UK Build - Projector and Lighting concerns

[PaulB51]

First of all great forum! Have really enjoyed reading through all the topics!

I am finally in a position to get a project off the ground. I have a double garage and I am raising the roof height in the next few weeks to accommodate a minimum ceiling being of 3 meters (could go higher if needed but it will impact the width of the enclosure).

Images of some drawings attached.

Going with Uneekor QED system
Plan on purchasing a 4.2 x 2.8 x 2 meter enclosure from a UK retailer
Tee turf mat
SQ screen (I think its a Par2Pro screen from Canada)

I 'think' I have just enough room to not have to offset from the middle of the screen....but will be sure before the room is plastered.

My concerns now to get me over the line is lighting and the projector image impact.

I want as much of the screen to be filled with an image - so looking for a projector that is 16:10 and has 4 corner keystone so I can manipulate the image to my preference.
In an ideal world I wanted the room to be as lit up as possible once past the enclosure which is black obviously - white walls for the rest of the room but this will cause issues with the picture from the projector.

My thoughts were a short throw over the hitting zone would reduce that impact and a 3000ish lumens projector would be suitable as it would be right up close to the enclosure....but finding one with 4 corner keystone, 16:10 and short enough throw is looking extremely expensive and not convinced it would be a great picture with that light behind anyway?

I have seen comments on here recommending the Panasonic PT-VZ580U which is 5000 lumens but would have to be located at the back of the room - so assume that having my downlight/spots on would have a big impact on the picture too - or would the increased lumens help with that?

I have seen a setup on a website that took advantage of lighting on the walls focused on the hitting area - quite like that and think it would work? The downlights/spots would then only get turned on when I'm practicing putting?

Would appreciate anyones experience with this.

Budget for a projector would be £1200ish...


At the moment im going with the Panasonic and side wall lights as in the attachment...views and opinions on my plans in general would be appreciated!
BTW the keystone feature is on my wish list but not a deal breaker - just want an as immersive experience as possible.

I have seen some nice setups online that would show this but not sure i can post them on here?

[Dax]

I don’t think you can go wrong with the Panasonic, Epson would also be a good choice to consider. I think this is one of the toughest decisions that many are stuck with in their build. Given the pricing you are thinking, I am sure a distributor would be happy to answer your questions on lighting and what might and might not be a concern.

[PaulB51]

Thanks Dax.

just been looking at the Optoma EH460ST 16:9 native but supports 16:10.

16:9 is 1920 x 1080 and that’s its native resolution. So maximum pixels it supports (I think)
As it supports 16:10 I’m assuming that resolution would be 1680 x 1050 as it can’t go higher.....is that right?

Would there be black bars on the sides?

Anyone have this model that can help confirm.

Tried calling some places here in the UK but not getting many answers!

Thanks all!

[PaulB51]

Ah just read another post on here and points out it’s maximum image is 152 inches...so that’s a no go.
Looks like the Pana is the way to go. Anyone have feedback they can provide on its performance in a lit room?

[Sevvy]

Optoma doesn’t have a zoom which I think would be handy for placement. The Panasonic looks good for the price. I am gonna be in the same situation in July when my room gets completed. Interested to hear your views if you get it. I am in Bucks, UK.