Quote:
Originally Posted by hipertec /forum/post/18219234
wow, would it really need to be about 10ft away? The cables to the projector is on the back wall about 17ft away from the screen. IT would be almost impossible to bring it to 10ft. Would I have the same issue with the Epson?
The image will be brighter due to more light coming out of the lens at the wideangle setting (closer to your screen) versus the telephoto setting (farthest from your screen). Of course, you can mount it at 17' away, but you would have to use the "Normal" (high) setting of the lamp in the "Color 1" (best mode for accurate color, i.e., the mode you should be using) in order to get about the same level of brightness as the "Eco-Mode" (low) setting of the lamp. If you mount it closer, then as the lamp ages and becomes dimmer you could switch to the "Normal" lamp setting to compensate. If you mount it at 17' and need the brighter lamp setting from the start, then all you can do as the lamp ages is switch from "Color 1" to "Normal" picture mode, which will degrade the color accuracy. Of course, there are advantages to mounting it at 17', which are having somewhat increased contrast at the telephoto lens setting and if you use the "Normal" lamp mode then you will also get further improved contrast. You may or may not be able to notice and/or find it to be worth the disadvantages.
Yes, the Epson would have the same considerations. It may be brighter, but be sure to compare in best modes. Also, FWIW, Projector Central measured the Epson bulb dimming at a substantially higher initial rate versus the Panasonic.
You may see SDE with the Epson from your first row, so the Panasonic is the way to go IMHO.
Note that if your screen has some gain (someone mentioned 1.4), then that would compensate for the loss at the telephoto setting. I am also assuming that you watch with lights out and ambient light control, although the screen you have is really designed for non-ideal lighting conditions IIRC.
Full disclosure: I own the AE4000U, have a 106" diagonal 16:9 Matte White screen (gain of 1.0), have the PJ mounted at about 10'7" or so (within an inch or two of as close as possible) and the Eco-Mode lamp setting is just right with the Color 1 picture mode (in fact, I find Normal lamp setting too bright). I currently have 245 hours on the PJ and have not noticed a change in intensity of the image yet. Note that I can control ambient light and watch with lights out, but since this is my great room the walls are still a lighter off white color and the ceiling is white. Nevertheless a fantastic picture!
Bottom line: Use it at 17' and be happy!
