that may be an option as I have places on either side of the couch that it could sit on although it might not be high enough. I tried looking at specs to see how off center you can project but couldn't find much.

But, I will ask, how is your image quality with the way you have it projected? Your screen I assume takes up most of the wall yet your projector is on the far left side of the screen.

The projector I have has Lens Shift, so the image is just as good as if the projector was perfectly centered.....some will say you lose a little quality buy my eyes cannot tell....

My screen is 150" so it does indeed take up most of the wall...

How about a plasma console with a lift, then an install like this:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/home-theater-infocus-5700-gh.htm

This is with my previous projector, Epson 810