Need help with rear projection setup

I am looking to get an approximately 98" image (85" x 48") with about 3' of throw between the screen and the wall (rear projection setup).

I have come across a multitude of short throw projectors, but I have yet to find one that is 1920 x 1080.

At this point I'm considering using a mirror to achieve my desired specs.

If someone knows of a projector that will meet my needs, please let me know. I'd like to avoid using a mirror.

If I must use mirrors, I welcome any advice. So far I know that an FS mirror is a must. Other than that, I'm in the dark.

Thanks,

Mike

Thanks for the idea on the TV. That thing is huge. Unfortunately, a TV isn't really an option. The setup needs to be movable by one person.

I've done some measurements, and using a mirror I can get about 7' of distance from 3.'

I will look for some more expensive projectors like you mentioned. But it is looking like I will have to go with lower resolution.

Thanks for all the input so far. It does need to be moved because I anticipate bringing it with me to trade shows.

$20k is definitely out of my budget. Go figure.

I've been looking at a couple short throw 720p projectors. The throw distance is just about what I'm looking for.

As for the area between the screen and the projector being dark, I have seen applications where it doesn't. I've been looking at using special films from Spyeglass or 3M that should provide a good picture even with a significant amount of ambient light.

MTyson, Awesome name (I'm a former boxer myself).

The films can be very expensive. Some are much more expensive than the projector itself.

I have several samples from different manufacturers on the way. Some specifically say they are not compatible with short throw projectors. But many are meant to work with short throw.

I anticipate posting test results in the screen forum within a few weeks. If you'd like, I can post the info here as well.

I'm liking the price of the Mitsubishi WD380U-EST. I will have to check it out in more detail tomorrow (its late).

Thanks again everyone for your input so far.

This is reassuring.

MTyson,

That Optoma looks promising. Thanks. Is there a reason you didn't use this projector for a rear setup?

Thanks, but the smart board isn't what I'm looking for. I want a projector primarily for trade shows. But it will be nice to have for presentations the rest of the year. It would be tough lugging one of those boards with me to meetings.

Correct. My application doesn't require movie theater quality. It just needs to be visible with a good amount of contrast. I create our own videos so I can render them with different contrast levels, shadow, etc. and play the ones that suit the lighting at the time.

I've spoken with several rear projection film dealers and Spyeglass told me that I should be looking for a projector with between 5000 - 8000 lumens.

I also have mentioned that I'll be using a short throw projector, and yes, the 3M film will not work. However, Spyeglass says their film should work. I also spoke with Vislogix, and they said their VIStique FC film should work.

I received 3 samples from SSI yesterday. Of the three, (Accent, Intrigue, and Definition) Definition is the only one that shows promise. The other two don't provide enough gain in a setting with high ambient light.

I should add that this stuff is pretty cool. I hope I'm able to pull this off well. I'm enjoying the process.