Projector for PC based setup

Alkers

Currently researching setting up a pc-based entertainment system in our new living room.

Room dimension are 4.26m by 3.86m.

Ideally we'd like to have a screen pull down on the 3.86m wall and to have a ceiling mounted projector.

Room will predominantly be a sitting room but we have good blinds and could get curtains also but would like to be able to still see the picture without having the room overly dark.

I have a decent PC which I can use and I have wireless keyboard and a quality set of 5.1 speakers but am a bit clueless when it comes to looking at projectors.

We'd be hoping to spend €400-€600 on the projector, the screen and bracket can follow later.

We'd like to have two inputs - HDMI for a chromecast (this isn't essential) and I think my pc is DVi although I could get a new GFX card if required.

The speakers would be connected directly to the pc so this may make any other inputs redundant?

The projector would be used for watching netflix, movies etc - all through the pc but would also like the option of connecting a games console in the future.

I'd be hoping to get 1080HD picture quality as we have scope for quite a large screen (compared to TVs anyway), not too bothered by 3D and think 4k would be out of the budget.

Any advice or input much appreciated, maybe this isn't feasible on our budget?

Alkers

Any input guys? We could probably push the budget out to 800e

Alkers

So I have been doing some research.

I'm leaning towards a BenQ W1070. Don't see a need for the wireless version since we'll need to run power in any case.

Playing around with mounting heights etc and it seems I could get a 92" screen with the projector ceiling mounted about 2.3m back from the wall. This would mean the bottom of the viewable screen would be about 575mm from the floor - does that sound too low?

I was working off a ceiling mount which is 22cm, are there many other lengths available? Minimising this would allow us to raise the screen a bit.

Nelbert

I've the Benq. It's great. I've my HTPC hooked up to it.

Is there a reason to raise the screen? I worked my on the basis of the bottom of my projector screen would be level with the bottom of the TV it was replacing.... if anything I could have had it another 6 inches lower if I was to nitpick.

Alkers

Well just to provide a bit of an update:

We ended up going for a Optoma HD142X. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Optoma-HD142X-Projector-Viewing-Support-Black/dp/B01JOASEJU
It fitted the budget and the throw distance suited our room (although it's not very flexible in this regard) and we had some one4all vouchers and were able to use them to buy it from Curry's.



We had some difficulty in sourcing a reasonably priced 120" screen, although in the end found a very reasonably priced electric one at:http://cpcireland.farnell.com/av-link/eps120-16-9/electric-projector-screen-120/dp/AV25488

We were 100% happy to go with a manual screen but didn't want a fixed one as we want the room to be suitable for use as a sitting room as well as watching the screen.





We're just using a PC to play videos from DVD, Netflix etc and also have a Wii, PS4 and Xbox hooked up. Sound is via an old set of Logitech Z-680 5.1 speakers.



Total cost for everything would be about €1,000 which compares well to a big tv and we were able to do all the setup and installation ourselves.