I'm in the process of upgrading my projector. It will not have sealed optics (LCOS). It's ceiling mounted but within 15 feet from the kitchen area (open design house). It's also within a few feet from my popcorn popper, which releases quite a bit of greasy smoke. My previous thread was helpful in finding ways to cut down on the smoke, etc. but I realize that there will still be exposure to the smoke. There are so many creative ideas here at AVS that I'd imagine someone has had a similar setup and solution.

I want to cover the projector, when not in use, but I don't want to take it down each time it's used unless that is my best option. If I were to take it down each time, I'd probably have to use a Monoprice Port Saver to preserve the HDMI input. However, I can't imagine it would be good to take the projector down four or five times a week.

Also, I don't want to go the route of putting an ugly cheap plastic bag, or similar, around it because it is very visible. I'd prefer something more appealing to cover it. Another concern is if it will be a fire hazard to cover a plugged in unit. I'd likely have to unplug it each time it's covered.

I'd appreciate any input or advice.





http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/926/chiefmountedvw50yz1.jpg

I have a similar problem.
The projector hangs to close to the fireplace.
I rather limited since its a longthrow and has no horisontal lensshift.
Worried that it whould be exposed to heat and smoke i need to come up with something.
Winter is comming and it is time to start using the fireplace.
What ive been thinking of is a way to slide it on a rail or something so it comes further from the heat.
The problem is how to make i stable and also the wiring of course.

Have been looking for a solution but without luck.

You could always get an in-ceiling lift as seen here (http://www.draperinc.com/Lifts_Mounts_Brackets/VideoProjector_Lifts.htm). The micro lift for smaller projectors MSRP is $3225 but could probably be bought for $2500 or so.

Or you could build a plexiglass case to go around the whole projector on the mount, cut holes for the intake and output fans and make sliding doors to open and close the holes. It would be cheap, easy and still look good.

You could always get an in-ceiling lift as seen here (http://www.draperinc.com/Lifts_Mounts_Brackets/VideoProjector_Lifts.htm). The micro lift for smaller projectors MSRP is $3225 but could probably be bought for $2500 or so.

Or you could build a plexiglass case to go around the whole projector on the mount, cut holes for the intake and output fans and make sliding doors to open and close the holes. It would be cheap, easy and still look good.

I'm not able to do a lift here because of the extreme heat in the space above as well as space limitation. I hadn't thought of a plexiglass case. I may look into one that opens and comes off during use. Thanks for the idea.

I'm not able to do a lift here because of the extreme heat in the space above as well as space limitation. I hadn't thought of a plexiglass case. I may look into one that opens and comes off during use. Thanks for the idea.

No problem, Lowes has and cuts plexiglass for you. So you could get them to do the 4 cuts you need and all you have to do is drill holes and create the doors and you are set.

You could always build a hush box and have the intake and exhaust air come from a slightly remote area and that will allow you to keep most of the smoke out all the time.

You could always build a hush box and have the intake and exhaust air come from a slightly remote area and that will allow you to keep most of the smoke out all the time.

I've considered that. The projector is very visible (from kitchen, breakfast area, formal dining, and formal living). It would stick out like a sore thumb.

I'm considering treating a decent looking thick material (not porous) with fire retardant and cutting it so that I can sinply wrap it and use a quick velcro tie at the top. I'll probably unplug it each time (when the projector cools down after shutoff of course). I'm not sure how it will look but I may give it a try.

I've actually been debating covering it. I already cover with a lens cap when not in use. There will be no cooking when the projector is in use (at night). I'm not sure there would be any harm done leaving it uncovered. I don't have problems with oil, grease, etc abywhere else in the room.