First time projector purchase, going crazy here! Need some advice. (1 Viewer)

Alright guys, I'm looking at replacing my TV in my living room with a new projector. Current room setup - http://imgur.com/Y7j8M0gThe plan is to have the projector on the opposite wall of the screen(where the tv currently is), but that's a throw distance of 18 feet(14 feet viewing distance). I'm wanting to purchase a BenQ 1070 or 1080ST, but I'm afraid I'll have to use a ceiling mount(which I'm not comfortable doing). I've also read that at that distance, I'd have to use a larger screen, around 180", and that is way too big.I dont' want to go any bigger than a 120" diagonal screen, so I don't think the 1070 would work that great from 18 feet away.My other projector option is the Epson 8350 since I've read it has a higher zoom and can support an 18 foot throw at 120" and still look great, but I'd rather stay with DLP over the 8350 LCD. At that throw distance, are the BenQ's out of the question unless I use a ceiling mount? If that's my last resort, it would be mounted beside the ceiling fan.

You realise ST stands for Short Throw, to begin with.If I recall...the last person with a ridiculously long throw went with a Mitsubishi.

Right, which is why the 1080ST is probably out of the question(unless I ceiling mount). I guess my main question is, can the 1070 be used at a throw of 18ft with less than a 120' screen, or will I have to use the Epson? Not really looking forward to mounting on the ceiling and running wiring through the attic and down the wall. If I did, the 1080st is the winner.

ViewSonic Pro8200
InFocus 8606
BenQ W7000/7500
Vivitek 5080

Those are your choices...leaving out the Vivitek 1080(3x color wheel...and the least featured) and everything approaching $5000.

Boochy33 said:

Not really looking forward to mounting on the ceiling and running wiring through the attic and down the wall. If I did, the 1080st is the winner.

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Thats not your only option. Paintable, easy to install and very professional looking Ive been very pleased with this stuff...http://www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand-Wiremold-Cordmate-II-Kit-C210/100657473?AID=11210757&PID=6150045&SID=yavi0epkmlo8&cm_mmc=CJ615004511210757&cj=truePics in my photo gallery, bottom link in my signature.

Type A said:

Thats not your only option. Paintable, easy to install and very professional looking Ive been very pleased with this stuff...http://www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand-Wiremold-Cordmate-II-Kit-C210/100657473?AID=11210757&PID=6150045&SID=yavi0epkmlo8&cm_mmc=CJ615004511210757&cj=truePics in my photo gallery, bottom link in my signature.

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Not bad at all... So I could ceiling mount a 1080ST about 7/8 feet away, grab a 120 inch screen, and cover the wires with those. I can live with that...

Or use a flat IEC and flat HDMI and paint over them.Either works.

Boochy33 said:

Not bad at all... So I could ceiling mount a 1080ST about 7/8 feet away, grab a 120 inch screen, and cover the wires with those. I can live with that...

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Just a heads-up from my experience using the stuff...They have a self adhesive backing but it doesnt last in ceiling applications. Use some hot glue, in addition to the self adhesive, for any cable channels mounted on the ceiling. That will ensure a lasting bond

Type A said:

Just a heads-up from my experience using the stuff...They have a self adhesive backing but it doesnt last in ceiling applications. Use some hot glue, in addition to the self adhesive, for any cable channels mounted on the ceiling. That will ensure a lasting bond

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Thanks for the help. Thanks as well Schan.

So, if I can mount to the ceiling at 7ft with a 120 inch screen, I'd be good to go?

I wouldn't use glue. When you go to take it down in the future, you'll have damaged drywall to deal with. I would use screws.

Screws don't cause damage?

It depends if you can mount to the ceiling...or need a pole. I've never checked the 1080ST for lens shift.

Edit:
Just checked...the 1080ST has no lens shift. The projector has to be mounted where it is, essentially, at the same height as the top of the image. So, if your ceiling is 8ft...

The 1080ST has to be mounted 15-18 inches off the ceiling.

schan1269 said:

Screws don't cause damage? It depends if you can mount to the ceiling...or need a pole. I've never checked the 1080ST for lens shift. Edit:Just checked...the 1080ST has no lens shift. The projector has to be mounted where it is, essentially, at the same height as the top of the image. So, if your ceiling is 8ft... The 1080ST has to be mounted 15-18 inches off the ceiling.

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Thanks, I have a 10ft ceiling.

Another dumb question, when the BenQ Calculator tells me "Projector Distance from the Ceiling - 0'11", is that where the center of the lens needs to be?

Screws don't cause damage?

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NO. Screws just leave small holes when removed. Removing Wiremold that was glued on will peel the surface drywall right off with it. Not good.

Jim517 said:

NO. Screws just leave small holes when removed. Removing Wiremold that was glued on will peel the surface drywall right off with it. Not good.

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So, you've never heard of using a heat gun(

the closer the PJ is to the screen (meaning the shorter the throw), the bigger the image is when going through the lense. This means the more distortion you will have (edges fuzzy, chromatic aberrations, etc).

Save money and get the Optoma HD131Xe of which i can personally say the image is good for 2D and excellent for 3D, as long as you get one without the focus uniformity issue you will be impressed, it needs much more calibration work than the Benq.

http://www.amazon.com/Optoma-HD131Xe-1080p-Theater-Projector/dp/B00E4JEDWE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1403205635&sr=8-2&keywords=optoma+projector

Well, bought the W1070 along with a ceiling mount. I hooked up the projector last night and used it on my light green wall to test, and I was extremely happy with it. This will work fine till my screen comes in next week.Now if I can just find some good calibration settings to use on it.

Now if I can just find some good calibration settings to use on it.

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Good choice. You need to calibrate the projector, for your room. Using someone else's settings is virtually worthless. The Disney WOW disc is a very popular, easy to use disc. It allows you to calibrate your audio also.

I actually ordered that from Amazon about an hour ago, thanks for the tip. After fighting for 3 hours, I finally got it ceiling mounted and up and running. Tomorrow is going to be dedicated to hiding cables.