I am looking into the possibility of building out a very large theater room, with a screen size somewhere around 192" wide, also 16:9.

I am looking for recommendations for projectors to use in such a large room. This is just the very beginning of a planning stage, so anything is possible at this point in terms of actual room size, seating, projector placement, etc.

I would expect the theater to get heavy use, mostly for movies, but possibly also for HD sporting events, other HD non-movie content, and maybe even Xbox 360 or PS3 play (but to a much lesser degree). I could even see using a separate projector just for gaming purposes, keeping the better projector for movies and HD content only.

I appreciate any suggestions, advice or previous experiences you can give me.

Thanks!

-Carl

You will need to fill us in with some important info.

1. 192" wide 16:9 screen...at what distance are you sitting?
2. Is the room going to be completely light controlled (no windows, dark colors, etc...)?
3. Do you have a budget in mind?

Regardless of the above (well, maybe not #3), you will need a 3 chip DLP...it's the only thing with enough lightoutput to handle that size.

Jason speaks the truth.
You better bring a heavy wallet, 3-DLPs are pricey but there's nothing to compete with them at the top.

Regardless of the above (well, maybe not #3), you will need a 3 chip DLPYep. 3 obvious choices:

Infocus 777 720p 3-chip DLP (10K + 4K for long-throw lens, if necessary)
SIM2 C3X 720p 3-chip DLP (20K + ?K for long-throw lens, if necessary)
SIM2 DT5000 1080p 3-chip DLP (40k + lens)

would be the pool from which I would choose.

You will need to fill us in with some important info.

1. 192" wide 16:9 screen...at what distance are you sitting?
2. Is the room going to be completely light controlled (no windows, dark colors, etc...)?
3. Do you have a budget in mind?

Regardless of the above (well, maybe not #3), you will need a 3 chip DLP...it's the only thing with enough lightoutput to handle that size.

The room hasn't been built yet, so I don't have a seating plan. This is just very early planning and research at this point. I'd like to have 6 or 7 rows of seats total, with perhaps 8 seats per row. Yes, it's going to be a large room. :)

The room will be completely light controlled.

The budget hasn't been set, but it will be large enough to consider solutions that will be truly impressive. Basically I want something better than any commercial theater, as I think they all pretty much suck, at least here in Austin. I much prefer my Electrohome Marquee 8500 and 106" screen I currently have in my own theater than any commercial theater in town.

The room hasn't been built yet, so I don't have a seating plan. This is just very early planning and research at this point. I'd like to have 6 or 7 rows of seats total, with perhaps 8 seats per row. Yes, it's going to be a large room. :)

The room will be completely light controlled.

The budget hasn't been set, but it will be large enough to consider solutions that will be truly impressive. Basically I want something better than any commercial theater, as I think they all pretty much suck, at least here in Austin. I much prefer my Electrohome Marquee 8500 and 106" screen I currently have in my own theater than any commercial theater in town.

Hi csamos,

Man I have to tell you that you are the "Man". That is going to be one Very-High-End H/T. :D

Here is a Company and a Projector to do this up the way "You-Deserve" in a H/T on the Scale you are going to have. When you go over the Specifications you will see that this shows on a Screen up to (300-Inches). Talk about a Bright Picture, this Projector has a (1000W Xenon Lamp). If money allows for the truly High-End Projectors I suggest looking into Runco. This is just one of their projectors.

Might mention these names to you that are Very knowledgeable Members here and I think can give you some Great Info. on Projector Choices. Dizzman & Alan Gouger are two members here that I feel sure could offer additional insight if they read your Thread. There are many others here that know all about the very high end Audio/Video Products. Good-Luck :)

I hope you will keep all of us up to date on the progress and selections you make on your H/T Project.

