I just got a HD1000U and I have read different opinions on if you will git a better pic. by having the projector as close to the screen as possible and BLOWING the pic. out to the max to fit the screen. Or to put it back all of the way and ZOOM the pic. all the way in to fit the screen. Does anyone really know or have done tests to see what way will give you the better pic.?

I'm no expert but to me having it as close as possible at the size you want would be the best since you'd be making the best use of the light?

I think for the same size image at two different throw distances, most of the picture quality measures would be unchanged (brightness, contrast, SDE, apparent pixel size, etc). I can think of two aspects that might change, however:

1) Pincushion / barrel distortion : There might be some subtle non-square distortion at certain zoom levels. Whether it's better zoomed in or zoomed out may be luck of the draw, and may depend on the individual projector. I think the HD1000U has a test grid image, you might try shooting the same size image at two different throw distances with the test grid and checking to see if there's an appreciable difference in image squareness.

2) Vignetting : Uneven brightness over the image, specifically dark corners. Again, whether this is better zoomed in or out may be luck of the draw. As above, try both with your specific projector.

One last note: If you're going to have to tilt the projector any to raise the image, then a longer throw distance will give you less keystone distortion for the same rise. So that's one more thing to consider.


Hope this helps,
-Stephen M

I just got a HD1000U and I have read different opinions on if you will git a better pic. by having the projector as close to the screen as possible and BLOWING the pic. out to the max to fit the screen.Use as little zoom as possible. With a quality zoom lens for a camera, you want to avoid either extreme, but the lower end of its focal length is generally the best. With a projector, more zoom equals more distortion and, perhaps, reflection angles off the screen that you don't even want to think about. Put the projector almost as far back as you can, but leave some leeway so you can fill the screen with a little zoom.

Maximum zoom = Maximum brightness and a bit less contrast.

Minimum Zoom = Maximum Contrast and less brightness.

Either way the difference isn't exactly staggering.

thank you for all of your input guys!

Good question! I was about to post the same question as I'm getting ready to mount my HC1500.