Installing a screen on an inclined ceiling and what can one do in 14 ft space? (1 Viewer)

[Mike Lake]

Hey all! I am looking at starting a home theater project downstairs. I have two rooms I can put it in, living room which has a vaulted ceiling that is on an angle so the screen would have to be attached on an angle. First is that even possible? Second, what do folks suggest, pull down screen or electric? A permanently fixed screen is not an option. The downstairs room I have 14 foot wall to wall and 102 inches from ceiling. I have researched the heck out of the projectors and went to best buy and ironically enough the best looking projector there for under 1K seems to be the new Epson 2150 - 2500 lumens, 60,000 : 1. I compared it to the BenQDLP HD 2050 which is 2200 lumens, 15,000:1 and the Viewsonic 7828, higher lumens 3200 but 22,000:1. What do folks like more higher lumens or higher ratio of the 60,000:1? I saw the Optima GT Darby thing that is 28,000: 1 and 3000 lumens that one looked decent as well. Anyone have any other clear winning projectors under a grand that are clear and away better? I appreciate any comments! ML!

 

[DaveF]

Vendor specs are lies. Read good reviews and demo the projectors in rooms that represent your typical viewing condition (and with the same screen or at least same screen gain). Buy what looks best and/or has best reviews for your interests.

I don’t know anything about retracting screens so can offer any help there.

 

[Mike Lake]

What is more important to you the ratio of 60,000 : 1 which sounds like it is pretty good vs the lumens. I have seen higher models with better lumens but most are only 20,000:1 or less on the ratio? thanks! So much to learn. Just trying to find the best deal under 1K if possible. Do any of these ever go on sale black friday? ML

 

[DaveF]

Vendor specs are lies. I don’t care what they claim in terms of contrast ratio and lumens. They’re likely exaggerated, uncalibrated, etc.

What matters is what competent reviewers say and what I prefer from personal demos.

And then, how you plan to use it.

 

[DaveF]

Here’s a place to start reading
http://www.projectorreviews.com/pro...-home-theater-projectors-report-list-winners/

 

[DaveF]

It depends on your main uses. Do watch in the daytime or a bright room? You want a bright projector and/or high gain screen. Do you watch instead in a dark, light-controlled room? Contrast, even sacrificing brightness for it. Do you want to play video games? Sacrifice contrast or brightness to get a projector with a low lag gaming mode.

 

[bigshot]

Hire a home theater installer. Listen to what he says. If you can't control the light and the room is only 14 feet long, I would think projection isn't the best option for you.

 

[Mike Lake]

Awesome link Dave, thanks! All good thoughts as well! This is why I signed in here! I figured there would be experts a plenty! My theater is going to be in the basement, underground so dark as pitch when I want it to be but adjustable lighting as well from low level to bright so it runs the gammut. I dont game so it is just for watching movies. The room is big but because of a pool table it is easier to watch it across the short length of the room as opposed to the long. I have 14 ft wall to wall but have an unlimited length to hang it as I will be projecting down the long side of the rectangular room. I have 102 inches ceiling to floor as well so I dont really need one that is good in the daylight. Does that give anyone any additional ideas? I will look through the entire link you posted. Great feedback!

 

[Mike Lake]

I have just been using the math to make up my mind but if that is bogus then probably not a good idea. I made a spread sheet and listed out a dozen projectors that I could find and the best 2 I could find were the Epson 2150 as it was 2500 lumens which is low but 60,000:1. The Lamp hours were low, 4500 and the Optima GT had 3000 lumens and 28,000:1 but it has something called Darby color which is supposed to be kick arse. The Optima HD26 was 3200 lumens and 25,000:1 which was not bad either, they are all about the same price +/- 100 bucks. If anyone has any thoughts on those love to hear it. There is no real way to go see them all in action as I don't know anywhere that has them on display. 60,000:1 just sounded head and shoulders above everything else but that was told to me by some guy at BestBuy. Such a hard decision as there is SO much information out there.

 

[Mike Lake]

Funny thing is if you got Amazon and compare them all it has a nice chart laid out and in the Epson 2150, the ratio is off the chart but if you notice, it says "UP TO 60,000:1" hehe. What the heck does that mean? Normally 10,000 to 1 but for one day a year it can hit 60K to one. hehe. Something a wee bit suspicious and off putting about the "UP TO" phrase.

 

[Mike Lake]

WOW on that review site they had this one - Projector We Would Have Liked to Review: Optoma HD142X. The color is amazing! It is only 500 bucks though. 3000 lumens and 23,000 : 1 which is low but wow color is off the chart. I was looking at the Optima GT 1080 as well and it has 3000 lumens and is 28,000 : 1. Aieya, this is enough to drive you nuts! hehe. So many choices. I just have to think ball park the more expensive the better eh and just stick with what you can afford? There are just so many options it would make your head spin!

 

[Josh Steinberg]

I'd also say check out the manufacturer store websites too - Epson often sells refurbished models at a fraction of the original cost, but with a full warranty as if they were new. I bought a refurb from them in 2006 or 2007 and it worked beautifully in everyday use for the three years that it was my primary display. I don't use it often anymore (replaced with a newer model in 2014), but it still works perfectly whenever I pull it out. So that's one avenue to get a better than expected machine while still staying on budget.

 

[Mike Lake]

I went on and searched refurbished projectors and there were a ton of them but honestly I have no idea what is what. Would probably be a bit freaked out getting a refurbished anything. They did have some 2500 dollar projectors under 1K though, that is pretty cool.

 

[Mike Lake]

Also on the install, is that something for a first timer you should just get best buy to do or some service before you tear your ceiling down? hehe