What is a good distance for a projector?

Question

my family is planning to fix up one of our rooms in our house (its more like a big hallway but) its 8'x13' and its going to be a tv room so should we have it at 1-8' or 9-13' away from the wall its projecting on?

Whats a good projecter for that distance?

Answer 1

All projectors are different. The zoom lens allows some adjustments to the distance the projector can be mounted from a screen, but there are a number of things to consider before (or at least in addition to) mounting distance.

For example, resolution falls in to 3 basic classes: 480p (~$500-$900); 720p ($900+); and, 1080p ($1900+).

There is also the question of what basic technology: LCD, DLP or LCOS.

Another major consideration is how you intend to mount the projector: table, ceiling or shelf at the back of the room.

I've provided a link to a couple of sites with lots of reviews, basic info and even a calculator to allow you to assess suitability of a particular projector to a room. I suggest doing some reading, defining preferences and then focus on selecting a projector that meets all your needs ... not just mounting distance.

In terms of your specific question I suggest mounting so the projector is along the long axis, but with the right projector you could do it either way. The determining factor will largely be desired screen size (probably 80-90" is a good aiming point ... but see the last link)

I hope this helps.