Screen format for Pro 900x / Runco 852

Hi folks,

I 've have recently replaced my old Zenith 851 to a low hour Runco 852 (Zenith 900x with a line doubler on the S Video and Composite inputs) and am a Directv subscriber. What I'm planning on doing is receiving HDTV via Directv using the satellite receivers RGB output to a break out cable into the Runco. Will this work?

The main question is I've been using a small 4:3 screen with the 851 and want to build a new screen for the Runco. Should it be 4:3 or 16:9???

Is it better to use a 4:3 screen with the Runco even if I will be using HDTV as a primary source? The projector has 10 memory slots for different aspect ratios so I know I can fit either 4:3 or 16:9 screens - What I'm looking for is the best compromise between overall picture quality and not burning the tubes by only using part of the tubes due to different formats.

Should I build a 16:9 or 4:3 screen?

Thanks

Hello,

The HD box has 15 pin VGA outputs - not RGB - my mistake- this video lingo is a bit much for me. Sooo if the HD box has 15 pin VGA do I still need a transcoder?

PS- your website is FANTASIC, thank you, I found it a few weeks ago when I was looking to replace my 851

What is the largest size 16:9 screen I should use with this projectoe for best results? I sit back about 14 feet most of the time. I found a 6.5' 4:3 screen was good for the 851.

Hello,

I will surely be using SD too (if SD means standard definition) -

I see in the Runco manual it states 1.3 throw for 4:3 and 1:19 for wide screen.

The manual says first setup for 4:3 and then converge for 16:9 if using a 4:3 screen.

Are you using HDTV through a Runco 852? What do you do about the blanking in at the top and bottom of the screen when using a 4:3 screen and watching 'wide screen' HDTV? What size screen have you found to be best?

Sorry if I this is a stupid question, I'm an old hifi nut that has been using a Zenith 851 for over a decade - this HD/SD stuff is new to me. A friend has an Optoma DLP and I saw it in high definition and now have the itch to get higher resolution up and running at my place.

I like CRTs for the natural color and contrasts and blacks. The DLP still seemed a bit 'fake' to me in those areas but when projecting the HDTV broadcast it blew me away in resolution and detail.

Thanks guys, I built an 85.5" wide 16X9 wide screen with 1:19 throw. The Runco is a bit better than my 851 with standard broadcast and it converged rather easily with the help of the 900X and 852 setup manuals. Being able to switch aspect ratios on the fly (once setup) is cool. Now I need to order HD from Directv.

Is there a setting in the service mode (9876 enter) that will help with the black levels? The projector doesn't seem to be going all the way to black like my 851 did.

Maybe the screen is too big?? What can be done?