chris.big.money

Another Question-Zoom Lenses

I have been eyeing the BenQ W5000, and i realized that it has a very limited zoom compared to many other (specifically LCD) models. does a 1.2 zoom allow for much closer arrangement of the projector? i have a 123 in. screen that i am currently using with a business projector (definitely temporary) and i was wondering how the 1.2:1 zoom works? does it mean that for every 1 ft. of the projector screen, it is 1.2 times back? so a 10 ft. projector screen would be 12 feet back? this seems very unrealistic and most likely wrong, can someone please correct me ?

chuckg

Re: Another Question-Zoom Lenses

That 1.2:1 zoom means that with the lens zoomed to give biggest picture, it will be 1.2 times as big as when zoomed to give the smallest picture. It has nothing whatever to do with the size-versus-distance calculation.

1.2:1 is a pretty small zoom range, I think they intend it more for "trimming" the picture to fit the screen rather than giving a big range in placement position.

--ignore the man behind the curtain

chris.big.money

Re: Another Question-Zoom Lenses

okay so would i be better off getting a Panasonic PT-AE2000U or the Epson Home Cinema 1080 instead of a BenQ W5000? Are there any long term problems that happen on certain projectors but not on others? I have heard that DLP has a better picture, but my relatively low ceilings (7 ft.) mean that with the weak zoom, i would have to mount them about 18 ft back and when you stand up you are blocking the picture. Does anyone have recommendations for a good 1080p/24f projector that's in the sub-$3000 category? This purchase will not be for a while (a few months) but i would like to start researching good projectors that i could get a 123in. picture at about 10 ft.

Robert_J

Re: Another Question-Zoom Lenses

I've been using a Panasonic AE-900U for 2 1/2 years without any issues. Since all of our TV shows for this season were in HD, it has become our primary TV in the house. I auditioned a few projectors locally like a $10,000 Sony on a $2,500 screen. I bought the Pannasonic based on the reviews alone and wasn't disappointed in the least bit. I have a better picture than any of the local theater stores I went in.

-Robert

chris.big.money

Re: Another Question-Zoom Lenses

so you do not regret going with 720p over 1080p? i just figured future-proofing wise, i should be prepared for blu-ray etc. also, what size screen are you projecting on and how far back is the projector? that is one of my main concerns, as my future seating arrangement won't allow me to have the projector back very far on a 123" screen. thanks for the feedback!

chris.big.money

Re: Another Question-Zoom Lenses

does anyone who owns either the Epson Home/Pro Cinema 1080 UB or Panasonic PT-AE2000U have any opinions or warnings that i should take into account? Are there any other projectors that people would recommend?

Robert_J

Re: Another Question-Zoom Lenses

When I got my projector, the 1080p projectors were EXPENSIVE!!!! Prices have dropped a lot so I would at least consider them if I had a 1080p source. The majority of my viewing is DVD and HD via OTA and DirecTV satellite. My screen is 103" and my projector is about 20 feet from the screen. Most projector sites have distance calculators that are manufacturer/model specific.

-Robert