This will be my first projector. If I understand correctly, regardless of brand, if a projector lens is centered in the center of the screen, positioned at the closest point that fills the screen without using the zoom. This will give me the best picture, right or wrong? Or is this over simplified? Thanks for your help!

Zoom really doesnt make a difference except perhaps at max zoom if the lens is not high quality. The larger the image the less bright it will be either if zoomed or by moving the projector back further.

Max zoom or placing the projector as close as it can possibly be (Shortest throw)stresses the optics. But thankfully most all respected projector manufacturers are using reeally good optics these days and this is generally no longer an issue.

Placing the projector as far back as it can be an (longest throw), reduces lumens some.


Generally you just find the best placement for the screen size you seek based on your room, seating, asthetics, ect..ect.. And really don't worry to much about how much zoom your using or not.