Runco Link: http://www.runco.com/vx-60d.html

Link to On-Line Brochure: http://www.runco.com/image/brochures/VideoXtreme_2-06.pdf

Runco Video Xtreme VX-60d Projector

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/Runco_VX_60d.jpg

KEY FEATURES
1400 x 1050 native resolution

Maximum screen width:
300 inches

4 zoom lenses, 1 fixed short- throw, and 1 rear-projection lens available

Lens offset -
Horizontal: up to 50%;
Vertical: up to 100%

Available with CineWide™ with AutoScope™

Packaged with the next-generation DHD™ Controller/Processor




Runco Video Xtreme VX-60d Projector Specifications
(show metric units)
Product Sheet User's Manual
Street Price (USD) : $ 79,995
MSRP (USD) : $ 79,995
Brightness (Lumens) : 4000 ANSI
Contrast (Full On/Off) : 1800:1
Variable Iris: No
Audible Noise: **
Weight: 89.0 lbs
Size (inches) (HxWxD) : 12.2 x 29.1 x 12.2
Optional Lenses: Yes
Digital Zoom: **
Keystone Correction: None
Lens Shift: H+V
Networking: Wired:
No
Wireless: No
Warranty: 2 Years
Performance:
H-Sync Range: 15.0 - 120.0kHz
V-Sync Range: 24 - 150Hz
Compatibility: HDTV:
720p, 1080i
EDTV/480p: Yes
SDTV/480i: **
Component Video: Yes
Video: Yes
Digital Input: DVI
Personal Computers: Yes
Display: Type:
DLP (3)
Color Wheel Segs: **
Color Wheel Speed: **
Native: 1400x1050 Pixels
Maximum: 1400x1050 Pixels
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 (SXGA+)
Lamp: Type:
1000W Xenon
Life: 1000 hours
Quantity: 1
Speakers: No
Max Power: 1700W
Voltage: 100V - 240V
FCC Class: B
Special: **
Status: Shipping
First Ship: Jun 2005

Comments: 4 zoom lenses, 1 fixed short- throw, and 1 rear-projection lens available. Packaged with the next-generation DHD Controller/Processor. Contrasr ratio variable depending on lens aperture setting
The Runco Video Xtreme VX-60d is manufactured by Runco.

Though the Runco is a great piece in general, if budget allows, you probably would be better of with the Sim2 HT5000 (1920x1080 3 Chip DLP...just installed one on a 14' wide screen--actually 2). Another option is the Digital Projection Titan 250...again, 1920x1080p DLP 3 chip. Both are in the $40-$50k range retail, but would be the best options (at least in my opinion) for a room/screen this large.

Though the Runco is a great piece in general, if budget allows, you probably would be better of with the Sim2 HT5000 (1920x1080 3 Chip DLP...just installed one on a 14' wide screen--actually 2). Another option is the Digital Projection Titan 250...again, 1920x1080p DLP 3 chip. Both are in the $40-$50k range retail, but would be the best options (at least in my opinion) for a room/screen this large.

Jason, I agree. The 1400 x 1050 native resolution of the Runco and inability to display 1080p seems lacking compared to the other 2 you mention, as well as the higher cost. But I welcome all the input as I go down this road.

I'm a huge CRT fan, but for this project, I'm definitely leaning towards a 1920x1080p DLP 3 chip projector. I need to find someone in Texas who has one with a very large screen so I can get a taste of what they can do. :)

Jason, I agree. The 1400 x 1050 native resolution of the Runco and inability to display 1080p seems lacking compared to the other 2 you mention, as well as the higher cost. But I welcome all the input as I go down this road.

I'm a huge CRT fan, but for this project, I'm definitely leaning towards a 1920x1080p DLP 3 chip projector. I need to find someone in Texas who has one with a very large screen so I can get a taste of what they can do. :)

As I said in the other thread, three chip DLP is it. If you need to look (and I would if I were you) you will probably see a few at CEDIA I bet and if you would like I'm having a get together here at the the end of September when my room is done. My screen will not be quite as big as yours at 14' but (you actually had said closer to 18' wide in your other thread) but it would give you a pretty good idea.


Art

I'd be very interested for fun to see how an RS1 does at 192" on a hipower with light control. I just got my 159" hp screen in last night and watched a couple movies and it was nowhere close to being at its limit for punch. It was even good with the room lights at about 70% power, although I am within the cone.

Kevin W

As I said in the other thread, three chip DLP is it. If you need to look (and I would if I were you) you will probably see a few at CEDIA I bet and if you would like I'm having a get together here at the the end of September when my room is done. My screen will not be quite as big as yours at 14' but (you actually had said closer to 18' wide in your other thread) but it would give you a pretty good idea.


