Projector recommendation for future media room

[chrapladm]

I have been searching the internet for information but I must be asking the wrong questions. I am wanting to know if I can have a projector produce a 180" screen (2.40:1) in a short throw area. Maybe 2m distance?

I could use a further distance but wanted to know if it was possible to locate the projector closer to the screen or not. This is not a dedicated space. Not ideal by any means but its what I will have come maybe mid next year. UST projectors are great but produce a smaller image than I am wanting.

If the distance of 2m roughly is enough than what ratio should I be looking for in a projector?

There isnt a budget for this projector yet as I still have other items that have to be bought before the projector. PLUS build the room.

Thanks in advance from anyone who can shed some light.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Hey @chrapladm, I missed this. That's an incredibly short distance for such a large image. We're talking 2M or roughly 7 feet... I don't think that's possible. AFAIK, traditional projectors are going to need more like 12-15 feet to achieve that. The only option out there is short throw UST, but I think you'll fall short of that 180" size in most every case.

@Robert Zohn might know more...

 

[ddude003]

The Epson LS800 UST Laser 4K can do up to 150"... I would imagine you will see other manufactures follow on and increase image sizes...

 

[chrapladm]

Hey @chrapladm, I missed this. That's an incredibly short distance for such a large image. We're talking 2M or roughly 7 feet... I don't think that's possible. AFAIK, traditional projectors are going to need more like 12-15 feet to achieve that. The only option out there is short throw UST, but I think you'll fall short of that 180" size in most every case.

@Robert Zohn might know more...

I assumed to the distance was not going to be enough for the screen size I was wanting. After measuring the area it looks like I will end up going with a 170" screen. I can always mount the projector further back. I could mount the projector anywhere from 16ft - 26ft away roughly.

 

[Todd Anderson]

That’s going to be your best bet… what kind of projector are you leaning towards?

 

[chrapladm]

Dont have a projector in mind at all. Didnt think this whole project was ever going to start. I have talking about this for about 10 years now. I will most likely go with a projector thats around $1500usd to start. Then upgrade from there. Cant afford a Sony VPL or JVC but will slowly get there.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Might not be a bad idea to look at the used market. Others may differ on opinion, but if I were you I'd look at previous generations of JVC (pre-NX5,7,9 days) and assume you'll watch, primarily 1080p material (just because tone mapping on projectors prior to that series is non-existent and 4K HDR can be a real pain to dial-in and watch from film to film).

Most importantly, you'll be giving yourself access to the most important factor: black levels and contrast. That's what will make your picture sing. Resolution is nice, but it's much further down the list of importance when compared to those two factors. If you did your research, you could probably dig up a used model, buy a new OEM bulb, and have a killer experience!

That's probably what I'd do ;-)