FAQs: How do I know the best distance away from the screen to mount a particular projector?
Question: How do I know the best distance away from the screen to mount a particular projector?
"I was wanting to know the best distance to mount the 8500UB for a 100″ dia. screen? I know the range but would you recommend going all the way back to the 21′ of the range or would you say that around 15′ would be good enough?"
Answer: There's no "best" place. Full wide angle is brightest, but will have the most optical distortion (slight curvature, etc. - minor stuff), whereas full tele, the dimmest, will have the least curvature. Wide angle positioning will give you more roll off in the corners and sides with high contrast and high gain screens, or, when further back, less. Also, where you sit will determine where the projector will be quietest. You've got enough lumens for a good, rear shelf mounted performance for movies, so it's up to you. If going wide or tele, I would probably avoid going the maximum, and, if you can, back off 5 or 10% if possible (just figuring that the lenses are not going to be at their very best at the extremes).