Digital Projector Questions

[cgresq192]

I too am trying to figure out weather to get a projector or rear projection tv. I really like the looks of the Sanyo PLV-Z2, the BenQ PB6200, or Panasonic PT-L500U. According to projector central, the sanyo does 16:9 and the benq and panasonic are 4:3. I thought most projectors do both?? Is one more made for 1 format vs the other?? Also, I am trying to accomadate this for a basement with a max throw back distance of roughly 15 or so feet. Would this be enough for a good viewing prospective and correct viewing size? Any help is much appreciated!!

[flaninacupboard]

it depends on the lens in your projector what shape screen you need. personally i would go for a 16:9 model, and then 4:3 material will just be centralised with black bars left and right.

according to this website:
http://www.infocus.com/service/software/projcalc.asp?site_lang=1&site_region=1&
a distance of 15 feet will give you an image between 80" and 110" depending on which model you pick.

[crazyhorse]

If the Panasonic PT-L500U is the same as the PTAE 500E then it is a true 16:9 projector WXGA 1280x720. Have just set up my PTAE 500E and the pic is very good.
If you are intending to watch dvd's then go for a true 16:9 projector, if you get a 4:3 model you wont be happy looseing half your resalotion with black bars top and bottom

[flaninacupboard]

yeah, i'd hat to go back to watching 2.35:1 movies on a 4:3 screen!

[redwudz]

I have had a Sony VPL-HS2 projector for about 2 years. At 17 feet, I get about a 5' X 8' picture. Most projector sites have a calculator to show you what the picture size VS distance will be. If you go for a projector, don't scrimp on the screen. Electric retractable if you can afford it and good quality. I use a HDTV aspect screen as a good compromise between 4:3 and 16:9. I would go for a projector any day over a rear projection.

[flaninacupboard]

I have had a Sony VPL-HS2 projector for about 2 years. At 17 feet, I get about a 5' X 8' picture. Most projector sites have a calculator to show you what the picture size VS distance will be. If you go for a projector, don't scrimp on the screen. Electric retractable if you can afford it and good quality. I use a HDTV aspect screen as a good compromise between 4:3 and 16:9. I would go for a projector any day over a rear projection.

I though HDTV -was- 16:9 ?

[redwudz]

flaninacupboard: Yes, HDTV is 16:9, my mistake. What I meant to say is some videos end up letterboxed in widescreen format. I tried one (My Fair Lady) and it is presented in the original film format of SuperPanavision (70MM film) at 2.20:1 aspect ratio. Shows as letterboxed on a 16:9 screen.