Good day, Thanks for your reply. Negotiations still running but my wife is a tough one to beat. I have to deal with the decorators as well, who are good listeners but both of them are women and do not fully agree with the capital importance I give to the audio - video system. I had MAJOR trouble convincing them about the 7.1 surround system placement necessity, so another tough battle lies ahead with the projector-thing. I will call it the "west front". I was just taking a look onto this article in this very same website: http://www.projectorcentral.com/projection_screen_size.htm And reading the issues the reviewer had, anyone could understand my concerns about the "recommended" seating position. Thought it was just myself, now I'm feeling a lot better knowing this is a general concern... Motenai

First of all, thanks for your prompt reply. I apologize for not being able to respond earlier with the new doubts that arise. [QUOTE=AV_Integrated|Aug 28, 2009 8:06:20 PM] I'm trying to figure out the specs on the HD-82, there are some new offerrings which are coming up in the next couple of months which are worth looking at. But, I did find it on Optoma's website, and it looks the same as their 8200. (see link)[/quote] You mean HD-83 or HD-86? Add two zeros at the end of the model for outside Europe. [QUOTE=AV_Integrated|Aug 28, 2009 8:06:20 PM] That would be well under the recommended size. For center of the theater feel, 106-110" diagonal would be recommended.[/quote] So you mean it should be actually BIGGER? Oh my, I don't feel I can't convince my wife to do so. She thinks this is also too big already. Nevertheless, I have problems with width size anyway (damned chimney), so I believe I will have to stick with a 6'56 feet width screen. Or maybe I should sit closer? [QUOTE=AV_Integrated|Aug 28, 2009 8:06:20 PM] Does this include painting the room dark or just not having light come into the room? [/quote] It's a living room. Again, I can't feel they're letting me paint the room in black. So let's say that it does NOT include black-painting the walls. Is that an issue? [QUOTE=AV_Integrated|Aug 28, 2009 8:06:20 PM] I typically recommend that people run about 25% back from the closest you can get. So, if you can be 11-14 feet lens to screen, I would go with 12 feet.[/quote] Ok. Is there any specific reason for that? Just pure curiosity. I felt that the opened the lens would be, the higher the lumen output. [QUOTE=AV_Integrated|Aug 28, 2009 8:06:20 PM] Depends on the room itself and your preferences. I would not go with 1.0 gain. Minimal positive gain, or a grey, positive gain screen is nice as well. Do NOT go with the lowest per the calculator. While removing lumens from a screen is typically very easy, adding gain is pretty much impossible.[/quote] Wouldn't that be too much brightness for continous movie-watching or videogame playing? Anyway, thanks for your info. I will take in mind. [QUOTE=AV_Integrated|Aug 28, 2009 8:06:20 PM] If you have a motorized screen, then the 12v trigger is a good way to make it go up and down. The durability of the screen is based entirely upon the quality of the screen and has nothing to do with anything else.[/quote] I heard there is sometimes problem not with the durability of the screen itself - I understood that - but with the mechanism that rolls - unrolls the screen, which sometimes breaks too easily. That was the question of motorising the screen about, to avoid that kind of problems. And because I will not be the only one unrolling the screen, so not everytime the maximum care in it can be expected... [QUOTE=AV_Integrated|Aug 28, 2009 8:06:20 PM] Get your projector from a projector manufacturer, get your screen from a screen manufacturer. Draper, DaLite, Stewart, Carada, etc.[/quote] I believe it is somewhat harder to find those kind of manufacturers in Spain as it is in the States (because you're from the USA, right?), but I will do my best. I've received the advice to invest in the screen a nice amount, not only in the projector but in the screen itself considering that people usually changes the machine once its lifespan is finished but it rather buys a new screen. So, considering the factor that is going to stay with me for a long time, any suggestion about which target price should I aim for? I mean, if I spend my money in this Optoma HD-8200 (normally 3500$), how much should I spend on my screen? Thanks for everything and best regards, Sergi

Hello everybody, First, thanks in advance for your help. I'm an absolute n00b in the matter of projectors and I've been digging information for several weeks since I'm deconstructing (and hopefully reconstructing xD) my house in september and my plans include building a non-dedicated home theater in the living room. After a lot of surfing here and there, reading tons of reviews and comments, I'll probably decide to buy the Optoma HD-82, which originally it was pricey but I have found a good offer for less than 2400 €. Now to the issue: Eye-to-screen distance: around 370 cm, roughly 12 feet. Could be up to 13 feet. Desired screen diagonal size: 92 inches Possibility to blackout the room: I believe up to 6-8% maximum light. Roof Height: 8 feet Question 1: Should I try to put the projector as close as possible to the screen to use its widest zoom possibility to get the maximum lumen output? Does that affect brightness level in terms of screen gain that I have to take in mind? Question 2: Should I get the lowest gain possible screen (according to the calculator) or should I aim for a 1.0 just in case I can't get my room blackened enough? Question 3: I'm installing some domotic features at home (lights, heating, etc.). Since the HD-8200 features two 12V triggers, is it THAT useful to get a motorised screen in terms of ease of use and ensuring the lastability of the screen? Question 4: How about Optoma Screens? Any experience about them that you could share with such a n00b as myself? Thanks in advance again, people. I'd really appreciate your help? BR, Motenai