CRT logistics

THis will help:

http://www.curtpalme.com/CRTPrimer.shtm

If you don't have a throw distance that ranges between 1.2 to 1.5 X the width of the screen, then CRT is out. THere's no long throw or zoom lenses for CRT.

2) Yes, 1080p is easily done with intermediate to high end CRTs, and you can get external DVI/HDMI to RGBHV adapters. CRTs do not come stock with DVI/HDMI inputs.

3). Size, and the need for an initial setup are about the only downside. They far outlast any digital set with minimal maintenance, and if they ever break, they can always be cheaply repaired. Digitals are all disposable.

4) Unless you find some new old stock, the only new CRT projectors made at this point are by VDC in Florida, and they start at $22K and up. I sell refurbished ones at a fraction of that price, and you'll find other people selling them in the buy/sell section here on avs.

yeah no zoom. If you look at pics of almsot every CRT HT you'll notice the first row of seats is directly under the PJ. Usually about 9 to 11 feet from screen to tip of lenses in most cases.

Yeah, CRT's produce an amazing picture. Could you do a floor mount (coffee table) setup?

well imprez brings up a good point, if your not an audiophile then a floor mount position wih table is not uncommon. if you're and audoiphile then the "sweet spot" is too much to sacrifice.
there's some good deals but look for a re-furbed machine with warranty if you can. Lots of folks here lately working on fixing surplus machines and learning electronics at the same time. Not that there's anything wrong with that for techy types, but a lot of these never cross the finish line, give up, and go LCD.