Art

In my original post on the other thread, I had said 220" diagonal, not wide. At 16:9, that's 192" wide, which is what I used in this thread. So I'm looking at 16' wide.

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it to CEDIA, but I would love to come and see your theater when it's ready. :)

When talking budgets, make sure you do your homework first. If budget is, as appears, to be secondary to performance you need to seriously look at the price of, not only the PJ ( say $40k) but also

Screen with masking
Lens and possibly a sled
Sound.... This is a paticularly costly area for a big room....way more than the PJ
Installation and cal
furniture
etc etc.

I'd say for the size and quality you are talking about you will be in for itro $250k-$500k

There will be plenty of help in the high end forum. I've just finished a room of that nature so feel free to pm me with any questions you have. Art is also doing something similar.

I used the HT5000, and it seems to be the machine of choice in this market segment. 3 chip DLP is your only option at the moment. The 2 lamp model is now hitting the streets and will easily handle 16ft. I have a single lamp on 14ft and its a light cannon.

Did I mention my comments above about being very good at 159" was in low lamp mode? :)

Hi csamos,

Man I have to tell you that you are the "Man". That is going to be one Very-High-End H/T. :D

Here is a Company and a Projector to do this up the way "You-Deserve" in a H/T on the Scale you are going to have. When you go over the Specifications you will see that this shows on a Screen up to (300-Inches). Talk about a Bright Picture, this Projector has a (1000W Xenon Lamp). If money allows for the truly High-End Projectors I suggest looking into Runco. This is just one of their projectors.

Might mention these names to you that are Very knowledgeable Members here and I think can give you some Great Info. on Projector Choices. Dizzman & Alan Gouger are two members here that I feel sure could offer additional insight if they read your Thread. There are many others here that know all about the very high end Audio/Video Products. Good-Luck :)

I hope you will keep all of us up to date on the progress and selections you make on your H/T Project.

Runco Link: http://www.runco.com/vx-60d.html

Link to On-Line Brochure: http://www.runco.com/image/brochures/VideoXtreme_2-06.pdf

Runco Video Xtreme VX-60d Projector

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/Runco_VX_60d.jpg

KEY FEATURES
1400 x 1050 native resolution

Maximum screen width:
300 inches

4 zoom lenses, 1 fixed short- throw, and 1 rear-projection lens available

Lens offset -
Horizontal: up to 50%;
Vertical: up to 100%

Available with CineWide™ with AutoScope™

Packaged with the next-generation DHD™ Controller/Processor




Runco Video Xtreme VX-60d Projector Specifications
(show metric units)
Product Sheet User's Manual
Street Price (USD) : $ 79,995
MSRP (USD) : $ 79,995
Brightness (Lumens) : 4000 ANSI
Contrast (Full On/Off) : 1800:1
Variable Iris: No
Audible Noise: **
Weight: 89.0 lbs
Size (inches) (HxWxD) : 12.2 x 29.1 x 12.2
Optional Lenses: Yes
Digital Zoom: **
Keystone Correction: None
Lens Shift: H+V
Networking: Wired:
No
Wireless: No
Warranty: 2 Years
Performance:
H-Sync Range: 15.0 - 120.0kHz
V-Sync Range: 24 - 150Hz
Compatibility: HDTV:
720p, 1080i
EDTV/480p: Yes
SDTV/480i: **
Component Video: Yes
Video: Yes
Digital Input: DVI
Personal Computers: Yes
Display: Type:
DLP (3)
Color Wheel Segs: **
Color Wheel Speed: **
Native: 1400x1050 Pixels
Maximum: 1400x1050 Pixels
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 (SXGA+)
Lamp: Type:
1000W Xenon
Life: 1000 hours
Quantity: 1
Speakers: No
Max Power: 1700W
Voltage: 100V - 240V
FCC Class: B
Special: **
Status: Shipping
First Ship: Jun 2005

Comments: 4 zoom lenses, 1 fixed short- throw, and 1 rear-projection lens available. Packaged with the next-generation DHD Controller/Processor. Contrasr ratio variable depending on lens aperture setting
The Runco Video Xtreme VX-60d is manufactured by Runco.


