Projector Zoom Level for best image quality (Telephoto vs. Wide Angle)

InvincibleDarsh said:

I have been debating myself on making a decision on which projector suits my HT room setting and have finally come to the conclusion with 2 models from Benq HT3550 and HT5550. I'm confused deciding between the two specifically in regards to the zoom levels. Is better to place a projector as close to the screen as possible or furthermost from the screen ie. Zoom level Max towards the Wide Angle or Zoom level Max towards Telephoto? If anyone of could help me clarify this, I'll be able to decide on which projector suits my requirements.

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I use a painted screen wall and I like to setup my projectors to project the maximum possible image size at the wideangle setting. This allows me to reduce the image size if I prefer (although I never have). Using max wideangle also = max brightness. OTOH using max zoom = max contrast although this will not make a large difference on the HT3550, the wideangle and max zoom on the HT5550 will show about a 15% variation in contrast and brightness, according to Projector Central.