Projector Throw Distance (1 Viewer)

[Billy Moore]

I'm researching options in replacing our CRT TV with a big screen something. TV (probably plasma since I want a thin display) or a projector. I like many of the advantages of projectors, but I have a technical hurdle. I have about 70" area where the screen needs to fit. I figure a 60" wide screen would be right. According to what I've found, the projector throw would need to be around 10 feet. The room has a vaulted ceiling and a ceiling fan. 10 feet puts it in the middle of the ceiling fan. The available mounting location would have a throw of about 16 feet. Is there a way to set up a projector within these limitations? I've seen projectors with "optional lens". Do these allow you to change the throw distance?

Thanks.

Billy

 

[Kevin Stewart]

Every projector has a different throw ratio. Your first step would be narrowing down your search to a few different projectors and then figuring out their throw rations. The new Panny 700 for example, allows for a width of 69" at 16 feet. You can find throw ratios at projectorcentral.com



Stew

 

[Cees Alons]

Billy,

Welcome to the forum.

And yes, those optional lenses allow you to choose different ratios. So you're not totally free, but you certainly have some choices.

Most lenses can zoom in or out to adjust the image to the screen. So, the actual placing of the projector isn't that critical then. Just make sure you know what you're buying.

Also, be aware of the way the keystone correction of your intended projector works. On some projectors, the effect is to keep the bottom line at the same place when you're zooming in or out. If the projector is mounted close to the ceiling (upside down), that would be the top boundary line. Most projectors can toggle the image for this purpose, BTW.

Here's a site with some basic information about projectors.

Good luck!


Cees