I would do their newer 3-chip 1080p DLP, the VX-55D. It has more brightness than you'll use, even at that screen size, and looks phee-nominal. They provide the user and ISF technician all the access to all the settings you'll need to optimize color, grayscale, and gamma to perfection. If you use their CineWide w/Autoscope to show Cinemascope movies (2:35-2:40 to 1 aspect ratios) on a 'scope' screen (which is what anyone doing a super high end theatre with a huge screen should do IMO), you're looking at about a $115,000 investment. And no such thing as buying Runco on the internet. They insist you go to a dealer who will be educated in setting it up properly and taking care of you after the sale.

Good luck! :)

What about a Sony 4k SXRD? :D

In my original post on the other thread, I had said 220" diagonal, not wide. At 16:9, that's 192" wide, which is what I used in this thread. So I'm looking at 16' wide.

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it to CEDIA, but I would love to come and see your theater when it's ready. :)

My bad I thought you meant 220" wide.


Theater should be done in five weeks. Look for a thread in the HT Meets forum for that last Saturday in September if things go as planned.

Art

What about a Sony 4k SXRD? :D

Is anybody selling those?
Are there are any 4k sources out there?

Is anybody selling those?
Are there are any 4k sources out there?

This is one of the issues or having a processor that will scale from HD to 4K.

Art

This is one of the issues or having a processor that will scale from HD to 4K.

Art

Are there any 4k scalers out there?
Or does one need to go the computer route?

4k is great on paper but the reality is that we're barely into the 2k era.
Just barely.
And Europe is waaay behind...

My guess is that for at least the next 10 years, 1080 will be the de facto standard.

Jason, I agree. The 1400 x 1050 native resolution of the Runco and inability to display 1080p seems lacking compared to the other 2 you mention, as well as the higher cost. But I welcome all the input as I go down this road.

I'm a huge CRT fan, but for this project, I'm definitely leaning towards a 1920x1080p DLP 3 chip projector. I need to find someone in Texas who has one with a very large screen so I can get a taste of what they can do. :)

You are correct, that suggested Runco is totally unsuitable for you.....No 1080, its 4:3 for god sake and has a pathetic CR

What about a Sony 4k SXRD? :D

Very low reliability apparently.

I would do their newer 3-chip 1080p DLP, the VX-55D. It has more brightness than you'll use, even at that screen size, and looks phee-nominal. They provide the user and ISF technician all the access to all the settings you'll need to optimize color, grayscale, and gamma to perfection. If you use their CineWide w/Autoscope to show Cinemascope movies (2:35-2:40 to 1 aspect ratios) on a 'scope' screen (which is what anyone doing a super high end theatre with a huge screen should do IMO), you're looking at about a $115,000 investment. And no such thing as buying Runco on the internet. They insist you go to a dealer who will be educated in setting it up properly and taking care of you after the sale.

Good luck! :)

After reading all the great responses I've received and doing some more research, I agree that a 2.35:1 screen looks like the way to go, instead of the 16:9 I had initially posted about. The exact size of the screen is still up in the air, but will be around 200" wide. I'm also looking at a curved screen as an option.

After reading all the great responses I've received and doing some more research, I agree that a 2.35:1 screen looks like the way to go, instead of the 16:9 I had initially posted about. The exact size of the screen is still up in the air, but will be around 200" wide. I'm also looking at a curved screen as an option.

Look into Stewart for Great Screens. I have the 16:9 in a 123" w/4-way masking and remote for the masking. does a great job with my Runco P.

2:35 and the New Curved Screen is the way to go and if I had it to do right today that is what I would have Personally. Not 200" mind you for lack of space. ;)

The 123" is Maximum for my H/T with the distance from seating to screen.

I love the way this New 2:35 looks with the New Runco on the Curved Screen. True Cinema at Home-Experience: IMO :D

After reading all the great responses I've received and doing some more research, I agree that a 2.35:1 screen looks like the way to go, instead of the 16:9 I had initially posted about. The exact size of the screen is still up in the air, but will be around 200" wide. I'm also looking at a curved screen as an option.

Dont rule out 16:9 viewing, get a masking system. I'd also head over to the hi-end forum for some good advice. Be aware that a curved screen also has issues and compromises.

After reading all the great responses I've received and doing some more research, I agree that a 2.35:1 screen looks like the way to go, instead of the 16:9 I had initially posted about. The exact size of the screen is still up in the air, but will be around 200" wide. I'm also looking at a curved screen as an option.


