newbie question - projector, screen, mount, in what order to buy?

If you are unsure of the screen size you want, it's a good idea to hold off on the screen. Set up the projector temporarily on a low table, etc. and experiment with sizes.

How did you come up with mounting it 14' from screen? The throw distance depends on the projector and screen size.

Do you know what projector you want yet?

As Jim mentioned different distances for different pj's depending on the screen size, what level of brightness you'll need from a particular pj, etc. You might want to play with some numbers here http://www.eliteprojectorcalculator.com/ to get an idea of what you'll be working with. It has most of the latest popular pj's.

With projectors that have fixed offsets the larger the screen the larger the offsets grow. The manuals usually explain this. The entry DLPs you are looking at don't provide a lot of placement flexibility.

Look at LCDs like the epson 8350 or panasonic AR100U if you feel you want more placement options.

Have Fun!

Offset is the relative placement height of the projector to the placement height of the screen. For example, one projector might need to be placed 7" higher than the top of the screen while another projector might need to be placed 14" higher than the top of the screen. (These values change based on the distance between the projector and the screen, and that is why offset is given as a ratio and not a set number of inches)

For a 3D projector, the W1070 is the best bang for your buck provided the throw distance fits your room.

BenQ has their own throw calculator here:

http://www.benq.com/microsite/projector/throwratiocalculator/

Another good possibility is the Epson 3020. We have a number of DLP fans who disregard LCD projectors, but this Epson has more brightness in 3D, may have better color accuracy, and can have no noticeable ghosting in 3D. The Epson 3020 is an excellent option for general purpose video including 3D. It astounds me how often this recommendation is overlooked by the more vocal DLP fans on this forum. Don't mean to slight the W1070, but to never mention the Epson is an oversight at best.

Yes, two different technologies. For some people either is fine. However, many people have a strong preference for one or the other (hence many pointed discussion on this site). Here's a link to get you started:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/lcd_dlp_comparison.htm

Each has made minor improvements, but the same significant differences between the technologies remain.

Personally, I wouldn't pay $100 for an LCD projector. Other people wouldn't pay $100 for a DLP projector. The images produced by these technologies are that different. Value depends on what you personally prefer.

I strongly advise you look at both. For some people, they don't see a significant difference, but many people have a strong preference for one or the other. Perhaps, you are susceptible to seeing rainbows. In that case you definitely don't want a DLP. Perhaps you are sensitive to convergence issues. Then you definitely don't want an LCD. The odds are, if you look at both you will find yourself preferring one over the other.


It's like differences in plasma and LCD flat panels. If you want bright, punchy colors in a bright environment, get LCD/LED. If "clay face" bothers you, get plasma.

There are places right next door in Houston (Modia, Frys, Magnolia, All Star Audio, Gallery furniture, etc..)

The north freeway location has several theater rooms set up. Not sure what they have in there, but I bet they have some projectors available for viewing. I don't think the Post Oak store has anything set up.