In the course of my shopping for a projector system I've noticed that shops in Malaysia tend to recommend a smaller size compared to what you read on the Internet.

Example, I tell them my seating position is about 12.5'-13' away and most shops recommend 92" screen. When I ask about 106" they say it's too big.

Looking on the Internet, 2 common rules of thumb I see is to sit 1.5x the screen width, or 3x the screen height. At 12.5' or 150", this would yield a screen of around 100" wide or 50" high. This means a 16:9 screen of somewhere between 100"-115" diagonal.

What do you all think?

That also depends on the throw ratio of the projector.

Setting this aside, at 13' sitting distance, a 106" wouldn't be too big. I am sitting at abt 14' from my 92" screen. Initially, I opted for 106" screen. However, the screen couldn't fit in as it is being blocked by the floorstanders.

Actually I'm now considering a 110" Carada screen. Planning to use the PT-AE3000 and it should have enough throw at about 14' away from the screen.

I'm just concerned if 110" is a bit too big and I should scale down to 106" or smaller.

jchong, no, 110" is not too big. I kind of thought it was too big when playing DVD last time. But now with HD and most movies are 2.35:1 ratio, and also since I added manual mask on the black bars, I start thinking it's too small. BTW, my sitting distance is same as your. Your AE3000 will have no problem on the throw distance too..

I use to have 103". Then I swapped it for 133" sitting at about 18' from the screen. I am using an Optoma HD80. Plenty bright.
I suppose the length and width of your room count as well.

there's no such thing as 'too big'....hehe...just my opinion.....unless there's physical obstructions

i am using 106" sitting approx 14.5ft away

your AE3000 has enough throw and firepower to lit the screen....so no worries.

This post has been edited by rthj: May 15 2009, 02:16 PM

Yep,agreed, no such thing too big, but make sure that it is not so big that the scree is in your face otherwise eye pain and headache

bro y not just use the pj without the screen for 2days .. then try out the sizes on a wall .. try to finish a few movies.. sometimes u wont know its too big until like 30 min into the show....

This post has been edited by mys_terious: May 17 2009, 01:46 AM

sitting 10 feet using 115 inch screen.
get the biggest screen ur room can take.
u will never regret

Hey jchong,

Why are you considering the AE3000? At the price you are paying, you could get a nice Sony HW-10 which will blow the AE3000 away.

This is coming from a guy that has own the AX100 and AX200 before this. Just as suggestion.

Somehow the Sony never entered my consciousness when choosing projectors. Why do you say the HW-10 will blow away the AE3000?

I read one comparison which gives the AE3000 a slight edge: http://www.projectorcentral.com/ae3000_hw10_shootout.htm

Also compare on Trusted Reviews where the AE3000 is rated higher:
http://www.trustedreviews.com/tvs/review/2...RD-Projector/p1
http://www.trustedreviews.com/tvs/review/2...CD-Projector/p1

jchong.....should check out the JVCs...and the Epsons.

Wow, that is close for a 115" screen? No eyestrain?

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Added on June 16, 2009, 9:14 pmIndeed those are also contenders in this price range.

This post has been edited by jchong: Jun 16 2009, 09:14 PM

yes..bigger the better

now all movie wide screen ... memang jialat

so many taukeh here using pj with 1080p

HEBAT!

Don't read projector central. They are super biase to Panasonic projector. Read sites like projectorreviews.com.

In terms of features, panasonice does have the upper hand but projectors nowadays are almost at the peak of their performance and the only thing I feel that is worth measuring is black levels. In terms of black levels, the Sony will beat the Panasonic. Read this excerpt from projector reviews.

Black level performance favors the Sony, as seen in the comparison images in the image section. Still, both projectors are pretty comparable. The Sony can, on the right type of scenes - those that are all prety dark, produce blacker blacks. Shadow detail is comparable, with, perhaps a slight advantage to the Panasonic.

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Added on June 17, 2009, 10:00 amOh yeah, if you can pay a bit more, just get the JVC RS10 from htkaki. Don't think you need to look back after that

This post has been edited by elmer: Jun 17 2009, 10:00 AM

I'm seriously consider between HD82 and JVC RS10. Currently there is an active discussion on Motion Blur issue on RS10. Need to see a demo first. HD82 should have more 3D pop and fast motion no problem. The only problem is lower black level will lose out to RS10. Anyway, HD86 is coming.

Tough isn't it choosing between different projectors? Every one has its pros and cons. Yeah, the motion judder is one issue which means that frame interpolation is going to be a feature that will gain importance. I was just reading this on Projector Central:

However, the HD8200 has one key advantage over the RS10, which is frame interpolation. It is interesting to watch these two units side by side with the HD8200's frame interpolation on Low. On many films, the HD8200's picture is smoother and more stable, whereas the inherent motion judder in 24p transmission is obvious on the RS10. Though the RS10 has better brightness and dynamic range, it is easy to imagine users opting for the HD8200 for its superior smoothness of motion. Once you see a side by side demo of this nature, it becomes obvious just how much motion judder there really is in a lot of 1080p/24 source material.

Then there's comparison of contrast, brightness, black levels, etc...

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Added on June 17, 2009, 2:25 pmIs Projector Central really biased towards Panasonic? First time I'm hearing about this allegation.

I did check out the shootout at Projector Reviews. Their conclusion:

Sony VPL-HW10 vs. PT-AE3000 Bottom Line:
I'll finish this, where I started. We have here, two very comparable projectors, more similar than different. In overall picture quality they are about equal, despite the modest black level advantage of the Sony VPL-HW10.

The Sony is better for those who are completely focused on the best movie viewing image, while those watching a mixed assortment of content, may favor the Panasonic for the extra lumens in brightest mode. If you are one of those who focuses just on movies, the Sony can easily handle a screen one or two sizes larger, but if you need to deal with ambient light for non-movie viewing, than you'll lean to the Panasonic.

I think it really boils down to this. The PT-AE3000 tied with the Epson for top honors in this category, the Sony did not pick up an award. I see the reasons as follows:

The Panasonic has more placement flexibility. It has the assorted anamorphic related features, while the Sony needs an outboard processor. Panasonic offers a good (the best so far) creative frame interpolation abilities, while the Sony has none. The Panasonic has more lumens for dealing with ambient light. The PT-AE3000 projector is one of the quieter projectors when it comes to audible noise, and the Sony HW10, while in the same category, is a touch noisier.

But, if you are a movie focused individual, and don't worry about having some lights on for sports and HDTV viewing, you will likely favor the Sony, thanks to the brighter "best" mode, and slight black level performance advantage.

The Panasonic should have wider overall appeal, but those buying the Sony for the reasons I have stated, should prove to definitely be pleased with their choice, and likely would not be as enthusiast with the Panasonic.

Again, both are close and each has pros and cons. Projector Central also had similar conclusions so I don't see any obvious bias. In the end from reading all the comparisons none of them says the Sony blows away the Panny.

This post has been edited by jchong: Jun 17 2009, 02:25 PM

hi guys, don't miss out on Epson TW4000, the blacklevel is superb due to its (so far) the highest contrast level in the market.

whats the price of Epson TW4000?

I have a 133' screen and OptomaHD80. No regrets. Watching Movies and concerts give you great feeling and even with my doors open it still give a great picture. Size Does Matter.