[Trax416]

I have small room to work with. It's about 13 X 10, and that is being generous.


I was wondering if Projectors work well in small spaces such as this? The screen won't be very big, but it will be larger then any HDTV that doesn't cost $100,000. I am hoping around 100 inch's or whatever number around that I can purchase.


Is there a minimum distance to have a projector? Do I need a room bigger then this for it to work properly? Also, if I don't, can you recommend any inexpensive (in the 1000-1500 range) projectors for a first time user?


I have been very interested in getting a projector for a couple years now, and have wanted to build a HT for a long time (probably another few years before I have the time to gut and re-finish the basement). I figured I may as well jump in now, but wanted to ask a few questions before I dropped $1500 on a projector that may not even work right in the small room.


Thanks for any help.

 

[frostbit3]

I have a pretty small room where mine is. I have the projector about 10ft away from the wall, and I sit directly below the projector. I know I don't have the greatest set up, or even acceptable for some people, but it works for me. At this distance I have a 91'' screen and just panted on a screen on the wall for the time being. I've had this setup for about 6 months now and so far it's ben great.


My suggestion for a projector is going to be biased since I've only owned one, but I got an Optoma HD65 for about $600-$700. It's 720P and will accept 1080P as well (Though it's native is 720P). I love the HD65, couldn't have made a better selection, especially for the price!

 

[Trax416]

Thanks for the response. Ya, my setup is not going to ideal for many people, but it's what I can do for the time being.


I was looking at perhaps this. http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=41...facture=Optoma


I could probably talk them down a bit on the price.


Thanks again for the response, hopefully others can weigh in with their opinions.

 

[Trax416]

I was just looking at the Optoma HD65 you have, and what an amazing quality picture is displays.


I may look into that instead, as it's $600 cheaper then the one I posted above.

 

[DML85]

So are you wanting to stick with 720p?


There's the Epson 6100 that is 1080p and goes for a little over your price you listed. But you also can get a free bulb and small mail in rebate.

 

[BlackRiderX]

Mine is 14 x 10. Go for it.

 

[Trax416]



Quote:
Originally Posted by DML85 /forum/post/16875624


So are you wanting to stick with 720p?


There's the Epson 6100 that is 1080p and goes for a little over your price you listed. But you also can get a free bulb and small mail in rebate.

Not totally sure right now. Still learning, reading and watching (video reviews). When you buy a projector, does it not come with a bulb already, or do you mean an extra for when yours burns out eventually.


Also if Note, I live in Canada, so the prices are a bit different.

 

[ataxic_dentist]

If you can shell out up to $1500 I would HIGHLY reccomend getting a 1080p projector over a 720p.


I am in a room that is 14x11. I tried a 720p Mits (~650), a 1080 Sanyo (~1600), and the Epson 6100 (~1600-2000 if you cound mir and bulb or find it on sale).


At first I liked the Mits but it was dlp with a slow color wheel and the rainbows ruined any pleasure I had from the big screen. I then tried the Sanyo and Epson. WOW! What a difference 1080 made so close to the screen! Pixels disappear 2-3 feet away on a 106" screen. If you can afford it, you are doing yourself a great service by going 1080 at close range to the screen.


I guess you could always go with a smaller screen with a 720 but why sacrifice a couple of FEET in screen size that is avoidable?

 

[ataxic_dentist]

Yes it is an extra bulb and a $100 mir

 

[Trax416]

I am seeing if I can get a store to lower the price on a 1080p Projector for me. So we will see.


I have another question about the screen.


My walls are currently "Boston Fern" colour, which is a greyish-green. They are Plaster as well. Would buying the projector then painting the area where the image is displayed matte white produce a good enough screen? If not, how would I go about setting up a wall this way. It would save me some money from having to buy a screen (at least initially), then I could probably go a bit more for a 1080 porjector.

 

[frostbit3]

If you're going to paint the walls for your screen, I would personally use this: http://www.goosystems.com/products/


I've seen reviews on this in the DIY Screen section and everyone (That i've seen) loves it. They say it produces an amazing screen, and it's fairly cheap.


That should help raise your budget for your projector and allow you to go full 1080P

 

[Bruce Wayne]

There's a great thread on small theaters here. I can't remember what it's called but it has a ton of photos and info. Great thread

 

[Trax416]

Thanks again for the help everyone.


The only thing that I think may cause a problem with painting a screen on the wall is the fact my walls are plaster. They are not flat and even, they have a slight texture to them.

 

[Bujee1]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Trax416 /forum/post/16876385


Thanks again for the help everyone.


The only thing that I think may cause a problem with painting a screen on the wall is the fact my walls are plaster. They are not flat and even, they have a slight texture to them.

Drop down screens are cheap these days. You can get a 100" screen for 100-200 bucks.


Two things to consider in a small room:

1. Projector noise, the HD 65 is not the quietest Pj out there.

2. Heat, You don't want to sit under a hot Pj in the summertime.


That said I have two Pj theaters in my home. My big theater is 14' square, my small theater is 11' x 9'.



Go for it!

 

[DML85]

Check out the DIY Screen Section, there's a lot of people there who know what they're doing with spray on screens. There's also some options where you can get some Designer White Laminate from local hardware stores and that has been said to produce a great screen for a very small price.


But check out that section and they can help you with all of your DIY screen needs.

 

[frostbit3]

If you really want to cut the screen price you can make one out of canvas, at least thats what I did. I haven't had any issues with it and for me it looks great.

 

[jake the ssnake]

I have a 100" screen in a 12dx14w room using an Infocus x9. During the last UFC ppv (I got the hd version) people were commenting on how well the picture looked, even from 6-8ft away. Only when I told them about the screen door effect did they even notice it and even then you have to be looking for it. So go for it, you wont be disappointed.

 

[Trax416]

Trying to find the DIY screen thread but have no idea where it is. Even searched (mainly HT build posts come up).


I looked into the Goo, and it sounds great but I can't sand my wall down to a flat finish. I was thinking of maybe buying something that is flat and painting it with the goo to use as a screen but not sure what to get.


If anyone can find me the DIY screen thread (maybe I am just completely blind), it would be appreciated.

 

[victor-eyd]

 http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forum...ysprune=&f=110

 

[Favelle]

Small room, DIY screen custom made for your projector, high-def source material, good sound system.....you'll be in home theater HEAVEN....trust me.