My seating distance is about 12ft and I have 10ft ceilings. The area in which I could mount a screen is about 95" wide with a wall and windows on one side and french doors on the other side, so I do have placement issues. I have paradigm studio 40s which stand about 3'10" high. Facing the screen, the right side of the left speaker is about 2ft from the wall and directly below where the screen would be. I leave one side fo the french doors closed so that I can have the other speaker farther right.

I'm considering a 92"diag screen, which would be 80" wide. However, the bottom of the image would have to be above the left speaker, so at 4.5ft from the floor given the offset of the ceiling-mounted projector.

I have a couple of questions.

1) Do you think it will be tiresome watching a screen mounted that high?
2) Do you think i'll get lots of annoying reflections off of my speakers (both top and sides)?

I could go with a smaller screen but the image would still be high on the wall. I can't put it below the level of the speakers or on a coffee table because that would make the room look bad. I really want a big picture, but if it's going to be annoying to watch it's not worth it.

Thanks.

Any chance of a picture. This would help allot for comments.

Scott

Or you could choose a screen size that fits between your speakers. I'd go with the projector, best price/performance, imho. But what about lighting? That may be a factor. You don't need more than a 720 so the cost is really reasonable. It would be best for the bottom of the screen to be more like 2' above floor. Can you use a roll up screen. It would only be below 4' when watching.

How would you fit the rear projector? Are you going to put it on a 3' stand.

I have a 12ft throw and I went front projection at 100" 16:9

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Victor

1) Do you think it will be tiresome watching a screen mounted that high?
2) Do you think i'll get lots of annoying reflections off of my speakers (both top and sides)?


1) 4.5 ft off the floor is awfully high for a screen, and likely will be fatiguing after a while. Put some tape on the wall to mark off the dimensions of the screen. Sit and stare at it for a few minutes. If applicable, get your significant other to do the same and see what he/she thinks. I have my screen about 3.5 ft off the floor, which works for my second row of seats that are on a 1 ft riser. The first row of seat are recliners that need to be in the reclined position in order for the screen to not be too high. What's the maximum size screen that you can fit BETWEEN the speakers?

2) I get some reflections off my speakers, which are approx 1-1.5ft to the side of the screen, but I don't notice it when I'm paying attention to what's on the screen.

With your setup, I'd also be concerned about lighting. With french doors and windows, how dark can you make the room?

If you're thinking about a front projector but feel limited on screen placement, have you considered a fixed SMX acoustically transparent screen? It might provide you the flexibility you need to make the choice a little easier.

My main concern between a front projector and a rear projector would mainly be viewing habits. Do you think you'll use it during the day and a bright room or do you think you'll use it mainly at night in a darker room? Do you want the look of a TV room or do you have the flexibility to go for the look of a more dedicated home theater room? The answers to those questions should help you decide what'll be right for your needs.