[Ryan0751]

I just ordered an Infocus 340 projector for use in my apartment, and I also purchased a screen. I went with the Dalite Model B (4:3) 100" model as per the reccomendation of the sales person. When I got home, I measured 100" and I then realized that the screen will be almost the entire size of floor to ceiling. Since I will be sitting rather close to the screen, I was wondering whether or not I made the right choice. If the image is too large and I have to scale it down so that it doesn't fill the screen, will this look stupid? Should I have purchased a smaller unit?

 

[Andrew Low]

Unless you're getting some killer "package deal" go back and cancel that screen if your not 100% sure.


The best way to determine screen size is to get the projector, and mount it on a table (or floor) and play with various sizes by simply projecting on the wall.


Seriously consider a DIY screen. Its cheap, and the results are very good. Doing a gray screen will help your black level with an LCD based projector. Search in this forum for details on all of these topics.


You didn't specify if a 4:3 screen of 100" was a diagonal or width measurement. 100" diagonal is only 60 inches high, not too bad -- but you'd want to be about 10 feet back.


Roo

 

[Mark Lopez]

Ryan,


What is the size of the room? I'm using the same screen (100" diagonal) in a room about 14'x17. sitting about 13' from the screen is just about perfect (for me). I wouldn't want to be more than a few feet closer though. Since I mainly use it for DVDs, it's masked to widescreen most of the time so it is not as overwhelming as with 4:3. See it here http://www.speakeasy.org/~malopez (loads slow).

 

[bhadsell]

Ryan,

You definitely want to revisit your screen size. A good rule of thumb is to make the height of the screen the equivalent to 1/3 of the distance from screen to primary viewer. This should give you a better picture and reduce the potential for eye strain.


------------------

Bob Hadsell

 

[KBK]

It all depends on the projector type. With digital projectors (DILA, LCD, and DLP) it is best to go with CONSTANT WIDTH and variable height, so 4x3 screens tend to be the norm. With CRT projectors,and their re-sizing controls, it is best to go with CONSTANT WIDTH and variable height. There are arguments to support all formats and usage patters, though. I prefer the two arrangements I have mentioned.


It's best to go with the constant width, abnd variable height (4x3) screen if TV usage is a primary for you. If it is DVD's, then the 16x9 screen, with variable width and re-sizing via your zoom... is probably the best bet. The masking system is easier to implement as well. Just a curtian on each side, or a rail, and you are done. Heck, one rail, just very long...


------------------

goosystems.com


Ken Hotte

[email protected]