So I'm looking for a projector for under $3000. I need something to throw about 30ft onto a 150" screen. Since it is a movie theatre there will be no ambient light. The screen is a properly suited for 35mm film. I would prefer a high def projector but am not sure if there is anything that can handle it in this price range. Can you help? Thanks

Panasonic AX100U - 720p LCD Projector

2000 lumens, pretty good throw. At 30 feet and 150" diagonal, your foot Lamberts are supposedly going to be about 12 and in a dark room, that's more than enough.

Here is a DLP option

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Mitsubishi-HD4000U.htm

Here is a DLP option

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Mitsubishi-HD4000U.htm

At 30 feet, that's not going to allow a 150" screen and the color wheel is only 2X.

Cubby, in my note about the Panasonic, you would need to have a screen gain of about 1.8 in order to get the fL up to 12. With a screen gain of only 1.0 the fL are down to only 7.

You could also look at the Epson Powerlite Pro Cinema 810, but at 30 feet, you will need a screen gain of 2.2 in order to get the 12 fL needed for recommended brightness.

I own a 200 seat, first-run house in Wyoming. I use the Panny PT-AX100u on our 22'x11' screen through a port window throwing from about 44'. The picture is awesome, especially with an HD signal.

Good hunting!

Randy