Yes, I’ve had it almost three years and never taken it out of the box. I had just purchased it and got diagnosed with some health problems and it went to the back burner. Feeling much better now and hate for it to just go to waste so I would like to at least use it for a year or two. I’ve only ever had a TV, currently have a Mitsubishi 73 inch DLP so this will be a big step up. When I do upgrade to 4K is the throw distance better? Because I thought of an idea that I could put it like 22 feet away from the screen in the meantime.
I am glad you are feeling better. If it is still sealed in the box, I might explore the idea of selling it. Since it really is brand new and they sink make them anymore you might get a premium for it. More than you will used, for sure. Then using those funds to purchase a good used 4K projector from the classifieds on here.
The throw distance really depends on the projector itself. You kind of want to be somewhere in the middle of the range if you can, closer is better than further (brighter) but you don’t want be so close that it rules out other brands because you’re too close for them.
The front of my projector is a smidge about 15 feet away and it is the fourth one I was able to use in that spot.
Use the projection throw calculator to calculate out the distance for other projectors, like a JVC RS400 or JVC NX5, for example.
I don’t know if those calculators will understand the 2.35:1 screens so you probably need to pretend it’s same width a 1.78:1/16x9 screen for measurements. If I recall correctly, I used 144” 16x9 because that has the same screen width as my 136” 2.35:1.
Please don’t just throw away my suggestions at looking at other projector options. Before you open up the box and take the projector out, I would at least look into it, it’ll save you money in the long run if you can get a price premium for your current projector and can find a good deal on a 4K one.
The AE8000 is a good projector, it just has no future, 4K is 4 years old now.