I'm getting an Optoma HD71 projector for Christmas so I'm starting my installation plan. I want to ceiling mount the projector in my attic bonus room. The only problem is that there is a ceiling fan between where I want to mount the projector and where the screen will be.

I've found mounts that offer extensions to lower the projector below the fan but I've also read that the projector is supposed to be mounted at the same level as the top of the screen.

I'm thinking that the best way would be to use the extension to lower the projector. As I understand, the suggestion to mount the projector at the same height as the screen is due to the angle at which the projector projects. If I read right, this angle can be adjusted on the Optoma HD71 to correct for being mounted lower.

What's the best way to tackle this issue? Any thoughts or advice on this?

Thanks,

Dennis

I guess the ceiling fan is necessary? If so, have you thought about taking the light fixture off the fan? Would removing the light fixture allow you to properly mount this projector?

To be honest, this question is better asked in your projector's owners thread due to the fact the projector's proper mounting is the driving factor. Mounting the projector properly is priority number one. Once you determine the particulars of placement (I get the sense you are not 100% certain), then dealing with the fan is the second issue.

The two suggestions are nix the light fixture and add other lighting or nix the fan altogether and depend on AC to cool the room (and alt lighting).

Ron

The ceiling fan is not necessary but it's nice in the summer. It does not have a light fixture on it. The bottom of the fan is 20" from the ceiling. I plan on mounting the projector 17' from the screen and the fan in right in the middle of that. The projector manual recommends mounting the projector a min of 4" from ceiling and a max of 13" but does not make mention of mounting in relation to the screen.

One thing I can do is get a shorter fan rod so that it's mounted closer to the ceiling. I'm sure I could cut that 20" down to about 12".

I'll check to see if I can find a thread for the HD71.

Thanks,

Dennis

The ceiling fan is not necessary but it's nice in the summer. It does not have a light fixture on it. The bottom of the fan is 20" from the ceiling. I plan on mounting the projector 17' from the screen and the fan in right in the middle of that. The projector manual recommends mounting the projector a min of 4" from ceiling and a max of 13" but does not make mention of mounting in relation to the screen.

One thing I can do is get a shorter fan rod so that it's mounted closer to the ceiling. I'm sure I could cut that 20" down to about 12".

I'll check to see if I can find a thread for the HD71.

Thanks,

Dennis

Mounting the fan closer to the ceiling will make it less effective. You might as well remove it if you decide to go that route (which is what I would do if it were me). I love my ceiling fans too, but I would remove it in loo of a PJ any day. ;)

Here's the master thread for your projector

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=947579

Get two smaller fans and mount on either side of the light path

How far down from the ceiling will the top of your screen sit? You might be able to project right underneath the fan if you mount the projector 13" down.

Edit: if screen placement is flexible then it can work.

I used projectorcentral's projection calculator for that projector at 17' away. Assuming the fan is about 60" diameter and sits off the ceiling 20", you would have to mount the projector at least 12.5" below the ceiling to clear the fan. Projectorcentral says at this throw your projector needs to be 21.5" above the top of the screen (for a 2.39:1 aspect ratio). So doing some geometry with all of these dimensions I came to 12.5" down which you can do. That puts the top of the screen at 34" down from the ceiling, which is a little on the low side, but I would say not terrible.

One thing to point out though, you do realize you have to have a huge screen right?

Just get a fan that mounts up against the ceiling ... I have some in my bedrooms that protrude less than 10" from the ceiling.

[QUOTE=Crash11;17601700]How far down from the ceiling will the top of your screen sit? You might be able to project right underneath the fan if you mount the projector 13" down.


Thanks for the note Crash11. I'm not sure on the screen yet as I've not decided on one for sure. If I get the Elite Screen 150" pull down then it will be mounted directly to the ceiling. I'm not sure at what height the top of the screen will be. Looking at the Elite site, I'm guessing that the top of the viewing area of the screen will be about 12" from the ceiling. If so, I'll have to lower the screen some.

I picked up the projector this afternoon and have been testing it out. The projector is on a table and is about 4' off the floor. I've got a white sheet hung from the ceiling now and projecting an image that's about 58" high and 124" wide which is about 137" diagonal. It looks great at that size and even on just a thin white sheet. I've also got some strips of Komatex hanging with the sheet to compare how the picture looks on both. Komatex is a 3mm thick 4'X8' sheet of plastic. The color looks slightly better on the Komatex plus it's completely smooth where the sheet is wrinkled. I've thought about making a screen from the Komatex.

I guess what I need to do now is get a longer HDMI cable and an extension cord and ladder and hold it upside down near the ceiling and see how it looks. This will give me a better idea on a ceiling mount, screen and what needs to be done with the fan.

Thanks,

Dennis