After posting this I spent some more time thinking about it and did the following calculations.

A 16:9 ratio screen that is 192" wide has a height of 108", for a total screen area of 20,736 sq in. Displaying a 16:9 image uses 100% of the screen of course. A 2.35:1 image would use the entire width, but only 82" of the height, for a total screen area of 15,744 sq in, which is 75.9% of the screen.

A 2.35:1 ratio screen that is 192" wide has a height of 82", for a total screen area of 15,744 sq in. Displaying a 2.35:1 image uses 100% of the screen. A 16:9 image would use the entire 82" of the height, but only 146" of the width, for a total screen area of 11,972 sq in, which is 76.0% of the screen.

A 16:9 image on the 2.35:1 screen is only 57.7% of the size of the 16:9 image on the 16:9 screen (11,972 sq in / 20,736 sq in).

A 2.35:1 image on the 2.35:1 screen is the same size as the 2:35.1 image on the 16:9 screen.

So after looking at it like this, now the 16:9 screen makes more sense for my setup. I think I'll be viewing a lot more 16:9 content than 2.35:1 content, and I want to maximize the image size.

I guess I should move this discussion over to the screen forum.

-Carl

Dude, you have a lot of work and learning to do before thinking of takling a 50 seater cinema. Your questions and answers suggest you need some major help. Have you spoken to the CI companies in your area? I'd go to the hi end forun if i were you.
.

Dude, you have a lot of work and learning to do before thinking of takling a 50 seater cinema. Your questions and answers suggest you need some major help. Have you spoken to the CI companies in your area? I'd go to the hi end forun if i were you.
.

I know, which is why I'm asking these questions and getting some information. I'm a good 12 to 18 months away from even starting such a project, so I have lots of time to learn and figure this all out.

My current 8 seat theater is wonderful. I spent a lot of time researching what I needed for it, and I know my new project is going to be magnitudes more complex, but also fun as hell to do. :)

Are there any 4k scalers out there?
Or does one need to go the computer route?

4k is great on paper but the reality is that we're barely into the 2k era.
Just barely.
And Europe is waaay behind...

My guess is that for at least the next 10 years, 1080 will be the de facto standard.

This is my point. There would have to be a scaler onboard likely for any 4K consumser unit.

Art

After posting this I spent some more time thinking about it and did the following calculations.

A 16:9 ratio screen that is 192" wide has a height of 108", for a total screen area of 20,736 sq in. Displaying a 16:9 image uses 100% of the screen of course. A 2.35:1 image would use the entire width, but only 82" of the height, for a total screen area of 15,744 sq in, which is 75.9% of the screen.

A 2.35:1 ratio screen that is 192" wide has a height of 82", for a total screen area of 15,744 sq in. Displaying a 2.35:1 image uses 100% of the screen. A 16:9 image would use the entire 82" of the height, but only 146" of the width, for a total screen area of 11,972 sq in, which is 76.0% of the screen.

A 16:9 image on the 2.35:1 screen is only 57.7% of the size of the 16:9 image on the 16:9 screen (11,972 sq in / 20,736 sq in).

A 2.35:1 image on the 2.35:1 screen is the same size as the 2:35.1 image on the 16:9 screen.

So after looking at it like this, now the 16:9 screen makes more sense for my setup. I think I'll be viewing a lot more 16:9 content than 2.35:1 content, and I want to maximize the image size.

I guess I should move this discussion over to the screen forum.

-Carl

Carl,
IMO the first step is to determine the projector or projection system. Although Joe Kane would have my nuts for saying this ,you've determined the screen size, now the projector for the job and then the screen surface and design to null out as many neagatives as possible.

My screen is going to be 168"wide scope so I won't need as much light as you but you have to have a device powerful enough to start. Right now ,you really have only a few good options.

Using the minimum fL number of 10 then starting at about 1.0 for the screen (0.8 to 1.3 for the most uniform ones around) you need a projector with at least 1440 lumens calibrated.This leaves out the HT5000. Now of course, you could use a HP screen but this would severely limit seating options.

Art

Art, dont forget the 2 lamp 5K.

Art, dont forget the 2 lamp 5K.

True ! My bad.

Art

If anyone was looking at a 2 lamp 5K, i think its an extra $10k.