A few questions from a newbie

I recently built a simple screen and am now looking for a projector for it. The more I look and learn, the more I am being swayed to optimize my setup for 2.35:1. As a matter of fact, I am already drawing up plans in my head for a curved 2.35:1 screen even though I haven't used my current screen yet. In any case, I am a bit confused by the interoperability between a screen and projector for both 2.35:1 and 16:9 use. I think I have the basics down but maybe someone can help make sure I'm on track.

First, just so I am clear on this, it is not currently possible (at a reasonable price) to properly project a 2.35 and 16:9 image from the same projector without the grey bars unless an anamorphic lens is utilized or the projector has a native 2.35 aspect ratio, right?

Does using the memory zoom/focus feature in, say a Panasonic AE4000 work reasonably well or is it a significant compromise compared to an anamorphic setup?

If I do utilize an anamorphic lens, does the lens have to be removed when displaying 16:9 or 4:3 or can it be left in place the entire time?

Are anamorphic lenses able to be effectively applied to any projector or does the projector have to be "anamorphic compatible"?

Concerning the screen, a curved screen is only recommended for use with an anamorphic lens, right?

What would the effect be if I built a curved screen and then watched 16:9 or 4:3 content on it?

What about a curved screen without an anamorphic lens? Would it make any sense to use a Panasonic AE4000 with a curved screen but not anamorphic lens?

It seems to me, at least at current time, that a constant height setup is a balancing act between price, adjustability and picture optimization. Basically, if you spend enough you can have everything auto adjust and display the proper picture. To do it at a reasonable price though, you are going to have to make compromises in that you will have to adjust your system manually each time you switch ratios, or you will have to settle for a less than perfect picture.

Can someone point me in the right direction here before I make a big mistake?

Thanks,

Matt

Thanks for the reply CAVX. Very straight forward and informative. Looking at the specs of the Panasonic AE4000, I believe it can scale for CIH, right? If so, I am thinking that projector (or it's successor) is going to be my best bet based on it's combination of flexibility, price and relative quality. Seems that I could use it initially on my flat screen to zoom 2.35 images and it would also eventually be compatible with an anamorphic lens and curved screen setup without needing a scaler. I was going to go for the Epson 8350 due to it's performance to price but it would ultimately cost more and create more issues if I wanted to do a CIH setup.

I am always open to suggestions on projector but I don't think I want to spend much more than $2000 on it. I am also interested on your comment about your optimized curved screen but I will do a search and some more research on that.

Thanks again,

Matt